It has been revealed that Irish drivers in the UK will not need a Green Card in the event of a no-deal Brexit.

A Green Card is an internationally recognised insurance document which proves that valid motor insurance is in place.

The cards provide a guarantee of insurance for a minimum of 15 days and can remain valid until the expiry date of the motor insurance policy, providing cover for multiple trips.

The Motor Insurers' Bureau of Ireland (MIBI) says valid Irish insurance discs will serve as proof of insurance for those driving in UK, including Northern Ireland.

This follows detailed discussions between the MIBI and the UK Department of Transport.

In advance of the original Brexit deadline of March 29th this year, the MIBI had cautioned that Green Cards would be required for all Irish-registered motor vehicles travelling in the UK, including Northern Ireland, if a no-deal Brexit happened.

Cars stopped at traffic lights in Germany | Image: Andreas Arnold/DPA/PA Images

But the UK Department of Transport has now confirmed that law enforcement authorities in the UK, including Northern Ireland, will accept valid Irish insurance discs as proof of insurance for Irish vehicles.

However in a no-deal scenario, the Green Cards would still be needed for UK-registered vehicles visiting European Union countries - including Ireland.

The cards will not be required if an agreement is reached between the UK and the EU on Brexit, or if a transitional arrangement is implemented.

As a continuing member of the EU, Ireland remains subject to the collective EU position.

MIBI chief executive, David Fitzgerald says: "This is really positive news which should come as a relief to anyone who needs to travel to the UK, including Northern Ireland.

"Valid Irish insurance discs will now serve the same purpose as Green Cards.

"Effectively that negates the need for additional documentation for any Irish registered vehicles travelling to the UK, including Northern Ireland, in the event of a no-deal Brexit."