Driving In Ireland: Am I Insured?

If you're planning a trip to Ireland and intend to drive while there, it's important to understand the requirements for insurance. The rules have changed over time, particularly with the UK's departure from the European Union, and it's crucial to be aware of the current regulations to ensure a safe and stress-free journey. Driving in Ireland as a visitor comes with its own set of unique challenges and differences from driving in the UK, so being informed about these specifics beforehand can make all the difference. Whether you're bringing your own vehicle or renting one, understanding the insurance requirements is essential to stay on the right side of the law and fully enjoy your Irish adventure.

Am I insured to drive in Ireland?

UK drivers no longer need a Green Card to drive in Ireland

As per the updated agreement, UK drivers no longer need a Green Card to drive in Ireland. The "Green Card" insurance documents were required for UK motorists in the European Union after Brexit. However, under an agreement between the Motor Insurance Bureau of Ireland (MIBI) and the EU Commission, this is no longer necessary. This agreement means that those travelling from the UK to the EU, including those travelling from Northern Ireland to the Republic of Ireland, can avail of the general exemption afforded to EU-based motorists. This exemption allows motor vehicles to travel freely between other EU countries without requiring supplementary insurance documentation.

The Green Card was an international insurance document that showed proof that a motorist had the minimum level of car insurance required by the country they were visiting. In the past, if you lived in Northern Ireland and drove to the Republic of Ireland, or if you planned to drive your vehicle to mainland Europe, you would need a Green Card to prove you were insured. This requirement was a result of the UK's departure from the EU, as the country would no longer be part of the motor insurance directive, an EU directive.

However, as per the recent updates, UK vehicle insurance now provides the minimum third-party cover to drive in the EU, including Ireland. It is important to note that you still need to carry your UK driving licence with you when driving in the EU. Additionally, if you are involved in a road accident in an EU country, you should contact your insurance provider as soon as possible. Any legal proceedings against the responsible driver or the insurance provider will need to be brought in the EU or EEA country where the accident occurred.

Furthermore, the UK government now accepts valid Insurance Discs for Irish-registered vehicles travelling in the UK, including Northern Ireland, as proof of insurance. This means that for policyholders with up-to-date Insurance Discs, a Green Card is not required. Irish Road Traffic Law requires that you display your Insurance Disc on your windscreen at all times when driving in Ireland.

You may need third-party cover to drive borrowed vehicles

In Ireland, the minimum level of motor insurance required is third-party insurance. This type of insurance only covers claims made by other people for damage or injury you cause to them. Third-party insurance does not cover any accidental damage to your own vehicle.

If you want to drive a borrowed vehicle in Ireland, you need to check your Certificate of Insurance to see if you are covered to drive other cars. If you are, you will only have third-party cover, and the following conditions must be met:

• The vehicle is not owned by your spouse, partner, cohabitant, or employer, or hired to them under a hire-purchase or lease agreement.
• You have a full Irish, UK, or EU driving licence.
• The use of the other car is covered in your Certificate of Insurance.
• There is a current insurance policy in place in another person's name that covers the borrowed vehicle.
• You have the owner's permission to drive the vehicle.
• The vehicle is not being driven outside the territorial limits.
• Your insured vehicle is still in your possession, has a valid NCT, and is in roadworthy condition.

It is important to note that not all vehicles are covered under this extension. For example, vans, car-vans, or jeep-type vehicles with no seats in the back may not be covered. Additionally, there may be restrictions based on the engine size of the borrowed vehicle, and it must be taxed and have a valid NCT.

Driving on the left and overtaking on the right

Firstly, always be mindful of your position on the road. Driving on the left means staying to the left side of the road at all times, unless overtaking or turning right. It can be easy to veer towards the right, especially when you're not used to left-hand driving, so maintain a safe distance from the centre line to avoid potential head-on collisions.

When overtaking, move to the right-hand lane or use the right-hand side of your lane to pass slower vehicles. Remember, overtaking on the right is the norm in Ireland, so be prepared for other vehicles to overtake you in this manner as well. Always signal your intentions clearly and check your mirrors and blind spots before making any manoeuvres.

