Starting today, Friday, July 18, the city of Athens is lifting the traffic ring (Daktylios) restrictions in downtown, allowing unrestricted access for all vehicles.

The seasonal suspension comes into effect as part of the city’s summer schedule.

The restrictions, which had been in place since October 14, 2024, are now officially paused. According to a ministerial decision, the system is set to resume operation in mid-October.

Daktylios is a traffic management measure designed to reduce congestion and pollution in central Athens. It limits vehicle circulation within a defined zone on alternating days, depending on whether a vehicle’s license plate ends in an odd or even number.

The boundaries of the Daktylios zone are marked by the following main roads:

Alexandras Avenue – Zacharof – Mesogeion Avenue– Feidippidou – Michalakopoulou – Spyrou Merkouri – Vryaxidos – Ymittou – Iliou Iliou – Amvrosiou Frantzi – Andrea Syngrou Avenue– Chamosternas – Peiraios – Iera Odos – Konstantinoupoleos Avenue– Achilleos – Karaiskaki Square – Karolou – Marni – 28th October Street (Patision) – and back to Alexandras Avenue.

Within this Small Ring zone, restrictions typically apply to private passenger vehicles and privately-owned trucks weighing up to 2.2 tons. These vehicles are only allowed entry on alternating days based on the last digit of their license plate—odd or even. However, during the summer suspension, these limitations do not apply.

It’s important to note that restrictions never apply on the perimeter roads of the Small Ring itself.

Certain categories of vehicles are always exempt from Daktylios restrictions. These include:

• Emergency and public service vehicles
• Vehicles carrying persons with disabilities
• Low-emission and electric vehicles
• Vehicles with special permits issued by the Attica Traffic Police

These exemptions remain valid regardless of whether the restrictions are active.

PS In practice many motorists simply ignore the Daktylios restrictions assisted by the absence of traffic police controls. The effect is terrible congestion on main avenues and roads from early morning until the late in the evening Monday to Saturday. Avenues and roads are practically empty from August 1 to 20 when the majority of Athens residents are on summer vacations.