ℹ️ New regulations: You can lose your driving licence more easily, helmets mandatory, and driving licences from age 17

Easier loss of driving licence – “50+” outside built-up areas

One of the most widely discussed changes concerns speeding restrictions:

• Until now, the police could confiscate the driving licence of a driver who exceeded the speed limit by more than 50 km/h only in a built-up area.
• From 3 March, this provision will also be extended to single-carriageway two-way roads outside built-up areas – there, too, the police will be able to confiscate the driving licence for 3 months
.

This is a response to statistics showing that many of the most serious fatal accidents occur outside towns and cities.

Driving licence from age 17

Another important change is the lowering of the minimum age for obtaining a category B driving licence:

• Instead of the previous 18 years, from March a 17-year-old will be able to apply for a driving licence.
• Initially, however, the young driver will have to drive with a supervising passenger, who meets the statutory requirements – this must be an experienced and responsible person.

The change is intended to increase young people’s mobility and align the regulations with solutions in other EU countries.

Scooters and bicycles – changes for the youngest road users

Although most of the proposals concern drivers, the new regulations also cover the youngest road users:

• From 3 March 2026, the minimum age for using electric scooters and similar devices will increase from 10 to 13.
• The mandatory use of protective helmets by people under 16 riding bicycles, electric scooters or other personal transport devices is also being introduced – failure to comply will result in a fine.

These changes are intended to protect the health of younger road users and reduce the number of serious injuries.

Why these changes?

The Ministry of Infrastructure states that the amendment is primarily intended to:

✔️ reduce the number of accidents
✔️ increase driver responsibility
✔️ better adapt regulations to contemporary risks
✔️ increase the mobility of young road users

Summary – what every driver should know:

What do you think about the changes to the regulations? Join the discussion.