S.I. No. 33/2015 - Taxi Regulation (Small Public Service Vehicle) Regulations 2015

ARRANGEMENT OF REGULATIONS

PART 1 Preliminary and General

1.

2.

3.

4.

PART 2 Licensing of Drivers of Small Public Service Vehicles

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

PART 3 Licensing of Small Public Service Vehicles

12.

13.

14.

15.

16.

17.

18.

19.

20.

21.

22.

23.

PART 4 Vehicle Standards

24.

25.

26.

27.

28.

29.

30.

31.

32.

33.

34.

PART 5 Duties of Holders of Wheelchair Accessible Hackney Licences and Wheelchair Accessible Taxi Licences

35.

36.

37.

PART 6 Duties of Drivers of Small Public Service Vehicles

38.

39.

PART 7 Operating Requirements

40.

41.

42.

43.

44.

45.

46.

47.

48.

49.

50.

51.

PART 8 Commencement of Hire and Payment of Fares

52.

53.

54.

55.

56.

57.

58.

59.

PART 9 Licensing of Dispatch Operators

60.

61.

62.

63.

PART 10 Penalties

64.

65.

66.

67.

SCHEDULE 1 Fees

SCHEDULE 2 General Vehicle Requirements for Taxis

SCHEDULE 3 General Vehicle Requirements for Hackneys

SCHEDULE 4 Additional Requirements for Wheelchair Accessible Taxis and Wheelchair Accessible Hackneys

SCHEDULE 5 General Vehicle Requirements for Limousines

SCHEDULE 6 Taxi Branding

SCHEDULE 7 Wheelchair and Occupant Restraint Belt Anchorage Requirements (Static Test)

SCHEDULE 8 Fixed Payment Offences — Prescribed Amounts

SCHEDULE 9 Form of Fixed Payment Notice

S.I. No. 33 of 2015

TAXI REGULATION (SMALL PUBLIC SERVICE VEHICLE) REGULATIONS 2015

Notice of the making of this Statutory Instrument was published in

“Iris Oifigiúil” of 3rd February, 2015.

The National Transport Authority, in exercise of the powers conferred on it by sections 7 , 8 , 20 , 48 , 56 and 68 of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013 (No. 37 of 2013), hereby makes the following regulations:

PART 1 PRELIMINARY AND GENERAL

Citation

Commencement

Definitions and interpretation

“Act of 1961” means the Road Traffic Act 1961 (No. 24 of 1961);

“Act of 2003” means the Taxi Regulation Act 2003 (No. 25 of 2003);

“Act of 2004” means the Immigration Act 2004 (No. 1 of 2004);

“Area Knowledge Test” means an assessment by the Authority of a person’s knowledge of the geography, routes and place names of a particular geographical area and other matters relevant to the operation of a small public service vehicle in such area;

“booking fee” means a fee charged in respect of a taxi service that had been booked in advance by or on behalf of an intending passenger;

“booking service” means a service facilitating intending passengers to book, or to arrange the hire of, a small public service vehicle for one or more journeys, other than—

• (a) a marshalling arrangement for small public service vehicles in a public place, or

• (b) the provision of booking assistance on behalf of an intending passenger or other consumer at an information desk in a hotel, tourist office, airport, transport terminal or similar customer service facility;

“crew cab” has the meaning given to it in section 130 of the Finance Act 1992 ;

“Construction, Equipment and Use Regulations” means the Road Traffic Act (Construction, Equipment and Use of Vehicles) Regulations 1963 to 2002;

“date of first registration” in the case of a vehicle means—

• (a) the date the vehicle was first registered in the State under section 131 (1) of the Finance Act 1992 ,

• (b) in case the vehicle was registered in another jurisdiction under corresponding legislation before registration in the State, the date the vehicle was first registered in that other jurisdictions, or

• (c) in any other case, the date the vehicle first entered into service.

“dispatch operator licence” means a licence to operate as a dispatch operator or to provide a booking service;

“Industry Knowledge Test” means an assessment by the Authority of a person’s knowledge of the legislation and practices applying to the licensing and operation of small public service vehicles;

“kit car” means a vehicle consisting of separately manufactured components that is assembled by the purchaser or a party other than the manufacturer;

“limousine” means a small public service vehicle in respect of which a limousine licence has been granted;

“local area hackney” means a vehicle that is licensed in accordance with these Regulations to operate as a hackney in respect of a specified area;

“local area hackney driver’s licence” means a licence granted in respect of a person to drive a local area hackney for the carriage of persons for reward;

“local area hackney licence” means a small public service vehicle licence granted in respect of a local area hackney;

“maximum permissible age” in relation to a small public service vehicle means the age of such vehicle as determined in accordance with Regulation 31 beyond which that vehicle may not be licensed as a small public service vehicle of the relevant vehicle licence category;

“modified vehicle” means a vehicle that is not a standard mass produced passenger car including—

• (a) a vehicle that has been converted from a goods or light goods vehicle without subsequent type approval,

• (b) a vehicle that has been stretched,

• (c) a kit car, or

• (d) a vehicle where the seats, safety belts and safety belt anchorages are not original or the installation of these items is not original;

“non national” means a person to whom a permission has been given under the Act of 2004;

“non-commercial personal vehicle sharing service” means a personal vehicle sharing service operated without a gain for the person engaged in providing the service or another and where no payment is made to, or charges are levied by, the person operating the service in respect of the provision of the service;

“off-shore island” means an island forming part of the State but which is not connected to the rest of the State by any road or bridge;

“permission” has the meaning given to it by section 4 of the Act of 2004;

“personal vehicle sharing” means, in connection with a personal vehicle sharing service, the use of a private passenger motor vehicle by a person other than the registered owner of the vehicle or the person who is legally entitled to possession or use of the vehicle;

“personal vehicle sharing service” means a service providing arrangements to facilitate journeys by personal vehicle sharing;

“pick-up” has the meaning given to it in section 130 of the Finance Act 1992 ;

