[REVISION HISTORY]

EU driving licence reform and road safety updates

46 recorded revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-10-28 23:47 UTC → 2026-10-30 08:11 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), as of July 2026, all new vehicles sold in the EU must include an interface for retrofitting alcohol interlock devices (‘Alcolocks’). The European Parliament is also advancing the fourth EU Driving License Directive, aiming for a uniform digital driver's license by 2030. New regulations ~~under Directive (EU) 2025/2205~~ expand Class B license capabilities to accommodate heavier modern ~~motorhomes. Holders~~ motorhomes and alternative propulsion vehicles. Drivers may be permitted to ~~drive motorhomes~~ operate vehicles with a maximum authorized mass of up to 4,250 kg, an increase from the previous 3,500 kg ~~(and~~ limit. This change specifically addresses heavier electric cars and motorhomes. Certain vehicle and trailer combinations may reach a total mass of up to 5,000 ~~kg when combined with~~ kg, provided the driver has held a ~~trailer) following~~ Category B license for at least two years and meets specific training or ~~examination, with the entitlement~~ examination requirements, marked by European code 96.02. Member states must transpose these rules into national law by November 26, 2028. In Belgium, a royal decree has extended a trial period until November 26, 2027, for operating heavier electric and hydrogen-powered commercial vans. Regarding medical fitness, new directives mandate health verification for the first issuance or renewal of a license. For categories including AM, A, A1, A2, B, B1, and BE, member states may use self-assessment forms, though suspicious cases require a physician's examination. Enforcement and national updates continue. Directive 2025/2206 aims to end ‘license tourism’ by November 26, 2029. In Greece, drivers using traditional pink paper licenses must transition to modern European-standard plastic cards. While the final deadline for complete replacement is January 19, 2033, mandatory replacement is required when a driver reaches age 65, or in cases of loss, theft, or damage. In Germany, the mandatory exchange of older licenses for forgery-proof EU versions ~~continues. Deadlines are determined by issuance year or birth year; for example,~~ follows a phased schedule. For those holding card-based licenses issued between 2002 and 2004, a major deadline is January 19, 2027. For paper licenses issued before December 31, 1998, the deadline depends on birth year: individuals born before 1953 have until January 19, ~~2033,~~ 2033. Failure to ~~comply. For older EU card licenses, a major deadline~~ comply is ~~January 19, 2027.~~ an administrative offense that may result in fines. Other regional updates include Greece’s transition from paper to plastic cards and Belgium’s trial period for heavy electric commercial vans.

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