EU Drivers Banned Abroad Can No Longer Drive In Malta

Drivers who have their licences withdrawn, suspended or restricted in another EU country will no longer be able to use them freely in Malta under the newly agreed rules of the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union.

The updated directive mandates that when a serious offence such as drink-driving, causing a fatal traffic incident or excessive speeding occurs in one Member State, the issuing country of the licence must be notified so the disqualification can take effect across the EU.

At the same time, the broader reform of EU driving licence rules introduces several key changes. A digital driving licence available via mobile phone will be phased in across Member States, while physical cards remain an option.

New drivers will face a probationary period of at least two years, and the test to obtain a licence will place greater emphasis on awareness of risks to pedestrians, cyclists and vulnerable users.

Licences for cars and motorcycles will generally be valid for up to fifteen years, though Member States may reduce that to ten years if the licence doubles as a national ID.

The new EU driving licence rules will enter into force on the 20th day following their publication in the Official Journal of the European Union. Member states will then have three years to transpose the rules into national law and an additional year to prepare for their implementation.

#MaltaDaily