The Athens Traffic Restriction Zone (commonly referred to as the “Daktulos”) is a measure aimed at limiting vehicle circulation in the city center. It is based on alternating circulation of most vehicles, in order to reduce traffic congestion in the city center and, consequently, limit air pollution.

According to this measure, from Monday to Friday, only the alternate-day circulation of private passenger cars and private trucks with a maximum permitted weight of up to 2.2 tonnes is permitted within its limits, based on the last digit of their license plate number, as follows:

• On even-numbered dates, private passenger cars and private-use trucks with a maximum permissible weight of up to 2.2 tons whose license plate ends in 0, 2, 4, 6, or 8 (i.e., an even number) may circulate.
• On odd-numbered dates, private passenger cars and private-use trucks with a maximum permissible weight of up to 2.2 tons whose license plate ends in 1, 3, 5, 7, or 9 (i.e., an odd number) may circulate.

Traffic Restriction Zone Boundaries

The zone is bounded by the following streets:

Alexandras – Zacharof – Mesogeion – Faidippidou – Michalakopoulou – Sp. Merkouri – Vryaxidos – Ymittou – Il. Iliou – Amvr. Frantzi – Syngrou – Chamosternas – Piraeus – Iera Odos – Konstantinoupoleos – Achilleos – Karaiskaki Square – Karolou – Marni – 28th October (Patission) – back to Alexandras.

The boundaries of the small zone are marked with special signs displaying the letter “Δ” on a yellow background, placed at each street entering the zone.

The restriction usually applies annually from September to July of the following year. The zone generally operates Monday through Thursday from 07:00 to 20:00, and on Friday from 07:00 to 15:00. It does not apply on weekends or official holidays.

Traffic Permit for the Athens Zone

Permanent residents of the Municipality of Athens are entitled to an entry-exit permit for the zone. A fundamental requirement for issuing the entry-exit card for the inner zone is that the applicant resides within the boundaries of the Small Traffic Zone. The card allows the holder to exit and re-enter the zone via the shortest route to the zone boundary.

Required Documents

A basic prerequisite for the issuance of the entry–exit card for the inner ring is that the applicant resides within the boundaries of the Small Traffic Zone. With the issuance of the card, the applicant is entitled to exit the ring by following the shortest route to the exit point and to return to their residence by following the shortest route for entry into the ring.

Required Documents

1. Vehicle Registration Certificate*
2. Driver’s Police ID Card*
3. Proof of Residence
   a) Copy of the E1 tax form* from the local tax office for the last fiscal year
   b) If the property is rented and not declared as the primary residence, a recent copy of the lease agreement (printout from Taxisnet)
   is also required c) In case of recent relocation, the E1 must be accompanied by a change of details from the Tax Office
   d) If the applicant is not the property owner, a declaration from the owner confirming residence (notarized), or the owner’s E1 form is required
   e) Utility or mobile phone bill*
4. For foreign nationals:
   α) Passport*
   β) Valid residence permit*
5. If the driver is not the vehicle owner:
   A signed declaration* from the owner granting permission for the vehicle’s use (with notarized signature).1. Application form (provided by the service).
6. If the registration is in a company’s name:
   A signed declaration* from the company’s legal representative granting permission for the vehicle’s use (with notarized signature)

The application can be submitted online together with the above documents, via the Entry-Exit Card Application Service 2024–2025

Alternatively:

Contact: 2144114000, ext. 4048

Appointment Location: 22 Liosion Street, 104 38, Athens

Also, the following categories of vehicles may circulate freely within the zone, provided they obtain the special permit:

• Electric
• Factory-fitted CNG or LPG
• Hybrid
• Euro 6 category that simultaneously emits below 120 gr CO2 (NEDC) for vehicles classified before 2021 or below 145 gr CO2 (WLTP) for vehicles classified from 2021 onwards. It is noted that CO2 emissions are not related to the Euro 6 pollutant level.