A few days ago, the European Commission proposed the establishment of a European digital driving license. This announcement is part of a set of proposals aimed at modernizing the rules on driving licenses. We take stock!
A dematerialized driving license
In its article published on March 1, the European Commission indicates that this digital driving license would be a world first. This would then be the same for all European Union nationals, and accessible by mobile phone. According to the institution, all the steps would be to be carried out online, thus facilitating the replacement, renewal or exchange of the driving license. This novelty would be accompanied by changes to road safety and eco-responsible driving rules, with driving license examinations taking into account the transition to zero-emission vehicles.
We propose the creation of a digital driving license, valid & recognized in all EU Member States, says the European Commission in a tweet.
In addition to simplifying procedures, the objective put forward by the Commission is to reduce the number of accidents in the European Union. The EU executive notably recalls that more than 20,000 people lost their lives on EU roads last year, the majority being cyclists and pedestrians. To achieve its goal of achieving “virtually zero deaths and zero serious injuries on EU roads by 2050”, the Commission is banking on cross-border road safety enforcement.
Concretely, the European digital driving license would allow the authorities of the various countries of the European Union to have greater power of action on offenses committed by foreigners from European Union countries.
Current legislation covers some of the most common and egregious offences, such as speeding and drink-driving. The Commission proposes to extend the scope of traffic offenses covered […] These additions will help reduce impunity for perpetrators of these offenses and improve Member States’ ability to sanction offenders from other Member States.
To facilitate ticketing, a single portal would be created to allow ticketed drivers to pay their fines. This portal would also provide access to the rules of conduct in force in the various countries. Moreover, disqualification from driving would come into force throughout the European Union, including if it is pronounced in a Member State other than that which issued his driving licence, which is not currently the case.
Now the proposals will have to be examined by the European Parliament and the Council, before possible application.
