“Can I drive in a thick jacket? Is coffee forbidden?’ The Ministry of Transport responds to the fake news about the new Road Traffic Code (law 5209/2025) that have gone viral on social networks, giving specific clarifications. The new K.O.K. entered into force on 13 September.

The penalties now mainly concern the driver (fine, driver’s license suspension, SESO penalty points) and not the vehicle (driving license suspension), as it can be used by more than one driver.

In response to inaccurate reports circulating about alleged fines for daily driver habits, the following is clarified:

Driving in a thick jacket

At no point in the new K.O.K. it is not mentioned that the use of a thick jacket attracts administrative penalties. No such prohibition exists.

Placing/consuming water or coffee in the car

At no point in the new K.O.K. the use of the special cases for placing coffee or water is not prohibited. Drinking water or coffee in the car is also prohibited.

What does the K.O.K.

  • The only relevant provision (in Article 18 par. 2) states that the driver must have complete freedom of movement for safe driving.
  • This specific obligation also applied to the previous K.O.K. (law 2696/1999) without having been misinterpreted by the competent audit bodies. Therefore, driving with a jacket or coffee and water in the car is not prohibited.

Supermarket bags on the seats/cabin of the car

At no point in the new K.O.K. it is not mentioned that placing a shopping bag in the car seats is prohibited.

What does the K.O.K.

  • What is provided (in Article 36 par. 4) is that the cargo must be securely mounted, so that it does not obstruct driving or visibility and does not endanger passengers or third parties.
  • It is recommended, where possible, to use the luggage rack.

None of the above actions attract a fine, as long as the basic rules of safe driving are not violated.