A provisional deal on EU driving licence rules introducing a mobile licence and driving disqualification for reckless drivers was approved in the European Parliament’s Committee on Transport and Tourism (TRAN). A revamped EU driving licence rules, agreed by Council and Parliament negotiators, led by EP rapporteur Jutta Paulus (Greens, DE), in March 2025, seek to contribute to road safety and EU’s digital transition. Digital driving licence Under the provisional agreement a digital driving licence, available on a smartphone with EU-wide digital wallet technology, will become the main format in the EU. However, MEPs managed to ensure that drivers will continue to have the right to request a physical driver’s licence. Novice drivers and health checks EU rules will set a probationary period of at least

The European association of motorcycle manufacturers ACEM welcomes the new anti-tampering provisions for the non-original replacement exhaust silencing systems for motorcycles. When an aftermarket silencer is fitted the sound may not exceed that of the bike with the original silencer. There are many silencers on the market that can be adjusted, for instance by a valve that can be opened or closed. Within the bandwidth and in the gears that are used with the type approval test, the valve is closed and the silencer does not exceed the sound limits. However, these silencers are programmed to have the valve opened outside this bandwidth and in other gears and then make much more sound. ACEM acknowledges the concerns of citizens, policymakers and regulators

Initially it looked like the EU tariffs would only concern motorcycles under the 500cc limit, but the reality is a lot worse. As reported earlier, the European Commission is responding to the United States' decision to impose tariffs by implementing countermeasures designed to match the economic impact of those tariffs. After the U.S. decided to impose a 25% tariff on up to €26 billion worth of European Union (EU) steel, aluminium, and related products, the EU plans to reinstate tariffs that were previously introduced in 2018 and 2020 on certain U.S. imports, effective from 1 April 2025. Additionally, the EU is planning to introduce further measures by mid-April to maintain 'economic balance'. One specific countermeasure confirmed by the European Commission is the

In response to the imposition of new US tariffs on EU steel and aluminium imports, the European Commission has launched countermeasures on US imports into the EU. In response to new US tariffs affecting more than €18 billion of EU exports, the Commission is putting forward a package of new countermeasures on US exports. They will come into force by mid-April, following consultation of Member States and stakeholders. In total, the EU countermeasures could therefore apply to US goods exports worth up to €26 billion, matching the economic scope of the US tariffs. On the list of products which could be subject to possible measures are: Motorcycles, incl. mopeds, with reciprocating internal combustion piston engine of a cylinder capacity <= 50 cm³

FEMA held its Annual General Meeting 2025 in Switzerland, during the three-day FIM Commissions Conference, which was held from 7 to 9 February. The conference brought together 370 members of the FIM Family for three days of high-level discussions aimed at sharing ideas and expertise to advance motorcycling and motorcycle sport. The first-ever annual general meeting of the Federation of European Motorcyclists’ Associations (FEMA) as an FIM Associated Member also took place on 7 February, with the attendance of FIM President Jorge Viegas and other FIM representatives. For FEMA and its members this conference offered an excellent opportunity to get fully acquainted with the work the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) does on a global scale. Top photograph: ©FIM/Víctor Arroyo.

At the Annual General Meeting on 7 February 2025 the members of FEMA, together in Switzerland, elected a new board. The FEMA board now consists of Olea Anett Kvalsvik (president), Eric Maldiney (treasurer), Jesper Christensen, Hans Jørgen Hansen, Jari Kielinen, Michael Noonan and Kristrún Tryggvadóttir. Photographs by Wim Taal & Torben Stephan.

On 5 December the Portuguese parliament voted against a mandatory technical inspection for motorcycles, which was to be introduced from 1 January 2025. Portuguese riders' rights organisation GAM (Grupo Acção Motociclista) said: "The decision to impose a mandatory technical inspection for motorcycles in Portugal, on 1 January 2025 is definitely buried. The wait was long, but it is here: Portugal will not introduce mandatory periodical technical inspection for motorcycles. After more than 12 years of fight, to bring awareness to the reality of the facts surrounding the subject, we finally got the Portuguese government on our side: mandatory periodical technical inspection for motorcycles was repealed yesterday by the Portuguese parliamentary majority." Source: GAM Top photograph courtesy of GAM This article is subject to FEMA’s

The European Council has adopted a negotiating position to improve road safety by addressing driving disqualifications across the EU. The proposal requires that a member state which issues a driving licence must enforce driving disqualifications imposed by another member state for serious traffic offences, improving road safety by removing dangerous drivers across the EU. The next step is negotiations with the European Parliament.The European Parliament earlier said driving disqualification should apply in all EU countries (click here for an article from 29 November 2023). Key points include: The proposal aims to ensure mutual recognition of disqualifications for non-resident drivers. Certain disqualifications (less than three months or with under a month remaining) will be excluded. Information will be exchanged digitally via the EU

In Brussels the European Road Safety Charter Excellence in Road Safety Awards 2024 were presented to the winners of five different categories: Education Motorcycling Pedestrians and cyclists Technology and innovation Urban The European Road Safety Charter, led by the European Commission, is the largest civil society platform on road safety. To date, more than 4,000 public and private entities have committed to the Charter and carried out road safety actions and initiatives targeted at their members, employees and the rest of civil society. Together, these various entities form a community in which members can share their expertise and actions, inspiring and learning from each other. FEMA is a member of the European Road Safety Charter. Pedestrians and cyclists >> Alternative mobility strategy

The Federation of European Motorcyclists’ Associations (FEMA) has officially joined the European Road Safety Charter (ERSC), marking a significant step toward enhancing road safety for motorcyclists. The ERSC, spearheaded by the European Commission, is the largest civil society platform dedicated to road safety, with over 4,000 public and private entities actively participating. This collaboration will enable FEMA to share its expertise and initiatives, contributing to a broader community focused on improving safety for all road users. By joining forces, FEMA and the ERSC aim to inspire and learn from each other, implementing effective actions that target motorcyclists specifically. As Europe’s leading motorcyclists’ organisation, FEMA is poised to make a meaningful impact in promoting safer riding conditions across the continent. Top image: AI generated This

Taking the correct cornering line is an absolute must for motorcyclists. KFV, the Austrian Kuratorium für Verkehrssicherheit, investigated the effect of innovative road markings for motorcyclists in risky Tyrolean curves and provided proof of success: the white ellipses on the road resulted in motorcyclists choosing a safer through curves and a reduction in the number of motorcycle accidents by 80 percent. Taking the corner safely in the correct riding line - that's how it should be. The correct cornering line is an absolute must for motorcyclists - motorized vehicles without a crumple zone. A look at the accident statistics shows that most motorcycle accidents on Austria's roads occur in bends. The cause of many motorcycle accidents is an incorrectly chosen cornering line;

At a road safety conference in Brussels, where motorcycle safety was discussed, a prize for achievements in road safety was presented to Finland. Finland is the recipient of the 2024 European Transport Safety Council prize for outstanding progress in road safety. Finland reduced road deaths by 29% over the decade to 2023, while the average decline in the EU was 16%. The Road Safety Performance Index (PIN) award recognises Finland’s progress in road safety and is a testament to the country’s long-term targets and comprehensive strategy for improving the road safety of all road users. Since 2000, Finland has implemented several important measures to improve road safety. These include lower speed limits in most urban areas, construction of pedestrian and bicycle paths,