Public Passenger Vehicles Act 1981

6Certificate of initial fitness (or equivalent) required for use as public service vehicles

(1)A public service vehicle adapted to carry more than eight passengers shall not be used on a road unless—

(a)a certifying officer has issued a certificate (in this Act referred to as a " certificate of initial fitness ") that the prescribed conditions as to fitness are fulfilled in respect of the vehicle; or

(b)a certificate under section 10 of this Act has been issued in respect of the vehicle; or

(c)there has been issued in respect of the vehicle a certificate under section 47 of the [1972 c. 20.] Road Traffic Act 1972 (type approval) of a kind which by virtue of regulations is to be treated as the equivalent of a certificate of initial fitness.

(2)Subject to section 68(3) of this Act, if a vehicle is used in contravention of subsection (1) above, the operator of the vehicle shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding £500.