S.I. No. 33/2015 - Taxi Regulation (Small Public Service Vehicle) Regulations 2015
This is the act as published. Later amendments are not folded into the text below: each one is a separate act in this repository and an entry in this law's history.
12 amending acts · 2026-02-27, S.I. No. 59/2026 - Taxi Regulation (Small Public Service Vehicle) (Amendment) Regulations 2026
- (vi) where detachable, be permanently marked with the vehicle registration number of the associated vehicle,
- (vii) where detachable, have an adequate locating device to ensure that it does not slip or tilt when in use,
- (viii) provide a continuous, slip-resistant surface for the wheels of the wheelchair,
- (ix) be a minimum of 700 millimetres in width between the edge upturns,
- (x) have safety edge upturns that are at least 25 millimetres in height,
- (xi) at all times be in good working order and available for use, and
- (xii) display a Safe Working Load (SWL) marking.
- (2) The Authority may waive one or more of the requirements of paragraph (1) in respect of a wheelchair ramp or powered lift assembly on the application of a manufacturer in respect of a particular design that cannot accommodate the specification or specifications in question where the Authority is satisfied that the merits of an innovative design solution for the consumer outweigh the desirability of compliance with this specification or specifications.
- (3) In relation to a wheelchair accessible taxi licence first granted before 8 June 2010, and where the vehicle associated to the licence is the same vehicle as that which was associated to such licence on 1 January 2013, such vehicle shall be provided with a ramp or other mechanism to permit the safe entry and egress of a passenger seated in a wheelchair. The ramp or other mechanism shall be capable of transporting a combined wheelchair and occupant mass of 300 kilogrammes minimum between the road and the vehicle interior without the assistance of any person but the driver of the vehicle and at all times be in good working order and available for use, and display a Safe Working Load (SWL) marking. A ramp, where used, shall be such as to provide at least 3.6 units of length for each unit of height, measured at its highest point. The ramp(s), where detachable, shall have an adequate locating device to ensure that they do not slip or tilt when in use.
Wheelchair and Occupant Restraint Requirements
(1) Subject to paragraph (2) the vehicle shall comply with the following requirements—
- (a) a wheelchair space shall be fitted with—
- (i) a restraint system in respect of the wheelchair occupant with a minimum of three belt anchorage points providing pelvic and upper torso restraints designed and constructed to perform in a manner similar to a safety belt, and
- (ii) a wheelchair restraint system suitable for general wheelchair applications,
- (b) a wheelchair restraint system shall be capable of being securely attached to the vehicle belt anchorages,
- (c) a wheelchair occupant restraint system shall be capable of being securely attached to the vehicle belt anchorages,
- (d) the wheelchair restraint belt anchorages shall be symmetrically located longitudinally relative to the wheelchair space provided,
- (e) subject to paragraph (6), a minimum of four restraints shall be provided in respect of each wheelchair; two front and two rear for the purpose of securing the wheelchair to the vehicle wheelchair restraint belt anchorages,
- (f) a vehicle with EC Whole Vehicle Type Approval fitted with alternative wheelchair restraints and proven to the satisfaction of the Authority to have successfully demonstrated an equivalent level of performance to that set out in Schedule 7 will be considered acceptable,
- (g) an application for a wheelchair accessible taxi licence or wheelchair accessible hackney licence shall include documentary proof that the wheelchair restraint belt anchorages have met the standards set out in Schedule 7,
- (h) an application for a wheelchair accessible taxi licence or wheelchair accessible hackney licence shall include documentary proof that the wheelchair occupant restraint belt anchorages have met the standards set out in Schedule 7,
- (i) each tie down or restraint device shall be clearly marked or designed or permanently attached to its belt anchorages in a manner to avoid the attachment of a tie down or restraint to the incorrect belt anchorage, and
- (j) tie downs, straps, components and sub-assemblies of wheelchair restraint systems equipment shall comply with the requirements of the relevant part of ISO 10542 or equivalent international standard and be marked accordingly.
