Demerit point system

The number of points deducted in 2024 amounted to 11.7 million for 6.3 million offences processed that resulted in point deductions.

In 2024, the following points were deducted:

-    5.7 million points for speeding (- 53 % compared with 2023, due to speeding offences of less than 5 km/h no longer resulting in point deductions since 1 January 2024);
-    1.9 million for failure to comply with priority rules;
-    1.7 million for the use of mobile phones / earphones;
-    1.1million for traffic regulations;
-    618 000 for drink-driving;
-    303 000 for drug use (including both summary and criminal drink-driving offences);
-    294 000 for failure to wear a seat belt.

One-point offences account for 33 % of points deducted, while six-point offences account for 10 %.

In 2024, 79 % of drivers still had the full 12 points on their driving licence, but only 49 % of alleged perpetrators of fatal accidents (APFA) still held all 12 points.

Driving licences invalidated due to zero points

In 2024, 47 916 driving licences were invalidated due to a lack of remaining points. Men accounted for 84 %, i.e. 40 046 licences, reflecting the commission of more serious or repeated offences by men.

Restoration of points

In 2024, 7.8 million drivers saw their initial capital of 12 points restored after 2 or 3 years without further offences (58 % men). A total of 6.9 million drivers recovered one point after 6 months without a new offence (62 % men).

In 2024, 24 872 training courses were organised for 320 402 participants: 302 853 participants attended courses aimed at restoring points (so-called “points-based licence” courses), while 17 549 participants attended courses offered as alternatives to prosecution or as part of plea bargaining procedures (so-called “justice” courses).

Driving licences issued

In 2024, 912 601 category B licences, 4 917 category A1 licences, and 117 940 category A2 licences were issued.