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Compliance FAQs: Taxis



Questions

  1. Do the Agency's Enforcement Officers have authority to stop and detain taxis?
  2. What documents must I hold in order to legally operate a taxi?
  3. Can I licence any type of motorcar as a taxi?
  4. If I suspect that someone is operating a taxi illegally can I complain to DVTA?
  5. What are the maximum penalties for operating an illegal taxi?
  6. As a taxi depot owner can I be held responsible if I use an illegal taxi to transport my customers?
  7. What should I do if I suspect a taxi driver has overcharged me for a journey?
  8. What laws regulate taxis in Northern Ireland?


Answers

  1. Do the Agency's Enforcement Officers have authority to stop and detain taxis?

Yes, they have legal authority to stop and detain taxis under the Road Traffic (NI) Orders 1981 and 1995.

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  1. What documents must I hold in order to legally operate a taxi?

You must hold a valid Taxi Drivers Licence, a PSV (Vehicle Licence) and an insurance certificate, which covers the use of the vehicle for taxi purposes. Further information on how to become a taxi driver can be viewed at http://www.dvlni.gov.uk/taxi_cust_serv.htm

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  1. Can I licence any type of motorcar as a taxi?

No, only vehicles that are approved suitable by the Department can be used. Your nearest DVA Testing Centre can advise you on the suitability of vehicles and the number of passengers which it may be licensed to carry.

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  1. If I suspect that someone is operating a taxi 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 Taxi Enforcement Team 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. What are the maximum penalties for operating an illegal taxi?

Upon conviction the maximum penalty for using an unlicensed taxi is a fine not exceeding £2500. Similarly driving a taxi without being the holder of a Northern Ireland Taxi Drivers Licence carries a maximum fine of £1000 plus 3 - 6 penalty points. Operating without proper insurance carries a maximum fine of £5000 plus 6 - 8 penalty points

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  1. As a taxi depot owner can I be held responsible if I use an illegal taxi to transport my customers?

Yes, anyone who uses an illegal taxi in this capacity is liable to prosecution

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  1. What should I do if I suspect a taxi driver has overcharged me for a journey?

In Northern Ireland only fares chargeable for journeys undertaken by Belfast Public Hire Hackney Carriages are regulated. These vehicles are fitted with a calibrated taximeter and exhibit approved fares on a tariff board displayed inside the passenger compartment. If you suspect you have been overcharged you should note the vehicles registration mark, taxi plate number, details of the journey made and any fare charged. This information should be forwarded to DVA's Taxi Enforcement Team as soon as possible after the event has occurred.

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  1. What laws regulate taxis in Northern Ireland?

Taxis are regulated under: County Borough of Belfast By Laws (Relating to Motor Hackneys Carriages) 1951 Public Service Vehicles Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1985 Public Service Vehicles (Condition of Fitness, Equipment and Use Regulations) (Northern Ireland) 1995 Road Traffic (Northern Ireland) Order 1981 Road Traffic (Northern Ireland) Order 1995 Transport Act (Northern Ireland) 1967 Copies of this legislation can be purchased from:- Her Majesty's Stationery Office, 16 Arthur Street, Belfast, BT1 4GD Or alternatively may be viewed online at www.northernirelandlegislation.hmso.gov.uk

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