Currently, if a driver loses their license following a traffic offense committed in an EU country other than the one that issued their license, in most cases the sanction will only be applicable in the country where the offense was committed and will not result in any restrictions elsewhere. of the EU.
To ensure that the suspension, restriction or withdrawal of a non-resident’s driving license is applied in all EU countries, the new rules require that this decision be transmitted to the EU country that has issued the driving license.
Dangerous offenses
MEPs suggest adding driving without a valid license to the list of serious traffic offenses, such as drink driving or a fatal road accident, which would trigger the exchange of information on driving ban. Driving 50 km/h faster than the speed limit is also one of the serious traffic offenses that can result in a driving ban. MPs set a lower speed limit for residential areas, meaning driving above the 30km/h speed limit on these roads could result in the loss or suspension of a driver’s license.
Time limit
Parliament suggests setting a deadline of ten working days for EU countries to inform each other about decisions on the driving ban and a further deadline of 15 working days to decide whether a driving ban will apply in the whole EU. The driver concerned should be informed of the final decision within seven working days, MEPs add.
Citation
EP rapporteur Petar Vitanov (S&D, BG) said: “I am convinced that this directive will not only contribute to reducing road accidents, but will also contribute to raising citizens’ awareness of more responsible driving and a willingness to follow the rules and accept the consequences of breaking them, no matter where in the world. The EU, we drive.
Next steps
The draft rules on the EU-wide effect of certain driving bans were adopted by 372 votes against, 220 with 43 abstentions. Parliament has now closed its first reading and as the Council has not yet adopted its position, the new Parliament which will be elected in June 2024 will continue work on this law.
Background
The driving ban rules are part of the Road Safety Package presented by the Commission in March 2023. It also contains cross-border exchange of information on the rules on traffic offenses which are currently in negotiations with the Council . The package aims to improve the safety of all road users and get as close as possible to zero deaths in EU road transport by 2050. »Vision Zero«.
Originally published in The European Times.
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