Land Transport Rule

Operator Licensing 2007

Rule 81001

Contents

Objective of the Rule

Extent of consultation

Part 1     Rule requirements

Section 1     Application

Section 2     Transport service licence

Section 3     Requirements for small passenger service vehicles, drivers and services

Section 4     Taxi services

Section 5     Shuttle services

Section 6     Private hire vehicles

Section 7     Other services using a small passenger service vehicle

Section 8     Approved taxi organisations

Section 9     Rental services

Section 10     Vehicle recovery services

Section 11     Other vehicles and services

Section 12       Exempt passenger services

Part 2     Definitions

Part 3     Schedules

Objective of the Rule

Land Transport Rule: Operator Licensing 2007 (the Rule) sets out the requirements for obtaining and retaining a licence to operate a passenger, rental, vehicle recovery, or goods service. It also contains requirements that apply to transport service drivers, ‘dial-a-driver’ service drivers, hirers of rental service vehicles, and approved taxi organisations (ATOs).

The overall aim of the Rule is to establish a fair and consistent framework for the licensing of transport operators. The Rule takes into account the environment in which commercial transport services operate and the wider community’s need for mobility and access to transport services, while ensuring that transport operators provide a service that is safe and secure for their passengers and for other road users.

The procedures and criteria that the Director of Land Transport (the Director) must follow or apply in licensing transport operators, contained in the Transport Services Licensing Act 1989 and regulations made under that Act, have been reviewed and were updated in the Land Transport Amendment Act 2005 (the amendment Act). Within the framework of the amendment Act, the Rule sets out the procedures, criteria, and standards that must be met when applying for, or holding, the different classes of transport service licence (TSL), and the requirements for ATOs.

The development of the Rule followed on from a comprehensive review of the operator licensing system carried out in consultation with transport and other interested groups (see Extent of consultation). The Rule takes into account, and acts on a number of, the recommendations made by the Office of the Auditor General following its review of the effectiveness of controls over the taxi industry.

The large majority of requirements in the Rule, however, have been carried over from the Transport Services Licensing Act and regulations. The changes that have been made in the Rule are intended to make the licensing system more effective and safer, to formalise current practice, to clarify requirements and, where appropriate, to address industry concerns and submissions. Changes to key aspects of the transport licensing requirements are summarised below.

Certificate of Knowledge of Law and Practice (CKLP)

Notification of changes

Certificate of responsibility

Display of TSL number

Requirement to notify application for transport service licence

Small passenger service vehicles

Taxi services

Rental services

Vehicle recovery services

Dial-a-driver services

Exempt passenger services

The Land Transport Act 1998 (the Act) requires that Rules may not be inconsistent with New Zealand’s international obligations concerning land transport safety. The Rule is consistent with New Zealand’s international obligations in this area.

The Rule has been subjected to economic analysis. The majority of the Rule’s provisions do not impose additional compliance costs on transport service operators and drivers because they are largely rolled over from existing legislation.

New requirements with significant cost impacts are those relating to the display of Braille signs in taxis and AKC requirements for taxi drivers in Auckland and Wellington. The requirements as originally proposed have been scaled back in order to lower compliance costs. A small number of requirements will result in cost savings to the industry. Some provisions, such as the requirement to display a TSL number for some transport service vehicles, will result in some additional expense for operators.

Extent of consultation

Following preliminary discussions with key stakeholders, the former Land Transport Safety Authority initiated a review of the transport services licensing system, with the release, in December 1998, of the discussion document Transport Services Operator Licensing Review. This document did not contain specific policy proposals but outlined the key issues relating to the licensing of transport services, for public feedback on these issues and on a range of possible options.

In May 2001, the Land Transport Safety Authority released another discussion document, Courtesy Vehicle Services, for public comment. This document was posted on the Authority’s website, along with a list of its preferred policy proposals. The proposals took into account submissions made by industry groups and the public on the earlier discussion document and made recommendations to government. Cabinet approved the recommendations in October 2003.

