Speed Limit Changes: Significant Reform Coming in 2025

Upcoming Road Code Reform

The reform of the Road Code is on the horizon.
Although it is progressing slowly compared to governmental expectations, the revised text is likely to come into effect within the upcoming year.
By 2025, drivers will have to adapt to several changes that could result in a loss of driving points and fines for those who fail to comply with the new regulations.
The amendments cover various aspects of vehicle operation, primarily concerning speed limits.
Here’s what you need to know to stay ahead.

Changes to Speed Limits

The Road Code reform is primarily driven by the need to enhance road safety and decrease the number of accidents and their severe consequences.
While existing speed limits are already stringent, there will not be further reductions in these thresholds.
High speeds are often a significant factor in traffic accidents, and even when they are not the direct cause, they can worsen the severity of the outcomes.

As a consequence, existing speed limits are deemed adequate, with the focus shifting to enforcing compliance with these regulations, as this remains the central challenge.
The new rules will particularly target areas prone to violations, such as residential zones.
Given the heightened risk for vulnerable road users like pedestrians, local authorities have called for decisive action.

The forthcoming regulations will impose strict penalties for speed limit violations in urban areas.
A driver exceeding the speed limit by 10 to 40 km/h can face fines ranging from €220 to €880.
Additionally, repeat offenders within a year may see their licenses suspended for 15 to 30 days.

In contrast, speeding offenses outside urban areas that fall within the same range will incur fines between €173 and €694.
In severe cases, drivers may also face a reduction of 5 points on their driving license, which is doubled for new drivers.

When Will the New Road Code Take Effect?

After various delays, the draft law for the Road Code reform was approved by the Chamber of Deputies on March 27 and subsequently examined by the Senate’s Environment, Ecological Transition, and Public Works Committee on October 22.
No amendments were made, and the Senate is expected to review the draft between November 19 and 21.
If all goes as scheduled, the new regulations should take effect by early December, definitely before the start of the New Year.

It is crucial to note that the new regulations will not have retroactive effects.
This means that the amended Road Code, with new limits and penalties, will only apply to violations committed after the law takes effect (15 days after publication in the Official Gazette).
Therefore, one should not focus on the date of the fines but rather the date the traffic infraction was committed.

Likewise, the new rules for new drivers, including restrictions on driving certain vehicles for three years post-license acquisition but with more lenient power limits, will only apply to individuals obtaining their license after the law is enacted.
Current drivers will continue to follow existing regulations.

Future drivers should take these upcoming changes into account, as the timing may allow them to choose the most favorable conditions for obtaining their license.
Additionally, changes to the learner’s permit regulations will restrict the transport of multiple passengers and require specific exercises before this permit is granted.