COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES 
Brussels, 18.07.1996 
COM(%) 401 final 
95/0109 (SYN) 
OPINION OF THE COMMISSION 
on the amendments proposed by the European Parliament 
to the Council's common position on the 
proposal for a 
COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 
AMENDING DIRECTIVE 91/439/EEC 
ON DRIVING LICENCES 
(presented by the Commission pursuant to Article 189 c (d) of the EC Treaty) 

On 6 June 1996, the European Parliament amended the common position concerning the 
abovementioned proposal, adopted by the Council on 26 February 1996. The Parliament's 
amendments are enclosed. 
Pursuant to Article 189c point (d) of the EC Treaty, the Commission has re-examined its 
proposal and decided against the amendments for the following reasons: 
Amendment No 1 
Although the Commission agrees with Parliament that the introduction of a microchip in 
driving licences could increase flexibility of use and reduce the risk of forgery, it believes 
that it would be premature at this stage to state this in a recital; indeed, this would 
prejudge the conclusions of the Working Group to be set up by the Commission, in 
accordance with its declaration, to report on the implications of the possible introduction 
of a microchip or similar device in driving licences. 
Amendment No 2 
This amendment aims to make it compulsory for the name of the Member State 
responsible for granting the licence to appear in full. 
The Commission considers that the flexibility provided for in the common position is 
preferable. Furthermore, the amendment proposed would cause there to be a difference 
between the licence models in Annex I (the "paper" licence in three parts) and those in 
Annex la (the "plastic" licence in the style of a credit card). 
Amendment No 3 
This amendment aims to delete the words "European Communities model". This is not 
acceptable since this confirms that the right to drive granted by a Member State is valid 
throughout the Community. 
Furthermore, as for Amendment No 2, such a deletion would cause an unjustified 
difference between the two licence models. 
Amendment No 4 
This amendment aims to regulate taxes levied on driving licences by Member States. This 
cannot be accepted by the Commission since it is up to the Member States to levy taxes 
for granting or renewing driving licences if they so wish. 
The Commission therefore maintains its proposal and rejects the amendments proposed 
by the Parliament to the Council's Common Position. 
End.: 4 amendments 
Common position of the Council Amendments by Parliament 
(Amendment 1) 
Recital 3 
Whereas, in the context of mutual 
recognition of licences, there is a 
need to ensure compatibility and 
interoperability of such licences 
throughout the Community; whereas, to 
that end, the introduction on an 
individual basis of computer 
technology into the Community model 
licence should be avoided, while 
nevertheless leaving space on it for 
the possible later introduction of a 
microchip or similar computer device; Whereas, in the context of mutual 
recognition of licences, there is a 
need to ensure compatibility and 
interoperability of such licences 
throughout the Community that can 
also offer a potential for increased 
flexibility of use, increase of the 
security and reduction of the risk of 
forgery of driving licences; whereas, 
to that end, the introduction on an 
individual basis of computer 
technology into the Community model 
licence should be avoided, while 
nevertheless leaving space on it for 
the possible later introduction of a 
microchip or similar computer device; 
(Amendment 2) 
Annex la 
Point 2, page 1, (b) 
(b) The name of the Member State 
issuing the licence (optional). (b) The name of the Member State 
issuing the licence. 
(Amendment 3) 
Annex la 
Point 2, page 1, (e), introduction 
(e) The words "European Communities 
model" in the language (s) of the 
Member State issuing the licence and 
the words "Driving Licence" in the 
other languages of the European 
Community shall be printed in pink to 
form the background of the licence: (e) The words "Driving Licence" in 
the other languages of the European 
Community shall be printed in pink to 
form the background of the licence: 
(Amendment 4) 
Annex la 
Point 3(ba) (new) 
(ba) Member States shall undertake to 
charge only for the cost of issuing 
the driving licence. Thev shall not 
lew any annual tax. 
DOC EN\RR\298\298445 if PE 216.811/fin. 
ISSN 0254-1475 
COM(96) 401 final 
DOCUMENTS 
EN 07 06 
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ISBN 92-78-07479-9 
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