The European Union will introduce new rules regulating the application of driving bans for serious road traffic violations. Such violations include, for example, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, causing a fatal accident or significantly exceeding the speed limit.
Preliminary agreements on this have been reached by experts from the European Parliament and the governments of the EU member states, the German television ARD reported. The changes should enter into force after official decisions are made. This issue was already submitted for discussion by the European Parliament in February last year and was approved by the deputies, after which the process of harmonizing the rules between the parliament and the governments of the European countries began.
Temporary driving ban in the EU
What is the essence of the expected innovations? Currently, a temporary driving ban is only valid in the territory of the European Union country where the driver has had an accident or has seriously violated the rules. After the changes in the legislation, a driving ban decision adopted in one specific country will be valid in all EU countries. In this case, the responsibility for enforcement will lie with the EU Member State where the driving license was issued.
The new rules will apply to drivers who are deprived of the right to drive a vehicle for three months or more. Such a penalty will apply in particular for exceeding the speed limit in built-up areas by more than 61 kilometers per hour or outside built-up areas by more than 70 kilometers per hour, as well as for malicious violations of the rules for maintaining a safe distance on motorways. A three-month ban will also be imposed on drivers whose blood alcohol level during the control is above 0.5 ppm or for crossing a railway line at a red light or with a lowered barrier.
All EU member states are yet to vote on these common rules, but before that, the German Automobile Club (ADAC) welcomed the preliminary agreements of March 26. According to a press release from the organization, which has over 20 million members, these measures will be "a smart step in ensuring road safety".