Greece Considers Strict Restrictions on Popular ATV Rentals Amid Rising Tourist Accidents
All-terrain vehicle (ATV) rentals, a popular activity among tourists in Greek islands such as Zakynthos, Mykonos, Santorini, Crete, Rhodes, Kos, and Corfu, face potential severe restrictions due to a surge in serious accidents. The Greek government is currently debating measures that could make renting ATVs nearly impossible for many tourists, especially younger ones, and may even ban their use entirely in tourist areas.
The push for tighter regulations follows a series of severe crashes involving tourists, including a recent incident on Zakynthos where 20-year-old British tourist Bradley Bellahum suffered critical head injuries after colliding with a tourist bus. He remains in a coma on life support in an Athens hospital. His family has launched a crowdfunding campaign to cover his medical expenses and arrange for his air ambulance transfer to the UK.
If approved, the reforms would require renters to have at least five years of driving experience, effectively barring many young tourists aged 18 to 22 from renting ATVs, even if they hold valid licenses from their home countries. Rental companies would also be mandated to provide helmets, and additional restrictions on young drivers and vehicles in tourist zones are under consideration. The government is also contemplating a complete ban on ATVs in tourist areas, which would end one of the most iconic summer activities for visitors.
Safety experts warn that despite their appeal as an affordable and flexible way to explore, ATVs are inherently dangerous on Greece’s narrow, winding roads, especially when operated by inexperienced drivers unfamiliar with local traffic laws. The combination of challenging terrain, high speeds, and frequent helmet non-use has led to numerous accidents, some fatal. Greek authorities view the growing toll as unacceptable, prompting these regulatory proposals.
The potential changes are particularly significant for Israeli tourists, who frequently rent ATVs in these popular destinations. The government’s move reflects a broader effort to enhance road safety and reduce the high incidence of ATV-related injuries and deaths among visitors.
