What is an unlicensed taxi?

Illegal taxicabs, sometimes known as pirate taxis, gypsy cabs, or jitney cabs, are taxicabs and other for-hire vehicles that are not duly licensed or permitted by the jurisdiction in which they operate.

Is it illegal to be a taxi driver without a license?

You can be prosecuted if you work as a taxi or PHV driver without a driver licence. A driver licence is usually issued for 3 years.

What is a licensed taxi?

In England and Wales, outside London, taxis (also referred to as 'Hackney Carriages') are licensed by district councils under the Town Police Clauses Act 1847 or the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976. All taxis and their drivers must be licensed.

How can you tell if a taxi is legit?

Hackney carriage taxis

They have an illuminated roof "TAXI" sign and a yellow licence plate on the rear. Taxis are found on taxi ranks or driving around the streets where they can be hailed. They can also be pre-booked. All taxis have a meter with a fare chart which is displayed inside the vehicle.

Is private taxi illegal?

All minicabs must be licensed by TfL and must be booked in advance. Any minicab that isn't booked by phone, email or in a licensed minicab office is illegal and unsafe. Sometimes touts are aggressive and intimidating to members of the public and law-abiding taxi and private hire drivers.

'Illegal and dangerous' livery cabs driving around NYC

How do I report an unlicensed driver to the DVLA?

Call the DVLA on their toll-free phone number at 0844 453 0118.

How can you tell if a taxi is real UK?

Taxis have a plate on the back showing their taxi licence number and the area they're licensed by. They usually have a 'TAXI' roof sign. Taxis can only be hailed in the area they're licensed by, but they can be pre-booked from anywhere.

Do taxis film you?

Is CCTV even legal? The Information Commissioners (ICO) view is that in most instances continuously recording CCTV in a cab is unlawful. Capturing people on video is considered extremely intrusive and is subject to strict data protection laws (GDPR).

Should I complain about a taxi driver?

If you're unhappy with the fare, quality of vehicle, driving or behaviour of a driver, or if you have any other issue about a taxi or minicab, you should report it immediately. You should also do the same if you believe a vehicle to be unlicensed.

How do I know if my taxi meter is tampered?

What is a private taxi?

Private hire, on the other hand, refers to pre-booked transportation services where the driver and vehicle are hired for a specific journey and time. Private hire vehicles are not allowed to pick up passengers without a prearranged agreement, as they follow a specific schedule.

Do taxi drivers have to display ID?

Badges and driver IDs

Please remember that taxi drivers must wear their badge, and private hire drivers must wear their driver ID, at all times while working. This is a public safety issue as it is an important way for members of the public to identify you as a licensed driver.

Do taxi drivers own their taxis?

Some taxi drivers own their own vehicles, especially if self-employed. While being self-employed can be more attractive to a taxi driver, mostly due to being able to take a bigger percentage of the fares received, it's worth bearing in mind the additional costs of licensing, fuel, and general upkeep of the vehicle.

Can any car be used as a taxi?

Many different types of vehicle are used as taxis. This is partly because of market choice but can also be a result of vehicle specifications required by local authorities. Most councils will accept most types of car as private hire vehicles, though there are usually some stipulations about engine size and seat width.

Can I use my own car for a taxi?

If your vehicle is being used as a taxi or private hire vehicle ( PHV ) you need to get it licensed. You can be prosecuted if you drive a vehicle as a taxi or PHV without a vehicle licence. A PHV can only be pre-booked. Taxis can also be hired at a rank or hailed in the street.

Can my wife drive my taxi?

Could my spouse drive the taxi for non-work related purposes? Yes, you can get your spouse insured on your taxi, but first make sure your licensing authority allows this or that your partner is a licensed private or public hire driver. If they are not, they may be unable to drive your taxi.

Is it illegal to yell taxi in England?

If you see that the light is on (you'll know if it is, it's a bright yellow light), then to hail the cab simply stand on the side of the pavement and extend your arm outward. There's no need to shout “taxi” and indeed, it's actually illegal to shout “taxi” whilst trying to hail a cab.

Can you sue a taxi driver if they crash?

If the accident was not the taxi driver's fault, then your claim would be against the other driver's insurance policy. If the taxi driver was at fault for causing the accident then you would pursue a claim against the insurer of the taxi driver.

Is it a crime to not pay a taxi?

Not paying taxi fare in the UK is considered to be a criminal offence under the Theft Act 1978. It is also known as making off without payment. The maximum sentence for this offence is 2 years imprisonment if tried on indictment or 6 months imprisonment if tried summarily.

Do all taxis have CCTV?

The consultation says that 10% of Taxis/PHVs have CCTV installed and this is based on driver surveys conducted in 2017/18 and 2019/20.

Can taxi drivers touch their phone?

In order to make and receive calls while driving, mobile phones must secured in a proper cradle and connected to a speaker. Drivers cannot touch the device to accept or decline a call, to check the time, send or read messages, send documents, take photos and videos, select music or visit websites and social media.

Do taxis record conversations?

Conversations must not be recorded, and operators should not listen in. Two-way audio feeds from 'help points' covered by CCTV cameras, where these are activated by the person requiring assistance. Where recording is triggered due to a specific threat, e.g. a 'panic button' in a taxi cab.

Can a black cab refuse a fare?

Taxi journeys that start and end in the area where that driver is licensed (controlled district) cannot be refused without reasonable excuse.

What is the meaning of black cab?

Meaning of black cab in English

a particular type of large car, usually black, with seats for passengers separated from the driver, used as a taxi which you can hail (= ask to stop and pick you up) in the street in London and some other British cities: I took a black cab from Paddington station.

What does NR3 stand for?

National Register of Taxi and Private Hire Licence Revocations and Refusals (NR3)