The end of the green sticker is scheduled: what we know

It is a revolution, in its own way, for French drivers: the green sticker, this tangible proof of automobile insurance which adorns the windshield of our cars, will soon disappear. In fact, from April 1, 2024, this little label will no longer be. But what is the reason for this change?

It all started in 2019 when the police and gendarmes were granted access to the insured vehicle file (FVA). Thanks to this system, in a few seconds they can check whether a vehicle is insured or not. In this context, the green sticker is nothing more than a vestige of a bygone era, a formality now redundant. “ No rule relating to the obligation of car insurance is modified. What changes is just its justification”insists the Minister of the Economy Bruno Le Maire.

The FVA, or insured vehicle file, was established in 2016. It is a dematerialized database that insurance companies supply. They are required to include specific information such as vehicle registration, name of insurer, contract number and validity period, within 72 hours after subscription or termination. automobile civil liability coverage.

The disappearance of the green sticker, beyond the administrative simplicity it implies for motorists, also means a reduction in the risk of fines. Indeed, until now, the absence or non-presentation of this sticker during an inspection resulted in a fine of 35 euros. A sanction which will therefore no longer be necessary.

Another important consideration regarding green card removal is economic and environmental impact. Indeed, by no longer printing, no longer packaging and no longer sending this card, a saving estimated at around 60 million euros per year could be made.

On an environmental level, this represents an emissions reduction of 1,237 tonnes of CO2. The online insurer Leocare also highlights another major advantage: the fight against fraud. According to their estimates, this fraud alone represents 10% of the total cost of insurance. Dematerialization, in addition to its economic and ecological advantages, is therefore also part of an approach to securing and optimizing the insurance market.

Digitization and modernity

This isn’t the only innovation on the horizon for drivers. Digitalization is gaining ground, and the driving license is no exception. Soon, it will be possible to have a digital version of the driving license on your smartphone. In the event of a traffic stop, all you need to do is present your phone to the police.

This system also offers other advantages: easier updating, less risk of loss, and constant accessibility. However, for the more traditional or for those who prefer to have physical proof, the paper version of the driving license will remain available.