Some of the changes proposed to transport services licensing policy required amendment of the Act. Those changes were passed into law in the amendment Act, which received the royal assent on 21 June 2005. Land Transport New Zealand consulted on the requirements that are contained in the Rule in the yellow (public consultation) draft, which was released in May 2006.

The yellow draft was made available to about 700 organisations and individuals who had registered their interest in the Rule. The availability of the yellow draft was publicised in metropolitan and selected regional daily newspapers, Te Karere National News and the New Zealand Gazette. The draft was also made available, together with Questions and Answers, on the Land Transport NZ website.

Land Transport NZ received 76 submissions on the draft Rule. The comments were taken into account in redrafting the Rule before it was submitted to Cabinet, and to the Minister for Transport Safety for signature.

Part 1     Rule requirements

Section 1     Application

1.1     Title

This Rule is Land Transport Rule: Operator Licensing 2007.

1.2     Scope

This Rule applies to:

[Note:‘Goods service licence’, ‘passenger service licence’, ‘rental service licence’, and ‘vehicle recovery service licence’ are defined terms.]

[Note: ‘Approved taxi organisation’, ‘dial-a-driver-service’, ‘goods service vehicle’, ‘passenger service vehicle’, ‘rental service vehicle’, ‘small passenger service vehicle’, and ‘vehicle recovery service vehicle’ are defined terms.]

1.3     Fees

A person must pay the appropriate fee or fees (if any) for any application, amendment, approval or exemption in respect of a provision of this Rule, that is specified in, or assessed in accordance with, any regulation made under the Act.

1.4     Date when Rule comes into force

1.4(1)    Subclauses 4.2(8) and 4.2(9) come into force on 1 October 2008.

1.4(2)    The rest of this Rule comes into force on 1 October 2007.

Section 2     Transport service licence

2.1     Application for transport service licence

An application from a person or organisation for a transport service licence must be made on a form approved by the Director and include:

[Note: ‘Transport service licence’ and ‘control’ are defined terms.]

2.2     Certificate of knowledge of law and practice

2.2(1)     This clause does not apply to an applicant for, or holder of, a rental service licence or a passenger service licence for operating a dial-a-driver service.

2.2(2)     A person is entitled to obtain, or continue to hold, a transport service licence only if that person, or another person who has or is to have control of the service, holds a certificate of knowledge of law and practice applicable to the transport service being operated.

[Note: ‘Transport service’ is a defined term.]

2.2(3)    Despite 2.2(2), the Director, having regard to the limited or infrequent nature of the service, or proposed service, may waive the requirement for a licence applicant or holder to comply with 2.2(2) for whatever limited period and subject to any conditions that the Director may determine.

2.2(4)    For the avoidance of doubt, a person who holds, or was deemed to hold, a certificate of knowledge of law and practice before 1 October 2007 is deemed to hold a certificate of knowledge of law and practice applicable to the transport service being operated.

2.2(5)    The content of a certificate of knowledge of law and practice test (and any revision to the content of the test), the test provider, and the form of the certificate of knowledge of law and practice must be approved by the Director.

2.2(6)     A holder of a transport service licence, or a person in control of or involved in a transport service, must pass the test to hold a certificate of knowledge of law and practice if he or she:

2.2(7)    Subclause 2.2(6) applies even if another person is to have control of the service and that person already holds a certificate of knowledge of law and practice.

2.2(8)    If the Director believes on reasonable grounds that the holder or deemed holder of a certificate of knowledge of law and practice does not have an adequate knowledge of the laws and practices concerning the safe and proper operation of the transport service to which the licence relates, the Director may require the holder to pass the test for a certificate of knowledge of law and practice applicable to that transport service.

2.2(9)    A requirement issued by the Director under 2.2(8) must state:

2.2(10)    Failure to satisfactorily complete the test under 2.2(8) invalidates the licence holder’s certificate of knowledge of law and practice and the holder’s transport service licence may then be suspended in accordance with section 30U of the Act.