- (2) In relation to a wheelchair accessible taxi licence first granted before 8 June 2010, and where the vehicle associated to the licence is the same vehicle as that which was associated to such licence on 1 January 2013, the vehicle shall comply with the following requirements—
- (a) the area designated for the accommodation of the wheelchair and its occupant (the wheelchair space) which shall be provided with a restraint system or systems fixed to the structure of the vehicle by an appropriate means for the purpose of securing the wheelchair and its occupant.
- (b) for the purpose of sub-paragraph (a), an appropriate means shall be deemed to have been provided where the vehicle is equipped as follows—
- (i) four restraints — two to the front and two to the rear — shall be provided for the purpose of connecting the wheelchair to anchorage points on the vehicle,
- (ii) a minimum of a lap belt shall be provided for the purpose of securing the wheelchair occupant,
- (iii) fixed anchorage points shall be provided for each wheelchair restraint and for the lap belt, or alternatively straight tracks shall be provided that allow for variation in the location of anchorage points.
- (iv) The location of anchorage points under either of these arrangements shall be such as to provide, as a minimum, one anchorage point in each of the locations A1 and A2, or alternatively A3 and A4, in addition to one anchorage point in each of the locations B1 and B2 or alternatively B3 and B4 as set out in the following drawing:—
All dimensions in mm
- (v) the wheelchair’s front and rear restraints shall be connected to the front and rear anchorage points, respectively. A lap belt shall either be connected to the two rear restraints of the wheelchair, to the two rear anchorage points for the wheelchair or to two anchorage points positioned to provide downward and rearward restraint on the pelvic area of the wheelchair occupant,
- (vi) each single fixed anchorage point shall be attached to the structure of the vehicle by a high tensile bolt or set screw of not less than 10 millimetres in diameter with a reinforcing plate or washer having no sharp edges and measuring not less than 75 cm2 in size and not less than 3 mm in thickness — fastened tightly with a locknut,
- (vii) where a track is used it shall have a minimum length of 200 millimetres and shall be attached to the structure of the vehicle by a minimum of 4 high tensile bolts or set screws of not less than 6 millimetres in diameter with reinforcing plates or washers not less than 35 cm2 in size and not less than 1 mm in thickness — fastened tightly with a locknut. For each additional length of track, measuring 120 millimetres or part thereof, there shall be at least one additional bolt or screw conforming to the above specification. The bolts or set screws nearest each end of the track shall be located not more than 25 millimetres from the ends of the track and the distance between adjacent bolts or set screws shall not be less than 75 millimetres nor more than 125 millimetres,
- (viii) if the location of an anchorage point is contoured, the reinforcing plate or washer shall be formed to fit the shape of the area and shall be augmented, if necessary, with a shaped spacer so as to ensure that the face of the locknut is parallel to the surface against which it is tightened, and
- (ix) in any case where the bolts or set screws pass through doubleskin or hollow panels, spacers of the correct dimensions shall be used to avoid compressing or causing distortion to the panels.
User Manual
A user manual detailing the correct use of the vehicle’s wheelchair related equipment shall be kept in the vehicle.
Handholds
The vehicle shall be equipped with a handhold or rail to assist a passenger to access to or exit from the vehicle, such handhold or rail shall—
- (a) be approximately 30 millimetres in diameter,
- (b) have a clearance of at least 35 millimetres between the inside of the working surface of a handhold or rail and any adjacent surface,
- (c) be slip-resistant, and
- (d) be brightly coloured contrasting to the colour scheme of the general interior.
Targeted Interior Lighting
The vehicle shall be equipped with localised lighting of not less than 200 lux at the entrance step and the background interior lighting level shall be not less than 150 lux.
Flooring
The vehicle which shall be fitted with slip-resistant flooring. Any transitions between the floor and the doorways or seats shall be delineated in a bright colour contrasting to the colour scheme of the general interior.
Intercom and Induction Loop
Where a vehicle is fitted with a full dividing screen, partition or bulkhead between the driver and passenger compartment, the vehicle shall be fitted with an intercom and induction loop. Where an intercom and induction loop is fitted, signage shall be clearly displayed in the passenger compartment to advise passengers of these facilities.
