Taxis Act (Northern Ireland) 2008

Regulation of taximeters etc.

18.—(1) Subject to such exceptions as may be prescribed, a taxi shall be fitted with—

(a) a taximeter; and

(b) a device constructed or adapted for the production of receipts,

in accordance with regulations made under this section.

(2) A taxi shall not be fitted with more than one taximeter and device referred to in subsection (1)(b).

(3) A taximeter and a device referred to in subsection (1)(b) shall be of a type approved by the Department.

(4) Subject to such exceptions as may be prescribed, the driver of a taxi shall, on payment of the fare, issue a receipt produced by the device referred to in subsection (1)(b) to the person who hired the taxi or paid the fare.

(5) Regulations may make provision for—

(a) inspection, testing and sealing of the taximeters and devices referred to in subsection (1)(b);

(b) operation of the taximeters and devices;

(c) display of tariffs;

(d) form and manner of production or issue of receipts;

(e) prescribed details to be included on receipts;

(f) such other requirements as may be prescribed.

(6) If a taxi is used in standing or plying for hire or reward or to carry passengers for hire or reward in contravention of this section or any provision of regulations made under it, the owner of the taxi, driver of the taxi and taxi operator for or in respect of the taxi are each guilty of an offence

(7) It is a defence in proceedings for an offence under subsection (6) for the owner, driver or operator to show that the owner, driver or operator (as the case may be) exercised all due diligence to prevent the taxi being used in contravention of this section.

(8) A person who unlawfully tampers with a taximeter or device referred to in subsection (1)(b) is guilty of an offence.