EU decision on green cards

Authored by BIBA

The EU announced on 30 June a decision to waive the obligation to show a motor insurance Green Card for UK drivers entering the EU.  This requirement has been in place since 1 January 2021 following the UK’s departure from the EU for all motorists; both commercial and personal vehicle users will benefit from this change.

The decision does not take effect immediately, however.  The EU process to implement the decision requires publication in the official journal of the EU and then a waiting period of 20 days.  So drivers entering the EU must continue to obtain a green card from their insurer in the meantime.  We will let you know when the change takes effect.

The EU’s statement was issued in the context of finding solutions to implement the Protocol on Ireland and Northern Ireland, and of course is of particular benefit to Northern Ireland motorists who travel frequently across the border.  However, the decision applies to all UK motorists travelling to the EU.

BIBA is delighted that our Manifesto issue on Green Cards will shortly be resolved. In pre-Covid times, 2.6 million UK motorists including commercial vehicles and private cars would travel to the EU so this is welcome news.