Government proposes introducing mobile driving licences
The Government is proposing that when drivers are required during traffic surveillance to prove their right to drive, they could do so using an electronic mobile driving licence. The electronic application would be a free, optional service to be used in addition to traditional driving licences.
The Government proposed the amendment to the Driving Licence Act on 11 October 2018.
"The mobile driving licence is one practical example of what can be achieved through digitalisation in the transport sector. The mobile driving licence is a new way for drivers to prove their right to drive when required to do so during traffic surveillance," says Minister of Transport and Communications Anne Berner.
Exploring the introduction of the mobile driving licence was one of the new deregulation projects decided on in the government discussion on spending limits this past spring. The mobile driving licence is part of the Finnish Transport Safety Agency's broader Autoilija ('Driver') application.
The Government is also proposing that driving licences issued in the Faroe Islands and Greenland could be used for driving in mainland Finland for a maximum of one year after arriving in the country. Depending on the type of driving licence, it would be valid for driving motorcycles and B-category vehicles. Exchanging the licence for a Finnish one would require the driver to complete the corresponding driver's exam.
Both proposed amendments apply to mainland Finland.
The amendments to the Act are due to come into force on 1 February 2019.
What next?
A referral debate on the government proposal submitted to Parliament will be conducted in a Parliament plenary session. Information on the date of the session will be available on the Parliament website (plenary session agendas).
After the referral debate, the proposal will be sent to a committee. Once the committee's report is ready, the matter will be again discussed in a plenary session.
Inquiries:
Maija Ahokas, Director of Unit, tel. +358 295 34 2390, Twitter @mmaija
Maija Mansikkaniemi, Senior Specialist, tel. +358 295 34 2016
