A new legislative project proposes significant changes to driving licenses in Romania, with revisions to the Traffic Code slated to begin in 2025. If approved, the validity of driving licenses will vary based on the driver's age, reflecting a broader effort to adapt current rules to social realities and the needs of drivers across all age groups.
The proposed law aims to extend the validity of driving licenses for adult drivers to 15 years, compared to the current 10 years. This change is expected to reduce bureaucracy and the frequency of trips to the Licensing Offices for renewals. By streamlining the administrative process, the initiative seeks to alleviate pressure on the institutions responsible for managing driving licenses.
However, the validity period will still differ based on the age of the license holder. For instance, individuals over the age of 70 will receive licenses valid for only five years. Those who reach 80 years old will be required to undergo a medical examination every two years to ensure their fitness to drive. This measure has been described by the project's initiators as "a decision of social responsibility," aimed at enhancing road safety by addressing the potential risks posed by health issues that can affect driving abilities.
The project has already passed through the Commission for Industries and Services in the Chamber of Deputies and is now awaiting further approval. If adopted in its current form, the new rules could take effect as soon as this year.
In addition to changes for older drivers, the legislative proposal introduces new regulations for adolescent drivers. Under the new rules, individuals can obtain licenses for categories B and BE at the age of 17, but only if they are accompanied by an adult with a valid license for at least 10 years. This condition is intended to ensure that young drivers are supervised and held accountable for their actions on the road.
Additionally, if the project passes, young people who have already completed their theoretical courses will not need to repeat them to obtain their category B license. Instead, they will only have to pass the practical exam, which could reduce their costs by up to 900 lei. The total number of candidates for driving tests could decrease by as much as 20%, leading to shorter waiting times for exams. These changes are all designed to streamline the driver training and testing system in Romania.
As the Chamber of Deputies has the final say on this legislation, the outcome remains uncertain. However, the proposed adjustments reflect a growing awareness of the need for road safety and the importance of adapting driving regulations to current demographic realities.
In a related discussion, the validity of driving licenses for elderly individuals is set to decrease under the new proposal. Specifically, for drivers over 70 years old, the validity will drop to five years, or even two years, depending on their health condition. This change is particularly relevant for category B licenses and is part of a broader initiative to enhance road safety through more frequent medical evaluations of older drivers.
For those aged 80 and above, the validity of category B driving licenses will be reduced to just two years, necessitating a medical examination every two years for renewal. This measure aims to monitor the health status of elderly drivers, as age-related factors such as reflexes, vision, and concentration can significantly impact driving safety.
Furthermore, a stricter probationary period is being discussed for young drivers in several EU member states, including Romania, where a two-year probationary period is proposed. For professional category licenses (C, D, etc.), there will be stricter medical and psychological requirements, along with more frequent checks.
These legislative changes are being introduced in response to statistics that indicate both very young and very old drivers are more prone to accidents. By reducing the validity period of licenses, authorities hope to facilitate more regular medical checks and assess the driving capabilities of these age groups.
Additionally, the European Commission is advocating for a harmonization of driving license regulations across member states, which includes proposals for digitizing licenses and establishing common validity rules. This legislative effort is also a response to the aging population in Europe, highlighting the need for laws that address the changing demographics and the associated risks on the road.
It is crucial to note that these proposed changes are still under discussion and have not yet been officially adopted. Until the legislation is finalized and published in the Official Monitor, the current validity period of 10 years for all age groups remains in effect.
As Romania moves forward with these potential changes, the focus remains on ensuring that all drivers, regardless of age, can operate vehicles safely and responsibly. The proposed legislation reflects a commitment to improving road safety and adapting to the evolving needs of society.