Accessibility Symbol (wheelchair accessible hackney only)
A wheelchair accessible hackney shall display externally on a passenger door the following symbol or a substantially similar symbol of not less than 105mm in height and of a clearly contrasting colour:
Modified Vehicles
Documentation in accordance with Regulation 29 is required in respect of all modified vehicles.
Regulation 28 and 29
SCHEDULE 5 General Vehicle Requirements for Limousines
Vehicle Weight and General Characteristics
The vehicle shall—
- (a) be a mechanically propelled vehicle which is designed and constructed for the carriage of passengers with passenger seating accommodation for no more than eight persons (exclusive of the driver). Other than a vehicle in respect of which the small public service vehicle licence was in force in respect of the vehicle on 1 January 2013, the vehicle shall have a maximum design gross vehicle weight not exceeding 3,500 kilogrammes,
- (b) be evidently suited by reason of its style and condition for the provision of hire services for ceremonial occasions, or for corporate or other prestige purposes, and
- (c) be a vehicle of such make and model as the Authority may from time to time specify or such equivalent make and model as the Authority may approve.
Wheel Arrangement
The vehicle shall have at least four wheels arranged in axle pairs such that the minimum wheelbase is 2,100 millimetres, the minimum track width is 1,100 millimetres and any side to side variation in wheelbase is less than 75 millimetres.
Tyre Load Rating
The tyres shall have a load rating appropriate for the design gross vehicle weight, with such tyre load rating for stretched vehicles to be a minimum of 107 unless documentary evidence from the vehicle manufacturer recommending a lower rating is supplied.
Doors and Windows
(1) Where passengers are carried in a compartmented section of the vehicle (i.e. an area with seats and a permanent rigid roof), there shall be at least two doors that open into or from this compartmented area which provide access to passenger seats. Where there is more than one row of passenger seats to the rear of the driver, at least one of these doors shall be to the rear of the driver. A rear door (vertically hinged) shall constitute a door for the purposes of this paragraph, provided it was clearly designed or constructed for the intended purpose of passenger access.
- (2) All doors shall be operable from inside or outside the vehicle by a passenger provided that a door may be automatically locked while the vehicle is in motion subject to it automatically unlocking once the vehicle becomes stationary.
- (3) All passenger (side) windows shall be readily operable.
- (4) All windows shall be clean.
- (5) Except for a band of a maximum of 125 millimetres in depth at the top upper edge, the front windscreen of a small public service vehicle shall exhibit 70 per cent minimum visible light transmission.
Bull Bars
No bull bars shall be fitted to the vehicle, except where they are compliant with Regulation 78/2009/EC as amended and evidence of that compliance, in form and substance satisfactory to the Authority, has been provided.
Cleanliness
The vehicle shall be in a good and clean condition and its interior shall be free of dust, dirt, grime, refuse, litter, objectionable matter or unpleasant smell.
Seating Quality
The vehicle shall be fitted with seats which are properly upholstered with leather, good quality artificial leather or other durable material, and which are in a clean and hygienic condition.
Exterior Paint
The exterior paint of the vehicle shall exhibit good colour consistency without paint or bodywork repairs in progress.
Passenger Compartment Temperature
Other than in respect of a vehicle exceeding thirty years of age, the vehicle shall be capable of maintaining a passenger compartment temperature of 20 degrees centigrade during an external ambient temperature of minus 5 degrees centigrade.
Safety Equipment and Communications
(1) The vehicle shall safely carry the following articles—
- (a) subject to paragraph (2), a spare wheel system,
- (b) a first-aid kit, being a within date first aid kit complying with DIN (Deutsches Institut fur Normung) 13164 or comparable travel kit recommended by the Health and Safety Authority,
- (c) a fire extinguisher, meaning a fire extinguisher in serviceable condition complying with EN3 and suitable for inflammability classes A, B and C, with a minimum capacity of 2 kilogrammes of dry powder or an equivalent capacity for any other suitable extinguishing agent,
- (d) a reflective advance warning triangle to standard ECE Regulation 27,
- (e) a high visibility reflective safety vest to standard ANSI 107, BS EN 471 or CEN 471 or equivalent,
- (f) a working handheld torch, and
- (g) a pen and paper.
