New rules on driver licensing for patients with obstructive sleep apnea: European Union Directive 2014/85/EU

The widespread recognition that obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) represents an important risk factor for motor vehicle accidents, which is reversed by successful therapy with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), has led to a revision of Annex III of the European Union (EU) Directive on Driving Licences. This directive was the result of recommendations from a Working Group established by the Transport and Mobility Directorate of the European Commission in 2012 (McNicholas, 2013). The new Directive, which is subject to mandatory implementation by all Member States from 31 December 2015,