A new system which allows Gardai to quickly and easily identify uninsured vehicles has been launched today.
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.
The system was formally launched today 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.
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.”