- (2) The Authority may reduce the requirements of paragraph (a) where the vehicle concerned exceeds thirty years of age or the vehicle is a series production electric vehicle, a series production hybrid electric vehicle, a series production flexible fuel vehicle or a series production plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, or a vehicle adapted for liquefied petroleum gas or compressed natural gas.
Interior Lighting
The standard fitment interior lighting of the vehicle shall be in operational condition.
Seat Structure Requirements
(1) Subject to paragraph (2), the vehicle shall be fitted with safety belts, belt anchorages, seats, seat anchorages, seat mechanisms, and head restraints that comply with the technical provisions of the relevant passenger car (M1) EC/UNECE standards and documentary evidence of such compliance shall be available in respect of any vehicle modifications.
- (2) Where—
- (a) in the case of the renewal of a limousine licence, the vehicle to which the licence relates was associated with such licence on the date that these Regulations entered into force, or
- (b) the Authority is satisfied that the design and construction characteristics of the vehicle are of a unique or particular design such that compliance with the specifications in paragraph (1) cannot be reasonably accommodated,
the vehicle shall have safety belts, belt anchorages, seats, seat anchorages, seat mechanisms, and head restraints which comply with the relevant requirements of the Construction, Equipment and Use Regulations.
- (3) Each passenger seat in a vehicle shall—
- (a) have a minimum squab width of 400 millimetres, and
- (b) shall be firmly and securely fixed in the vehicle when in a position for passenger occupation.
Modified Vehicles
Documentation in accordance with Regulation 29 is required in respect of all modified vehicles.
Paragraph 21 of schedule 2
SCHEDULE 6 Taxi Branding
Part 1
Part 2
Regulation 29
Paragraph 10 of Schedule 4
SCHEDULE 7 Wheelchair and Occupant Restraint Belt Anchorage Requirements
(Static Test)
A static test should be carried out on the belt anchorage points for both the wheelchair restraint system and the wheelchair occupant restraints in accordance with the requirements below—
- (a) the forces specified in subparagraph 2(a) should be applied by means of a device reproducing the geometry of the wheelchair restraint system i.e. rigid surrogate wheelchair with attachment points for front and rear restraints,
- (b) the forces specified in subparagraph 2(b) should be applied by means of a traction device specified in paragraph 5.3.4 of Annex 1 of Council Directive 76/115/EEC, as amended, and supported on the device defined in paragraph (a),
- (c) the forces in subparagraphs (a) and (b) above should be applied simultaneously in the forward direction and at an angle of between 5° and 15° above the horizontal plane,
- (d) the forces in subparagraph (a) above should be applied in the rearward direction and at an angle of between 5° and 15° above the horizontal plane,
- (e) the forces should be applied as rapidly as possible (a maximum load introduction time of ten seconds) through the central vertical axis of the wheelchair space,
- (f) the force should be maintained for a period of not less than 0.2 seconds, and
- (g) the test should be carried out on a vehicle or a representative section of the vehicle structure together with any fitting provided in the vehicle which is likely to contribute to the strength or rigidity of the structure. Only the components of the wheelchair restraint and occupant restraint devices which form part of the belt anchorages with the vehicle are required for the purposes of the test.
The forces referred to in paragraph 1 are—
- (a) in the case of belt anchorages provided for the wheelchair restraint system—
(i)22250N 200N applied in the longitudinal plane of the vehicle and towards the front of the vehicle at a height of not less than 200 millimetres and not more than 300 millimetres measured vertically above the floor of the wheelchair space, and
(ii)11100N 200N applied in the longitudinal plane of the vehicle and towards the rear of the vehicle at a height of not less than 200 millimetres and not more than 300 millimetres measured vertically above the floor of the wheelchair space,
- (b) in the case of belt anchorages provided for a wheelchair occupant restraint system, the forces should be in accordance with the requirements of paragraph 5.4 of Annex 1 of Directive 76/115/EEC, as amended for M1 vehicles.