2.3     Transport service licence holder to notify Director of certain changes

2.3(1)     A holder of a transport service licence must:

2.3(2)   If a holder of a transport licence is a body corporate, the person or persons having control of the service must notify the Director of:

[Note: ‘Notify’ is a defined term.]

2.3(3)     The notification in 2.3(1) or 2.3.(2) must be given either:

2.3(4)     The notification in 2.3(1) or 2.3.(2) must include any other identification information that the Director requires.

2.3(5)     The notification in 2.3(1)(c)(ii) or 2.3.(2)(a)is not required if the person having control of the service:

2.4     Certificate of responsibility where person other than owner operates vehicle under licence

2.4(1)     If a vehicle is used under a transport service licence by a person other than the owner, the owner of the vehicle must obtain from the person using the vehicle under the licence a certificate of responsibility, in the form specified in Schedule 1, indicating that:

2.4(2)     A certificate of responsibility must be obtained before the vehicle is used in the relevant service, unless in the circumstances it is unreasonable to do so.

2.4(3)     The driver of the vehicle must carry a copy of the certificate of responsibility for the vehicle and must produce it without delay for inspection on demand by an enforcement officer.

[Note: ‘Enforcement officer’ is a defined term.]

2.4(4)     A person who obtains a certificate of responsibility for a vehicle registered in his or her name must retain that certificate for a period of not less than 12 months after the last date to which it relates, and must produce the certificate without delay on demand by an enforcement officer.

2.4(5)     In any proceedings for an offence against this clause, the holder of the licence under which the vehicle was operated must satisfy the Court that, in the circumstances, it was unreasonable for a certificate of responsibility to be obtained before the vehicle concerned was used in the transport service.

2.5     Replacement of transport service licences and other documents

2.5(1)    The Director may issue a duplicate transport service licence or other document issued by the Director to a person whose licence or other document has been lost, destroyed, stolen, defaced, or mutilated, or has become illegible.

[Note: ‘Licence or other document’ is a defined term.]

2.5(2)     The Director must not issue the duplicate licence or other document unless:

2.5(3)     A transport service licence or other document for which a duplicate has been issued under 2.5(1) must, if subsequently found by or returned to the licensee or person to whom the duplicate was issued, be returned immediately to the Director.

2.5(4)     If a licence is amended, a new licence incorporating the amendment must be issued.

2.6     Surrender of transport service licences

The holder of a transport service licence that is amended, revoked, or surrendered must return the licence to the Director within seven days of a request from the Director to do so.

Section 3     Requirements for small passenger service vehicles, drivers and services

3.1     Requirements for all small passenger service vehicles

A holder of a passenger service licence under which a small passenger service vehicle is operated and a driver of a small passenger service vehicle must comply with:

[Note: Taxis, shuttles and private hire vehicles are all small passenger service vehicles.]

3.2     Driver identification

3.2(1)     A person may not drive a small passenger service vehicle unless that person is the holder of, and displays, a current driver identification card.

3.2(2)    An application for a driver identification card must be made in accordance with clause 36 of the Land Transport (Driver Licensing) Rule 1999.

3.2(3)     The form of a driver identification card must comply with clause 65 of the Land Transport (Driver Licensing) Rule 1999.

3.2(4)     A driver identification card must:

[Note: ‘Driver identification card’ and ‘unique identifier’ are defined terms.]

3.2(5)     Despite 3.2(4)(b), a driver identification card issued before 1 October 2007 that displays an identification name comprising a combination of numbers, or a combination of letters and numbers, is valid until the next date of the identification card’s renewal.

3.2(6)     A driver identification card is current for a period not exceeding five years, but the Director may extend, by notice in writing, its currency for a period not exceeding 12 months.

3.2(7)     A holder of a passenger service licence under which a small passenger service vehicle is operated, and every person driving that vehicle, must ensure that the driver’s driver identification card:

3.2(8)     The driver identification card must be displayed where it is directly facing passengers, in a central and vertical position, so that a front or rear seated passenger can easily see the photograph and the unique identifier in sufficient detail to allow accurate identification of the driver as the holder of the card.

