European Union to enforce cross-border driving bans from 2029

EU Directive 2025/2206, which entered into force on November 25, 2025, will change how driving bans are enforced across Europe. Under the new rules, serious driving offenses committed in one EU member state—such as driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, significant speeding, or accidents involving death or serious injury—will be reported to the country that issued the driver's license. That issuing country will then be responsible for implementing the ban.

Member states have until November 26, 2028, to adapt their national laws, with the new regulations becoming fully applicable on November 26, 2029. The directive aims to end “license tourism,” where drivers could previously avoid penalties by crossing borders. While the directive changes enforcement for violations, it does not abolish the EU driver's license or the residency principle required to obtain one.

Authorities are already utilizing the EUCARIS register to cross-reference data. The integration of digital driver's licenses, expected by 2030 under Directive 2025/2205, is anticipated to make these cross-border checks routine.