“Principal Act” means the Taxi Regulation Act 2013 (No. 37 of 2013);

“registered owner” has the meaning given to it by section 3(1) of the Act of 1961;

“spare wheel system” means the manufacturer’s original specification supply or—

• (a) a wheel or rim fitted with a tyre suitable for use on any axle position and capable of being fitted to the vehicle for immediate use and suitable for such use,

• (b) an apparatus capable of raising any wheel fitted to the vehicle to a reasonable height from the ground, and

• (c) such tools as are necessary for the removal or replacement of any wheel or rim fitted with a tyre referred to in paragraph (a);

“SPSV Driver Entry Test” means an assessment comprising the Industry Knowledge Test and the Area Knowledge Test in respect of a single area of operation;

“SPSV Driver’s Identity Card” means the personal identity photographic card issued to drivers of small public service vehicles by the Authority;

“SPSV Driver Display Card” means the dashboard display identity/area of operation card issued to drivers of small public service vehicles by the Authority;

“standard hackney” means a small public service vehicle in respect of which a standard hackney licence has been granted;

“standard taxi” means a street service vehicle (within the meaning of section 3 of the Act of 1961) which is not a wheelchair accessible taxi;

“technical assessor” means a mechanical or automotive engineer, automotive assessor or a person with similar qualifications who, by reason of his or her competence, experience and independence, is deemed by the Authority to be an appropriate person to assess the fitness and safety of a mechanically propelled vehicle;

“technical assessor’s basic report” means a declaration, in a form and substance satisfactory to the Authority, by a technical assessor following a visual inspection of a vehicle that the vehicle, in its modified state, complies with the Construction, Equipment and Use Regulations and the applicable requirements of Part 4 of these Regulations;

“technical assessor’s full report” means a declaration, in a form and substance satisfactory to the Authority, by a technical assessor following a visual inspection of a vehicle and professional review of the accompanying test data, that the vehicle, in its modified state, complies with the applicable requirements of Part 4 of these Regulations, the relevant essential type approval provisions and the Construction, Equipment and Use Regulations in relation to category M1 passenger cars;

“technical assessor’s LPG report” means a declaration, in a form and substance satisfactory to the Authority, by a technical assessor following a visual inspection of a vehicle and the component or system adaptations to the vehicle for the use of liquefied petroleum gas or compressed natural gas, that such adaptation complies with the Construction, Equipment and Use Regulations;

“test certificate” has the meaning given to it by the Road Traffic (National Car Test) Regulations 2014 ( S.I. No. 322 of 2014 );

“type-approval” means the process of certification whereby a type of vehicle satisfies the relevant administrative provisions and technical requirements imposed by, or pursuant to, Directive 2007/46/EC;

“VDA method” means the method of luggage volume measurement of the German Association of the Automotive Industry, Verbund die Automobil Industrie;

“VIN” means vehicle identification number being a fixed combination of characters assigned to each vehicle by the manufacturer marked on the manufacturer’s plate and on the chassis, frame or other similar structure;

“vintage limousine” means a limousine whose date of first registration was prior to 1 January 1980;

“wheelchair accessible hackney” means a small public service vehicle constructed or adapted for the carriage of wheelchair users seated in their wheelchairs in respect of which a wheelchair accessible hackney licence is in force; and

“wheelchair accessible taxi” means a street service vehicle (within the meaning of section 3 of the Act of 1961) which is constructed or adapted for the carriage of wheelchair users seated in their wheelchairs.

• (2) In these Regulations—

• (a) Regulations 5(g), 5(h), 6, 8(g), 8(h), 9(g) and 9(h) are made by the Authority in exercise of the powers conferred on it by section 8 of the Principal Act,

• (b) Regulation 10 is made by the Authority in exercise of the powers conferred on it by section 56 of the Principal Act,

• (c) Regulation 21 is made by the Authority in exercise of the powers conferred on it by section 68 of the Principal Act,

• (d) Regulation 23 is made by the Authority in exercise of the powers conferred on it by section 56 of the Principal Act,

• (e) Regulation 51(4) is made by the Authority in exercise of the powers conferred on it by section 7 of the Principal Act,

• (f) Regulations 66 and 67 are made by the Authority in exercise of the powers conferred on it by section 48 of the Principal Act,

• (g) except for Regulations 5(g), 5(h), 6, 8(g), 8(h), 9(g), 9(h), 10 and 21, the Regulations contained in Part 2 and Part 3 are made by the Authority in exercise of the powers conferred on it by section 7 of the Principal Act, and

• (h) except for Regulations 23, 51(4), 66 and 67 the Regulations contained in Parts 4 to 10 are made by the Authority in exercise of the powers conferred on it by section 20 of the Principal Act.

Saver and revocation

• (2) Save for Regulation 52, the definition of Principal Act and Schedule 10, which are revoked with effect from 30 April 2015, the Small Public Service Vehicle (Consolidation and Reform) Regulations 2014 ( S.I. No. 165 of 2014 ) are hereby revoked.

PART 2 LICENSING OF DRIVERS OF SMALL PUBLIC SERVICE VEHICLES

Application for new licence to drive small public service vehicles

• (a) evidence that the applicant—

• (i) holds a valid driving licence without endorsement, and

• (ii) has held the driving licence referred to in subparagraph (i) on a continuous basis during the twelve month period immediately preceding the date of his or her application

• (b) evidence that the appropriate fee specified in Schedule 1 has been paid to the Authority,

• (c) an undertaking that, if the licence is granted, the applicant shall not drive a small public service vehicle for more than eleven hours in any one day in any period of three consecutive days,

• (d) a valid tax clearance certificate for the time being in force in respect of the applicant under section 1095 (inserted by section 127 of the Finance Act 2002 ) of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 ,

• (e) evidence of the successful completion by the applicant of the relevant SPSV Driver Entry Test for the chosen area of operation,

• (f) the information required under section 11 of the Principal Act in relation to any other occupation held by the applicant,

• (g) a declaration by the applicant that—

• (i) his or her health does not affect, to a material extent, his or her ability to drive a small public service vehicle, and