Be extra cautious when turning, especially at intersections and roundabouts. Remember that turning right will involve crossing oncoming traffic, so take your time and ensure it's safe before proceeding. When turning left, stay close to the left-hand side of the road and follow the natural curve of the turn to avoid cutting off other drivers or pedestrians.

Driving on rural roads or narrow lanes can be tricky, as they often lack centre lines or lane markings. In these situations, use your best judgement and stay as close to the left as possible. If you encounter an oncoming vehicle, one of you may need to pull over to a safe area to allow the other to pass. Always reduce your speed in such situations and be prepared to yield when necessary.

Lastly, practice and familiarity are key. If possible, practice driving on quieter roads or car parks to get a feel for the left-hand side of the car and the different positioning on the road. With time and experience, driving on the left and overtaking on the right will become second nature.

The potential for on-the-spot fines for road offences

Driving offences in Ireland are set out in the Road Traffic Acts 1961 (as amended). The penalties for these offences depend on the seriousness of the offence and, sometimes, on the number of previous offences. These penalties range from fixed charges (fines) to imprisonment for the most serious offences. Ireland also uses a penalty points system for driving offences.

• Driving without a valid licence: If you don't have your driving licence with you, you must bring it to a Garda station for inspection within 10 days. Driving with an expired licence can result in a fine of up to €1,000.
• Speeding: Driving over the speed limit will result in 3 penalty points and a fixed-charge fine of €160. If the fine is not paid within 28 days, it increases to €240. Failure to pay within 56 days can result in a court summons, with potential fines of up to €1,000 and up to 5 penalty points.
• Dangerous overtaking of a cyclist: This offence carries a fine of €120 and 3 penalty points if paid within 28 days. The fine increases to €180 if paid outside of 28 days and €240 as a third payment option. If convicted in court, 5 penalty points and a higher fine may be imposed.
• Driving without insurance: Driving without insurance can result in a fine of up to €5,000, 5 penalty points, and up to 6 months' imprisonment. Alternatively, the judge may decide to disqualify the driver from driving instead of imposing penalty points.
• Driving a defective vehicle: Operating a "dangerously defective" vehicle in a public place is an offence, with fines of up to €5,000 and/or imprisonment of up to 3 months. Driving with defective or worn tyres carries an initial fixed charge of €80, increasing to €120 if not paid within 28 days, along with 2 penalty points.
• Cycling offences: Cyclists who commit certain offences, such as cycling on pavements without "reasonable consideration," may face on-the-spot fines of €40. Failure to pay the fine within 26 days results in a 50% increase to €60, with a 56-day window to pay. Non-payment can lead to a court summons and potential fines of up to €2,000.

The requirement for current road tax and insurance

If you're planning to drive in Ireland, it's important to ensure that you have valid road tax and insurance in place. The requirements for road tax and insurance in Ireland are straightforward and essential for any driver to understand. Here is some detailed information about these requirements.

Road Tax: In Ireland, road tax is a mandatory annual payment for all vehicles used on public roads. The cost of road tax depends on the age and emissions of your vehicle. You can pay your road tax online, at selected post offices, or at your local motor tax office. Be sure to display the current road tax disc on your windscreen as proof of payment. Driving without valid road tax is illegal and can result in fines and penalties.

Vehicle Insurance: Third-party vehicle insurance is mandatory for all drivers in Ireland. This insurance covers any damage or injuries you may cause to others or their property in an accident. Comprehensive insurance, which includes damage to your vehicle, is optional but often advised. Carry your insurance certificate with you at all times when driving in Ireland. Failure to produce a valid insurance certificate when requested by a Garda (police officer) can lead to fines and legal consequences.

If you're bringing your vehicle to Ireland, ensure your insurance policy covers driving in the Republic of Ireland. Some insurance policies may have restrictions or specific conditions for driving abroad, so review your policy carefully. If renting a car in Ireland, the rental company typically provides the necessary insurance, but always confirm before your trip.

In summary, ensure your vehicle is properly taxed and insured when driving in Ireland. Keep your insurance certificate handy, and display the current road tax disc. By complying with these requirements, you can drive confidently, knowing you are legally covered in the event of any incidents on Irish roads.

Frequently asked questions