Drivers Warned of Heavy Fines for Missing or Expired Licenses This Summer
Authorities are urging drivers to ensure their licenses are valid and accessible this summer to avoid fines ranging from 10 to 200 euros or potential criminal charges for driving with expired documentation.
With traffic controls increasing during the summer, authorities are reminding drivers of the importance of carrying a valid driving license. Failing to provide the correct documentation can lead to significant fines.
Drivers can carry their license in the traditional physical format or use the official MiDGT mobile app. The digital version is fully recognized by law enforcement; however, you are still responsible for showing it. If you cannot display your digital license—due to a dead battery, poor internet connection, or a technical glitch—you face a 10-euro fine.
The penalties increase significantly if you do not have your license at all. Being unable to present your permit during a traffic stop is considered a serious offense, resulting in a 100-euro fine.
It is also vital to ensure your license has not expired. There is no grace period; the moment a license expires, you are no longer authorized to drive. Driving with an expired permit carries a 200-euro fine. Beyond the financial penalty, there is a major insurance risk: if you are involved in an accident, your insurer may refuse to cover the damages because you were driving without a valid license.
In severe cases, driving with an expired permit can be treated as criminal negligence. This could lead to serious legal consequences, including prison sentences of three to six months, substantial fines, or community service. With road surveillance at its peak this summer, drivers are urged to check their documentation to avoid these avoidable penalties.