3.2(9)     Subclause 3.2(6) applies at any time that the vehicle is available for hire, whether or not there is a hirer in the vehicle.

3.3     Duties and conduct of drivers

Circumstances in which driver may refuse to accept hiring of the vehicle and any passenger

3.3(1)     A driver may refuse to accept a person as a passenger, or refuse to continue the hiring of the vehicle by a person, if:

[Note: ‘Guide dog’, ‘companion dog’, and ‘hearing ear dog’ are defined terms.]

3.3(2)     A driver may refuse to accept a hire if:

[‘Registered service’ is a defined term]

Duties of drivers relating to fares

3.3(3)    A driver of a small passenger service vehicle must, if asked by a prospective hirer about the scale or basis of the fare, state the correct scale or basis of the fare (including extra charges and inclusive of GST if charged) that applies to the hiring.

3.3(4)     A driver of a small passenger service vehicle must, at the end of a hiring, demand no more than the exact amount of the registered fare and other charges (if any) payable for the hiring, less a deduction of any prepayment made by the hirer.

3.3(5)     A driver of a small passenger service vehicle must, on request by a hirer, issue an itemised receipt to the hirer for a fare paid by the hirer, indicating:

Duties of drivers relating to luggage

3.3(6)     Subject to 3.3(7), a driver of a small passenger service vehicle must:

3.3(7)     A driver of a small passenger service vehicle is not required to carry, in or on the vehicle, luggage that:

3.3(8)     A driver of a small passenger service vehicle must, immediately after the termination of each hiring, check the vehicle for property that may have been left in the vehicle.

3.3(9)     A driver of a small passenger service vehicle must, if any property is found in the vehicle, notify his or her office immediately and, unless it is claimed, deliver it to a police station within 24 hours.

3.3(10)     A driver of a small passenger service vehicle must not place or carry or allow to be placed or carried in or on the vehicle any substance of an offensive nature.

Duties of drivers relating to obstruction of other small passenger service vehicles or road

3.3(11)     A driver of a small passenger service vehicle that is not immediately available for hire must not allow that vehicle to be parked in a place or manner that is likely to impede or interfere with the operation of another small passenger service vehicle that is available for hire.

3.3(12)     Subject to 3.3(13), a driver of a small passenger service vehicle must not stop the vehicle on a road longer than is reasonably necessary for the purpose of loading or unloading luggage, picking up or setting down passengers, or for any other lawful purpose.

3.3(13)     Subclause 3.3(12) does not apply to a small passenger service vehicle that is:

[Note: ‘Designated stand’ is a defined term.]

3.3(14)     An enforcement officer or a parking warden may, at the expense of the owner of the small passenger service vehicle, arrange for the removal of a vehicle parked in contravention of 3.3(11) or 3.3(12).

Other duties of drivers

3.3(15)     A driver of a small passenger service vehicle must be clean, and conduct himself or herself in an orderly and civil manner while engaged in the operation of the vehicle.

3.3(16)    A driver of a small passenger service vehicle at a designated stand must remain constantly in immediate attendance of his or her vehicle, unless the driver is absent for a reasonable cause.

3.3(17)     A driver of a small passenger service vehicle must not carry, in the vehicle, passengers the number of whom exceeds the lesser of:

3.4     Advertising material

A holder of a passenger service licence must not allow a small passenger service vehicle to be used in the service if there is any advertising material on the outside or on the inside of the vehicle that:

3.5     Complaints register

3.5(1)    A holder of a passenger service licence under which a small passenger service vehicle is operated (other than a holder who is a member of an approved taxi organisation) must ensure that a register of complaints is maintained.

3.5(2)     A register of complaints must be maintained in respect of:

3.5(3)    An approved taxi organisation must keep a single register of complaints containing the details in 3.5(2) for all its members and their drivers.

