New technology to catch thousands of uninsured drivers launched

New technology will allow 13,000 gardaí around the country detect uninsured drivers on our roads from today, May 24. 

Research has found that there are nearly 190,000 uninsured drivers in Ireland, with close to 2,000 cars being seized last month alone. 

The new system which allows members of An Garda Síochána to quickly and easily identify uninsured vehicles has been formally launched by Minister for Justice, Helen McEntee T.D. and An Garda Síochána Assistant Commissioner, Roads Policing and Community Engagement, Paula Hilman at an event in Millennium Park in Blanchardstown, Dublin this morning.

They were joined by the Minister for State at the Department of Finance with responsibility for Financial Services, Credit Unions and Insurance, Neale Richmond T.D., Moyagh Murdock, CEO of Insurance Ireland and David Fitzgerald, CEO of the Motor Insurers’ Bureau of Ireland (MIBI).

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.

This new system to support An Garda Síochána was co-ordinated through much collaboration between the Department of Transport, the Department of Justice, An Garda Síochána, Insurance Ireland and the MIBI. It follows legislative change and the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding agreement between An Garda Síochána and the MIBI.

On a daily basis, the MIBI now provides An Garda Síochána with the insurance details of over 3 million vehicles that are operating on Irish roads via the Irish Motor Insurance Database (IMID).

The announcement comes on ‘National Insurance Enforcement Day’ – An Garda Síochána’s nationwide initiative with a focus on detecting drivers who are operating without insurance on Irish roads.

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 1 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 in the UK and four times the EU average.

 Speaking at today’s event, 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.”

Launching the new system, Minister for Justice, Helen McEntee T.D. said, "The Irish Motor Insurance Database is an important tool for An Garda Síochána to detect and pursue those who drive on our roads without insurance. 

"The information sharing between the Motor Insurers’ Bureau of Ireland and An Garda Síochána, will play a significant role in improving road safety and I thank everybody involved for their work on developing and progressing this initiative.

 "It is great to see first-hand the efficiency and effectiveness of the new technology that Government has invested in for Gardaí – mobile devices, automatic number plate recognition, and information sharing technologies – all of which strengthen the ability of Gardaí to tackle criminality and contribute to the improved safety of our roads and our communities. 

"Road safety is a significant priority for Government and this new initiative is just one of a number of steps we are taking. In the last Budget I secured increased funding for more GoSafe speed cameras and to expand the Roads Policing Unit. The recent decision by An Garda Síochána to ensure that all uniformed Gardaí complete a mandatory 30 minutes of road safety policing per shift will also play a key role in ensuring people are safe on our roads.”

David Fitzgerald, CEO of the MIBI said: "Uninsured driving has been a problem in this country for too long, but now the days of drivers thinking they can get away with driving without insurance are over. That is why this new system doesn’t just mark progress but it represents an essential weapon in the battle to improve road safety. 

"Our message is clear, Ireland is closed to uninsured driving and this new system means anyone who is foolish enough to risk it will be caught and will face all the significant legal consequences that comes with that.”