Half of UK drivers unaware they need this crucial thing to drive in the EU after Brexit

The study comes as Boris Johnson tries to pass his new Brexit deal through the House of Commons, with a vote expected this afternoon. The RAC survey revealed a massive 55 percent of those surveyed did not know they needed a green card to drive in the EU in the event of a no-deal Brexit. The research also showed just 35 percent of drivers had heard of a green card despite motorists potentially needing one to drive in the EU in less than two weeks. The cards will be needed to drive anywhere in the EU in the event of a no-deal exit and are used to prove a motorist has sufficient car insurance for the area they are driving in. Motor green cards will not be automatically sent out to motorists and those who need one must apply for a card before setting off on holiday.

The RAC study also revealed an age split on knowledge of the green card system as 55 percent of those over the age of 65 claimed they were aware of the rule.

In comparison, just 20 percent of drivers between the ages of 18 and 24 said they understood the policy.  

A staggering one in five motorists in the study of 2,000 claimed they were not aware they needed to hold a valid driving licence when travelling in the EU.

Executive Director at the British Insurance Brokers Association, Graeme Trudgill said the research confirmed people driving in Europe would be caught unawares by the changes.

The group said they were working with The Association of British Insurers (ABI) and the Department for Transport to raise awareness of the scheme with days left before Brexit could come into effect.

Drivers who do not carry a card when driving in the EU would be breaking the law and could face a devastating blow to holiday plans.

If they are caught, UK motorists could see their car seized by officials and even banned from driving in the country during their visit.

ABI chiefs recommend drivers should apply for a green card around one month until they set off on a trip to allow time for the insurer to process an application.

In a statement, ABI Director of Regulation Hugh Savill, said insurers had issued over 400,000 green cards to customers and had notified customers what they needed to do in the event of no deal.

He added: “As things currently stand, all drivers planning to take their vehicle to the EU after 31 October should, if they have not already done so, contact their motor insurer to arrange for a Green Card in good time for their trip.”

Government chiefs recommend drivers also purchase an international driving permit (IDP) if they plan to travel across the continent after 31 October.

This is because some countries in the EU and European Economic Area may require an IDP to drive in their countries in the event of a no-deal.

According to the RAC, drivers travelling to Ireland Malta, Spain or Cyprus may need to apply for a 1949 IDP which is valid for 12 months.

A different 1968 IDP may be required to drive across all other EU states. These are valid for three years.

British cars will also need to display a GB sticker on their cars when travelling in any of the 27 EU member states.

EU citizens travelling to the UK will also be required to hold a green card to avoid any issues when travelling in Britain. 

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