Enforcement of taxi legislation

The Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA) is responsible for the enforcement of legislation about the use of taxis on Northern Ireland's roads. Enforcement officers can stop and inspect taxis at any time, even if they are carrying passengers.

Taxi spot checks

If your vehicle is stopped you may be delayed for a short period whilst a number of checks are carried out. These may include checks about:

roadworthiness
taxi vehicle licence
insurance certificate
taxi driving licence
taxi plating
taximeter fitment and use
specialist equipment carried (taxi roof sign, fire extinguisher)

Spot checks are also carried out on taxi depots.

Operating centre inspections

Enforcement officers who carry out compliance checks can legally access commercial premises but where you have nominated your home address as your operating centre, arrangements will be made for a compliance officer to inspect your records at DVA's enforcement and compliance office or at any DVA testing centre. The DVA will write to you with details of the date and time of the visit and what records will be inspected.

An enforcement officer from DVA may inspect any operating centre(s) named in your Taxi Operator Licence (TOL). You will be expected to give evidence that you have kept records in line with the legislation. DVA recommend you keep separate files for your affiliated drivers and listed vehicles.

Illegal taxis place passengers at unnecessary risk. If you have information which would assist in the detection of an illegal taxi operator you can contact the taxi enforcement team via the email addresses below or speak to a taxi enforcement officer in confidence by:

telephone: 028 9025 4101
email compliance at compliance.dvta@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk
email enforcement at dvtaenforcements@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk

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