Using a vehicle without valid compulsory insurance

The contractual expiry date does not always mean that cover ends immediately: annual RCA policies have a statutory 15-day grace period, while different rules may apply to temporary policies. Once cover has actually ended, the vehicle must not be driven or left parked on a public road without compulsory insurance. Serious sanctions apply and, in the circumstances prescribed by law, the vehicle may be seized with a view to confiscation. Valid cover must be restored before the vehicle returns to use; expiry of the policy does not by itself require a technical inspection.