DfT guidance urges caution on private hire vehicle plate exemptions for executive hire cars
- Perry Richardson
- Oct 25, 2025
- 2 min read
The Department for Transport (DfT) has reiterated that local licensing authorities should only grant vehicle plate exemptions for private hire cars in exceptional circumstances.
In response to a parliamentary question from Nick Timothy, Opposition Assistant Whip, Lilian Greenwood, Transport Minister, confirmed that departmental guidance advises councils to be cautious when considering such exemptions.
The guidance states that private hire vehicles should only be permitted to operate without displaying a licence plate when there is a strong justification, such as for ‘executive hire’ services. These services, although licensed as private hire vehicles, must not be used for routine private hire work.
Greenwood said local authorities must be satisfied that there are effective safeguards in place to prevent misuse of any exempted vehicle. She also highlighted that the DfT’s best practice guidance requires councils to consult on any proposed licensing changes likely to have significant impacts on passengers or the trade. This includes consultation with taxi and private hire licensees and with passenger groups.
The clarification comes as several authorities review their policies on plate display exemptions, a practice often used by operators offering premium or corporate hire services.
Greenwood said: “The best practice guidance issued by the Department to taxi and private hire vehicle licensing authorities in England advises that private hire vehicles should only exempt the display of a licence plate by a private hire vehicle in exceptional circumstances. This might include vehicles used for ‘executive hire’ services which are services licensed as private hire vehicles and licensing authorities should assure themselves that there is sufficient justification to exempt these vehicles from a requirement to display a plate or disc and that there is an effective means to prevent the vehicle being used for ‘normal’ private hire work.
“In relation to the requirement to consult, the guidance sets out that licensing authorities should consult on proposed changes in licensing rules that may have significant impacts on passengers and/or the trade. Such consultation should include not only all taxi and private hire vehicle licensees but also groups likely to be the trades’ customers.”
