10/11/2025
Police Launch Crack Down On Uninsured Drivers
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) is running a week-long proactive operation, 'Operation Drive Insured,' from today, Monday 10 November until 16 November, as part of a national campaign to crack down on uninsured drivers.
The week of action involves Roads Policing Teams, supported by District colleagues, and is being run in partnership with the Motor Insurers' Bureau (MIB). The operation aims to reduce the number of people killed or seriously injured on Northern Ireland's roads by detecting and seizing uninsured vehicles.
According to data released by the MIB, Belfast is among 12 of the UK's top uninsured driving hotspots.
Superintendent John Wilson of the PSNI stressed the clarity of the law and the consequences for non-compliance: "The law regarding vehicle insurance is clear - before you drive a vehicle, it is your responsibility to ensure you have the appropriate insurance cover in place.
"When we detect an uninsured driver, the vehicle will be seized on the spot and they will face the full rigour of the law."
The PSNI's preliminary figures indicate that between 1 January and 6 November this year, 1,461 vehicles were seized across Northern Ireland for being driven without insurance.
The financial and legal consequences of driving uninsured are severe:
• Roadside Fine: A fixed penalty carries a fine of £200 and six penalty points.
• Magistrates Court: The offence can carry six to eight penalty points with the option of a discretionary disqualification and an unlimited fine.
• Vehicle Seizure: Uninsured vehicles will be seized immediately. The owner must produce a valid policy and pay a release fee (including recovery and storage charges). After 14 days, the vehicle may be disposed of to recover costs.
Superintendent Wilson added that while the operation focuses on detection, it is also about educating drivers on "innocent mistakes" such as assuming a policy will auto-renew, believing comprehensive insurance covers driving other vehicles, or failing to check if the policy covers business use.
The week of action involves Roads Policing Teams, supported by District colleagues, and is being run in partnership with the Motor Insurers' Bureau (MIB). The operation aims to reduce the number of people killed or seriously injured on Northern Ireland's roads by detecting and seizing uninsured vehicles.
According to data released by the MIB, Belfast is among 12 of the UK's top uninsured driving hotspots.
Superintendent John Wilson of the PSNI stressed the clarity of the law and the consequences for non-compliance: "The law regarding vehicle insurance is clear - before you drive a vehicle, it is your responsibility to ensure you have the appropriate insurance cover in place.
The PSNI's preliminary figures indicate that between 1 January and 6 November this year, 1,461 vehicles were seized across Northern Ireland for being driven without insurance.
The financial and legal consequences of driving uninsured are severe:
• Roadside Fine: A fixed penalty carries a fine of £200 and six penalty points.
• Magistrates Court: The offence can carry six to eight penalty points with the option of a discretionary disqualification and an unlimited fine.
• Vehicle Seizure: Uninsured vehicles will be seized immediately. The owner must produce a valid policy and pay a release fee (including recovery and storage charges). After 14 days, the vehicle may be disposed of to recover costs.
Superintendent Wilson added that while the operation focuses on detection, it is also about educating drivers on "innocent mistakes" such as assuming a policy will auto-renew, believing comprehensive insurance covers driving other vehicles, or failing to check if the policy covers business use.
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08 April 2009
Over 1,000 Untaxed Vehicles Clamped
Untaxed vehicles are being targeted in a major enforcement campaign. Over 1,000 untaxed vehicles were 'clamped' across Northern Ireland in a New Year operation, it was revealed today. NI Environment Minister Sammy Wilson said that a total of 1,074 unlicensed vehicles were removed from the roads during 'Operation Evader'.
Over 1,000 Untaxed Vehicles Clamped
Untaxed vehicles are being targeted in a major enforcement campaign. Over 1,000 untaxed vehicles were 'clamped' across Northern Ireland in a New Year operation, it was revealed today. NI Environment Minister Sammy Wilson said that a total of 1,074 unlicensed vehicles were removed from the roads during 'Operation Evader'.
30 November 2022
44 Vehicles Seized Across NI In Insurance Clampdown
PSNI officers have seized 44 uninsured vehicles across NI as part of a UK-wide Op Drive Insured campaign supported by the Motor Insurers' Bureau (MIB). Of the vehicles seized, 14 have already been insured and released. Each driver detected will have received both a £200 on the spot fine and six penalty points on their driving licence.
44 Vehicles Seized Across NI In Insurance Clampdown
PSNI officers have seized 44 uninsured vehicles across NI as part of a UK-wide Op Drive Insured campaign supported by the Motor Insurers' Bureau (MIB). Of the vehicles seized, 14 have already been insured and released. Each driver detected will have received both a £200 on the spot fine and six penalty points on their driving licence.
25 November 2025
Police Seize 58 Uninsured Vehicles In One Week Across NI
Police officers across Northern Ireland seized 58 uninsured vehicles between 10 and 16 November, as part of the UK-wide Operation Drive Insured campaign, supported by the Motor Insurers' Bureau (MIB). Superintendent Jonathan Wilson highlighted the scale of the detection: "Normally, on average, we seize around 30 vehicle for no insurance every week.
Police Seize 58 Uninsured Vehicles In One Week Across NI
Police officers across Northern Ireland seized 58 uninsured vehicles between 10 and 16 November, as part of the UK-wide Operation Drive Insured campaign, supported by the Motor Insurers' Bureau (MIB). Superintendent Jonathan Wilson highlighted the scale of the detection: "Normally, on average, we seize around 30 vehicle for no insurance every week.
04 June 2014
New Law To Tackle Uninsured Drivers
A public consultation has been launched today on new proposals that could make it illegal to be in possession of an uninsured vehicle, as opposed to current regulations that only prohibit driving without insurance.
New Law To Tackle Uninsured Drivers
A public consultation has been launched today on new proposals that could make it illegal to be in possession of an uninsured vehicle, as opposed to current regulations that only prohibit driving without insurance.
19 November 2025
Infrastructure Minister Assures Public On Winter Service Readiness
Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has confirmed that the Department's winter service team is fully prepared for the onset of colder weather, which is expected to bring challenging conditions to Northern Ireland's roads.
Infrastructure Minister Assures Public On Winter Service Readiness
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.