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Before a vehicle can be licensed it has to be of a model and age acceptable to the Council and have passed a mechanical inspection at the Council Depot. Full details of the vehicle specification and a list of currently licensed models are available from the Licensing Department. Other vehicles will be inspected on request.

What is the oldest vehicle I can licence?

3 years, the age is currently taken from the registration prefix.

Is there an upper age limit beyond which licences cannot be renewed?

No, the current licence holder may continue to renew the vehicle licence for as long as the vehicle remains fit for the purpose. See the vehicle specification available from the Licensing Department.

What vehicles are the Council looking to licence?

Large family saloon, estates and MPV's. The Licensing Department provides a list of models of vehicles it has accepted for licensing and is willing to examine any vehicle that may be appropriate.

How long does the licence last?

Up to a year but all vehicle licences expire on the 31st March each year no matter when they are issued during that licensing year. The licence is charged at the full fee throughout the year.

If I substitute one vehicle for another during the year is it cheaper?

After the 1st October the fee is half that for a private hire vehicle.

If I surrender my licence am I due a refund for the usused portion?

No, there is no provision for refunds on any usued portion of any licence.

Can I renew the licence of a vehicle I have obtained from somebody else?

Yes, if the vehicle is 3 or less years old and the previous licence holder has notified the Licensing Department in writing that they have transferred the vehicle to you. If the vehicle is older the transfer must take place on or before the expiry of the current licence otherwise the vehicle is not licensable.

Do I always have to display the licence plate?

Yes, the plate must be displayed in the manner set out in the licence so long as the vehicle is licensed. The only exceptions to this are for stretched limousines, 'special vehicles' (vintage cars or replica vintage cars) and executive vehicles. An exemption certificate is issued at the point of licensing these particular vehicles.

Does taking the licence plate off unlicence the vehicle?

No, the licence plate is merely to identify the vehicle as a licensed vehicle, it is not the licence therefore it's removal does not alter the status of the vehicle.

Can friends and family members driver the car once it has been licensed?

Only if they also hold a licence to drive hackney carriages/private hire vehicles issued by this Council. The dictum in law is that 'once a licensed vehicle, always a licensed vehicle' until the licence has been surrendered, revoked or has expired.

What do I have to do if I sell my licensed vehicle?

You are required to notify the Licensing Department in writing of the name and address of the person to whom the vehicle has been transferred within 14 days of the transfer.

What do I do if I have an accident in my licensed vehicle?

If the accident effects the appearance, performance or safety of the use of which it is licensed you must report the accident to the Council as soon as reasonably practicable and in any case within 72 hours of the accident.

Can I put advertising on my vehicle?

If it is approved by the Council. The Council consent, without reference to them, to advertising on the front doors and sunstrip, giving details of the operator and their telephone number only. All other advertising must be referred for approval.

List of Pre-approved vehicles<

The following vehicles (not coupe versions) are capable** of the HBC specification for private hire and vehicles and hackney carriage licences 11 to 45. Licensed passenger carrying capacity will depend upon door and seat configuration. Applicants will need to contact the Licensing Department for any vehicle not listed.

MAKE	MODEL
AUDI	A6 (4)
BMW	5 SERIES (4)
CHEVROLET	CAPTIVA 5 seat model (4)
CHRYSLER	VOYAGER (5/6), SEBRING (4)
CITROEN	BERLINGO (4), C5 (4), SYNERGIE (6), PICASSO (without sunroof) (4), XANTIA (4), C8 (7), XSARA (4), DISPATCH (7), C4 PICASSO (4)
DAEWOO	NUBRIA (4), LEGANZA (4)
DODGE	AVENGER (4)
FIAT	ULYSEE (5), SCUDO (7), DOBLO (4)
FORD	GALAXY (5), MONDEO (4), TOURNEO (8), TRANSIT (8)
HONDA	ACCORD (4)
HYUNDAI	SONATA (4), TRAJET (6), MATRIX (4), i30 (4)
JAGUAR	X TYPE (4)
KIA	SEDONA (5/6), CARENS (4)
LDV	CONVOY (8)
LTI	TX1 (5), TX4 (5)
MAZDA	6 (4)
MERCEDES	C SERIES (4), E SERIES (4), VITO (7/8), VIANO (6/7), 270 (4)
MITSUBISHI	CARISMA
NISSAN	PRIMERA (4)
PEUGEOT	307 (4), 406 (4), 607 (4), 806 (4/6/7), 807 (5), EUROBUS (7), EXPERT (7)
RENAULT	LAGUNA (4), TRAFFIC (to be inspected on an individual basis), SCENIC (4), MEGANE (4), MASTER (8), ESPACE (6)
ROVER	620 (4), 75 (4)
SEAT	ALHAMBRA (6)
SKODA	ACTAVIA (4), SUPERB (4) OCTAVIA (4)
TOYOTA	AVENSIS (4), HIACE (8), PREVIA (5)
VAUXHALL	OMEGA (4), VECTRA (4), ZAFIRA (4), CAVALIER (4), VIVARO (8), ASTRA (4)
VOLKSWAGEN	PASSAT (4), SHARAN (4/5), LWB (8), TRANSPORTER (6/7/8), CARAVELLE (7)
VOLVO	V70 (4), S80 (4)

Other vehicles may be submitted for consideration however all vehicles must be capable** of complying with the HBC specification whether or not they are on this list. Link to Vehicle Specifications (23.3 KB PDF)>>

**'Capable' means that generally these vehicles are or can readily be made compliant with the specification and must comply before a licence is issued.

In respect of mini-buses and MPVs seat layout and access are particularly important and such vehicles must be capable of complying with all relevant aspects of the specification.

HBC licensing authority retains the sole discretion to approve or reject any vehicle if it is not considered suitable for any reason.

If you wish to purchase any other car not on the above list or have any queries please contact the Licensing Department>>

Havant Borough Council