Guide to Taxis: Vehicle used as a Taxi without a Licence

The Offence

It is an offence for the proprietor/owner of a taxi firm to have a vehicle operating which is not a licensed taxi and to knowingly allow it to be used as a taxi without the relevant private hire vehicle licence.
 
In addition, it is likely to invalidate the insurance in relation to that vehicle and you may also find you are being prosecuted for causing or permitting a vehicle to be driven without insurance. Please refer to our Driving without Insurance page for more information on this.

Do I need an NIP (Notice of Intended Prosecution) for offences relating to taxi proprietors allowing a vehicle to be used without an appropriate licence?

No, there is not a requirement for an NIP for offences relating to taxi proprietors allowing a vehicle to be used without the appropriate licence.

Punishment

Fine up to £1,000.

Defences

Any Defence is likely to hinge on whether you could have been expected to know that the vehicle was being used without the appropriate private hire vehicle licence.  This will be dependant on the facts of the case.  Therefore it is critical that the full circumstances of your case are examined to ensure your case is properly prepared.  If you face an allegation as a proprietor in relation to allowing vehicles to be used without the appropriate licence, we advise you contact us to take specialist legal advice.

Don't wait until it's too late. Call Motor Defence Team now, on 0800 2800 912, for a fixed fee consultation with a specialist lawyer.

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