It is sometimes difficult to recognise a taxi when you are abroad. Here are some explanations of the specific features of taxis in France and the United Kingdom which may help you to distinguish them from other transport vehicles. Taxi lights are a distinguishing feature to be taken into account.
How are taxis regulated in France?
Characteristics of French taxis
Taxis in France are regulated by law, in terms of obligations and fares. To avoid getting into a vehicle that is not a taxi, check that the vehicle has the following characteristics:
- It has a maximum of 9 seats
- The equipment on board includes:
- a taximeter indicating the fare,
- a printer connected to the taximeter to print out notes,
- a credit card payment terminal.
Parisian taxis must also have a plate sealed to the right-hand side of their vehicle. This plate indicates the commune to which they are attached and their parking authorisation number. For provincial taxis, this information is normally shown directly on the number plate.
What does a taxi light mean?
The vehicle must be equipped with an external light indicating the word “TAXI” and its municipality. It must be visible from the front and rear of the vehicle, by day and night, whatever the lighting conditions. It is good to remember that the luminous device must be green when it is free, red when it is occupied and off when it is not in activity.
Starplast, expert in taxi lights since 2000, offers two models adapted to the French regulations of the sector. Our Universal taxi light and our Full Led taxi light are approved in Paris and in the provinces and can be customized thanks to our various accessories and colors.
How are taxis regulated in the United Kingdom?
The regulations are different in each country of the United Kingdom.
Regulations in England and Wales
Section 64 of the Transport Act states the following: “There shall not, in any part of England and Wales outside the metropolitan police district and the City of London, be displayed on or above the roof of any vehicle which is used for carrying passengers for hire or reward but which is not a taxi”.
Then, we have to differentiate taxis vehicles and private hire vehicles (PHV). In the legislation, taxi means hackney carriage.
A roof sign must be displayed on the top of all hackney carriages. The roof sign should be illuminated bearing the word “TAXI” in black letters on a yellow background facing forwards and on a red background facing backwards. When the roof sign is illuminated, it means that the taxi is available for hire. When the roof sign is not illuminated, the taxi is occupied or not available for hire.
Private hire vehicles (sometimes called minicabs) are especially useful if you require a door to door service.The displaying of signs on or above the roof of a private hire vehicle is permitted but can only consist of the company name, telephone number and must state pre-booking only. The words ‘taxi’, ‘cab’ or ‘Hackney Carriage’ are strictly prohibited for private hire operators. Requests for roof signs on private hire vehicles must be approved by the Licensing Officer.
Regulations in Scotland
According to the Taxi and Private hire car Licensing under the civic government (Scotland) Act of 1982, a cab is required to display a taxi sign on top of the vehicle approved by the Council whereas a private hire vehicle MUST NOT have a sign or other advertisement that suggests it is available for hire as a taxi.
Regulations in Northern Ireland
There is a different procedure for Northern Ireland. There are four classes of taxi: A, B, C, and D. The cab class determines how the cab can be used and does not refer to fares as is the case in France:
- Class A taxis has a roof sign, coloured yellow to both the front and the back,
- Class B taxis has a roof sign, coloured white to both the front and the back,
- Class C taxis must not display a roof sign or advertise as a taxi service, but must display a sign in the front windscreen,
- Class D taxis do not need to display roof signs, but must display internal signs on the front windscreen and rear windows.