3.5(4)    When a complaint is entered in the complaints register, that entry must be retained in the register for at least two years.

3.5(5)     The complaints register must be available for inspection at any reasonable time by an enforcement officer.

3.5(6)     The complaints register must, as far as practicable, record the following matters:

3.5(7)     If a complaint is in writing, the original written complaint must be retained as part of, or as an attachment to, the complaints register.

Section 4     Taxi services

4.1     General requirements

A holder of a passenger service licence who operates a taxi service and a driver of a taxi must comply with the requirements in this section and section 3.

[Note: ‘Taxi’ and ‘taxi service’ are defined terms.]

4.2     Operator identification

4.2(1)     A holder of a passenger service licence who operates a taxi must ensure that the following information is clearly displayed on the inside and the outside of every taxi used under the licence, in a form approved by the Director:

[Note: ‘Business location’ is a defined term.]

4.2(2)    A holder of a passenger service licence who operates a taxi service must ensure that every taxi used under the licence displays his or her transport service licence number, in the form specified in Schedule 2, on the outside of the taxi.

4.2(3)     The information required by 4.2(1) and 4.2(2) must be clearly displayed in a contrasting colour to the background on which it is displayed.

4.2(4)     The information required by 4.2(1) must be displayed on the inside of a vehicle in a prominent position at the front of the vehicle, so that a passenger can easily read it.

4.2(5)    In addition to the requirements in 4.2(1), the name of the approved taxi organisation to which the licence holder belongs and the unique fleet number assigned by the approved taxi organisation to the vehicle must be positioned on the inside on the rear left-hand passenger door, so that a passenger seated in the rear of the vehicle can easily read it.

4.2(6)     The information required by 4.2(1) and 4.2(2) to be displayed on the outside of a vehicle must be positioned on the forward doors on both sides of the vehicle.

4.2(7)     The information required by 4.2(1) to be displayed on the inside and the outside of a vehicle, and by 4.2(2) to be displayed on the outside of the vehicle, may be removed, with the consent of the hirer, while the vehicle is hired and being used in connection with a ceremony such as a funeral or wedding.

4.2(8)     A holder of a passenger service licence who operates a taxi service and the driver of the taxi must, in addition to the identification required under 3.2 and 4.2(1) to 4.2(7), ensure that the following information is provided in Braille:

4.2(9)    The information in Braille must be displayed on the inside of the front passenger door, in a form and position approved by the Director.

4.3     Taxi roof signs

4.3(1)    A holder of a passenger service licence must ensure that every taxi being operated under the licence has a taxi roof sign fitted on its roof that displays the word ‘TAXI’ and indicates whether or not the vehicle is available for hire.

4.3(2)    The sign required by 4.3(1) must be approved by the Director for use by that approved taxi organisation and be fitted in a position approved by the Director.

4.3(3)     A person must not drive a taxi that is available for hire during the hours of darkness unless the sign required by 4.3(1) is illuminated.

[Note: ‘Hours of darkness’ is a defined term.]

4.3(4)     The sign required by 4.3(1) may be removed, with the consent of the hirer, while the vehicle is hired and being used in connection with a ceremony such as a funeral or wedding.

4.4     Duties of driver relating to hiring

4.4(1)     A taxi driver may cruise for hire on a road, provided that the driver:

4.4(2)     A taxi driver must, subject to 3.3(1), 3.3(2), 4.4(4), and 4.4(5), accept:

4.4(3)     A taxi driver must not allow any person, except the hirer and persons that the hirer permits, to ride in the vehicle.

4.4(4)    A taxi driver must not pick up or set down a passenger if this would create a traffic hazard or impede traffic flow.

4.4(5)     A taxi driver must not accept a hire, other than by a means of telecommunication, within 20 metres of a designated stand:

4.4(6)    A taxi driver must, if a multiple tariff meter is in operation, inform the hirer when a change in the tariff setting is being made.

