In a move to crack down on uninsured drivers, the Irish government has rolled a new measure that requires motorists to furnish their driver number to their insurer while applying for a policy from next year.
The measure, which comes into force on March 31, will also require the driver numbers of named drivers to be provided.
A nine-digit driver number can be found on a person’s driving licence.
Under the new measure, all insurers and intermediaties acting on their behalf are required to collect driver number data and get them validated against the Department of Transport’s National Vehicle and Driver File.
This step is mandatory before issuing a motor insurance policy and moving to the Irish Motor Insurance Database (IMID).
Gardai, which have the access to IMID, can then check driver insurance status and the driver number at the side of the road.
Commenting on the move, An Garda Síochána Assistant Commissioner – Roads Policing and Community Engagement, Paula Hilman said: “For Gardaí, having access to the Irish Motor Insurance Database on their Garda Mobility Devices puts them in a stronger position to detect those breaking the law by driving without insurance.”