Other station matters
Taxi touting / soliciting for hire
Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994, s.167
England & Wales. Elements, mode of trial, maximum and defences — not a charging or outcome predictor.
- Triable
- Summary only
- Maximum penalty
- See Sentencing Council guideline for the statutory maximum
Actus reus
- In a public place, solicit persons to hire vehicles to carry them as passengers (CJPOA 1994, s.167(1)). The soliciting need not refer to a particular vehicle; a mere “for hire” sign is not soliciting (s.167(2)).
Mens rea
- The offence is the soliciting in a public place. A statutory defence applies if the accused was soliciting for hire of a licensed taxi as permitted (s.167(4)).
Defences
Not a public place · Not soliciting (including mere display of a sign) · s.167(4) licensed-taxi defence · Shared-taxi scheme permission (s.167(3))
Sentencing Council
Sentencing Council guideline effective 24 April 2017. Offence range: Conditional Discharge - Band C fine.
At the police station
Airport and station forecourts are typical. Ask whether the vehicle was a licensed taxi or PHV and what words were used.
When to involve a rep or solicitor
Police station advice is free under legal aid and is not means-tested.
Authoritative sources for this page
Statute plus Sentencing Council (and CPS where listed) are the two primary sources we used for mode of trial, maximum and elements. Case links are from our verified registry only.
- Statute:Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994, s.167 ↗
- Sentencing Council:Sentencing Council definitive guideline ↗