Good News – No Green Cards needed after 2 August 2021
The European Commission has agreed to scrap the need for British motorists to prove they have third party insurance when driving in EU countries.
Not only will this help drivers in Northern Ireland when travelling across the border into Southern Ireland, but for those crossing the channel to Europe, it’s one less thing for British drivers to have to worry about.
Previously, if Brits didn’t have a green card, they could have been fined, prosecuted or had their vehicle impounded. But from 2 August 2021, these measures are being withdrawn.
If you’re driving to Europe before 2 August, you will still need to carry a Green Card – please call your local branch and we can arrange this for you. It’s also advisable that after 2 August, you continue to have a Green Card (until September), whilst border controls update their processes and align to this new ruling.
All EU countries, as well as Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and Liechtenstein have confirmed that International Driving Permits will not be required by UK visitors with Photocard driving licences. The full list of recommendations for driving abroad where an IDP may be required is available on: https://www.gov.uk/driving-abroad/international-driving-permit
Drivers taking a vehicle abroad for less than 12 months should carry the vehicle’s log book (V5) or a VE103 for hired or leased vehicles: https://www.gov.uk/taking-vehicles-out-of-uk/for-less-than-12-months
Do I need a Green Card for my trailer/caravan regardless of which EU/EEA countries I am visiting?
Not all countries require trailers and/or caravans to have a separate Green Card, however you are required to have one if travelling through a country that does require one. A list of the countries that require separate registration can be found on the Government website.
For more information and what other documents you may need, read our Brexit page.