The European Parliament has agreed on new rules in the EU regarding traffic violations. They were adopted with an overwhelming majority of MEPs.
New EU rules on traffic violations
MEPs voted on Wednesday in favor of strengthening cross-border cooperation between EU member states to investigate traffic violations in a bid to prevent dangerous driving behavior abroad.
The new set of rules on the cross-border exchange of information related to traffic violations was adopted with an overwhelming majority of 570 votes in favor, 36 against and 24 abstentions, a statement said.
The update of the rules aims to reduce the significant percentage of unpunished violations, which constitute approximately 40% of all cross-border traffic violations.
The new rules oblige EU countries to cooperate more closely and respond quickly to requests received from other member countries regarding traffic violations committed by foreign drivers. National authorities are now required to respond without delay and provide the necessary information within two months of the request at the latest.
In addition, at the request of the member state where the violation occurred, the country of residence of the offender may take over the collection of traffic fines, provided that the amount is greater than 70 euros and has not been paid after exhausting all legal options.
Several types of traffic violations are targeted
The updated rules will expand the list of traffic violations committed by non-resident drivers that trigger cross-border cooperation and can lead to a fine. In addition to the current violations (speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol or failure to stop at a red light), the list will be supplemented with new elements such as dangerous parking, dangerous overtaking, violation of a continuous line and leaving the scene of an accident.
The EU country where the road rules were broken will have 11 months from the date of the violation to issue a notification. The traffic violation notification must include the time and circumstances of the violation, as well as information on how to appeal the fine.
Another important change is the ban on private companies collecting traffic fines from foreign drivers, thus protecting drivers against possible scams and leaks of personal data.
Also, to increase transparency and effective implementation of the new rules, the European Commission will create an online portal that will contain relevant information for drivers, including details of the rules, appeal options and applicable fines.
After their approval by the European Council, EU countries will have 30 months to prepare for their implementation.
