EU sets 2027 driver licence swap deadline and 2026 ADAS mandate

All driver licences issued in the EU between 2002 and 2004 must be exchanged for the new EU card by 19 January 2027. The deadline applies to citizens in Germany’s Nordfriesland district and follows a schedule that extends the swap period for later issue years up to 2033.

From 6 July 2026, every new car sold in the EU must be equipped with advanced driver‑assistance systems (ADAS) such as emergency‑braking, fatigue warnings and lane‑keeping assist. The regulation is expected to raise the price of new vehicles by €500‑€1 500. Spain is also tightening licence renewal for drivers aged 65 and older, requiring renewal every five years with stricter health checks.

These measures are part of the EU’s fourth driving‑licence directive and aim to improve road safety and harmonise standards across member states.