Germany fast-tracks digital driver’s licenses and smarter parking by 2026
Federal Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder has announced plans to streamline administrative processes and ease the burden on citizens and municipalities through digitalization. Key initiatives include a digital driver's license, simplified vehicle documents, and modernized parking management.
The EU's mid-2024 directive paved the way for digital vehicle documents and driver's licenses. Schnieder aims to have a national digital driver's license ready by the end of 2026, earlier than the EU's planned 2030 rollout. This digital license, based on the EUDI Wallet, will supplement the existing plastic card and be verifiable on smartphones.
Previous attempts at digitalizing vehicle documents and driver's licenses have been unsuccessful. However, Schnieder is confident that the new initiative, led by the Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure (BMV), will succeed.
Parking management will also see significant changes. In the future, parking fees will be payable via app or QR code. The system will use license plate recognition and vehicle scanning for enforcement, making it more efficient and targeted.
To enhance road safety, trading driving offense points will be banned and punishable by fines of up to €30,000. Additionally, improved access to vehicle data, including technical data, recall information, and certificates of conformity, will be available online using the vehicle identification number (VIN). Schnieder's digitalization plans aim to simplify processes for citizens and municipalities, while also improving safety and efficiency.
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