• (ii) he or she is not taking, on a regular basis, drugs or medications which would be likely to cause the driving of a vehicle by him or her in a public place to be a source of danger to the public,

• (h) if requested by the licensing authority—

• (i) confirmation in form and substance satisfactory to the licensing authority as to whether the applicant ever had, or currently suffers from, any of the medical conditions listed in Part 5 of Form D401 of Schedule 1 of the Road Traffic (Licensing of Drivers) Regulations 2006 ( S.I. No. 537 of 2006 ), and

• (ii) if the applicant ever had, or currently suffers from, any of the medical conditions referred to in sub-paragraph (h)(i), a medical report substantially in the form of Form D501 of Schedule 1 of the Road Traffic (Licensing of Drivers) Regulations 2006 ( S.I. No. 537 of 2006 ),

• (i) a declaration by the applicant confirming that he or she has not been convicted of any of the offences specified in section 30(3) or the Schedule to the Principal Act, and

• (j) such other items as may be directed from time to time by the licensing authority.

SPSV Driver Entry Test

• (2) On the successful completion of the SPSV Driver Entry Test referred to in paragraph (1), the Authority shall issue a certificate to the applicant in such form as may be determined by the Authority, which shall include confirmation of the relevant operational area for standing or plying for hire in respect of which the applicant has successfully completed an Area Knowledge Test.

• (3) An applicant for a new licence to drive small public service vehicles who—

• (a) previously held such a licence (other than a licence granted under Regulation 9) during the twelve months prior to the date of his or her application, and

• (b) previously successfully completed the SPSV Driver Entry Test in respect of the area of operation being applied for,

shall not be required to repeat the SPSV Driver Entry Test.

• (4) A holder of a licence to drive small public service vehicles (other than a licence granted under Regulation 9) may apply for authorisation to stand or ply for hire in additional areas to those authorised on his or her existing licence and the Authority may grant such authorisation on the successful completion by the applicant of the Area Knowledge Test relevant to the area of operation being applied for.

Form and duration of licence to drive small public service vehicles

• (2) Without prejudice to the generality of paragraph (1), a licence to drive small public service vehicles granted by the licensing authority shall state—

• (a) that the named holder is licensed to drive small public service vehicles,

• (b) the date on which the licence was granted,

• (c) the name and address of the person to whom the licence was granted,

• (d) the licence number,

• (e) the expiry date of the licence,

• (f) the operational area or areas in respect of which the licence holder is licensed to stand or ply for hire, and

• (g) such other items as the licensing authority may determine.

• (3) A licence to drive small public service vehicles shall remain in force until the earlier of—

• (a) the expiry of a period of five years from the date of its grant or renewal,

• (b) the surrender of the licence by the holder,

• (c) the revocation of the licence under the Principal Act, and

• (d) the disqualification of the licence holder pursuant to section 30 or 38 of the Principal Act.

Application for renewal of licence to drive small public service vehicles

• (a) evidence that the applicant holds a valid driving licence,

• (b) evidence that the appropriate fee specified in Schedule 1 has been paid to the Authority,

• (c) an undertaking that, if the licence is granted, the applicant shall not drive a small public service vehicle for more than eleven hours in any one day in any period of three consecutive days,

• (d) a valid tax clearance certificate for the time being in force in respect of the applicant under section 1095 (inserted by section 127 of the Finance Act 2002 ) of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 ,

• (e) the information required under section 11 of the Principal Act in relation to any other occupation held by the applicant,

• (f) if required by the Authority under Regulation 11, evidence of the successful completion by the applicant of the Area Knowledge Test for the area in respect of which he or she is licensed to stand or ply for hire,

• (g) a declaration by the applicant that—

• (i) his or her health does not affect, to a material extent, his or her ability to drive a small public service vehicle, and

• (ii) he or she is not taking, on a regular basis, drugs or medications which would be likely to cause the driving of a vehicle by him or her in a public place to be a source of danger to the public,

• (h) if requested by the licensing authority—

• (i) confirmation in form and substance satisfactory to the licensing authority as to whether the applicant ever had, or currently suffers from, any of the medical conditions listed in Part 5 of Form D401 of Schedule 1 of the Road Traffic (Licensing of Drivers) Regulations 2006 ( S.I. No. 537 of 2006 ), and

• (ii) if the applicant ever had, or currently suffers from, any of the medical conditions referred to in sub-paragraph (h)(i), a medical report substantially in the form of Form D501 of Schedule 1 of the Road Traffic (Licensing of Drivers) Regulations 2006 ( S.I. No. 537 of 2006 ),

• (i) a declaration by the applicant confirming that he or she has not been convicted of any of the offences specified in section 30(3) or the Schedule to the Principal Act, and

• (j) such other items as may be directed from time to time by the licensing authority

• (2) Where an application for the renewal of a licence to drive small public service vehicles in accordance with paragraph (1) is received by the licensing authority not later than six weeks prior to the expiry date of the existing licence, the provisions of section 9(16) of the Principal Act shall apply.

• (3) An application for the renewal of a licence to drive small public service vehicles shall not be made after the expiry of one year from the date of expiry of such licence.