4.5     Taxi stands

4.5(1)     A taxi driver may take up position at a stand designated for taxis, or an area designated for small passenger service vehicles, if the taxi is available for hire.

4.5(2)     A taxi driver must take the first vacant position on the stand behind the last vehicle.

4.5(3)     When a taxi on the stand ahead of the driver moves, the taxi driver must immediately move his or her vehicle into the position vacated.

4.5(4)     A taxi driver must accept the first fare offered, whether or not the driver’s vehicle is first on the stand, unless there is a lawful reason to refuse the hire.

4.5(5)     A taxi driver must comply with any bylaws relating to the stand.

4.6     Multiple hiring

4.6(1)    A taxi driver may allow the simultaneous use of the vehicle by more than one hirer in accordance with this clause.

4.6(2)     A taxi driver wishing to undertake a multiple hire must first request the existing hirer to share, without substantial departure from the most advantageous route to the existing hirer’s destination, the use of the vehicle with the prospective hirer and any passenger accompanying the prospective hirer.

4.6(3)     If the existing hirer has agreed to a multiple hire, he or she may still object to sharing the vehicle with a prospective hirer and any accompanying passengers once the existing hirer has seen them, and the multiple hire may not then include the prospective hirer or person objected to.

4.6(4)     If the existing hirer or hirers agree unconditionally to the request, the taxi driver may then authorise the use of the vehicle by the other hirer and any accompanying passengers.

4.6(5)     A taxi driver who undertakes a multiple hire may charge any fare that is agreed with the multiple hirers after any multiple hire discount that is registered with the Director has been deducted, provided that each hirer pays no more than the metered fare that would have been payable by that hirer if he or she had been:

4.6(6)     This clause does not apply to a taxi that is operating in accordance with a fare schedule registered with the Director that does not include provision for multiple hiring.

4.7     Schedule of fares, charges, and multiple hire discounts on outside of vehicle

4.7(1)     A holder of a passenger service licence who operates a taxi service must ensure that a schedule of fares, charges, and multiple hire discounts is displayed on the outside of a taxi being used under the licence.

4.7(2)     The schedule required by 4.7(1) must comply with the format and specifications in Schedule 2 of this Rule.

4.7(3)     The schedule must be clearly displayed on the outside front passenger door of the vehicle.

4.7(4)     A person must not drive a taxi if that vehicle does not have the schedule displayed on it.

4.7(5)    The schedule may be removed, with the consent of the hirer, while the vehicle is hired and being used in connection with a ceremony such as a funeral or wedding.

4.7(6)    All fare-related items in the schedule must be inclusive of GST, if charged.

4.8     Schedule of fares, charges, multiple hire discounts and complaints procedure on inside of vehicle

4.8(1)     A holder of a passenger service licence who operates a taxi service must display a schedule containing the information specified in 4.8(3) inside every taxi being used under the licence so as to be readily visible to all passengers.

4.8(2)     The schedule required by 4.8(1) must comply with the format and specifications in Schedule 2 of this Rule.

4.8(3)     The schedule must state that:

4.8(4)    A person must not drive a taxi that is available for hire or is being hired if that vehicle does not have displayed in it a schedule containing the information specified in 4.8(3).

4.8(5)    The schedule may be removed, with the consent of the hirer, while the vehicle is hired and being used in connection with a ceremony such as a funeral or wedding.

4.8(6)    All fare-related items in the schedule specified in 4.8(3) must be inclusive of GST, if charged.

4.9     Fares, charges, and multiple hire discounts to be registered with Director

4.9(1)     The fares, charges and multiple hire discounts referred to in 4.7 and 4.8 must be registered with the Director before being displayed in or on a taxi.

4.9(2)    A person must not display in or on a taxi any fare, charge, or multiple hire discount that has not been registered with, and acknowledged in writing, by the Director.

4.10     Fare system

4.10(1)     A taxi driver must not charge a fare that exceeds the fare or fares stated in the fare schedule registered with the Director.

4.10(2)     An agreement to pay a different fare from that shown on the meter is enforceable only if the agreed fare is less than that shown on the meter.

