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Buses and Coaches FAQs



Questions

  1. Do Enforcement Officers have authority to stop and detain Mini Buses, Buses and Coaches?
  2. What documents must be in force to legally operate a Mini Bus, Bus or Coach for hire and reward?
  3. What driving licence must I hold to drive a Minibus, Bus or Coach for hire and reward purposes?
  4. If I suspect that someone is operating a Minibus, Bus or Coach illegally can I complain to DVTA?
  5. Can I consume alcohol on a Public Service Vehicle?
  6. Do all Minibuses, Buses and Coaches require seatbelts to be fitted?
  7. I often transport children in a minibus fitted with seatbelts. Am I responsible if they don't wear their seatbelts?
  8. Can a driver be held responsible for any infringements detected by an enforcement officer if he doesn't own the vehicle


Answers

  1. Do Enforcement Officers have authority to stop and detain Mini Buses, Buses and Coaches?

Yes, they have legal authority to stop and detain Minibuses, Buses and Coaches under the Road Traffic (NI) Order 1995 and the Transport Act 1967.

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  1. What documents must be in force to legally operate a Mini Bus, Bus or Coach for hire and reward?

There must be a valid PSV (Vehicle Licence) and Road Service Licence in force for the vehicle. The vehicle must also be covered by insurance, which covers the carriage of passengers for hire and reward. Further information can be viewed at DVLNI website (opens in new window)

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  1. What driving licence must I hold to drive a Minibus, Bus or Coach for hire and reward purposes?

You must hold a full category D or D1 driving licence dependant on the number of seats fitted to the vehicle, which must include entitlement to drive the vehicle for hire & reward purposes. Detailed advice can be viewed at DVLNI website (opens in new window)

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  1. If I suspect that someone is operating a Minibus, Bus or Coach illegally can I complain to DVTA?

Yes, you can speak in confidence to an enforcement officer by telephoning 02890 254120 or alternatively write to the Agency's Enforcement Section at 148 - 158 Corporation Street, Belfast BT1 3DH. It is not necessary to disclose your identity when making complaints of this nature.

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  1. Can I consume alcohol on a Public Service Vehicle?

No, it is an offence for anyone to consume alcohol on a Public Service Vehicle, which upon conviction carries a maximum fine of £1000.

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  1. Do all Minibuses, Buses and Coaches require seatbelts to be fitted?

No, only Minibuses and Coaches are required to comply with seatbelt requirements in Northern Ireland. Buses are exempt.

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  1. I often transport children in a minibus fitted with seatbelts. Am I responsible if they don't wear their seatbelts?

The driver is responsible for ensuring that children wear their seatbelts whilst travelling in vehicle fitted with seatbelts.

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  1. Can a driver be held responsible for any infringements detected by an enforcement officer if he doesn't own the vehicle

Yes the driver can be held equally liable for use of an illegal vehicle on a road.

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