So far, almost half of traffic violations committed by foreigners ended without consequences. A driving ban issued in one country did not apply in the others.
Read also: Huge change in driving license. In Poland, it will affect as many as 15 million drivers
Changing road rules in the EU. Such changes await drivers
The new directive aims to change this. A driver caught driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, causing a fatal accident or significantly exceeding the speed limit may lose his driving license throughout the European Union. Information about the ban will be transmitted via the common RESPER network to the country that issued the driving license, which will be obliged to recognize it.
It will be a big news introduction of a digital driving license to be operational across the EU by 2030 at the latest. Drivers will be able to store the document on their smartphone, and in the event of an inspection, all they need to do is show the QR code. However, the traditional plastic card will remain available to those interested. Poland, as one of the pioneers of digital solutions, has been providing an electronic driving license in the mObywatel application since 2020, but for now it is only valid in the country.
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The changes will also affect young drivers. 17-year-olds will be able to obtain a category B driving license, but until they turn 18 they will have to drive with an experienced guardian. Additionally, each new driver will undergo a mandatory two-year probation period, during which any offense committed will be punished more severely.
The reform also provides for lowering the age for professional drivers — trucks will be able to be driven from the age of 18, and buses from the age of 21, provided that they obtain the appropriate qualifications. This is intended to alleviate the staffing crisis in European transport.
Driving tests will be modernized. Future drivers will need to know the rules regarding blind spots, assistance systems, pedestrian and cyclist safety, and the risks associated with distraction – such as using a phone.
The new rules will enter into force after their publication in the Official Journal of the EU, and Member States will have three years to adapt their national law. In practice, the new rules are to apply from 2028. Poland has already announced work on the integration of the national CEPIK system with the European driver database, which will enable the introduction of a common digital driving license.
