What a CU80 driving endorsement means for taxi and private hire drivers
- Perry Richardson
- 5 minutes ago
- 2 min read
A CU80 driving endorsement is issued when a driver is caught using a hand-held mobile phone while driving. For the general public, this can result in penalty points and a fine. For licensed taxi and private hire drivers, the implications are more serious and can lead to a review of their suitability to hold a licence.
Licensing authorities view CU80 offences as a risk to public safety. Using a mobile device at the wheel is regarded as a lapse in judgement and concentration that can directly endanger passengers, pedestrians and other road users.
Taxi and private hire licensing policies often include CU80 endorsements within the category of serious traffic offences. Many councils follow national best practice standards, which recommend that licence holders with such convictions should be referred to a licensing sub-committee for review. This process allows councillors to assess whether the driver remains a fit and proper person.
The central question used in these hearings is whether a committee member would allow someone they care for to travel alone with the driver in question. If the answer is no, based on the facts, the licence may be suspended or revoked.
Each case is considered on its own merit. However, the existence of a CU80 will usually shift the responsibility onto the driver to show why their licence should not be removed. A failure to attend the hearing, or a lack of credible explanation, can weigh heavily in the decision.
For professional and non-professional drivers, mobile phone use whilst driving is a huge no-no.
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