New TfL Rule: 48-hour notification period for taxi and private hire drivers to report penalties

Transport for London (TfL) is implementing a critical new update for taxi and private hire drivers. Starting 1 July 2024, all licensed drivers must notify TfL of any police involvement within 48 hours.

This new rule significantly tightens the previous requirement, which allowed 21 days for taxi drivers and 14 days for private hire operators to report new convictions or cautions.

The change aims to ensure that TfL has timely access to crucial information to determine the suitability of individuals holding a licence.

From 1 July 2024, all licensed taxi drivers must report any arrest, charge, caution, or conviction within 48 hours.

Newly licensed private hire drivers, from 1 July 2024 onwards, must comply with the 48-hour notification requirement immediately upon receiving their licence. Existing drivers must adhere to this requirement upon licence renewal.

The 48-hour notification rule also applies to private hire operators and all individuals associated with a private hire operator’s licence.

When notifying TfL, drivers and operators must include details such as the nature of the offence, date of the incident, and relevant police or court information. This includes all driving offences that result in penalty points.

Notifications can be made via email or by post to TfL. It is crucial to retain proof of notification to confirm compliance with the 48-hour rule.

Failure to notify TfL within the stipulated 48 hours could lead to licensing action. This could affect the driver’s or operator’s fitness to remain licensed.

Within the guidance it does say that TfL will monitor compliance and may revise the guidance in the future to reflect any changes in the law or its policies.