Driving on Samos

Driving on Samos is different from driving in your home country.
While the rules are more or less the same than in the rest of Europe there are some things that you should know when you rent a car or motorbike here:

1. Road conditions
   The roads on Samos, although mostly not very old, do not live up to northern european standard. The asphalt is often not of the best quality, making for a soap-like surface in summertime.
   Every winter leaves its marks on the roads, so beware of bigger holes in the streets!
   Especially motorbike drivers should be aware that the roadsides often consist of small stones!
2. Driving style
   Greeks are renowned for a lot of things - good driving, however, is not among them.
   So, never insist on your right of way. Be prepared to find cars coming out of small sideroads without the driver even looking your way. Do not be surprised if you find a car or truck on your side of the road after a sharp bend.
   However, due to the lack of traffic it's really not dangerous to drive here if you do it carefully.
    
   
3. Attention: Roundabouts!
   Greek roundabouts are a bit different from the ones you might know.
   First of all: The right of way is always with the entering vehicle.
   Second: This is not always true. If there is a stop sign on the entering road then the right of way is with the vehicle in the roundabout.
   Third: Even if there is a stop sign at an entering road there normally is no corresponding sign indicating the right of way inside. This can make driving in roundabouts a very interesting experience, provided you stick to these two simple rules:
   a) Always stop for cars entering the roundabout while you are in it.
   b) If you are entering a roundabout, be careful. Your right of way is likely to be ignored by large trucks or tourists who don't know these rules!
4. Alcohol
   The limit here is 0.5 promille for cars, but only 0.2 promille for motorbikes and drivers whose license is younger than 2 years.
   There are frequent alcohol controls on all major roads, especially during weekends, and the penalties are drastic, ranging from a high fine to a night in prison.
   Combined with what has to be said about roads and drivers this means: Don't drink and drive!
5. Helmets and seat belts
   Both are mandatory and "forgetting" them will bring you a € 75.- fine. For each passenger!
   Again, the condition of both roads and drivers make helmets and seat belts a must for anybody who likes his health anyway.