Following discussions between the European Commission and the UK Government, it is no longer a legal requirement to carry a Green Card when driving in Europe as the UK has been added to the Green Card Free Circulation Area. This came into effect from 2nd August 2021, making it much easier for British motorists to drive abroad in EU and EEA states, as well as European motorists driving in the UK.
Private motorists no longer need to worry about the additional paperwork when travelling between the UK and the continent. The most significant benefit of removing the Green Card requirement for travel will be seen in Ireland and Northern Ireland, where over 43 million border crossings take place every year.
The Green Card Free Circulation Area (GCFCA) is an area consisting of all 30 European Economic Area (EEA) Countries, with the addition of Andorra, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Montenegro, Serbia and Switzerland.
The UK was previously a member of the Free Circulation Area, but this ended in January 2021 when the UK officially left the European Union. It has since been a requirement to carry a Green Card to evidence you have the minimum legal cover whilst driving in Europe.
The Motor Insurance Bureau (MIB) definition of a green card is ‘an international certificate of insurance proving visiting motorists have the minimum compulsory insurance cover required by the law of the country visited.’
A Green Card provides proof of insurance for British motorists. Each Green Card is unique to a different vehicle and has the names of those insured to drive it.
They can be obtained directly from your motor insurer and typically last for 90 days.
Date Created: 06/10/2021
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