...

Logo Pasino du Havre - Casino-Hôtel - Spa
in partnership with
Logo Nextory

New EU rule to enforce driving bans across the bloc for serious offences

Europe • Oct 21, 2025, 2:14 PM
8 min de lecture
1

The European Parliament on Tuesday approved two major reforms to EU driving rules — one ensuring that bans on reckless drivers apply across all member states, the other introducing digital licences and updated testing standards.

Under the current system, a driver banned for a traffic offence in one EU country can often continue driving elsewhere, including in the nation that issued their licence.

Because there is no automatic EU-wide suspension, about 40% of driving offences committed abroad go unpunished.

The new law stipulates that a “driving disqualification” issued in one EU country will take effect across the EU, even if the licence was issued elsewhere.

Such disqualifications apply to serious road-safety offences, including drink-driving, excessive speeding, drug-driving, and violations that result in death or serious injury.

FILE: A motorcyclist argues with police after they cut the main Gran Via boulevard to private traffic, during the European Car Free Day in Madrid, Spain, Sept. 22, 2015
FILE: A motorcyclist argues with police after they cut the main Gran Via boulevard to private traffic, during the European Car Free Day in Madrid, Spain, Sept. 22, 2015 Paul White/AP

The latter covers the use of mobile phones and other distracting devices while driving, Italian socialist MEP Matteo Ricci, the bill's rapporteur, said after it was approved.

Once a member state imposes a disqualification, it must notify the licence-issuing country using a standard EU certificate.

The latter then has 15 days to withdraw the licence — effectively barring the offender from driving anywhere in the EU for the duration of the ban.

There are, however, some exceptions. A country may refuse to enforce another state’s disqualification if the offence would not carry the same penalty under its own laws.

For instance, thresholds for drink-driving vary widely across the EU: some countries withdraw licences for any detectable blood-alcohol level, while others allow limited amounts.

Similarly, a speeding offence may only trigger an EU-wide suspension if the driver exceeded the local speed limit by at least 50 km/h, since rules differ across countries — and in Germany, certain motorways have no limit at all.

Ricci told Euronews that the European Parliament had to accept these compromises to ensure the bill’s passage, but he insisted the outcome is a major step forward.

“The decision of suspension and withdrawal will be recognised and enforced throughout Europe”, he said.

A digital licence for European drivers

The second law updates EU driving licence rules more broadly, introducing digital licences, new test requirements, and lower age limits for professional drivers.

The digital licence, accessible via smartphone, will gradually become the EU’s primary format — though drivers may still request a physical card.

New drivers will face a minimum two-year probation period, with stricter penalties for drink-driving, not wearing seat belts, or failing to use child restraints.

Seventeen-year-olds will be allowed to obtain a licence but must be accompanied by an experienced driver until turning 18.

To address Europe’s chronic shortage of professional drivers, the legislation lowers the minimum age for truck licences to 18 and for bus licences to 21.

FILE: A British lorry driver cleans a wing mirror as he queues along the A16 motorway to board a ferry to reach England, near Calais, northern France, Dec. 9 2020
FILE: A British lorry driver cleans a wing mirror as he queues along the A16 motorway to board a ferry to reach England, near Calais, northern France, Dec. 9 2020 Thibault Camus/Copyright 2020 The AP. All rights reserved

This provision was heavily criticised by some MEPs.

“Lowering the minimum driving age for professional bus, coach, and truck drivers poses a serious risk to road safety [...] as younger truck drivers are far more likely to be involved in road accidents and fatalities”, Greek leftist MEP Elena Kountoura told Euronews.

“The shortage of professional drivers will not be solved by lowering safety standards, but by improving salaries and working conditions, ensuring adequate rest periods, safe and secure parking areas, and fair schedules”, she said.

New driver training will also place greater emphasis on blind spots, distracted driving, and interactions with vulnerable road users such as cyclists and pedestrians.

Under the new rules, licences will remain valid across the EU for 15 years for cars and motorcycles, and five years for trucks and buses. Member states may shorten validity periods for drivers aged 65 and older.

The legislative package, already endorsed by EU governments, will enter national law within three years. It aims to support the EU’s Vision Zero target of halving road deaths by 2030 — a goal still far from reach.

Last year, around 19,800 people died on European roads, just 3% fewer than in 2023.


