Major rule change kicks in TODAY for Irish motorists as key insurance warning issued over new and current policies

IRISH motorists are being warned over a huge new rule kicking in today.As part of a crackdown on uninsured drivers, the change will give Gardai new insight into offences by drivers when on the roadside.RSA bosses took to social media to remind people of the changeSocial Media CollectDrivers will now need to give their driver number when taking out or renewing insurance under the new rules.

It is being implemented in hopes of targeting drivers on Irish roads who have failed to get insurance cover.Drivers in Ireland each are given a driver number which is unique to them.This number will never change regardless of the vehicle, policy or licence.



This number can be found under section 4(d) of your driving licence.It will now be an official offence for any insurance provider or broker to give insurance without being provided with the driver number.The driver number must be provided for all named drivers on the policy.

If a motorist fails to do so, they will not legally be able to receive the insurance.The new legislation will see the driver licence numbers being made available to Gardai on the roadside, the Motor Insurers’ Bureau of Ireland (MIBI) said.Gardai previously only have access to the Irish Motor Insurance Database (IMID) to detect uninsured drivers.

The new legislation was first announced in the Road Traffic and Roads Act 2023.The new move aims to boost road safety and improve the quality of drivers across the country.Speaking about the introduction earlier this month, Chief executive of the MIBI David Fitzgerald told Independent.

ie: “From March 31 onwards this legislative requirement will be a necessity for anyone who is looking to renew their motor insurance or to take out a new policy.”He added that the new law will give Gardai new insight into offences by drivers and make it easier to detect drivers committing illegal activities on the road.He added: “When combined with the impact the database is already making, allowing the Gardaí to identify uninsured drivers in seconds, this will further enhance the policing of Irish roads.

“We all want safer roads in this country and this adds another layer of effectiveness to IMID, aiding the battle against illegal driving activity.”Drivers must provide this number going forward to get insuranceGetty Images - Getty.