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Assistance dogs in private hire vehicles: the driver's duties

A private hire driver must carry a disabled passenger's assistance dog and must not charge extra for it. Refusing an accepted booking because of the dog is a criminal offence under section 170 of the Equality Act 2010. The only exception is a medical exemption certificate issued by the licensing authority, and its notice must be shown on the vehicle.

Last checked against official sources on .

The offences under section 170

Section 170 of the Equality Act 2010 creates three offences for private hire vehicles. They are punishable by a fine of up to level 3 on the standard scale.

  • An operator refusing a booking because the disabled person will have an assistance dog
  • An operator or driver making, or proposing, an extra charge for carrying the assistance dog
  • A driver refusing to carry out an accepted booking because the passenger has an assistance dog

(Source: legislation.gov.uk (opens in a new tab))

Medical exemption certificates

Under section 171, a licensing authority must issue an exemption certificate if it is satisfied this is appropriate on medical grounds. The exemption only protects the driver when the certificate is in force for that vehicle and the prescribed notice is exhibited on the vehicle.

Councils add their own rules. Wolverhampton's conditions say the certificate must face outwards from the front windscreen, be passed to blind passengers on request, and the operator must be told. Bradford says the certificate must be displayed where the public can see it.

(Source: legislation.gov.uk (opens in a new tab); City of Wolverhampton Council (opens in a new tab); City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council (opens in a new tab))

What counts as an assistance dog

Wolverhampton's policy describes an assistance dog as a working dog certified by an organisation that is a full member of Assistance Dogs International or the International Guide Dog Federation, as trained or in training. The dog should wear an identifying harness or jacket, or the owner should carry certifying documents. The policy says emotional support dogs do not meet the legal definition. Wolverhampton also requires drivers to treat trainee assistance dogs as assistance dogs.

(Source: City of Wolverhampton Council (opens in a new tab); City of Wolverhampton Council (opens in a new tab))

Practical tips from councils

Birmingham's legal information says it is sensible to let the dog sit in the front passenger footwell. Sefton's handbook asks drivers to give passengers with guide and assistance dogs every courtesy and assistance.

(Source: Birmingham City Council (opens in a new tab); Sefton Council (opens in a new tab))

Practise for your council

Sources

We checked these official sources on . Rules can change, so always confirm with the council before you book.