Greek police ticketed more than 2,000 motorcyclists and their passengers for not wearing a helmet in a single week, as part of a nationwide "Zero Tolerance" campaign to improve road safety.
During the last week of September, traffic police conducted nearly 20,000 checks and recorded 2,001 violations.
The highest number of offenses were in the greater Athens area, followed by the Ionian Islands and Crete.
Under a strict new highway code, the penalty for not wearing a helmet is a €350 fine and an immediate 30-day suspension of the driver's license.
The penalties increase dramatically for repeat offenders, rising to a €1,000 fine and a six-month suspension for a second offense.
While the enforcement is tough, police say the campaign is not just about punishment.
"The helmet is not a burden or an accessory, but a lifeline," the Hellenic Police said in a statement. In some areas, officers have partnered with local groups to distribute free helmets to riders.