STRASBOURG, France, Oct 21, 2025 (BSS/AFP) - The European Parliament on Tuesday adopted a driving licence reform to crack down on motorists who attempt to dodge having their permit revoked by moving abroad.

The reform hopes to reduce the number of road deaths in the European Union, which came to nearly 20,000 in 2024.

It introduces stricter conditions for obtaining and renewing licences, promotes information sharing on serious traffic offenders between member states and encourages the take-up of digital permits.

At present, nearly 40 percent of drivers who have their licence revoked or suspended in a country other than the one where it was issued go unpunished, Italian lawmaker Matteo Ricci told the chamber.

"With the new rules, (a driver) who loses their licence in a European country for a serious offence will no longer be able to drive in any other member state," the socialist added.

Besides the crackdown on those attempting to avoid sanctions, the reform aims to speed up the bloc's bid to make the digital driving licence the main format, although EU citizens will still be able to request a physical document.

Young drivers will also be subject to a two-year probationary period, during which they will be subject to stricter rules and penalties than established motorists.