Licence to drive a local area hackney

• (a) evidence that the applicant holds a local area hackney licence,

• (b) evidence that the applicant—

• (i) holds a valid driving licence without endorsement, and

• (ii) has held the driving licence referred to in sub-paragraph (i) on a continuous basis during the twelve month period immediately preceding the date of his or her application,

• (c) evidence that the appropriate fee specified in Schedule 1 has been paid to the Authority,

• (d) a valid tax clearance certificate for the time being in force in respect of the applicant under section 1095 (inserted by section 127 of the Finance Act 2002 ) of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 ,

• (e) the information required under section 11 of the Principal Act in relation to any other occupation held by the applicant,

• (f) if required by the Authority, evidence of the successful completion by the applicant of the Area Knowledge Test for the area to which such application relates,

• (g) a declaration by the applicant that—

• (i) his or her health does not affect, to a material extent, his or her ability to drive a small public service vehicle, and

• (ii) he or she is not taking, on a regular basis, drugs or medications which would be likely to cause the driving of a vehicle by him or her in a public place to be a source of danger to the public,

• (h) if requested by the licensing authority-

• (i) confirmation in form and substance satisfactory to the licensing authority as to whether the applicant ever had, or currently suffers from, any of the medical conditions listed in Part 5 of Form D401 of Schedule 1 of the Road Traffic (Licensing of Drivers) Regulations 2006 ( S.I. No. 537 of 2006 ), and

• (ii) if the applicant ever had, or currently suffers from, any of the medical conditions referred to in sub-paragraph (h)(i), a medical report substantially in the form of Form D501 of Schedule 1 of the Road Traffic (Licensing of Drivers) Regulations 2006 ( S.I. No. 537 of 2006 ),

• (i) a declaration by the applicant confirming that he or she has not been convicted of any of the offences specified in the Schedule to the Principal Act,

• (j) evidence, in a form and substance satisfactory to the licensing authority, that the application relates substantially to the same area as that for which the applicant holds the licence referred to in paragraph (1)(a), and

• (k) such other items as may be directed from time to time by the licensing authority.

• (2) Where an application for the renewal of a local area hackney licence in accordance with paragraph (1) is received by the licensing authority not later than six weeks prior to the expiry date of the existing licence, the provisions of section 9(16) of the Principal Act shall apply.

• (3) A local area hackney driver’s licence shall remain in force until the earlier of—

• (a) the expiry of a period of three years from the date of its initial grant,

• (b) the surrender of the licence by the holder,

• (c) the revocation of the licence under the Principal Act,

• (d) the holder of the licence obtaining any other category of small public service vehicle licence other than a local area hackney licence, or

• (e) the disqualification of the licence holder pursuant to section 30 or 38 of the Principal Act.

• (4) Where a local area hackney driver’s licence expires in accordance with paragraph (3)(a), the holder of such licence may apply to the licensing authority under paragraph (1) for the grant of a new local area hackney driver’s licence.

• (5) A person shall not drive a local area hackney for the carriage of passengers for reward unless he or she holds a valid licence to drive small public service vehicles or a valid local area hackney driver’s licence.

• (6) It is a condition of a licence to drive a local area hackney that the licence holder shall not drive a small public service vehicle, other than a local area hackney, for the carriage of passengers for reward.

Exemption from requirement to hold a licence to drive small public service vehicles

• (a) drives a vehicle as part of a non-commercial personal vehicle sharing service and receives no reward for his or her services, other than payment to him or her of an amount not exceeding the reasonable cost of the fuel consumed in providing such service, or

• (b) is operating a vehicle under a contract of employment where the operation of such vehicle is solely for the carriage of the person who has ownership or possession of the vehicle.

• (2) The holder of a licence to drive small public service vehicles shall not participate in a personal vehicle sharing programme.

Mandatory Area Knowledge Test

• (2) Where the Authority requires the licence holder to complete the Area Knowledge Test in accordance with paragraph (1), the first such test shall be provided by the Authority without charge to the licence holder.

PART 3 LICENSING OF SMALL PUBLIC SERVICE VEHICLES

One licence, one vehicle

• (2) No small public service vehicle licence shall be granted in relation to, or otherwise associated with, a vehicle in respect of which a small public service vehicle licence is already in force.

Grant of new small public service vehicle licence

• (2) Where an application for the grant of a new small public service vehicle licence is made to the Authority, the Authority may make a conditional offer of the grant of the new licence in respect of a vehicle provided that—

• (a) in the case of a modified vehicle, the application is accompanied by evidence, in form and substance satisfactory to the Authority, that the vehicle to which the application relates complies with the requirements of Regulation 29,

• (b) in the case of an application in relation to a wheelchair accessible taxi licence or wheelchair accessible hackney licence, the applicant provides—

• (i) the names of any persons, including the licence holder, proposed to drive or use the vehicle to carry passengers for reward,

• (ii) the proposed contact details for the purposes of making a booking in respect of the vehicle,

• (iii) the areas of the State in which the licence holder proposes to drive or use the vehicle to carry passengers for reward, and

• (iv) the days and times during which the licence holder proposes to make the vehicle available to carry passengers for reward, and

• (c) the vehicle complies with the vehicle age requirements set out in these Regulations and is not of a specific vehicle type or model which the Authority has determined does not comply with the requirements applicable to the relevant vehicle licence category under Part 4 of these Regulations.

• (3) Subject to Regulation 17, in respect of an application for the grant of a new small public service vehicle licence, other than a limousine licence or a local area hackney licence, the Authority may grant such a licence only where the vehicle the subject of the application has not reached the sixth anniversary of the date of first registration of the vehicle and the vehicle the subject of the application complies with the specifications relating to wheelchair accessible taxis or wheelchair accessible hackneys, as appropriate, contained in these Regulations.

• (4) Where the Authority has made a conditional offer under paragraph (2), the Authority may grant a small public service vehicle licence where, within a period to be specified by the Authority,—

• (a) the applicant provides—

• (i) evidence, in form and substance satisfactory to the Authority, that a test certificate has been issued not more than 90 days prior to the date of the application in respect of the vehicle the subject of the application,

• (ii) a valid tax clearance certificate for the time being in force in respect of the applicant under section 1095 (inserted by section 127 of the Finance Act 2002 ) of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 ,

• (iii) evidence, in form and substance satisfactory to the Authority, that the vehicle the subject of the application is covered by insurance provided by a vehicle insurer (within the meaning of section 58 of the Act of 1961) in respect of passengers carried for reward in such vehicle,

• (iv) subject to paragraph (5), in the case of an applicant who is a non-national, a declaration by such person that the conditions of his or her permission do not preclude him or her from operating a business or being self-employed in the State,

• (v) evidence, in form and substance satisfactory to the Authority, that the applicant is—

• (A) the registered owner of the vehicle the subject of the application, or

• (B) legally entitled to the use and possession of the vehicle the subject of the application for a period of not less than 12 months from the date of the application,

• (vi) where the applicant is a company, the information required under section 9(10) of the Principal Act, and

• (b) the Authority is satisfied, following an assessment of the vehicle by or on behalf of the Authority, that the vehicle meets the requirements applicable to the relevant vehicle licence category under Part 4 of these Regulations, provided that where the Authority has determined that a specific vehicle type or model does not comply with the requirements applicable to such vehicle licence category under Part 4 of these Regulations, the Authority may refuse to grant the licence without an assessment of the specific vehicle being carried out.