A test carried out under paragraph 1 shall fail unless the following requirements are met—
- (a) no part of the system should have failed, or should have become detached from its belt anchorage or from the vehicle during the test,
- (b) any mechanism to release the wheelchair and user should be capable of release after completion of the test, and
- (c) no part of the system should be deformed to such an extent after completion of the test that, because of sharp edges or other protrusions, the part is capable of causing injury.
Regulation 66
SCHEDULE 8Fixed Payment Offences — Prescribed Amounts
| Code(1) | Section of the Principal Act or Regulation under these Regulations(2) | Description of Offence(3) | Fixed Penalty Amount(4) |
| D1 | Regulation 45(1) of these Regulations | Failure to display the required in-vehicle information. | €40 |
| D2 | Section 25(9) in so far as it relates to section 25(6) of the Principal Act | Standing at appointed stand while vehicle is not available for hire. | €40 |
| D3 | Section 25(9) in so far as it relates to section 25(3) of the Principal Act | Standing for hire in a taxi otherwise than at an appointed stand. | €40 |
| D4 | Regulation 39(1) of these Regulations | Refusal to carry assistance dog or guide dog in a small public service vehicle. | €40 |
| D5 | Regulation 56(1) and 56(2) of these Regulations | Failure to print and offer a receipt in the prescribed form to a passenger upon completion of a journey in a taxi. | €40 |
| D6 | Regulation 57(1) and 57(2) of these Regulations | Failure to make available a receipt in the prescribed form to a passenger upon completion of a journey in a hackney or limousine. | €40 |
| D7 | Regulation 58(1) of these Regulations | Standing or plying for hire in a county without a licence to stand or ply for hire in that county. | €40 |
| L8 | Regulation 24 and 46 of these Regulations | Failure to comply with taxi roof sign requirements. | €40 |
| L9 | Regulation 48(1) of these Regulations | Displaying on a hackney or limousine a sign or advertisement other than one prescribed by the National Transport Authority. | €40 |
| L10 | Regulation 51(1) of these Regulations | Failure to notify details of small public service vehicle being operated. | €40 |
| D11 | Regulation 53(3) of these Regulations | Operating taximeter while taxi is standing for hire or plying for hire. | €60 |
| D12 | Regulation 53(2)(c) of these Regulations | Failure to operate taximeter while taxi is on hire. | €60 |
| D13 | Regulation 53(2)(a) of these Regulations | Failure to comply with the requirements in relation to the fitting and operation of a taximeter. | €60 |
| D14 | Regulation 55 of these Regulations | Applying a booking fee in respect of a taxi which is engaged while plying for hire or standing for hire or without having been booked in advance by the consumer. | €60 |
| D15 | Section 25(9) in so far as it relates to section 25(5) of the Principal Act | Standing with a taxi on part of the public road adjoining or in proximity of an appointed stand when the appointed stand is full. | €40 |
| D16 | Regulation 47(1) of these Regulations | Failure to display required driver identification. | €60 |
| A17 | Regulation 24, 25, 26, 27 and 28 of these Regulations, except in so far as they relate to paragraph 21(1) of Schedule 2 of these Regulations | Failure to comply with the vehicle standards and requirements applicable to the licence category | €60 |
| D18 | Regulation 59(1) of these Regulations | Failure of the driver of a hackney or limousine to carry the required booking record in respect of a hire | €60 |
| A21 | Regulation 44(3) of these Regulations | Removal or attempted removal of tamper-proof disc from a small public service vehicle. | €80 |
| D22 | Regulation 44(1) of these Regulations | Failure to display tamper-proof disc. | €80 |
| D23 | Section 23(2)(b) of the Principal Act | Unreasonable refusal to carry a passenger where the journey is not more than 30 kilometres. | €80 |
| D24 | Regulation 53(2)(b) of these Regulations | Failure to comply with the requirements in relation to the calibration of taximeters | €250 |
| A26 | Paragraph 21(1) of Schedule 2 of these Regulations | Failure to have prescribed signage affixed to the front doors of taxi or wheelchair accessible taxi. | €250 |
Regulation 67
SCHEDULE 9 Form of Fixed Payment Notice
Notice under section 48 of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013
Date (insert date)
| Name: (insert name) ............................ | SPSV Driver Licence No: (insert number) .............. |
| Address: (insert address) ............................ |
Alleged Offence
It is alleged that you have committed an offence (specify offence), involving the use of a small public service vehicle bearing licence number (insert licence number) in a public place at (insert location) at (insert time) on (insert date).
