EU Parliament: ‘Driver’s license suspension valid throughout the Union’

From the Correspondent in Strasbourg – One should not be allowed to drive throughout the European Union with a license suspended in one EU member state. The Plenary of the European Parliament declares war on ‘hit-and-run drivers,’ launching the crackdown on the most undisciplined behind the wheel. There is a less-than-convinced, almost split Hemicycle (372 in favor, 220 against, 43 abstentions), which nonetheless approves  Parliament’s negotiating position on the directive for driving tickets. The main element is that a driver’s license suspension in an EU country will be valid throughout the European Union.

The measure aims to respond to two principles: the first relates to the free movement of people. If this applies to everyone and everywhere this must also apply to equal conditions for movement. To date, there is no obligation of communication between competent authorities of member states. Those with a suspended license in their country of residence, “in most cases,” will not have the same penalty applied in the rest of the EU, according to the text.

Then there is the issue of safety. To reduce the number of fatal traffic accidents, still high at over 20 thousand in 2022, enacting the crackdown on driver’s licenses and their holders is a practically obligatory step, at least from the point of view of prevention. “I am convinced that this directive will not only help reduce traffic accidents but will also contribute to raising awareness among citizens about more responsible driving and accepting the consequences of their violation, regardless of where in the EU they drive,” said Petar Vitanov (S&D), the measure’s rapporteur, after the vote.

The Plenary also declares zero tolerance for speeding, considered among the main factors of accidents and road insecurity. On extra-urban roads, a driver’s license should be revoked, instead of a ticket, for those speeding at 50 kilometers per hour over the maximum permitted limit. The threshold should be lowered to 30 kilometers per hour over the limit for urban areas. In this case, the path of compromise and decision-making is left open. For those who exceed the speed limit by 30 kilometers in urban areas, “loss or suspension of license” could be triggered. The floor is now open for negotiations with the Council.