Driver’s license suspension to soon apply throughout the EU

Brussels – The European Parliament and the Council have reached an understanding on the suspension of driver’s licenses at the European level.

The first attempts to establish European-wide rules on driving disqualifications began over 60 years ago. The new Directive will ensure that drivers who commit serious offenses in one Member State face consistent consequences across the EU. Under current rules, driving disqualifications imposed in one country may not be recognized in another, allowing offenders to continue driving and putting others at risk.

Through a mutual recognition system, disqualifications issued in one Member State will apply across the EU for serious offenses such as excessive speeding (50 km/h over the limit), driving under the influence, and causing death or serious injury by reckless driving.

“This agreement represents another major step forward for road safety across Europe. The new disqualification rules will close gaps that allow dangerous drivers to evade penalties by crossing borders. With nearly 20,000 lives lost on EU roads last year, this initiative will be a crucial element in advancing our goal of reducing road fatalities by 50 percent by 2030,” said Transport Commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas.

Today’s understanding follows yesterday’s agreement on updated driving license standards. The European Parliament and Council will formally adopt the new Directive, which will enter into force 20 days after publication in the Official Journal of the EU.

Member states will have four years to transpose the Directive into national law.