Germany Moves Towards Digital Driving Licenses
The German Cabinet is preparing to discuss a proposal for digital driving licenses as part of broader digitalization efforts in the transport sector.
The German government is preparing to discuss a legislative proposal regarding the introduction of digital driving licenses.
This proposal is part of ongoing digitalization efforts and will be addressed by the Cabinet as the government approaches the conclusion of its legislative term.
The proposal is associated with a draft law to amend the Road Traffic Act, presented by Transport Minister Volker Wissing.
The concept of a digital driving license, which can be accessed via a mobile application, is still in its preliminary stages, and there is currently no definitive timeline for its implementation.
Any new government that follows the upcoming elections will need to reassess this proposal in line with the principle of discontinuity that characterizes German politics.
The coalition agreement reached in late 2021, under the now-defunct traffic light coalition, contained commitments to enhance the digitalization of vehicle documents.
According to the draft law obtained by the German Press Agency, a legal framework is being established to introduce digital driving licenses as an additional electronic document, complementing the traditional card format.
It is notable that possession of a physical driving license card will be mandatory for obtaining the digital version.
The digital license would allow holders to operate their vehicles without the need to carry the physical card during police checks.
The proposed amendments stipulate that holders of a driving license may use the digital format to validate their driving qualifications.
However, it is important to clarify that the digital driving license will only be recognized as valid for proof of licensing within Germany.
The draft law also indicates that individuals wishing to obtain a digital driving license will apply through the Federal Motor Transport Authority (Kraftfahrt-Bundesamt, KBA), which is expected to manage the necessary application process and app development.
The digital format is projected to include all pertinent information found on a German driving license, excluding the holder's signature.
This proposal is part of ongoing digitalization efforts and will be addressed by the Cabinet as the government approaches the conclusion of its legislative term.
The proposal is associated with a draft law to amend the Road Traffic Act, presented by Transport Minister Volker Wissing.
The concept of a digital driving license, which can be accessed via a mobile application, is still in its preliminary stages, and there is currently no definitive timeline for its implementation.
Any new government that follows the upcoming elections will need to reassess this proposal in line with the principle of discontinuity that characterizes German politics.
The coalition agreement reached in late 2021, under the now-defunct traffic light coalition, contained commitments to enhance the digitalization of vehicle documents.
According to the draft law obtained by the German Press Agency, a legal framework is being established to introduce digital driving licenses as an additional electronic document, complementing the traditional card format.
It is notable that possession of a physical driving license card will be mandatory for obtaining the digital version.
The digital license would allow holders to operate their vehicles without the need to carry the physical card during police checks.
The proposed amendments stipulate that holders of a driving license may use the digital format to validate their driving qualifications.
However, it is important to clarify that the digital driving license will only be recognized as valid for proof of licensing within Germany.
The draft law also indicates that individuals wishing to obtain a digital driving license will apply through the Federal Motor Transport Authority (Kraftfahrt-Bundesamt, KBA), which is expected to manage the necessary application process and app development.
The digital format is projected to include all pertinent information found on a German driving license, excluding the holder's signature.
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