(2)The rules on driving licences are essential elements of the common transport policy, contribute to improving road safety, and facilitate the free movement of persons taking up residence in a Member State other than that issuing the driving licence. Given the importance of individual means of transport, the possession of a driving licence duly recognised by a host Member State promotes and facilitates free movement and the freedom of establishment of persons. Similarly, any unlawful obtaining of such a document or the right to drive, or the loss of a lawfully gained driving licence by way of unlawful conduct, affects not only the Member State in which such violations were committed, but also road safety throughout the Union.