[REVISION HISTORY]

EU driving licence reform and road safety updates

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2026-09-11 08:53 UTC → 2026-09-14 10:52 UTC · added ~~removed~~

The EU’s overhaul of its driving‑licence system and road safety framework continues to evolve. Under the General Safety Regulation 2 (GSR II), a key milestone was reached on July 7, 2026, when it became mandatory for all new vehicles sold within the EU to include an interface allowing for the retrofitting of alcohol interlock devices, or ‘Alcolocks’. While the regulation does not currently mandate built-in breathalyzers for every vehicle, it establishes the technical foundation for future laws that could require such devices, specifically targeting repeat traffic offenders. This initiative is part of a broader long-term goal to reduce road fatalities to near zero by 2050. Regarding the fourth EU Driving License Directive, the European Parliament has moved toward a uniform digital driver's license, expected to be accessible via smartphone across all member states by 2030. While physical cards remain an option, the objective is to digitize the entire process. This reform also aims to facilitate accompanied driving, enable cross-border driving bans, and allow for the acquisition of truck licenses at age 18. Recent updates expand the scope of Class B licenses, potentially permitting holders to drive vehicles with a total weight of up to 4.25 tonnes following specific training or examinations. The European Parliament has approved these regulations, noting that member states have three years to transpose the requirements into national law, with an additional year for practical implementation. ~~Currently, Class B license holders can tow light, unbraked trailers up~~ In Germany, the transition to ~~750 kg without restriction, but~~ these standardized EU licenses has led to mandatory exchange requirements for ~~heavier trailers, the combined weight of the vehicle~~ older paper or chip-card versions to ensure forgery protection and ~~trailer~~ data integration. Approximately 42 million licenses must not exceed 3.5 tonnes. Further developments regarding enforcement have emerged through EU Directive 2025/2206, which entered into force on November 25, 2025. This directive targets “license tourism” by changing how driving bans are enforced across borders. be replaced over a ten-year period.

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