• (5) A person who has made a declaration in accordance with paragraph (4)(a)(iv) shall, if requested by the Authority, produce evidence, in form and substance satisfactory to the Authority, that the conditions of his or her permission do not preclude him or her from operating a business or being self-employed in the State.

Renewal of small public service vehicle licence

• (2) A small public service vehicle licence may only be renewed by the Authority where—

• (a) the applicant provides—

• (i) evidence, in form and substance satisfactory to the Authority, that a test certificate has been issued not more than 90 days prior to the date of the application in respect of the vehicle the subject of the application,

• (ii) a valid tax clearance certificate for the time being in force in respect of the applicant under section 1095 (inserted by section 127 of the Finance Act 2002 ) of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 ,

• (iii) evidence, in form and substance satisfactory to the Authority, that the vehicle the subject of the application is covered by insurance provided by a vehicle insurer (within the meaning of section 58 of the Act of 1961) in respect of passengers carried for reward in such vehicle,

• (iv) subject to paragraph (4), in the case of an applicant who is a non-national, a declaration by such person that the conditions of his or her permission do not preclude him or her from operating a business or being self-employed in the State,

• (v) evidence, in form and substance satisfactory to the Authority, that the applicant is—

• (A) the registered owner of the vehicle the subject of the application, or

• (B) legally entitled to the use and possession of the vehicle the subject of the application for a period of not less than 12 months from the date of the application,

• (vi) a declaration that the vehicle has not been modified since its last assessment by or on behalf of the Authority, or where the vehicle has been so modified, the application is accompanied by evidence, in form and substance satisfactory to the Authority, that the vehicle to which the application relates complies with the requirements of Regulation 29,

• (vii) in the case of an application for the renewal of a wheelchair accessible taxi licence or wheelchair accessible hackney licence, the following information—

• (A) the names of any persons, including the licence holder, proposed to drive or use the vehicle to carry passengers for reward,

• (B) all contact details available for the purposes of making a booking in respect of the vehicle,

• (C) the areas of the State in which the licence holder proposes to drive or use the vehicle to carry passengers for reward,

• (D) the days and times during which the licence holder proposes to make the vehicle available to carry passengers for reward, and

• (viii) where the applicant is a company, the information required under section 9(10) of the Principal Act, and

• (b) the Authority is satisfied, following an assessment of the vehicle by or on behalf of the Authority, that the vehicle meets the requirements applicable to the relevant vehicle licence category under Part 4 of these Regulations, provided that where the Authority has determined that a specific vehicle type or model does not comply with the requirements applicable to such vehicle licence category under Part 4 of these Regulations, the Authority may refuse to grant the licence without an assessment of the specific vehicle being carried out.

• (3) Where an application for the renewal of a small public service vehicle licence in accordance with paragraphs (1) and (2) is received by the Authority not later than four weeks prior to the expiry date of the existing licence, the provisions of section 9(16) of the Principal Act shall apply.

• (4) A person who has made a declaration in accordance with paragraph (2)(a)(iv) shall, if requested by the Authority, produce evidence, in form and substance satisfactory to the Authority, that the conditions of his or her permission do not preclude him or her from operating a business or being self-employed in the State.

Period of validity of small public service vehicle licence

• (a) the date falling—

• (i) in the case of a limousine licence (other than a vintage limousine licence) associated with a vehicle that has reached the tenth or later anniversary of the date of first registration of the vehicle, six months after the date on which it was granted, or

• (ii) in the case of a licence associated with any other vehicle, one year after the date on which it was granted,

• (b) the date upon which the vehicle reaches its maximum permissible age,

• (c) the surrender of the licence by the holder,

• (d) the revocation of the licence under the Principal Act, or

• (e) the licence holder ceasing to be legally entitled to the use and possession of the vehicle to which the small public service vehicle licence relates.

• (2) Subject to paragraph (3), a small public service vehicle licence renewed by the Authority under Regulation 14 or Regulation 22 shall expire on the earlier of—

• (a) where the licence is renewed before the expiry date specified on the licence, the date falling one year after such expiry date,

• (b) where the licence is renewed after the expiry date specified on the licence, the date falling one year after the date on which it was renewed,

• (c) in the case of a licence renewed under Regulation 22, the date falling three years after the date on which the licence was first granted,

• (d) the date upon which the vehicle reaches its maximum permissible age,

• (e) the surrender of the licence by the holder,

• (f) the revocation of the licence under the Principal Act, or

• (g) the licence holder ceasing to be legally entitled to the use and possession of the vehicle to which the small public service vehicle licence relates.

• (3) Subject to paragraph (4), where the Authority renews a small public service vehicle licence in respect of a vehicle that has, on the date of renewal of the licence, reached the tenth or later anniversary of the date of first registration of the vehicle, such licence shall expire on the earlier of—

• (a) where the licence is renewed before the expiry date specified on the licence, the date falling six months after such expiry date,

• (b) where the licence is renewed after the expiry date specified on the licence, the date falling six months after the date on which it was renewed,

• (c) the date upon which the vehicle reaches its maximum permissible age,

• (d) the surrender of the licence by the holder,

• (e) the revocation of the licence under the Principal Act, or

• (f) the licence holder ceasing to be legally entitled to the use and possession of the vehicle to which the small public service vehicle licence relates.