Name of authorised person:
Signature of authorised person:
Fixed Payment
In respect of the offence alleged in this notice you may, during the period of 28 days, beginning on the date of this notice, pay a fixed charge of €__ to the National Transport Authority at the address below.
If no payment is made during the period specified in (1) you may, during the period 28 days beginning on the expiration of that period, pay a fixed charge of an amount 50 per cent greater than the prescribed amount referred to in (1) to the National Transport Authority at the address below.
A fixed payment made under this notice must be accompanied by all of this notice, if payment is made in person or by post.
You are not obliged to make the above payment. However, in the event that you choose not to make such payment, you may be prosecuted in respect of the offence specified in this notice.
You will not be prosecuted—
- (a) during the period specified in (1) and (2), or
- (b) at all,
if the correct payment, in accordance with this notice, during that period, is made in respect of the offence specified in this notice.
The offence alleged is/is not (strike out whichever is not applicable) a demerit offence (within the meaning of Part 5 of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013 ). If the alleged offence relates to a demerit offence a total of __ (specify) demerits will be endorsed on your SPSV licence record (within the meaning of Part 5 of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013 ) upon payment of the amount set out in (1) or (2) above and a total of __ (specify) demerits will be endorsed on your SPSV licence record if you do not pay the amount set out in (1) or (2) above and are subsequently convicted of this offence.
All fixed payments made under section 48 of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013 shall be paid to the National Transport Authority, (insert address) and shall be so paid (otherwise than in cash) by cheque, money order or postal order, or by such other means as the Authority for the time being considers appropriate. (State other payment means information if applicable)
GIVEN under the seal of the National Transport Authority,
30 January 2015.
JOHN FITZGERALD,
Chairperson, National Transport Authority.
EXPLANATORY NOTE IN RELATION TO
Taxi Regulation (Small Public Service Vehicle) Regulations 2015
The primary purpose of the Taxi Regulation (Small Public Service Vehicle) Regulations 2015 (the “Regulations”) is to amend and restate the Small Public Service Vehicle (Consolidation and Reform) Regulations 2014 (the “2014 Regulations”). The purpose of the 2014 Regulations was to further develop the statutory framework established by the Taxi Regulation Act 2013 (the “Principal Act”) for the regulation of small public service vehicles (“SPSVs”) and their drivers. The Regulations contain a number of amendments to the 2014 Regulations having regard to, among other things, the amendments to be made to the Principal Act by the Public Transport Bill 2014.
The Regulations contain 10 Parts and 9 Schedules. The main provisions are summarised below.
In this note, a reference to “the Authority” is to the National Transport Authority.
This note is not part of the Regulations and does not purport to be a legal interpretation.
Part 1 — Preliminary and General
This Part contains standard provisions in relation to citation and commencement of the Regulations. Part 1 also sets out standard provisions regarding definitions of key terms used in the Regulations.
Regulation 4 contains a saver for valid licences granted prior to the coming into force of the Regulations.
Part 2 — Licensing of Drivers of Small Public Service Vehicles
This Part sets out the regulatory regime for the licensing of drivers of small public service vehicles.
