Taxis are a godsend for many people needing to get from A to B.
Whether you're popping to the shops, have been caught short by a public transport issue, or want to go out and leave the car behind, jumping in a cab is a great way to get where you need to go. But there are a number of strict laws that must be adhered to while in a taxi or private hire vehicle.
For example, many local councils now require CCTV to be installed, as they can help to fight crime and protect both drivers and passengers.
READ MORE: Cabbies helped snare taxi rapist in biggest manhunt in Merseyside history
There are also different laws regarding seatbelts, compared to normal cars.
Licensed taxi drivers carrying passengers or "plying for hire" do not have to wear seatbelts. The reason behind this unusual law is to protect taxi drivers from being attacked – it’s thought that a seat belt could be used to hold the driver down in their seat.
Another reason is that it simply makes it easier for taxi drivers to move in and out of their vehicle to assist passengers, according to experts at Swinton insurance. Taxi passengers must, of course, always wear seatbelts.
A number of rules may affect passengers returning from a night out, too.
While you might think that it’s illegal to have an open alcohol container in a taxi, you may be surprised to learn that it’s not. There are no laws against an adult taxi passenger drinking alcohol while riding in a cab.
But while you can't be fined for drinking, you could be hit with a harsh penalty if you smoke in a taxi, and this includes e-cigarettes. As has been the case since 2007, smoking isn’t allowed in enclosed public places, workplaces and public and work vehicles. This includes all taxis and private hire vehicles, even when the vehicle isn’t carrying passengers.
It’s also a requirement for no smoking signage to be displayed, and any drivers or passengers caught flouting the rules can be fined up to £200.
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