Driving licences, system of harmonized codes (amend. Directive 91/439/EEC)

OBJECTIVE: The aim is to define a system of harmonized codes for the particulars to be included in the Community model driving licence issued by the Member States, with a view to facilitating the comprehension and, therefore, the mutual recognition of the licences in circulation within the Community. COMMUNITY MEASURE: Council Directive 97/26/EC amending Directive 91/439/EEC on driving licences SUBSTANCE: The directive amends Annexes I and Ia of Directive 91/439/EEC (which defines the Community model driving licence), introducing harmonized codes. It provides for the creation of a 'committee on driving licences' for the adaptation to technical and scientific progress of Annexes I, II and III to Directive 91/439/EEC. It also aligns the definition of the term 'motorcycle' with that of Directive 92/61/EEC on the type approval of two- and three-wheel motor vehicles. The term 'motorcycle' will henceforth be used to refer to all two-wheel vehicles with or without sidecar, fitted with an engine having a cylinder capacity of more than 50 cm3 if of the internal combustion type and/or having a maximum design speed of more than 45 km/h. ENTRY INTO FORCE: 08/06/1997 DEADLINE FOR TRANSPOSITION: 01/01/1998 