Among other things, this Part sets out the requirements in relation to:
- (a) applications for:
- (i) a new licence to drive SPSVs;
- (ii) the renewal of a licence to drive SPSVs; and
- (iii) a licence to drive a local area hackney;
- (b) the documents and other evidence to be provided by an applicant to the Authority in connection with his or her application;
- (c) the entry test for new SPSV drivers;
- (d) the form and duration of licences to drive SPSVs, including the rules governing the expiry of such licences;
- (e) certain exemptions from the requirement to hold a licence to drive SPSVs in respect of persons providing a non-commercial personal vehicle sharing service or operating a vehicle under a contract of employment where the operation of such vehicle is solely for the carriage of the owner of the vehicle (or persons nominated by the owner of the vehicle); and
- (f) the area knowledge of a driver of a SPSV.
The relevant fees in respect of applications for licences to drive SPSVs are set out in Schedule 1.
Part 3 — Licensing of Small Public Service Vehicles
This Part sets out the regulatory regime for the licensing of small public service vehicles. The underlying principle in Part 3 is that only one licence may be in force in respect of a vehicle at any time.
Among other things, this Part sets out the requirements in relation to applications for a new SPSV licence or the renewal of an existing SPSV licence. This Part specifies the documents and other evidence to be provided by an applicant to the Authority in connection with his or her application including:
- (a) a valid NCT certificate;
- (b) a tax clearance certificate;
- (c) evidence of an approved policy of insurance; and
- (d) 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 self- employed in the State;
Regulation 16 sets out the various rules governing the periods of validity of a SPSV licence. Subject to certain exceptions, the general rule is that a SPSV licence expires on the earlier of:
- (a) the date falling one year after the date on which the licence was granted;
- (b) the date the vehicle reaches its maximum permissible age;
- (c) the surrender or revocation of the licence; or
- (d) the date on which the licence holder ceases to be legally entitled to use and possession of the vehicle.
Subject to certain exemptions in relation to existing vehicles, limousines and wheelchair accessible vehicles, the maximum permissible age of a vehicle is 10 years from the date of first registration of the vehicle.
It is permissible under this Part for the holder of a SPSV licence to apply to the Authority for the continuance in force of the licence in respect of a different vehicle. Regulation 16 sets out the detailed requirements and restrictions relating to such applications, including the documents or other evidence to be provided to the Authority.
Part 3 contains a number of technical provisions dealing with matters such as the death of a licence holder, insurances, the surrender of a licence, the form of licence to be granted by the Authority and certain exemptions from the requirement to hold a SPSV licence. In addition, this Part includes an application procedure in relation to a new category of SPSV licence; namely, a local area hackney licence.
Schedule 1 sets out the fees to be paid in connection with the matters contemplated by Part 3.
Part 4 — Vehicle Standards
The detailed technical requirements and standards relating to SPSVs are set out in Schedules 2 to 7 of the Regulations. The Regulations in this Part 4 incorporate, and apply, such detailed technical requirements and standards by reference to the relevant Schedules. For example, Regulation 24 provides that standard taxis shall comply with the vehicle standards and requirements specified in Schedule 2 (General Vehicle Requirements for Taxis).
In addition, this Part contains provisions relating to modified vehicles (including the requirement for a technical assessor’s report), a prohibition on crew cabs and pick-ups and a mutual recognition provision whereby a vehicle may satisfy the technical requirements of Part 4 by complying with certain European and/or international standards.
Part 5 — Duties of Holders of Wheelchair Accessible Hackney Licences and Wheelchair Accessible Taxi Licences
The primary purpose of Part 5 of the Regulations is to ensure that the holders of SPSV licences associated with wheelchair accessible vehicles give priority to bookings in respect of persons with disabilities, including persons who wish to travel in their wheelchairs.
This Part also sets out requirements in relation to the information to be provided to the Authority by the holders of SPSV licences associated with wheelchair accessible vehicles and the maintenance of records by such persons. Using the information furnished to it by licence holders, the Authority is permitted to publicise information to assist consumers who wish to avail of, or to book, a wheelchair accessible taxi or wheelchair accessible hackney.
