Brussels, Belgium – The European Union has reached an agreement to modernise driving licences across its Member States, introducing a mobile driving licence valid for 15 years by the end of 2030. However, the reform will not immediately impact Belgium’s ongoing plans to introduce a points-based driving licence system.
The EU-wide digital driving licence aims to facilitate free movement within the bloc while enhancing road safety. The initiative will allow a uniform format for licences stored in digital wallets and recognised across all Member States.
Despite this progress, Belgium’s separate ambition to introduce a points-based system remains independent of the current EU reform.
Belgium’s Plans Continue
Stef Willems, spokesperson for Belgium’s road safety institute Vias, stated that while an EU-wide points-based system could emerge in the future, it is not currently part of the newly agreed reforms.
“In the future, there may be a unified points-based driving licence system at the European level,” Willems told The Brussels Times. “But we still have a long way to go.”
The European agreement, which EU Member States reached on Tuesday, sets out broader principles, such as a probation period for new drivers and a digital format for licences. However, the technical aspects and details regarding additional functionalities—such as a unified points-based penalty system—have yet to be finalised.
Belgium has been debating the introduction of a points-based driving licence since the 1990s, but the issue has gained renewed momentum following its inclusion in coalition negotiations under the leadership of Prime Minister Bart De Wever (N-VA).
Potential for Future Integration
Currently, some EU countries, including Luxembourg, already operate virtual driving licences that incorporate a points-based system. Offences committed by drivers are recorded and linked to their digital licence.
“If a format could be found to fit such a system into the European digital driving licence, then that could definitely be added,” Willems noted, suggesting that the EU-wide system might accommodate national initiatives like Belgium’s in the future.
A points-based driving licence system penalises drivers by deducting points for infractions, with the possibility of losing their licence after reaching a certain threshold. Advocates argue it improves road safety by deterring reckless driving.
Cross-Border Law Enforcement
One of the primary goals of the EU reform is to strengthen cooperation among Member States in tracking driving offences committed by foreign motorists. The new digital licence will help police authorities in different countries check the validity of a driver’s licence, reducing instances of law evasion by motorists crossing borders.
“It will be a useful tool for the police to be able to check who has a valid driving licence, nationally and internationally,” Willems said.
Implementation Timeline
The European Parliament and Member States must still formally approve the agreement. Once endorsed, countries will have four years to implement the new rules into their national laws. In the meantime, Belgium’s debate on a points-based system will continue separately, potentially setting a precedent for future EU-wide policies.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
