What rights do taxi drivers have?
Taxi drivers have the right to go about their work in peace and collect payment for it. This does mean that they can pre-vet passengers before deciding whether or not to accept a fare. It also means that they have the right to insist that passengers sit in the back and to install protective equipment in their vehicles.
Drivers also have the right to choose what payment methods they accept. Digital payments (eg by card or contactless) can help make drivers less of a target for criminals.
What legal protections do taxi drivers have?
Taxi drivers have several avenues that allow them to protect themselves in the event of an attack or aggressive behaviour. By law, tax drivers have a seatbelt exemption (ie they do not have to wear a seatbelt), to escape should they be attacked from behind.
Taxi drivers can also install CCTV in their vehicles. Should passengers be aggressive or act out of place, taxi drivers have clear video evidence of this taking place. If a driver chooses to install CCTV or other video recording devices, they should be aware of how data protection laws apply to these recordings and ensure that they uphold passengers’ rights to privacy. For more information, read Security products on commercial premises.
What rights do taxi passengers have?
As a rule of thumb, passengers should be accepted by a taxi driver, unless the driver has ‘good reason’ to refuse them service. There are three main reasons a driver can use to decline a fare:
-
their light is off, indicating they are not for hire at that moment, although they may still be working. For example, they may be waiting for someone
-
it would breach the terms of their licence (this usually means a journey that ended outside of the driver’s licence area)
- it would put them at risk in some way
To comply with the Equality Act 2010, which prohibits discrimination, including discrimination due to a person’s disability, taxis must be accessible. This includes wheelchair accessibility. Wheelchair users must be carried at the same cost as non-wheelchair users. Likewise, officially-accredited service dogs must also be transported unless a driver is legally exempt from carrying dogs (eg due to an allergy). Passengers also have the right to transport a ‘reasonable’ amount of luggage.
Drivers must take the quickest route and keep the meter running at all times. They must provide a receipt on a passenger’s request. They must also take reasonable steps to return any property left in their cab (unless it’s illegal, in which case they must hand it over to the police).
What obligations do taxi passengers have?
Taxi passengers are expected to behave reasonably and respect the law. They must not smoke or soil the cab and pay their fare at the end of the journey.
Generally, babies should be strapped into a carrier, and toddlers (under three years old) should sit in the rear seat. They may sit without a seatbelt. From the age of three, children must sit in their own seat and wear their own seatbelt (or, if appropriate, use a carrier). All adults must wear a seatbelt at all times.
Can pets be taken in taxis?
Taxi drivers are not required to agree to transport pets. Any animals that are to be transported should be suitably restrained and trained. If they are not, this may count as a good reason for the driver to decline a fare (eg if the driver feels like the pet poses a safety risk). Note that different rules apply to service animals (discussed above).
If you operate a taxi or other private hire vehicle and you’re unsure of your rights, you can Ask a lawyer for help.
