Driving ban will apply to all EU countries: what do we know about the new rules?

The European Union is preparing to increase the liability of drivers for serious traffic violations. The new rules provide for a common approach to restricting the right to drive across the EU. Find out more about the upcoming changes and who they will affect

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The European Union is preparing for important changes in road safety: soon, drivers who seriously violate traffic rules in one country will not be able to avoid liability by simply crossing the border into another.

We will discuss the innovation and how it will change the situation on the roads of the European Union in the article below.

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The end of impunity across borders

Today, cross-border restrictions on driving bans in the EU are quite weak: a driver who has been deprived of his or her licence in, say, France, often has no problem driving in Spain or Poland. But the situation is changing - and getting stricter.

Representatives of the European Parliament, together with the governments of the member states, have agreed on a new initiative: a driving restriction imposed in one EU country will automatically apply to the entire territory of the Union. Thus, the rules will be the same for everyone, everywhere.

Who will be subject to the new rules?

We are talking about serious violations that pose a real threat to the lives and safety of road users. These cases include, in particular:

- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs;

- Speeding by a significant amount;

- causing accidents, especially those involving injuries or deaths.

For the restriction to have pan-European effect, it must be imposed for at least three months and the legal procedure in the country of violation must be completed.

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When will the innovation come into effect?

The proposed changes still need to be formally approved by the European Parliament and the Council of the EU. However, it is already clear that the approach to road safety is moving to a new level - more coordinated, tougher and fairer.

In the long run, the new rules will help reduce the number of serious accidents, unify liability standards and make drivers respect the law no matter where they are.

Planning a trip abroad by car? Don't forget about the Green Card!

The Green Card is a compulsory third-party liability insurance that is valid in most European countries. It will protect you from financial risks in the event of an accident outside Ukraine and provide you with confidence while travelling.

On the Visit Ukraine portal, you can quickly and conveniently apply for a Green Card online - without queues, without unnecessary documents, in just a few minutes.

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Just a reminder. Travelling abroad by car requires prior preparation, as this is one of the key aspects that helps to avoid unforeseen problems and expenses. Read more about planning a trip abroad by car, the necessary documents and other important nuances here.

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