Since July 7, 2010, anyone who passes the driving test in our country receives a European driving license, which looks like a plastic bank card. Unlike the old paper driver’s licence, this one has to be renewed every ten years, just like identity cards. However, when this driving license expires, you do not automatically receive an invitation to go to the municipality to obtain a new one.
The figures requested by MEP Verhaert show that out of 23,706 driving licenses issued in 2010 and 2011 with an administrative validity of ten years, 12,139 had not yet been renewed. These people are therefore driving with an expired driver’s license.
Those who drive without a valid driver’s license risk a fine of 1,600 to 16,000 euros, a driving ban of eight days to five years or a prison sentence of eight days to two years. If it is established during an accident that your driving license has expired, this also has important consequences for insurance companies.
Mobility Minister Gilkinet has already announced that he is working on a reminder system, but this is not yet operational, according to MP Verhaert. On Tuesday, she said she believed it was essential that the recall system be up and running quickly.