Article 44

Special Rules for Drivers of Bicycles, Mopeds, Motorcycles, Three-Wheeled Vehicles, and Light Personal Electric Vehicles

1. Drivers of bicycles, mopeds, motorcycles, three-wheeled vehicles, and Light Personal Electric Vehicles (L.P.E.V.) are prohibited from: a) being towed by another vehicle, b) tow or push various objects. Exempt from this prohibition are bicycle riders, c) carry objects that obstruct the operation of their vehicle or endanger other road users, d) ride in pairs (2) or more side by side, e) are leading animals on a leash, f) are using headphones connected to portable radios or other similar audio devices while in motion. Excluded from this provision are open-ear headphones and earphones for portable radio communication devices used for short-range communication between cyclists, mopeds, motorcycles, and light motor vehicles, or between the drivers of these vehicles and base stations or other mobile radio network stations, as well as between drivers of training mopeds and motorcycles and driving school cars during the training or testing of prospective drivers,

(g) to use a cell phone while driving that is not mounted in a designated hands-free holder; to use a cell phone or other telecommunications devices while driving, such as portable electronic devices in the form of a wristwatch or other electronic devices for video recording or live streaming from the driver’s seat, unless the mobile phone or device is mounted in a designated holder.

2. Drivers of bicycles, mopeds, motorcycles, three-wheeled vehicles, and electric personal mobility devices are required, while driving, to hold the handlebars (if any) with both (2) hands, unless they are signaling in accordance with Articles 25 and 28.

3. Cyclists and e-bike riders are required to dismount and walk their vehicles when they create an obstruction or pose a danger to pedestrian traffic.

4. Bicycle riders and e-bike riders are prohibited from carrying passengers on their vehicles. As an exception, bicycle riders are permitted to carry only one (1) passenger on a bicycle that has two (2) sets of pedals and is equipped, as standard, a permanent additional seat, as well as to transport a child or infant using a non-permanent seat that meets specific standards. Drivers of mopeds, motorcycles, and three-wheeled vehicles are permitted to carry a passenger on an additional seat that is permanently attached, as part of the vehicle’s design, behind or next to the driver’s seat. In particular, motorcycle drivers are permitted to carry a passenger in the special sidecar, if one is provided for that purpose.

5. On roads that have a traffic lane designated for bicycles or mopeds, drivers of such vehicles and drivers of E.P.H.O. vehicles referred to in subparagraph (b) of paragraph 17 of Article 4, concerning definitions, are prohibited from using the remainder of the roadway.

6. Bicycles may travel in both (2) directions on bike lanes.

7. On bike lanes that occupy the entire width of the street (bike lanes), motor vehicles and mopeds are prohibited from entering, with the exception of – vehicles entering and exiting private parking areas on adjacent properties, as well as delivery and emergency vehicles. The vehicles referred to in the first paragraph shall enter and exit the bike lane via the nearest permitted access road and shall travel at a speed not exceeding twenty (20) kilometers per hour, yielding the right of way to bicycles, pedestrians, and people with disabilities.

8. Pedestrians are permitted on bike lanes, provided they yield to moving bicycles, unless they are walking in a designated pedestrian lane.

9. Drivers who, in the course of their work, operate a bicycle, moped, motorcycle, three-wheeled vehicle, or light commercial vehicle for the transport or distribution of products and goods, are required to wear reflective clothing, such as a vest or jacket, while working at night, so that they are visible from all directions. In addition, E.P.I.O. drivers working at night are required to wear reflective clothing or other reflective equipment that makes them visible from all directions.

10. Drivers of E.P.I.O. vehicles must have reached: a) for vehicles listed in subparagraph (aa) of subparagraph (a) of paragraph 17 of Article 4, the age of twelve (12) years, and b) for vehicles listed in subparagraph (ab) of subparagraph (a) of subparagraph 2 of Article 4, the age of fifteen (15).

11. Cyclists under the age of twelve (12) who are riding on roads intended for motor vehicle traffic must be accompanied by individuals who are at least sixteen (16) years of age.

12. Bicycle riders are advised to wear an approved protective helmet that is properly fastened. Drivers of E.P.H.O. vehicles listed in items (aa) through (ad) of subparagraph (a) of paragraph 17 of Article 4 are required to wear an approved protective helmet, properly fastened, with the exception of drivers of electric wheelchairs for persons with disabilities—both motorized and non-motorized—as well as scooters and handbikes for persons with disabilities.

13. Drivers of motorized bicycles and bicycles, if their vehicle is not equipped with turn signals, must signal the appropriate direction with their hand before changing direction, in accordance with paragraph 2 of Article 25, regarding rules for vehicle maneuvers.

14. In cases where, under this regulation, driving is permitted in areas where pedestrians are present, EPHO drivers shall travel at a speed appropriate to pedestrians, without disturbing them, and shall yield the right of way to them.

15. Violations of paragraphs 1 through 14 are classified under category E1-A, except for:

(a) violations of subparagraphs (f) and (g) of paragraph 1 that are classified in category E3-B, with the exception of violations of subparagraph (e) of paragraph 1 that fall under category E3-B, unless they are subject to a more severe penalty under another provision; and

(b) the violation of paragraph 7, which is classified under category E2-A and category S.

16. A violation of subparagraphs (f) and (g) of paragraph 1, concerning the use of headphones and the use of a cell phone while driving, in addition to the administrative penalties provided for in subparagraph (a) of paragraph 15 of this law, if the driver causes a traffic accident, resulting in serious bodily injury, significant damage to public infrastructure, or the death of a large number of people, the driver shall be subject to the penalties set forth in subparagraphs (cc) and (dd) of paragraph 1 of Article 290A of the Penal Code (Law 4619/2019, A’95), concerning dangerous driving. For the criminal offense described in the preceding sentence, the investigation may also include the lifting of the confidentiality of the content of communications and of their location and movement data, subject to the safeguards and procedures set forth in Article 6, concerning the lifting of the confidentiality of communications for the investigation of crimes, Article 7, concerning the handling of material obtained through such disclosures for the investigation of crimes, and Article 8, concerning the procedure for lifting the confidentiality of Law No. 5002/2022 (A’228).