• (4) Where a small public service vehicle licence is renewed in respect of a vehicle referred to in paragraph (3) that is a vintage limousine or is used solely on an off-shore island, such licence shall expire on the earlier of—

• (a) where the licence is renewed before the expiry date specified on the licence, the date falling one year after such expiry date,

• (b) where the licence is renewed after the expiry date specified on the licence, the date falling one year after the date on which it was renewed,

• (c) the date upon which the vehicle reaches its maximum permissible age,

• (d) the surrender of the licence by the holder,

• (e) the revocation of the licence under the Principal Act, or

• (f) the licence holder ceasing to be legally entitled to the use and possession of the vehicle to which the small public service vehicle licence relates.

• (5) A person shall not apply to the Authority for the grant of a small public service vehicle licence in respect of a vehicle that has reached its maximum permissible age.

Change of vehicle

• (2) The Authority may approve the continuance in force of a small public service vehicle licence in respect of a different vehicle where—

• (a) the applicant provides—

• (i) evidence, in form and substance satisfactory to the Authority, that a test certificate has been issued not more than 90 days prior to the date of the application in respect of the vehicle the subject of the application,

• (ii) a valid tax clearance certificate for the time being in force in respect of the applicant under section 1095 (inserted by section 127 of the Finance Act 2002 ) of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 ,

• (iii) evidence, in form and substance satisfactory to the Authority, that the vehicle the subject of the application is covered by insurance provided by a vehicle insurer (within the meaning of section 58 of the Act of 1961) in respect of passengers carried for reward in such vehicle,

• (iv) subject to paragraph (3), in the case of an applicant who is a non-national, a declaration by such person that the conditions of his or her permission do not preclude him or her from operating a business or being self-employed in the State,

• (v) evidence, in form and substance satisfactory to the Authority, that the applicant is—

• (A) the registered owner of the vehicle the subject of the application, or

• (B) legally entitled to the use and possession of the vehicle the subject of the application for a period of not less than 12 months from the date of the application,

• (vi) where the applicant is a company, the information required under section 9(10) of the Principal Act,

• (b) in the case of a modified vehicle, the application is accompanied by evidence, in form and substance satisfactory to the Authority, that the vehicle to which the application relates complies with the requirements of Regulation 29,

• (c) in the case of an application in relation to a wheelchair accessible taxi licence or wheelchair accessible hackney licence, the following information—

• (i) the names of any persons, including the licence holder, proposed to drive or use the vehicle to carry passengers for reward,

• (ii) all contact details available for the purposes of making a booking in respect of the vehicle,

• (iii) the areas of the State in which the licence holder proposes to drive or use the vehicle to carry passengers for reward, and

• (iv) the days and times during which the licence holder proposes to make the vehicle available to carry passengers for reward, and

• (d) the Authority is satisfied, following an assessment of the vehicle by or on behalf of the Authority, that the vehicle meets the requirements applicable to the relevant vehicle licence category under Part 4 of these Regulations, provided that where the Authority has determined that a specific vehicle type or model does not comply with the requirements applicable to such vehicle licence category under Part 4 of these Regulations, the Authority may refuse to grant the licence without an assessment of the specific vehicle being carried out.

• (3) A person who has made a declaration in accordance with paragraph (2)(a)(iv) shall, if requested by the Authority, produce evidence, in form and substance satisfactory to the Authority, that the conditions of his or her permission do not preclude him or her from operating a business or being self-employed in the State.

• (4) Except in the case of a limousine licence, the Authority shall not approve an application under paragraph (1) where the vehicle in respect of which it is proposed to continue the licence in force has reached the tenth or later anniversary of the date of first registration of the vehicle.

• (5) Where the Authority approves the continuance in force of a small public service vehicle licence in respect of a different vehicle, the licence is deemed to have been renewed by the Authority under Regulation 14 with effect from the date of such approval.

• (6) Where a small public service vehicle licence is continued in force in respect of a different vehicle under this Regulation and, within eight weeks of such continuance in force, the original vehicle is re-instated on the licence, the licence holder may apply to the Authority for a refund of fifty per cent of the fee paid by the applicant under paragraph (1).

• (7) Subject to paragraph (8), in the case of a new wheelchair accessible taxi licence or a new wheelchair accessible hackney licence issued under these Regulations, the Authority may only grant an application under paragraph (1) where the vehicle in respect of which it is proposed to have the licence continued in force is, on the date such application is received by the Authority, not older than the vehicle associated with the licence at the time of such application.

• (8) For the purposes of paragraph (7), where no vehicle is associated with the licence at the time of an application under paragraph (1), the Authority may only grant such application where the vehicle in respect of which it is proposed to have the licence continued in force is, on the date such application is received by the Authority, not older than the last vehicle which was associated with the licence.

• (9) The holder of a standard taxi licence may apply to the Authority for the continuance in force of such licence in respect of a wheelchair accessible vehicle that—

• (a) complies with the vehicle standards and requirements specified in Schedules 2 and 4, and

• (b) has not reached the sixth anniversary of the date of first registration of the vehicle.

• (10) The holder of a licence that has been continued in force under paragraph (9), may subsequently make an application for the continuance in force of such licence in respect of a vehicle complying with the vehicle standards and requirements specified in Schedule 2.

Replacement of expired licence

• (a) a small public service vehicle licence has been surrendered or revoked, or

• (b) in the case of a local area hackney licence, a period of three years has elapsed since the initial grant of such licence,

the holder of a small public service vehicle licence that has expired may, subject to this Regulation, apply to the Authority for the replacement of the expired licence in respect of the same vehicle or a different vehicle provided that such application shall be accompanied by the relevant fee specified in Schedule 1.

