by Florian König, maut1.de - 05 March 2024
The European Union is working on a 4th driving licence directive, which aims to significantly reduce the number of road accidents in the EU. There have been many discussions in the legislative process to date on the position of the EU Parliament's Transport Committee and the EU Council of Ministers.
On 28 February 2024, the EU Parliament voted on its final position and, among other things, rejected mandatory health checks and a shortened validity period of max. 5 years for senior citizens by a majority.
In this article, we provide information on the current status and the most important further decisions relating to driving licences.
Raising the weight limit in class B
In 1999, the 2nd EU driving licence directive was implemented and the previous numbers were replaced by the EU letter system. Since then, the category B car driving licence in Germany has only been valid for vehicles up to a maximum weight of 3.5 tonnes. For this reason, it is not possible to drive larger motorhomes or large camper vans, which often exceed the 3.5 tonne limit or are approved for a higher payload of over 3.5 tonnes, with a category B driving licence.
For this reason, an increase in this weight limit for the category B driving licence to 4.25 tonnes was repeatedly discussed in Brussels, so that all those who obtained their driving licence after 1999 could also drive larger camping vehicles. Until now, the only alternative was the supplementary test for driving licence C1, which allows the driving of vehicles up to 7.5 tonnes.
However, this could soon change, as the EU is endeavouring to ensure that the same rules apply to all citizens of the European Union. The most important aspect of this for all motorhome fans: The maximum weight limit for the class B driving licence is finally to be raised from 3.5 to 4.25 tonnes.
Contrary to the original proposal, which was only intended for alternative drive systems, the weight increase for motorhomes and ambulances will now apply regardless of the drive system. With the new regulations, motorhomes with the widespread diesel drive could therefore also be driven with a weight of up to 4.25 tonnes.
The German caravanning industry very much welcomes the decision, as it makes it easier for people to enter the world of mobile travelling in general and especially for families, who usually need larger vehicles with more luggage.
Following the new elections in the European Parliament, the exact framework conditions for the extension of driving licences are to be negotiated between the Commission, Council and Parliament at the beginning of June 2024.
Will the 4.25 tonne limit have an impact on future electric motorhomes?
Definitely! A major hurdle in the construction of electric vehicles is above all the weight, which is already considerably higher than for vehicles with conventional drive systems due to the electric battery alone - for the longest possible range. Even normal cars in the SUV segment are already close to 3 tonnes in some cases.
For motorhomes or camper vans that rely on electronic drives and should also have a certain payload capacity, the currently valid 3.5 tonnes would be extremely difficult to implement or would involve various restrictions, for example in terms of comfort or range. With 750 kilograms more leeway in future, 4.25 instead of 3.5 tonnes, the possibilities for larger batteries or more payload for a certain minimum comfort standard would be easier to implement.
However, with a vehicle weight of over 3.5 tonnes, it should also be borne in mind that certain costs for journeys within the EU will increase, including higher toll charges or route-dependent charges abroad and stricter speed limits or parking space restrictions in some cases.
Further planned changes with the 4th Driving Licence Directive within the EU
- Time limit from the age of 70: According to the draft, all member states should have limited the validity of driving licences for people over 70 to a maximum of 5 years. This would have made it easier to introduce "roadworthiness tests" or refresher courses in all EU countries. In addition, mandatory health checks were even envisaged when purchasing, exchanging or renewing a driving licence. This proposal was rejected by a majority in the EU Parliament.
- Time limit: In future, driving licences for cars and motorbikes will be valid for at least 15 years, and driving licences for lorries and buses for 5 years. Due to possible discrimination against senior citizens, a shortening of the periods specifically for older drivers was rejected, as the right to freedom of movement and social participation must remain guaranteed.
- Digital driving licence: With the implementation of the new EU directive, a digital driving licence is also to be introduced. In future, it should be possible to check a driver's licence with a smartphone app, for example during a police check or when renting a vehicle. Instead of the current chip, the driving licence cheque card will contain a QR code to prevent attempts at forgery.
- EU-wide probationary period for new drivers: The European Parliament has also decided to introduce an EU-wide probationary period of at least two years. There is a change for novice drivers in the probationary period who wish to obtain a second driving licence: The remaining probationary period for the first category will remain in place for the second driving licence, unless the remaining probationary period is less than 6 months, in which case it will automatically be extended to 6 months. During the probationary period, stricter regulations and penalties apply throughout Europe for offences such as driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, speeding, using unauthorised vehicles, lack of safety equipment and driving without a valid licence.
- EU-wide driving bans and points systems: In future, even more attention should be paid to compliance with speed limits, alcohol and especially drug consumption at the wheel, because penalty points will soon be stored in a Europe-wide database to facilitate official controls and, in future, driving bans will apply to all EU countries, i.e. a driving ban in Germany will then apply throughout the EU!
- Lowering the minimum age for lorries and buses: In Germany, a minimum age of 21 years is currently required for HGV category C licences and 24 years for bus category D licences. In order to tackle the increasing shortage of professional drivers, MPs have decided that 18-year-olds can obtain a driving licence for HGVs or buses for up to 16 passengers, provided they have the appropriate qualifications.
- Accompanied driving from the age of 17: Since 2011, it has been possible in Germany to obtain a category B driving licence at the age of 17 and to drive accompanied by a registered companion. This is now to be introduced in driving licence categories B, C and C1 through an EU-wide regulation. However, the individual member states can also set stricter requirements for issuing their driving licences, which can lead to differences within the EU.
Conclusion
The work of the EU authorities in Brussels and Strasbourg on the 4th Driving Licence Directive has been going on for over a year, but in accordance with the principle of "equal rights for all within the EU", it is intended to ensure greater uniformity and clarity in traffic regulations within the EU states.
Until the final framework conditions are determined after the new elections in the European Parliament at the beginning of June 2024, all interim reports should still be treated with caution, but the signs are currently good that motorhomes - regardless of their drive system - will soon be allowed to be driven with a maximum permissible gross weight of up to 4.25 tonnes with a category B driving licence.
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