Digital Driving Licences To Replace Physical Ones Across The EU

On Tuesday, the European Parliament approved a significant overhaul of EU driving licence rules aimed at improving road safety, reducing collisions, and saving almost 20,000 lives on EU roads each year.

The update introduces a digital driving licence, accessible via a mobile phone, which is intended to gradually become the main licence format across the EU. However, MEPs have secured the right for drivers to request a physical licence, which must be issued promptly, usually within three weeks.

The new rules also establish a minimum two-year probationary period for novice drivers and include stricter safety regulations for young and inexperienced drivers. Additionally, the reforms set out medical checks before obtaining or renewing a licence and aim to increase awareness of risks to pedestrians, children, cyclists, and other vulnerable road users.

Under the new EU regulations, driving licences for motorcycles and cars will be valid for 15 years, though member states may shorten this to 10 years if the licence also serves as a national ID.

The rules will come into force on the 20th day after their publication in the Official Journal of the European Union. EU countries will have three years to incorporate the new provisions into national law, plus an additional year to prepare for implementation.

EP rapporteur on driving disqualification Matteo Ricci (S&D, IT) stressed, “Today is an important step forward in improving road safety. By introducing clearer and more timely criteria for suspending driving privileges in cases of serious violations, it helps protect not only responsible drivers but the entire community.

These changes are part of the European Commission’s 2023 road safety package, designed to enhance safety for all road users and advance the EU’s “Vision Zero” goal of eliminating road fatalities by 2050.

#MaltaDaily