Getting around is expensive, especially if you don’t have your own car. Not only can it cost a small fortune to get around in a taxi, but when factoring in buses or trains it can become a logistical nightmare. It’s easier, then, to just ask a mate for a lift, right? On the face of it, yes, but did you know it’s very easy to get caught up in a legal minefield? Read on to find out why, and how to avoid it.
If you’re needing to arrange a lift because your car is in a sorry state, why not get rid of the car entirely and use the cash to get something more reliable? With Scrap Car Comparison, we’ll take a car no matter its condition and get you the very best price for it. All it takes is a quick phone call to our team or a visit to our online quote generator and we’ll have an unbeatable quote for you in as little as 60 seconds.
Is it illegal to charge for a lift?
The act of asking for money in return for a lift is not strictly illegal, providing the figure you’re asking for does not exceed the amount that it would cost you in fuel. It only becomes illegal if you are making a profit on the journey, as in order to do this you would need to have a valid taxi or private hire licence.
Can I accept money for giving people lifts in my car?
If someone offers you some cash as a thank you for giving them a lift, then this shouldn’t be an issue, but once again make sure you’re not receiving more than the cost of the fuel to get there. It may be tricky to work out, but it’s better than falling foul of the rules for effectively running an unlicensed taxi service. If you can, just tell your friends it’s their turn next and everyone gets paid back when it’s their turn, just like when it’s their round at the bar.
What happens if I’m caught charging my friends for a lift?
If the police catch you making a profit of giving your friends a lift, then you could be slapped with a £2,500 fine for operating an unlicensed taxi service. Not only that, but you could have your vehicle seized and even have your insurance invalidated. Most insurers will not cover private drivers who are offering lifts in return for payment – so it’s worth thinking twice before trying to make a few quid from your mates that want a lift home on a Friday night.
Of course the easiest way to avoid any lift-sharing conundrums is to drive yourself. If you can’t do this because of a broken car, then Scrap Car Comparison is here to help – at least with your tired car situation. We have a team of dedicated experts waiting to take your call and get the very best price for you, and with collection agents operating across the country, you’re never too far from our service. We’ll even throw in a free collection, so get started today to see just how much your old car could be worth.
