Which rules and which driving license to drive in Luxembourg?

You have just arrived in Luxembourg with or without your car?

Driver’s license, driving rules, procedures … Here are some things you should know if you want to drive a car or a two-wheeler in Luxembourg!e

First of all, in order to drive a motor vehicle in Luxembourg (car, motorcycle, commercial vehicle), you must have a valid driving license .

Driver’s license

In Luxembourg, it is possible to register, exchange or transcribe a foreign licence. The application must be submitted to the National Traffic Corporation (SNCA).

Driver’s license exchange and registration

Registration of a driving license is optional for persons who have obtained a driving license in a member state of the European Economic Area (EEA).

On the other hand, it is mandatory for permits obtained abroad and not coming from an EEA member state. Holders of non-EU driving licenses must convert their foreign license into a Luxembourg driving license within one year of their arrival in Luxembourg.

Failure to comply with this regulation will be charged at 74 euros.

More information on permit exchange.

Apply for an international permit

To drive outside the European Union – or even the European Economic Area – the license must be accompanied by an International Driving Permit, which is a certified translation of the national driving license.

The application for an international permit is 12 euros.

Pass your driver’s license in Luxembourg

In Luxembourg, a driving license must be obtained through an approved driving school.

To register in a Luxembourg driving school, the candidate must reside in Luxembourg, be of the required age and undergo a medical examination.

In order to pass your B license in Luxembourg, you must follow at least 12 hours of theoretical lessons (6 hours if you already have a license of another category), followed by 12 hours of practical lessons given by an approved driving school.

The candidate must undergo both theoretical and practical training. Once the theory and practical tests have been passed, a probationary licence is issued for a period of two years.

In order to obtain a full driving licence, the young driver must also attend a road safety course at the Driver Training Centre in Colmar-Berg.

Recovering points on the driver’s license

The point-based license was introduced in Luxembourg in 2002. His capital is 12 points.

Every newcomer to Luxembourg, even if he/she does not have a Luxembourg driving license, has a credit of 12 points on his/her driving license.

Some offences result in a reduction of the number of points, in proportion to the fault committed. The use of a telephone while driving costs 2 points, a prohibited overtaking costs 2 points, a hit and run costs 4 points.

The total loss of these points leads to the suspension of the driving license.

A driver who has lost points on his or her license may recover all of his or her points if he or she does not commit any offenses that result in the loss of points during a period of three consecutive years.

The driver who has lost points can also voluntarily follow a course of awareness. This course allows the driver to recover three points, once every three years. These courses are held at the CFC Driver Training Center in Colmar-Berg.

However, the total capital cannot exceed 12 points, regardless of the number of points recovered.

Traffic violations

Failure to comply with the Highway Traffic Act may result in the loss of points, a fine or a ticket.

If fined, the resident offender is asked to pay the fine within a maximum of 45 days . Non-residents have an additional month.

However, a challenge to the facts can be made. It can be done at the place of the report, directly with the agent. It is also possible to go to the police station or to send a complaint to the Direction générale de la Police grand-ducale (Service national des avertissements taxés SNAT, L-2957 Luxembourg).

Particularities of the Luxembourg road code

To drive in Luxembourg, the maximum alcohol level in the blood is 0.05%.
Wearing a seatbelt is mandatory in the front and rear of the vehicle
A child can only be picked up in the front of the vehicle if he or she is 11 years old and 1.50 m tallor more.
The speed limit is 20 km/h, 30 km/h or 50 km/h in built-up areas, 90 km/h or even 70 km/h on roads and 130 km/h on motorways
Suggestive cycle lanes exist: cyclists can use them but are not obliged to use them. Motorists can use them if and only if necessary.
There are “contra-sense” zones for cyclists, for example in a street where cars are not allowed. These may only be used by cyclists if they are marked on the ground.
Unless otherwise indicated, bicycles are not allowed on bus lanes
In meeting places, 20km/h zones are set up. On these, pedestrians have priority, so they can cross anywhere and at any time.
In Luxembourg, the “pull tab system” is mandatory. To keep traffic flowing, each driver alternates with another driver who changes lanes, before passing himself. Failure to comply with this law is punishable.
Watch out for the road markings represented by a rectangle with a cross: you are not allowed to park, stop or stand there. So be careful, because some of them are often located near traffic lights.
Whether you’re in a car or a motorcycle, it’s forbidden to go back in the traffic queue, even in the event of a traffic jam. Motorcyclists, forget your habits, you have to stay in the queue and wait until the traffic is free!
In winter, motorists are required to comply with dedicated regulations. Winter tires are mandatory. In addition, it is mandatory to de-ice your vehicle and remove any snow that may have settled on it.
It is forbidden to leave the engine of your vehicle running when you are stopped for a long time.

For more information on controls and traffic on Luxembourg roads, visit Cita.lu. You will find practical information (building sites, works, technical problems, diversions, news tips, etc.) and even the possibility of viewing the roads on webcam to assess their traffic!

Do you have your own vehicle? Consult the mandatory formalities for your personal vehicle.

What are the rules for child car safety in Luxembourg?

In Luxembourg and Germany, all children under 1.50 m must travel in a special child seat, adapted to their size. Belgium makes child seats compulsory up to 1.35 metres, while France requires them up to the age of 10.

baby seats are suitable for infants up to 83 cm
beyond that, small children up to 1.05 m must be placed in “toddler” seats
Children up to 1.50 m should be placed in a seat adapted to their safety. Booster seats can be used for short journeys and as a back-up. However, it should be noted that seats with backrests are more comfortable for longer journeys and, above all, provide greater safety for your child in the event of an accident.