4.10(3)     An agreement to pay a fare at a rate exceeding a fare registered with the Director is not enforceable in respect of the excess.

4.10(4)     Nothing in this clause prevents the charging or enforceability of any fare under an agreement if:

4.11     Meters and other equipment

4.11(1)    A meter must not be used until it has been tested, sealed, and certificated by the Director or a person authorised, by notice in writing, by the Director.

4.11(2)   The form of the certificate issued under 4.11(1) must be approved by the Director.

4.11(3)    A taxi driver must carry the certificate in the vehicle and ensure that it is produced on demand to an enforcement officer.

4.11(4)     A taxi driver or a holder of a passenger service licence who operates a taxi service must not operate a taxi, or allow it to be operated, unless it is fitted with a meter that:

4.11(5)     A taxi driver must:

4.11(6)     A taxi driver must not:

4.11(7)    A holder of a passenger service licence who operates a taxi service must:

4.11(8)     If, after testing or inspection, the meter is found to be not registering or to be registering incorrectly, the licence holder must ensure that, unless authorised by an enforcement officer, the vehicle is not available for hire until the meter has been repaired, sealed, and certificated to the satisfaction of the Director or a person authorised by the Director.

4.11(9)     An enforcement officer who is in uniform or who produces evidence of identity as an enforcement officer may stop a taxi for any purpose connected with this clause, and inspect the vehicle and inspect or test a meter or any other equipment fitted to the vehicle.

4.11(10)     An enforcement officer may, in writing, direct a person operating a taxi to proceed immediately, or at a specified time, to any place in order that the vehicle or any equipment in it may be inspected or tested by the Director or a person authorised by the Director.

4.12     Drivers to use the most advantageous route to hirer

Subject to 4.6, a taxi driver must, unless requested or agreed by the hirer, travel from the place the hirer enters the vehicle to the intended destination of the hirer without any unnecessary deviation from the route that is most advantageous to the hirer.

4.13     Area knowledge certificates

4.13(1)     The Director may, by a Deed of Approval, approve a person or organisation to issue an area knowledge certificate.

4.13(2)    A person must not cause or permit a taxi driver to accept a hire in any of the areas specified in Schedule 4 unless the driver holds an area knowledge certificate or certificates for that area.

4.13(3)    An area knowledge certificate must relate specifically to an operating area (as notified to the Director under 8.1(h)) of the approved taxi organisation for which the applicant intends to drive.

4.13(4)     If the boundary of an area is not specified in Schedule 4, the boundary of the local authority or authorities applies.

[Note: ‘Local authority’ is a defined term.]

4.13(5)    A taxi driver who holds an area knowledge certificate for an area whose boundary is altered by any amendment to Schedule 4 is deemed to hold an area knowledge certificate for that altered area.

4.13(6)    A taxi driver in Auckland or Wellington must hold all of the area knowledge certificates for the applicable area, as specified in Schedule 4.

4.13(7)    A taxi driver who can show evidence of holding an area knowledge certificate for an area in Auckland or Wellington, as specified in Schedule 4,for 12 months or more before 1 October 2007 is deemed to comply with 4.13(6).

4.13(8)    A taxi driver who has been driving in Auckland or Wellington for less than 12 months before 1 October 2007 must hold all of the area knowledge certificates for the applicable area by 1 April 2008.

4.13(9)    A taxi driver must not accept a hire in any area specified in Schedule 4, unless the driver holds an area knowledge certificate applicable to that area.

4.13(10)   The area knowledge certificate test, and any revisions to the test, must be approved by the Director.

4.13(11)    If the Director believes on reasonable grounds that a taxi driver, including a driver who has already passed an area knowledge test, does not have an adequate knowledge of any operating area of the approved taxi organisation for which he or she is driving, the Director may require the driver to take an area knowledge test for that area.

