Irish drivers warned licences could be taken off them under strict new laws

Gardaí are gearing up for a substantial enhancement in their roadside monitoring capabilities with strict new laws set to shake things up for Irish drivers.

Soon, An Garda Síochána will be granted the ability to swiftly check licence numbers and insurance details due to significant amendments to existing legislation.

Transport Minister Eamon Ryan has recently signed commencement orders for fresh laws that are expected to revolutionise Irish road regulations come 31 March 2025.

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With the new rules coming into play, when motorists seek motor insurance policies, they'll have to provide not only their own driver's licence number but also those of any additional named drivers.

While Gardaí currently utilise the Irish Motor Insurance Database to pinpoint uninsured drivers on the move, as of 31 March, they're acquiring the authority to verify driver's licence numbers too.

The Assistant Commissioner overseeing roads policing and community engagement, Paula Hilman, has praised the upcoming legislative changes, believing they’ll profoundly reinforce the Gardaí’s mission to uphold the law on Irish streets.

Hilman stated, “For Gardai, having access to the Irish Motor Insurance Database on their Garda Mobility Devices puts them in a stronger position to detect those breaking the law by driving without insurance.”, reports Galway Beo.

She added, “The additional feature of having a person's Driver Number data available to Gardaí through the Irish Motor Insurance database will further strengthen our ability to keep road users safe. ”.

Moyagh Murdock, CEO of Insurance Ireland, has expressed her support for a government initiative aimed at increasing the detection of uninsured drivers, which she believes is "more important than ever."

Murdock commented: "The inclusion of Driver Numbers in the process is a further enabler of the system following the successful roll-out of the first two phases of the project."

She highlighted the impact of uninsured drivers on insurance premiums, stating: "With an 11% growth in claims in 2023 caused by uninsured vehicles reported by the Motor Insurers' Bureau of Ireland, increased detection of uninsured vehicles is more important than ever. Every uninsured driving claim is adding to the premium of law-abiding drivers."

Murdock also noted the proactive steps taken by insurers: "In advance of the commencement of the new legislation, Insurance Ireland members have been making significant progress in collecting Driver Numbers from policy holders with over 2 million already in their back book."

She advised drivers: "The Driver Number can be found in section 4(d) of an Irish Driver Licence or Learner Permit. Be sure to give yourself enough time to have the number to hand at renewal time, or if you are taking out motor insurance for the first time."

Finally, she reminded policyholders: "You will need all Driver Numbers if you are changing insurer or are adding a named driver to your policy."