The federal government has tabled draft legislation (Bundestag print 21/2375) that would overhaul how Germany enforces driving bans issued to motorists who hold an EU or EEA driving licence but have no normal residence in Germany. Under the bill, adopted by cabinet on 23 October and now before the Bundestag Committee on Transport, bans will no longer be physically stamped on the licence card – a practice ruled incompatible with EU law by the Court of Justice in 2021. Instead, sanctions will be recorded in the Fahreignungsregister, Germany’s central fitness-to-drive database, making them visible to police during roadside checks.
For corporate mobility programmes the change removes the risk that expatriate staff have their home-country licences permanently defaced, which can cause problems when they return home. Nevertheless, enforcement is likely to become more effective because violations will pop up instantly in digital checks.
Fleet-managers should verify that assignees understand Germany’s strict penalty points and drink-drive thresholds; once the electronic system is live, “flying under the radar” will no longer be possible.
For corporate mobility programmes the change removes the risk that expatriate staff have their home-country licences permanently defaced, which can cause problems when they return home. Nevertheless, enforcement is likely to become more effective because violations will pop up instantly in digital checks.
Fleet-managers should verify that assignees understand Germany’s strict penalty points and drink-drive thresholds; once the electronic system is live, “flying under the radar” will no longer be possible.
