Reminder for UK Taxi Drivers: Keep Number and Council Plates Visible

Taxi and private hire vehicle (PHV) drivers in the UK are being reminded of their legal responsibility to ensure their vehicles' number plates and council plates remain clearly visible at all times. Failure to comply could lead to financial penalties.

Read: Driver Fined £1,000 and Disqualified for Illegal Tyres

Legal Obligations for Number Plates

Under the Road Vehicles (Display of Registration Marks) Regulations 2001, all vehicles, including hackney carriage and private hire cars, must have number plates that are readable from a distance. The law stipulates that these plates should not be obscured by dirt, mud, or any other materials. If a plate is not visible, drivers may face a fixed penalty fine of £100.

Importance of Council Plates

In addition to number plates, the council plates identifying licensed taxis and private hire vehicles must also be kept visible. Obstructing these plates could result in non-compliance with local authority licensing conditions, which could lead to warnings or further sanctions. Drivers must ensure that the plates are clearly visible to passengers, pedestrians, and enforcement officers.

Challenges During Winter Months

Winter weather makes it more difficult to keep vehicles clean, with grime and mud accumulating quickly. PC Patrick Quinton, Avon and Somerset Police’s 'Taxi Cop,' emphasized that drivers should include regular checks of their number and council plates as part of their daily routine. He stressed the importance of maintaining visibility, especially before heading out on jobs.

PC Patrick Quinton stated:

"It's that time of year when cars get dirty very quickly, and number plates and Council plates need more regular cleaning."

Financial Penalties for Non-Compliance

Failure to keep the number plates and council plates legible could result in fines. As PC Quinton pointed out, drivers can be fined £100 for plates that are not easily readable. While most drivers maintain high standards of cleanliness, the winter months increase the likelihood of dirty plates, making this reminder crucial.

PC Patrick Quinton further stated:

“You can be fined £100 for having a number plate that can't be easily read, so worth taking that extra moment to make sure they are clean.”