• (2) The Authority may approve an application under paragraph (1) provided that—

• (a) the application is made to the Authority on or before the date falling twelve months after the date of expiry of the licence, and

• (b) following an assessment of the vehicle by or on behalf of the Authority, the Authority is satisfied that the vehicle meets the requirements applicable to the relevant vehicle licence category under Part 4 of these Regulations, provided that where the Authority has determined that a specific vehicle type or model does not comply with the requirements applicable to such vehicle licence category under Part 4 of these Regulations, the Authority may refuse to replace the licence without an assessment of the specific vehicle

Death of licence holder

• (a) the nominated representative provides—

• (i) evidence, in form and substance satisfactory to the Authority, that a test certificate has been issued no more than 90 days prior to the date of the application in respect of the vehicle the subject of the application,

• (ii) a valid tax clearance certificate has been issued in respect of the nominated representative under section 1095 (inserted by section 127 of the Finance Act 2002 ) of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 , and

• (iii) evidence, in form and substance satisfactory to the Authority, that the vehicle the subject of the application is covered by insurance provided by a vehicle insurer (within the meaning of section 58 of the Act of 1961) in respect of passengers carried for reward in such vehicle,

• (b) the application is accompanied by the relevant fee specified in Schedule 1,

• (c) the application is made within the time period specified in section 15 of the Principal Act,

• (d) in the case of a modified vehicle, the application is accompanied by evidence, in form and substance satisfactory to the Authority, that the vehicle to which the application relates complies with the requirements of Regulation 29,

• (e) in the case of an application for a wheelchair accessible taxi licence or wheelchair accessible hackney licence, the following information—

• (i) the names of any persons, including the licence holder, proposed to drive or use the vehicle to carry passengers for reward,

• (ii) all contact details available for the purposes of making a booking in respect of the vehicle,

• (iii) the areas of the State in which the licence holder proposes to drive or use the vehicle to carry passengers for reward, and

• (iv) the days and times during which the licence holder proposes to make the vehicle available to carry passengers for reward, and

• (f) following an assessment of the vehicle by or on behalf of the Authority, the Authority is satisfied that the vehicle meets the requirements applicable to the relevant vehicle licence category under Part 4 of these Regulations, provided that where the Authority has determined that a specific vehicle type or model does not comply with the requirements applicable to such vehicle licence category under Part 4 of these Regulations, the Authority may refuse to grant the licence without an assessment of the specific vehicle.

Form of vehicle licence certificate

• (a) the date on which the licence was granted to such vehicle,

• (b) the expiry date of the licence,

• (c) the name and address of the licence holder,

• (d) the licence number,

• (e) the maximum number of passengers that the vehicle is licensed to carry for reward,

• (f) the registration number of the vehicle that is associated with the licence, and

• (g) the vehicle make, model, colour and engine capacity.

Surrender of licence

• (2) Upon the surrender of a small public service vehicle licence under paragraph (1), the licence shall be deemed to have permanently expired and shall not be renewed under Regulation 14 or replaced under Regulation 17.

Insurance

• (2) Subject to paragraph (3), the insurance policy referred to in paragraph (1) shall be held—

• (a) in the name of the holder of the small public service vehicle licence to which the insurance policy relates, or

• (b) jointly between more than one party where one party is the holder of the small public service vehicle licence to which the insurance policy relates.

• (3) Where the insurance policy referred to in paragraph (1) is not held in accordance with paragraph (2), the holder of the small public service vehicle licence shall provide written confirmation to the Authority from the relevant insurance company or broker acting for such insurance company that the insurance company is aware that the holder of the insurance policy is not the person who is the registered owner of the vehicle or is otherwise legally entitled to the use and possession of the vehicle.

Local area hackney licence

• (a) the public transport needs of the area in respect of which the licence is sought are not being adequately met by existing public transport services or small public transport services licensed by the Authority, and

• (b) in order to meet the public transport needs of such area, there is a need for the provision of the public transport service to be the subject of a local area hackney licence.

• (2) In considering whether to grant a new local area hackney licence, the Authority shall have regard to—

• (a) the public transport needs of the area in respect of which the licence is sought,

• (b) any existing public transport services or services operated by small public service vehicles licensed by the Authority in the area in respect of which the licence is sought and the potential impact of a local area hackney service on such existing services,

• (c) any other proposals for public transport services in the area in respect of which the licence is sought,

• (d) any transport demand analysis that may be undertaken by or on behalf of the Authority or otherwise, and

• (e) such other information as the Authority considers relevant.

• (3) A local area hackney licence shall only be granted by the Authority where—

• (a) the applicant provides—

• (i) evidence that the appropriate fee specified in Schedule 1 has been paid to the Authority,

• (ii) except in the case of an application for renewal of the licence, confirmation in writing from—

• (A) from an established organisation representing local businesses in the area, or

• (B) from a community group concerned for social and welfare needs of one or more communities, which has been granted an exemption from income tax under section 207 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 , by the Revenue Commissioners,

of the need for such local area hackney service in the proposed area,

• (iii) except in the case of an application for renewal of the licence, an analysis, in form and substance satisfactory to the Authority, of the need for such local area hackney service in the proposed area carried out by or on behalf of the local authority in whose administrative area the local area hackney service is proposed to be provided and written confirmation from that local authority that there is a need for such local area hackney service in the proposed area,

• (iv) evidence, in form and substance satisfactory to the Authority, that a test certificate has been issued not more than 90 days prior to the date of the application in respect of the vehicle the subject of the application,

• (v) a valid tax clearance certificate for the time being in force in respect of the applicant under section 1095 (inserted by section 127 of the Finance Act 2002 ) of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 ,

• (vi) evidence, in form and substance satisfactory to the Authority, that the vehicle the subject of the application is covered by insurance provided by a vehicle insurer (within the meaning of section 58 of the Act of 1961) in respect of passengers carried for reward in such vehicle,

• (vii) evidence, in form and substance satisfactory to the Authority, that the applicant is—

• (A) the registered owner of the vehicle the subject of the application, or

• (B) legally entitled to the use and possession of the vehicle the subject of the application for a period of not less than 12 months from the date of the application,

• (b) in the case of a modified vehicle, the application is accompanied by evidence, in form and substance satisfactory to the Authority, that the vehicle to which the application relates complies with the requirements of Regulation 29, and

• (c) following an assessment of the vehicle by or on behalf of the Authority, the Authority is satisfied that the vehicle meets the requirements applicable to the relevant vehicle licence category under Part 4 of these Regulations, provided that where the Authority has determined that a specific vehicle type or model does not comply with the requirements applicable to such vehicle licence category under Part 4 of these Regulations, the Authority may refuse to grant the licence without an assessment of the specific vehicle.

