Why will it be harder to keep points on your driving licence? This new rule is going to hurt.
This new regulation is unlikely to please drivers. Among the fears shared by all drivers, the prospect of losing points on their license often tops the list. The major reform of the driving license system, championed by Members of the European Parliament and officially adopted on October 21st, will nevertheless tighten the rules governing the points system. Each of the 27 member states will have four years to implement all the new rules concerning driving licenses.
Validity period, the possibility of mandatory medical examinations before each renewal, a more difficult driving test, harsher penalties for young drivers… MEPs didn't hold back when redefining the driving license, aiming to drastically reduce the number of accidents on European roads. Among the changes adopted a few days ago, one reform has gone somewhat unnoticed. Yet it affects all motorists.
This new measure will affect the points-based driving licence system. Once the new regulations are implemented, at the latest by the end of 2029, it will be possible to lose points when driving in one of the EU countries. Today, when a French driver commits an offence in Belgium, Spain, Germany or Italy, only the payment of the fine is requested, by a letter which arrives a few days or even a few weeks later.
The points deducted for the offense, however, never cross borders. This administrative "loophole" is a boon for many cross-border workers and vacationers who know they won't risk losing points when driving abroad.
All this will soon be over! The exchange of information between European Union countries will soon be mandatory for every traffic violation committed on the roads of member states . Authorities " will have to inform each other, without undue delay, of decisions to revoke driving privileges related to the most serious traffic offenses – including driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, involvement in a fatal road accident, or significant speeding. " Dangerous driving behaviors committed in our neighboring countries will therefore no longer go unpunished.
European leaders hope this will encourage drivers to adopt the same driving behavior regardless of whether they are driving in their own country or another. The points system, extended to all member states, will likely lead to an increase in driving license suspensions. Will it reduce the number of accidents?
L'Internaute
