Government Moves to Introduce Digital Driver's Licenses and Vehicle Registration on Smartphones

The German government is taking significant steps towards digitizing essential driving documents by proposing the introduction of digital driver's licenses and vehicle registration certificates. This initiative aims to modernize vehicle documentation and streamline the process for drivers.

On Wednesday, the Federal Cabinet advanced a draft for the fifth amendment to the Road Traffic Act, which outlines the legal framework necessary for this digital transformation. The initiative is expected to eliminate the need for physical documents, allowing drivers to carry their licenses and vehicle registration digitally on their mobile devices.

Federal Minister of Transport, Volker Wissing, expressed optimism about this development, suggesting that in the near future, individuals may not need to present physical cards or paper documents for vehicle-related checks, as these will be verifiable digitally through smartphones.

However, the successful implementation of digital driver's licenses hinges on the European Union establishing the necessary requirements. The EU Parliament has already adopted the fourth directive on driver's licenses, but further discussions will be required following the upcoming European elections. Importantly, the current plastic driver's licenses will remain available for those who prefer a physical version or do not wish to adopt the digital alternative.

In addition to the digital licensing proposal, the government is also looking to enhance parking regulation through digital means. The new legislation aims to improve the efficiency of parking enforcement and provide municipalities with modern tools for effective parking management. This includes replacing traditional parking permits displayed on vehicle dashboards with digital license plate information, similar to existing 'mobile parking' apps.

Moreover, the government intends to modernize vehicle data accessibility. The Federal Motor Transport Authority (Kraftfahrt-Bundesamt - KBA) is set to offer an online inquiry service that allows citizens to access crucial information about vehicle recalls and compliance certificates using the vehicle identification number.

Another key aspect of this reform is the prohibition of point trading for traffic violations. The government aims to enhance road safety by explicitly banning such practices, with penalties for commercial violations reaching up to EUR30,000.

Although the current legislative proposal is unlikely to pass before the upcoming federal elections, it serves as a recommendation for the incoming government. The CDU/CSU parliamentary group previously urged the government to expedite the implementation of digital driver's licenses, but the administration had pointed to ongoing negotiations at the EU level as a reason for the delay. The KBA is expected to play a pivotal role in the technical realization of these digital documents, potentially with support from technical service providers.