Today

Egypt joins EU funding programme Horizon Europe but investment is not guaranteed
Europe • 7:04 PM
5 min
Egypt can now apply for projects under Horizon Europe, though funding will depend on the eligibility of each proposal.View on euronews
Read the article
"I'm ready to resume negotiations" - President of Cyprus optimistic about reuniting the island
Europe • 6:31 PM
4 min
In a wide-ranging exclusive interview with Euronews, Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides speaks about his vision for the future of his country, the European Union and peace in Gaza.<div class="small-12 column text-center article__button"><a href="http
Read the article
European Parliament rebels against simplified sustainability requirements
Europe • 6:28 PM
4 min
Lawmakers rejected part of a simplification package, as the centrist majority was defeated by nine votes<div class="small-12 column text-center article__button"><a href="https://www.euronews.com/my-europe/2025/10/22/european-parliament-rebels-against-simp
Read the article
Zelenskyy to join EU summit to rally support after difficult Trump meeting - follow live
Europe • 5:24 PM
2 min
EU leaders have a packed agenda during their one-day summit on Thursday but one of their key objectives will be to show unity in their support for Ukraine.<div class="small-12 column text-center article__button"><a href="https://www.euronews.com/my-europe
Read the article
Ukraine loan, climate goals and Chinese curbs set to dominate EU summit
Europe • 5:07 PM
9 min
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will attend the EU summit and plead for fresh support after his disappointing visit to the White House.<div class="small-12 column text-center article__button"><a href="https://www.euronews.com/my-europe/2025/10/22/
Read the article
Affordable housing is key for independence of people with disabilities, says Danish minister
Europe • 3:32 PM
7 min
Denmark’s social affairs minister is urging the EU to tackle the growing institutionalisation of people with disabilities by ensuring affordable housing.<div class="small-12 column text-center article__button"><a href="https://www.euronews.com/my-europe/2
Read the article
Gaza reconstruction: Cyprus has a plan
Europe • 2:59 PM
4 min
Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides elaborated on how the Mediterranean island nation wants to repurpose its ‘Amalthea’ humanitarian maritime corridor to support Gaza’s future reconstruction in an exclusive interview with Euronews.<div class="small-12
Read the article
EU lawmakers cut down proposed forest health data collection law
Europe • 2:52 PM
4 min
Rejection by the centrist lawmakers axed further negotiations on the draft law proposed by the EU executive for member states to monitor and report on forest conditions.<div class="small-12 column text-center article__button"><a href="https://www.euronews
Read the article
France's former President Sarkozy to have permanent police protection in prison
Europe • 2:30 PM
4 min
French interior minister says the ex-president will have two police officers stationed in neighbouring cells around the clock for his security.<div class="small-12 column text-center article__button"><a href="https://www.euronews.com/2025/10/22/frances-fo
Read the article
Target 2050: European cities want 'balanced' tourism that works for their citizens
Europe • 1:42 PM
4 min
Local governments are warning that the tourism industry's rapid growth is putting pressure on infrastructure, causing pollution levels to rise and reducing the quality of life for residents. Can European cities balance economic profitability with sustaina
Read the article
European lawmakers call for end to EU support for all Libyan security forces
Europe • 1:36 PM
7 min
Nearly 40 members of the European Parliament from four political groups are urging an end to funding for all Libyan security forces, as violence at sea has dramatically increased in recent years.<div class="small-12 column text-center article__button"><a
Read the article
Is this seat taken? Gang arrested over theft of 1,000 restaurant chairs in Spain
Europe • 11:59 AM
1 min
The stolen chairs, which had an estimated value of €60,000, were resold in Spain, Morocco and Romania, according to police.<div class="small-12 column text-center article__button"><a href="https://www.euronews.com/2025/10/22/is-this-seat-taken-gang-arrest
Read the article
EU countries mull response to China's squeeze on rare earths
Europe • 11:30 AM
5 min
China's restrictions on rare earths are expected to be raised during a meeting of EU leaders as capitals mull how to respond.<div class="small-12 column text-center article__button"><a href="https://www.euronews.com/my-europe/2025/10/22/eu-countries-mull-
Read the article
Where in Europe do people feel least safe walking alone at night?
Europe • 10:48 AM
7 min
Is France less safe than Rwanda and Bangladesh? The new World Safety Index has raised questions on security across Europe.<div class="small-12 column text-center article__button"><a href="https://www.euronews.com/my-europe/2025/10/22/where-in-europe-do-pe
Read the article
EU environment ministers again delay decision on climate goals before COP30
Europe • 10:21 AM
12 min
EU talks will continue on two key climate targets — 2035 and 2040 — ahead of the upcoming COP30 summit in Belém, Brazil.<div class="small-12 column text-center article__button"><a href="https://www.euronews.com/green/2025/10/22/eu-environment-ministers-ag
Read the article
Meloni accused of flouting EU trade rules after Trump shares fake video
Europe • 9:41 AM
5 min
Trade outside the EU is an exclusive responsibility of the bloc, while the Italian government has denied pursuing bilateral trade talks with the US.<div class="small-12 column text-center article__button"><a href="https://www.euronews.com/my-europe/2025/1
Read the article
Six arrested after anti-immigrant protest in Dublin turns violent
Europe • 9:34 AM
3 min
Demonstrations erupted at a hotel housing asylum seekers on the outskirts of Ireland's capital after reports of an alleged sexual assault on a young girl.<div class="small-12 column text-center article__button"><a href="https://www.euronews.com/2025/10/22
Read the article
Turkic states pursue growing economic and trade ties with EU, secretary general tells Euronews
Europe • 9:07 AM
3 min
The alliance of Turkic states is becoming an economic powerhouse through growth, energy resources and trade connecting Europe and Asia, including China. The bloc, with a potential for growth, energy resources and a young population, looks to Brussels for
Read the article
Exclusive: EU to announce €75 million package in financial support for Egypt
Europe • 3:01 AM
5 min
The European Union is deepening its relations with Egypt, increasing financial support to the North African country despite ongoing human rights concerns.<div class="small-12 column text-center article__button"><a href="https://www.euronews.com/my-europe/
Read the article
Imprisoned journalists from Belarus and Georgia win EU's Sakharov Prize for 2025
Europe • 12:38 AM
9 min
The European Parliament awarded the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought to Andrzej Poczobut from Belarus and Mzia Amaglobeli from Georgia.<div class="small-12 column text-center article__button"><a href="https://www.euronews.com/2025/10/22/imprisoned-jo
Read the article