The Department of Transport in Ireland is planning to abolish paper discs for tax, insurance, National Car Test (NCT), and Commercial Vehicle Roadworthiness Test (CVRT) documents displayed on vehicle windscreens. The proposal aims to digitize these records, following the example of several other European countries, including the UK, which transitioned to digital records a decade ago.
Currently, motor vehicle insurance records are already being transferred digitally to the Irish Motor Insurance Database (IMID). However, the complete elimination of paper discs will only be possible when digital verification systems are fully operational and accessible to the gardaí.
If the transition proceeds smoothly, 2025 will be the last year paper discs are issued, with full implementation expected by early 2026. This move is expected to reduce the costs associated with printing discs and increase convenience for vehicle owners.
Despite the potential benefits, some experts express concern that if the digital inspection systems are not robust, it could lead to an increase in uninsured drivers on Irish roads, a problem that is already more prevalent in Ireland compared to many European countries.