Parliament to decide on new EU rules on driving licences
To improve road safety and support the digital transition, MEPs will vote on updating driving licence rules, introducing mobile licences and mandatory health checks.
With more than 20 000 lives lost on EU roads every year, MEPs want to make sure the new directive improves road safety and fosters the EU’s green and digital transitions. The debate will take place on Tuesday and the first reading vote is scheduled for Wednesday, leaving the file to be dealt with by the next European Parliament after the elections in June.
Driving licences for motorcycles, cars and tractors will be valid for 15 years, and five years for trucks and buses, according to the draft rules. MEPs also want mandatory health checks when a driving licence is issued or renewed.
To support the EU’s single market, MEPs want to introduce a digital driving licence, available on a mobile phone and fully equivalent to the physical driver's licence. They also propose a two-year probationary period for novice drivers, who will face stricter penalties for unsafe driving and stringent alcohol limits while driving.
Procedure Code: 2023/0053 (COD)
Debate: Tuesday, 27 February
Vote: Wednesday, 28 February
Press conference: Wednesday, 28 February at 14.30 (CEST) with rapporteur Karima Delli (Greens, FR)
Procedure: ordinary legislative procedure, first reading