‘TAXI COP’ WARNING: Keep your number and taxi licensing plates readable or face potential fines
Taxi and private hire vehicle (PHV) drivers are being reminded of their legal responsibilities to keep vehicles clean, particularly as winter conditions make it harder to comply. Dirty number plates or council plates could result in financial penalties and enforcement action.
PC Patrick Quinton, Avon and Somerset Police’s ‘Taxi Cop’, has highlighted the issue, stressing that maintaining visibility of essential vehicle details is not just about appearances but a legal obligation.
The law requires all vehicles, including hackney carriage and private hire cars, to have number plates that are clearly legible at all times. Under the Road Vehicles (Display of Registration Marks) Regulations 2001, a number plate must be readable from a distance and must not be obscured by dirt, mud, or other materials. Drivers who fail to comply can face a fixed penalty fine of £100.
Similarly, council plates, which identify licensed taxis and private hire vehicles, must also remain visible to passengers, pedestrians, and enforcement officers. Obstructed plates could result in non-compliance with local authority licensing conditions, potentially leading to warnings or further sanctions.
During the winter months, vehicles are more prone to grime and mud, making regular cleaning essential. PC Quinton advised drivers to make these checks part of their daily routine, especially before heading out on jobs.
While most drivers maintain high standards, keeping plates clear and readable is a simple yet vital step to ensure compliance with the law and avoid unnecessary penalties.
PC Quinton said: “It's that time of year when cars get dirty very quickly, and number plates and Council plates need more regular cleaning.
“You can be fined £100 for having a number plate that can't be easily read, so worth taking that extra moment to make sure they are clean.
“One of the first things I found when I started working as your Taxi Cop is that almost all HC (Hackney Carriage) and PH (Private Hire) vehicles are really clean and tidy, so it's not a big issue, but worth mentioning at this time of year.”
