Do limousines, chauffeur services and wedding cars etc need to licensed as a Private Hire Vehicle?
The Road Safety Act 2006, Section 53 repealed the part of Section 75 Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976, which exempted certain categories of private hire vehicles and drivers from the need to be licensed if they conducted their business by having hire contracts of not less than seven days.
This change was introduced in the interests of public safety, enabling local authorities to conduct suitability and safety checks on drivers and vehicles offering this type of service.
From January 2008 a wide range of drivers, vehicles and operators who were previously exempt, now need to be licensed. In general terms these include executive hire, chauffeur services, park and ride, private ambulance services, and stretch limousines.
Vehicles used solely for weddings and funerals remain exempt from licensing. Any vehicle proprietor or operator who is in any doubt about whether vehicles need to be licensed should discuss this with the licensing service, and, if necessary seek independent legal advice.