Section 12: Renting and owning a taxi

Section 12: Renting and owning a taxi

This section provides information on taxi vehicle licensing and taximeters

Renting a taxi

It is important that you meet the terms of your hire contract with the owner of your taxi. If you fail to make rental payments, the owner may use the civil courts in order to get the money you owe them.

If you fail to return the taxi to the owner for maintenance, this could affect passenger safety, and we may review your fitness to be licensed.

Owning a taxi

Buying your own taxi is a big investment and responsibility. We advise newly licensed taxi drivers to wait at least six months before buying a taxi and to rent a taxi instead. After this period, you will know how many hours a week you need to work to cover your costs and also make a reasonable income.

Licensing your taxi

When your taxi has been licensed, you will be issued with a paper licence and plates for fixing to the vehicle. This section summarises some of your responsibilities and gives practical advice. For more information, visit our applying for a taxi vehicle licence web page.

Taxi vehicle licences last for one year and your vehicle must undergo a licensing inspection every year. These inspections are carried out by a company called Marston at five inspection centres around London.

Special inspections Your taxi may be required to have a special inspection. This could be because you or TfL ask for one.

The reasons include:

• Traffic collisions
• Compliance (on-street stop note)
• Passenger complaints
• Replacement licence and/or plate because of collision damage, change of vehicle registration number or Epsom and Ewell dual licence

Lost or stolen plates

If you require an inspection for one of these reasons, call Marston on 0343 222 5555 and specify the type of inspection required.

Collision damage

You must inform us of any collision damage that materially affects the safety, comfort or appearance of your taxi. The vehicle may need to be re- examined before it can continue to be used as a taxi. If you require further advice, contact us.

Expired licence and plates

If you are the licensee, you must return your licence and plates to us or to a Marston inspection centre no later than three days after the expiry date. The taxi licence plates remain the Property of TfL at all times.

Replacement licence plates

If the taxi licence plates are damaged, call Marston on 0343 222 5555 for an appointment as soon as possible so replacement licence plates can be fitted.

Lost /stolen licence or plate

If the taxi licence or plates are stolen, you must immediately:

• Report the incident to the police
• Obtain a crime reference number
• Report the incident to TfL so we can offer further advice

Change of ownership

If you buy or sell a currently licensed taxi, you must complete the reverse side of the taxi licence within 14 days from the date of transfer of ownership.

If you are the new owner and you want the licence to be transferred to your name, you must also complete Sections A, B and C of the licence before it is returned to us. We will then issue a replacement licence in your name.

Taximeters

You must ensure that the taximeter and other devices (including the printer) are not removed from your taxi without our permission. The taximeter and devices must remain sealed (closed and protected) during the life of the taxi licence. If a fault occurs that causes a seal to be broken or removed, a new seal must be replaced by a TfL-approved installer within 24 hours of the fault occurring, or as soon as possible.

Allowing another driver to use your taxi

Your taxi can only be used as a taxi by a licensed London taxi driver. If you allow another taxi driver to ply for hire in your taxi, you must keep their original taxi driver‘s licence. You must be able to show that licence for inspection when asked by an authorised officer.

Change to the vehicle registration number

If you change the vehicle registration number of your taxi, your taxi must be inspected as soon as you have been given the new number. Call Marston on 0343 222 5555 to make an appointment at an inspection centre. You will need to take the following documents with you:

• The completed declaration on the reverse (back) of the existing licence
• Appropriate evidence from the DVLA that confirms the transfer has been made
• An insurance certificate that shows the new registration number
• The registration plate with the new number fixed to the taxi
• A taximeter installation certificate Updated to show the new number
• Wheelchair ramps stamp ed with the new registration number (if your taxi ‘s wheelchair ramp has the registration number stamped on it)

You will then be issued with a replacement licence and plates.

Advertisements

You do not normally need approval from TfL for advertisements displayed in or on a taxi unless they involve an electronic system or if they feature a language other than English.

Renewing your taxi vehicle licence

Marston will send you a reminder to renew your taxi vehicle licence approximately 10 weeks before your existing licence expires. This will be by letter or through your online customer account.

If your taxi is registered with us, you can book your annual inspection online. You will need your registration and credit card details – your appointment will only be confirmed after payment has been made. You can also confirm, cancel or rearrange licensing and re-test inspections through your online account.

If your taxi has not previously been registered with us, call 0343 222 5555 to book your appointment.

If your taxi is inspected within 30 days of the expiry of the current licence and it passes the inspection first time, the replacement licence will start from the date of expiry of the old licence.

Please be aware that if you fail to attend an inspection appointment, the taxi will not be exempt from the Congestion Charge or ULEZ charge when the licence expires and you will then become responsible for the daily charge.

Revoking a taxi vehicle licence

If your taxi driver‘s licence is suspended or revoked, and you own your taxi, we may revoke the vehicle licence as well if there is any risk to public safety. For example, if there is evidence the vehicle could be used as a taxi by somebody without a taxi driver‘s licence, or if a driver has been charged with or convicted of a serious violent or sexual offence.