Limo Law - The Legality of Limo Hire in Newcastle

November 13th, 2008

As one of the leading limousine operators in the North East of England the safety of our passengers is one of our priorities. As such Seaton Sluice Limos & Newcastle Limos fully comply with current British law in regards to the operation of limo hire services and wish to highlight the current legislation in place so that customers can understand the legality of hiring a limousine in Newcastle and the North East of England.

Currently under the law any vehicle that carries 8 or fewer passengers should be registered as a taxi or public service vehicle (PSV) with one of the various councils around the country. This also applies to limousines carrying 8 or fewer individuals, and thus should all be registered with their retrospective council.

A number of limousine hire companies in the North East, and nationally, are offering limo hire in larger limos such as the Hummer style vehicles for over 8 passengers. Under current law this style of limousine carrying over 8 people should have a PSV certificate of intial fitness (COIF) in a similar way to a minibus or coach.

However, to gain a COIF for a limousine is virtually impossible due to the requirements set out by the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) which requires the limos to have adequate headroom, turning ability and most importantly a fire escape.

We know of no limousine operators in the North East that currently have a certificate of intial fitness.

It is possible that there firms offering limos for over 8 people are being run illegally and could face their vehicles being impounded with paying customers being asked to leave the vehicle on the spot.

At Seaton Sluice Limos we highly recommend that if you are looking to book a limousine in Newcastle soon or even nationally that you check that limousine operator will only accept 8 or fewer passengers OR those that offer over 8 have the necessary licenses and safety features to do so.

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