Greece Updates Winter Quiet Hours, Violators Face Up to Five Months Imprisonment

On October 1st, Greece implemented new quiet hours as the winter season began, adjusting the times during which noise is restricted.

The new schedule requires citizens to observe quiet hours from 15:30 to 17:30 in the afternoon and from 22:00 to 07:30 at night.

During these periods, residents are prohibited from engaging in activities that generate significant noise. This includes the use of musical instruments, radios, televisions at high volume, loud shouting, and noisy dancing within homes or private spaces. Additionally, singing, shouting, or using loud devices in public spaces like streets, squares, or public transportation vehicles is not allowed.

Further restrictions apply to public venues, including cafes, bowling alleys, and other establishments, where loud games or noisy conversations are banned. Noise from bus and taxi stations, the loading and unloading of goods, and the operation of stationary vehicle engines also fall under these restrictions. The use of sirens or other audible warning devices are prohibited, except in emergencies, and the testing of these devices is not allowed without justification.

Exceptions to the quiet hours rule are granted only for emergencies, and only with specific authorisation from the local police station commander. In such cases, work deemed essential, especially public utility work, will be permitted despite the noise.

The authorities emphasised the importance of adhering to these quiet hours, as the new Penal Code classifies noise disturbances as an offence, potentially resulting in up to five months of imprisonment for violators.

(Source: To Vima)