New system for identifying uninsured vehicles rolled out to frontline Gardai

More than 13,000 Gardaí working nationwide can now check a vehicle insurance status while on the roadside

A new system which allows members of An Garda Síochána to quickly and easily identify uninsured vehicles has been launched.

More than 13,000 Gardaí working nationwide can now check a vehicle insurance status while on the roadside by checking its registration on the Garda Mobility App.

Following its introduction, the new system has led to the seizure of 7,307 vehicles since January 2024, with 1,840 vehicles being seized in the month of April only, relating to no insurance.

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On a daily basis, the Motor Insurers' Bureau of Ireland (MIBI) now provides An Garda Síochána with the insurance details of over three million vehicles that are operating on Irish roads via the Irish Motor Insurance Database (IMID).

Driving a vehicle without insurance is against the law and perpetrators can face significant penalties, including having their vehicle seized on the spot, a court appearance, five penalty points as well as significant fines.

Research from the MIBI indicates that there is a high number of uninsured vehicles operating on our roads. In 2022, there were approximately 188,000 uninsured private vehicles in this country, meaning one in every 12 private vehicles were uninsured.

This research also shows that Ireland is among the highest-ranking European countries for uninsured vehicles – three times as high as the UK and four times the EU average.

An Garda Síochána Assistant Commissioner Roads Policing and Community Engagement, Paula Hilman said, "By having access to the Irish Motor Insurance Database through our Garda Mobility Devices, Gardaí are in a stronger position to detect those breaking the law by driving without insurance.

"Improved technology and data sharing are helping to transform roads policing in Ireland and ultimately help An Garda Síochána to keep road users safe. Today’s launch shows the considerable progress that can be achieved when we work in partnership and share data.”

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