If a driver loses their license after a traffic violation, that sanction is currently in most cases only applicable in the country where the offense was committed, and does not impose restrictions elsewhere in the EU.
To ensure that suspension, restriction, or revocation of the driving license is enforced in all EU countries, the new rules require that this decision be communicated to the EU country that issued the license.
Moreover, serious traffic offenses, such as excessive speeding or driving under the influence, should also lead to driving bans throughout the EU, MEPs said on Tuesday.
MEPs further advocate for a lower speed limit in residential areas, meaning that driving above 30 km/h on those roads could result in a driver losing their license or having it temporarily confiscated.
The new rules are part of the road safety package presented by the European Commission in March 2023. It also includes the cross-border exchange of information on traffic violation rules, currently being negotiated with the Transport Ministers of the 27 EU countries.
Because they have not yet reached an agreement, the package proposals must be considered after the June elections by the new European Parliament and the new European Commission.