Motorists in the UK are being warned they should apply for a green card now - or risk being unable to drive in Europe after the Brexit deadline passes.
Whether or not a trade agreement is reached, all drivers from Britain who are planning on taking their vehicle to the EU after the transition period on December 31 will need a green card - and they will need to apply at least a month before travel.
This is unless the European Commission allows the UK to remain part of the free circulation zone - which enables drivers to enter the EU using their domestic motor insurance policy and without the need for additional documents.
While the green card - which British drivers will now have to carry if they are removed from the zone - operates as an international certificate issued by insurers and proves that visiting motorists have the minimum compulsory level of cover.
Those who do not comply risk having their vehicle seized and being prosecuted.
All EU countries are part of the green card free circulation zone but if the UK is removed from the free circulation zone, even motorists in Northern Ireland who drive to the Republic of Ireland will require a green card.
As the UK hurtles towards the Brexit transition deadline, demand for the document is expected to be high and motorists are warned to apply for a green card well in advance - even if an agreement hasn’t been reached for 2021 onwards.
Driving without a green card may become illegal post-Brexit and depending on the outcome of negotiations between the UK and EU, motorists could be asked for a green card or be subject to police checks at each border.
Drivers could also be required to have an international driving permit and those travelling through more than one country may need more than one type of permit.
ABI, a trade body representing insurance firms, has now written to Transport Secretary Grant Shapps urging him to put pressure on the European Commission to intervene and allow the UK to remain in the circulation free zone.
ABI assistant director Carol Hall said: “Insurers have put considerable resources into preparing for the need to issue green cards for travel from 1 January 2021 to minimise any disruption to motorists.
“While they are geared up to do so, it is without question that the best outcome for customers, road hauliers and insurers continues to be for the UK to be part of the green card free circulation zone.
“We appreciate the pragmatic approach the UK Government has taken on this matter, and we need them to press the EU Commission to agree that the UK and its motorists can stay in the green card free zone.”