Part 6 — Duties of Drivers of Small Public Service Vehicles
The focus of this Part is on the duties of drivers of SPSVs when carrying passengers for reward. Among other things, this Part sets out the requirements in relation to:
- (a) carrying passengers and their luggage in accordance with the reasonable directions of the passenger;
- (b) advance payment in respect of services not yet rendered;
- (c) the provision of reasonable assistance to passengers and the taking of reasonable precautions to ensure the safety of passengers; and
- (d) except where the driver is unable, for medical reasons, to carry a dog in his or her vehicle, the carrying of guide dogs or other assistance dogs.
Finally, this Part provides that the driver of a SPSV shall not while standing or plying for hire or carrying passengers for reward act in a manner that is abusive, threatening, offensive or discriminatory to any passenger or intending passenger.
Part 7 — Operating Requirements
This Part contains Regulations in relation to the operation of SPSVs including, among other things, Regulations in relation to:
- (a) the maximum hours of operation of SPSVs;
- (b) a limitation on the number of passengers that may be carried;
- (c) unfit vehicles; and
- (d) the carriage of dangerous substances.
In addition, this Part provides for certain requirements in relation to the identification of SPSVs and their drivers. In particular, this Part requires:
- (a) a tamper proof disc to be affixed to the vehicle;
- (b) certain in-vehicle information to be provided for the benefit of passengers;
- (c) a roof sign to be affixed in the case of taxis; and
- (d) the driver of a SPSV to display a SPSV Driver Display Card containing the information specified in the Regulation 48.
Part 7 contains detailed provisions in relation to the operation of a SPSV by a person who is not the licence holder and certain restrictions in relation to the rental or lease of a SPSV to another person.
Finally, Regulation 51 contains requirements in relation to the details to be given to the Authority before a person operates a SPSV including identification details of the vehicle and the proposed period of operation of the vehicle.
Part 8 — Commencement of Hire and Payment of Fares
Part 8 is primarily concerned with the payment of fares by passengers. This Part sets out requirements in relation to:
- (a) the commencement of hire of vehicles;
- (b) the calibration and operation of taximeters;
- (c) booking fees; and
- (d) the receipts that must be printed and offered to passengers.
Part 9 — Licensing of Dispatch Operators
This Part sets out the regulatory regime for the licensing of dispatch operators. Under this Part, the Authority is empowered to issue licences to persons to act as a dispatch operator or to provide booking services in respect of small public service vehicles. Regulation 63 provides for the period of validity of a dispatch operator licence. Regulation 64 sets out the obligations of dispatch operators.
Part 10 — Penal Regulations
Part 10 identifies the penal regulations and substantial breaches of the Regulations for the purposes of the Principal Act.
In particular, Regulation 64 sets out the penal regulations for the purpose of section 20 (4) of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013 . A person who fails to comply with or contravenes a Regulation specified in Regulation 64 commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a Class C fine.
Regulation 65 sets out each penal regulations breach of which is a “substantial breach” for the purposes of section 20 (3) of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013 . A person who fails to comply with or contravenes a Regulation specified in Regulation 65 commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a Class A fine.
Finally, Part 10 prescribes that the form of fixed payment notice to be issued in connection with a fixed payment offence is specified in Schedule 9 and the amount payable in respect of a fixed payment offence is the amount specified in Schedule 8 in respect of that offence.
Schedules
There are 9 Schedules to the Regulations, each providing for certain technical matters relating to the foregoing Parts, as follows:
- • Schedule 1 — Fees;
- • Schedule 2 — General Vehicle Requirements for Taxis;
- • Schedule 3 — General Vehicle Requirements for Hackneys;
- • Schedule 4 — 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; and
- • Schedule 9 — Form of Fixed Payment Notice.
This document does not substitute the official text published in the Irish Statute Book. We accept no responsibility for any inaccuracies arising from the transcription of the original into this format.
This text is published under Irish Statute Book's own terms of reuse, not a Legalize or public-domain licence.
Irish Statute Book
CC-BY 4.0 (Oireachtas Open Data PSI Licence)
Contains Irish Public Sector Information licensed under the Oireachtas (Houses of the Oireachtas) Open Data PSI Licence / Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International, sourced from https://www.irishstatutebook.ie.