The Council of the European Union has confirmed that the Temporary Protection Directive (TPD), originally introduced in March 2022 following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, has now been extended until 4 March 2026.
For fleet operators and transport managers across Ireland, this decision has important implications, particularly for those employing or supporting Ukrainian drivers. Here's a summary of what you need to know and how to stay compliant.
What is the Temporary Protection Directive (TPD)?
The TPD is an EU-wide emergency mechanism that provides immediate protection to non-EU nationals who are unable to safely return to their home countries. It allows individuals fleeing Ukraine to legally live, work and drive in Ireland and other EU countries without having to go through the usual asylum process.
Key Updates for Drivers and Operators
✅ Ukrainian Driving Licences Remain Valid
Ukrainians living in Ireland under temporary protection can continue to use their Ukrainian-issued driving licences.
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There is no requirement to exchange their licence for an EU version.
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No additional driving test is needed.
This remains in effect until March 2026, helping reduce administrative burden for both drivers and fleet operators.
✅ Recognition of Ukrainian CPC and Professional Driving Qualifications
Professional qualifications for truck and bus drivers obtained in Ukraine are also temporarily recognised in the EU.
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Drivers must complete relevant training and checks for their qualifications to remain valid.
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The extended recognition now runs through to March 2026.
This enables operators to legally employ qualified Ukrainian drivers without lengthy delays or retraining costs.
✅ Expired Licences and CPC Cards Still Accepted
The Road Safety Authority (RSA) has confirmed that Ukrainian drivers can continue to operate vehicles in Ireland even if:
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Their driving licence has expired
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Their Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) has expired
A list of applicable drivers has been provided to the Gardaí and RSA officers for verification during roadside checks.
Code 95.1 – What It Means
Drivers with CPC cards displaying “Code 95.1” in Section 12, with an expiry date of 06/03/2025, are still considered valid.
They may continue driving professionally for all licence categories listed on their card, despite the technical expiry date.
This is particularly relevant for operators using digital tachograph systems or managing compliance manually.
RSA Guidance for Employers
The RSA and Department of Transport are actively managing this process and will share updates as needed.
In the meantime:
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All affected drivers with Code 95.1 CPC cards have received an email confirming their extended validity.
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Drivers are advised to keep a printed or digital copy of this email with them while driving.
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Employers should keep a copy of this confirmation on file for each relevant driver.
This can help prevent confusion or delays during compliance checks by RSA Transport Officers or Gardaí.
What Should Operators Do Now?
To stay compliant and avoid unnecessary downtime:
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Confirm which drivers are affected by this extension.
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File each driver’s confirmation email securely in case it’s requested by authorities.
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Inform your operations or HR team to ensure everyone is aware of the change.
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Reach out to the RSA or your transport compliance advisor if you have any doubts.
Final Thoughts
The extension of the Temporary Protection Directive provides welcome continuity for Ukrainian drivers and employers across Ireland. At Transpoco, we understand the operational challenges transport and fleet managers face when navigating regulatory changes.
If your business relies on professional drivers, staying informed is key. We’ll continue monitoring updates from the RSA and Department of Transport to make sure our customers and industry partners are always up to date.