• (4) The holder of a local area hackney licence shall—

• (a) ensure that the vehicle associated with such licence is available for hire as a local area hackney in the area in respect of which the licence is granted,

• (b) not, during the term of such licence, hold a small public service vehicle licence in respect of any vehicle other than the vehicle referred to in sub-paragraph (a), and

• (c) not provide, or advertise the provision of, services for the carriage of passengers for reward outside of the local area in respect of which the licence has been granted.

• (5) A local area hackney licence granted or renewed by the Authority shall specify the area in respect of which such licence has been granted.

Exemption from requirement to hold a small public service vehicle licence

• (2) The holder of a licence in respect of a small public service vehicle shall not permit such vehicle to participate in a personal vehicle sharing programme.

• (3) A person is not required to hold a small public service vehicle licence where such vehicle is being driven by an employee of that person and the vehicle is solely for the carriage of the person who has ownership or possession of the vehicle.

PART 4 VEHICLE STANDARDS

Standard taxi vehicle requirements

Standard hackney and local area hackney vehicle requirements

• (2) Local area hackneys shall be exempt from the requirements of paragraph 16 of Schedule 3.

Wheelchair accessible taxi vehicle requirements

• (2) Where a vehicle is associated with a wheelchair accessible taxi licence first granted on or before 8 June 2010 and was associated with such licence on 1 January 2013, such vehicle shall be exempt from the requirements of—

• (a) paragraph 5 (Provision of Access Step) of Schedule 4,

• (b) paragraph 6 (Access Step Requirements) of Schedule 4,

• (c) paragraph 7 (Access Step Integrity) of Schedule 4,

• (d) paragraph 8 (Kneeling Suspension System Requirements) of Schedule 4,

• (e) paragraph 11 (User Manual) of Schedule 4,

• (f) paragraph 12 (Handholds) of Schedule 4,

• (g) paragraph 13 (Targeted Interior Lighting) of Schedule 4,

• (h) paragraph 14 (Flooring) of Schedule 4, and

• (i) paragraph 15 (Intercom and Induction Loop) of Schedule 4.

Wheelchair accessible hackney vehicle requirements

Limousine vehicle requirements

Modified vehicles

• (a) the grant of a new wheelchair accessible taxi licence or new wheelchair accessible hackney licence, or

• (b) the continuance in force of a wheelchair accessible taxi licence or wheelchair accessible hackney licence in respect of a different vehicle,

shall be accompanied by a technical assessor’s full report dated not more than 60 days before the date of the application and an information package containing formal test data confirming that the vehicle (referenced by its VIN) complies with—

• (i) in the case of an application in relation to a wheelchair accessible taxi licence, the vehicle standards and requirements specified in Schedules 2, 4 and 7, and

• (ii) in the case of an application in relation to a wheelchair accessible hackney licence, the vehicle standards and requirements specified in Schedules 3, 4 and 7.

• (2) An application for the renewal of a wheelchair accessible taxi licence first granted on or before 8 June 2010 shall—

• (a) in the case of the first renewal of such licence on or after 1 January 2016, and

• (b) upon the expiry of each subsequent period of five years since the first renewal of such licence under sub-paragraph (a),

be accompanied by a technical assessor’s basic report dated not more than 60 days before the date of the application confirming that the vehicle (referenced by its VIN) complies with the relevant vehicle standards and requirements specified in Schedules 2, 4 and 7 for such vehicle.

• (3) An application for—

• (a) the grant of a new standard taxi licence, a new standard hackney licence or a new local area hackney licence in respect of a modified vehicle, or

• (b) the continuance in force of a standard taxi licence, standard hackney licence or local area hackney licence in respect of a different vehicle that is a modified vehicle,

shall be accompanied by a technical assessor’s full report dated not more than 60 days before the date of the application and information package confirming that the vehicle (referenced by its VIN) complies with—

• (i) in the case of an application in relation to a standard taxi licence, the vehicle standards and requirements specified in Schedule 2, and

• (ii) in the case of an application in relation to a standard hackney licence or, subject to Regulation 25(2), a local area hackney licence, the vehicle standards and requirements specified in Schedule 3.

• (4) An application for the renewal of a standard taxi licence, standard hackney licence or local area hackney licence in relation to a modified vehicle shall—

• (a) in the case of the first renewal of such licence on or after 1 January 2016, and

• (b) upon the expiry of each subsequent period of five years since the first renewal of such licence under sub-paragraph (a),

be accompanied by a technical assessor’s basic report dated not more than 60 days before the date of the application confirming that the vehicle (referenced by its VIN) complies with—

• (i) in the case of an application in relation to a standard taxi licence, the vehicle standards and requirements specified in Schedule 2, and

• (ii) in the case of an application in relation to a standard hackney licence or, subject to Regulation 25(2), a local area hackney licence, the vehicle standards and requirements specified in Schedule 3.

• (5) An application for—

• (a) the grant of a new limousine licence in respect of a modified vehicle, or

• (b) the continuance in force of a limousine licence in respect of a different vehicle that is a modified vehicle,

shall be accompanied by a technical assessor’s full report dated not more than 60 days before the date of the application and information package confirming that the vehicle (referenced by its VIN) complies with the vehicle standards and requirements specified in Schedule 5.

• (6) An application for the renewal of a limousine licence in relation to a modified vehicle shall—

• (a) in the case of the first renewal of such licence on or after 1 January 2016, and

• (b) upon the expiry of each subsequent period of five years since the first renewal of such licence under sub-paragraph (a),

be accompanied by a technical assessor’s basic report dated not more than 60 days before the date of the application confirming that the vehicle (referenced by its VIN) complies with the vehicle standards and requirements specified in Schedule 5.