Taxi and Limousine Licenses
In order to operate as a taxi business, you first need to obtain a PHV Operator’s Licence from your Local Authority if you want to run a business as a Private Hire Vehicle (PHV) Operator. You will also need the driver & vehicle licences if you are working as a one-person operator.
PHV Operator Licences last for a maximum of 5 years, driver licences for up to 3 years, and vehicle licences for up to one year.
The driver, vehicle and operator must all be licensed by the same Authority.
Penalties if your Licence is Refused
Your PHV Licence can be refused if the Authority is not satisfied that you meet its criteria of a “fit and proper person”, or if you do not accept the conditions it sets.
You can appeal to a Magistrates’ Court if:
- Your application has been refused; or
- The Licensing Authority has suspended, taken away or refused to renew your licence.
Rothera Bray Road Transport Solicitors can work closely with you to ensure that you have the correct licences in place and help with any appeal if your licence is compromised and penalties are imposed by your Local Authority. Our dedicated Transport Law Team regularly acts for those that operate taxi companies across the UK.
Limousines
Limousines must be run by a Licensed Operator unless they are being hired out without a driver.
For small limousines, those with fewer than 9 passenger seats, you will need a PHV Operator’s Licence. This is different inside London and outside London and Rothera Bray can help you accordingly to ensure that you have the correct licensing in place.
For large limousines, those with 9 or more passenger seats, you will need to obtain a Public Sector Vehicle (PSV) Operator’s Licence.
Most large limousines also come in scope of the EU Drivers’ Hours Rules because of the way that they are operated. When this is the case, the vehicle will also require a tachograph.
Penalties for not having the Correct Licence
Limousines can be destroyed or confiscated if they are not correctly licensed or your vehicles are not properly insured. For other offences you can be prosecuted and fined.
Further Information – Taxi & Limousine Licences
If you require further information on how to apply for a taxi or limousine licence, or if you have received penalties associated with incorrect licences or require help with driver licensing, please contact our Road Transport Law Team. Call today on 03456 465 465 or email transportlaw@rotherabray.co.uk.
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Natalie Abbott
Partner & Head of Employment
Natalie works in our Nottingham office. She is a Partner and Employment Law specialist with over 10 years’ experience representing both businesses and individuals across a range of employment services including settlement agreements, discrimination, dismissals and redundancy.
Anton Balkitis
Partner & Head of Transport
Anton Balkitis leads the Transport Law team and is a nationally recognised Transport and Motoring Law specialist at Nottingham-based law firm Rothera Bray Solicitors.
Olivia Maginn
Barrister & Senior Associate
Olivia Maginn is a transport and motoring law specialist at our Lace Market, Nottingham office.
Georgina Power
Associate Solicitor
Georgina Power is an Associate Solicitor in Rothera Bray’s Transport team and is based at our Lace Market office in Nottingham city centre.
Chelsey Sewell
Managing Paralegal
Chelsey Sewell is a paralegal in Rothera Bray’s transport and motorist offence department and is based at our Nottingham Lace Market office in the city centre.
Rebeca Large-Rodriguez
Paralegal
Rebeca Large-Rodriguez is a Paralegal in Rothera Bray’s Transport and Motorist Offence department and is based at our Lace Market office.
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