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Driving bans will apply across Europe in future

In an article published in December 2024 by the Institute for European Traffic Law (EU-wide driving licence withdrawal — IETL Institute for European Traffic Law), we discussed this topic and announced that implementation would depend on the European Parliament.
Approval has now been granted, and the formal requirements for the upcoming legislation have been met.


This article explains exactly what the legal act, which is expected to come into force in three years, will contain. Consequently, the current situation, whereby driving bans apply to specific countries only, will be replaced by Europe-wide driving bans. The measure is not arbitrary. Rather, it is specific and only applies to certain cases. It only covers driving bans lasting at least three months that are based on speeding offences or driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.


Excessive drinking in Bordeaux or speeding on the roads in Monaco will no longer mean that those affected only feel the sanctions in their own country. If a driving ban is imposed, commuting to work in Germany will have to be done by means other than car.

In short, anyone given a driving ban abroad must also comply with it in their home country. This applies throughout Europe.
The German Automobile Association hopes that this will improve road safety. The measure will also have an educational effect on traffic safety, as those affected will no longer be able to avoid sanctions in their country of residence. It remains to be seen how the legislation will affect drivers.

Source: Pixabay/European Union - 6405066_1280