Guide to Taxi Driver Offences

Having penalty points on a licence can be serious but for taxi drivers it can result in the end of their livelihood. There are number of rules and regulations that apply specifically to taxi drivers and the vehicles that they drive.

Taxi Drivers and Penalty Points

Losing a licence over accrued penalty points can be seriously detrimental to a taxi driver including losing their taxi driving employment. Understandably the government has laid down a set of rules and regulations with regards to taxi driver offences. These rules not only safeguard the public in general but also the passengers carried using this type of transportation. The list of offences that can be applied to taxi drivers is a long one and will come with a range of fines and punishments. Solicitors will be able to provide information and advice on the full list of the many offences that can apply to taxi drivers.

Taxi Drivers and Licences

Driving without a valid taxi licence has been a common problem especially in larger cities. It is an offence for a driver to ply for trade without a licence. Drivers who commit this offence can face fines of up to £2500. This offence is likely to invalidate any car insurance held and drivers can then be charged with driving without insurance. Taxi drivers who are requested by the police or the local authorities to produce a licence must do so within five days. Failure to produce a licence within five days can lead to fines of up to £1000.

Drink Driving in Charge of a Taxi

Drink driving is of course a serious and dangerous driving offence. Taxi drivers do hold responsibility for the passengers that they carry. A taxi driver found to be over the legal limit while in charge of their vehicle can be fined up to £250 but the charge of drink driving will no doubt also be applied. Drink driving fines and punishments can include a custodial sentence and a fine of up to £5000. Up to 11 penalty points can be applied and driving disqualification may also be imposed. Disqualified drivers may be required to sit an extended driving test after the ban period has expired.

Falsifying Details When Applying for a Taxi Licence

Giving a false name and address on an application form when applying for a taxi licence is an offence. It is also an offence for the owner of a taxi company to permit a driver to drive a taxi if they are aware the application details given were incorrect. This offence carries a fine of up to £250. The name that is required for a taxi application must be the driver’s legal name and their present address.

Taxi Drivers and Incorrect Fares

Taxi drivers who are licensed by local authorities can be prosecuted for applying fares over the fare permitted by the local authority. This offence can lead to fines of up to £1000 for each offence. Passengers can also request a refund of the amount that was overcharged. This offence does not apply to private hire car owners who do not have the same limits imposed by local authorities. There may be defences open to solicitors over this offence such as defective taxi meters.

Smoking Whilst Driving a Taxi

Under the anti smoking ban, taxi drivers can be fined for smoking in their vehicle. The smoke free law covers all taxis as well as mini cabs. All taxis used to carry passengers must be smoke free at all times and prominent ‘No Smoking’ signs must be displayed in vehicles. Taxi drivers cannot smoke in their vehicles even if there are no passengers present. This offence can carry a £50 fixed penalty notice but failure to pay this fine can mean additional fines plus court costs, council costs and victim’s surcharges.

Carrying Disabled Passengers in a Taxi

It is now an offence for a taxi or taxi hire company to refuse transportation of a disabled person accompanied by a guide dog. Taxi drivers can also not apply additional charges for disabled people accompanied by guide dogs. This offence can lead to a fine of up to £1,000. There may be certain reasons why a taxi driver cannot transport dogs, such as medical conditions. If this is the case then this certification should be on prominent display in the taxi.

These are only a few of the wide ranging regulations and offences that apply to taxi drivers. There are also many offence including vehicle defects that apply to taxi drivers. Local authorities can have their own rules and regulations that specifically apply to taxi drivers who operate within their area. Legal advice should always be sought by any driver who is facing court appearances over motoring offences.

Our Facebook Fan Page

Why not join the NoPenaltyPoints Fan Page so we can keep you up to speed with our thoughts and maybe you can share yours or ask a question (there's a join button up on the left!)...