4.13(12)    If the Director believes on reasonable grounds that a taxi driver is not able to demonstrate the ability to communicate in English, the Director may require the driver to take an English language test or complete a course that is approved by the Director.

4.13(13)     A requirement issued by the Director under 4.13(11) or 4.13(12) for a taxi driver to take an area knowledge test or an English language test or complete a course must state:

4.13(14)    The Director may revoke the area knowledge certificate of a taxi driver who fails to pass an area knowledge certificate test by the specified date.

4.13(15)     Failure to comply with the Director’s requirement to undertake an approved English language test or course is an offence.

4.13(16)     An area knowledge certificate must be in a form approved by the Director.

4.13(17)     An area knowledge certificate must not be issued unless the applicant has passed a test approved by the Director, which must be conducted in English.

4.13(18)     The Director may suspend or revoke an approval to issue an area knowledge certificate given to a person or organisation if the Director considers that the holder of the approval has failed to meet the standard stated in the Deed of Approval granted under 4.13(1).

Section 5     Shuttle services

5.1     General requirements

5.1(1)     A holder of a passenger service licence who operates a shuttle service, and a driver of a shuttle, must comply with the requirements in this section and section 3.

[Note: ‘Shuttle’ and ‘shuttle service’ are defined terms. Requirements relating to shuttles are now separated from the requirements relating to other transport services.]

5.1(2)     A shuttle may use a stand designated for shuttles only or areas designated for small passenger service vehicles (unless the stand is designated for taxis only).

5.1(3)     A shuttle may not be fitted with any sign on the roof of the vehicle.

5.1(4)    A shuttle may not use a taxi meter to determine a fare.

5.1(5)     A shuttle may not cruise for hire.

5.1(6)     A shuttle must be available for the shared use of unassociated passengers.

5.2     Operator identification

5.2(1)    A holder of a passenger service licence who operates a shuttle service must ensure that the licence holder’s name, business location and telephone number are clearly displayed, in a form approved by the Director, on the inside and outside of the shuttle.

5.2(2)    The licence holder must ensure that the holder’s transport service licence number is displayed, in the form specified in Schedule 2, on the outside of the shuttle.

5.2(3)    The information required by 5.2(1) and 5.2(2) must be displayed in a contrasting colour to the background on which it is displayed.

5.2(4)    The information required by 5.2(1) must be displayed on the inside of a vehicle in a prominent position at the front of the vehicle, so that a passenger can easily read it.

5.2(5)    The information required by 5.2(1) to be displayed on the outside of a vehicle must be positioned on both sides of the vehicle.

5.2(6)    The information required by 5.2(2) to be displayed on the outside of a vehicle must be positioned on the forward doors on both sides of the vehicle.

5.3     Duty of driver relating to hiring

Except if 3.3(1) or 3.3(2) applies, if a driver of a shuttle is on duty and available for hire, he or she must accept:

5.4     Shuttle journeys

5.4(1)    A shuttle service must be operated to or from a registered starting or end point.

5.4(2)    Either the starting or end point of a shuttle service must be an airport, or a bus or ferry terminal, or a railway station.

5.4(3)     Before commencing a shuttle service, a holder of a passenger service licence who operates a shuttle service must register the shuttle service and the general area of operation with the Director.

5.4(4)     The Director must acknowledge the registration under 5.4(3) in writing.

5.4(5)     The shuttle driver must carry a copy of the Director’s acknowledgement of the registration and must produce it without delay for inspection on demand by an enforcement officer.

5.4(6)     A shuttle passenger may be uplifted:

5.5     Information to be displayed or carried

5.5(1)     A shuttle driver may only charge a fare that has been registered with the Director or that has been agreed with the prospective passenger or passengers.

5.5(2)     A holder of a passenger service licence who operates a shuttle service must ensure that a detailed fare schedule (inclusive of GST, if charged) is carried in a shuttle or shuttles being used under the licence.

5.5(3)     A notice for prospective passengers advising that a detailed fare schedule is available on request from the driver must be displayed in a readily visible position on the inside or outside of a shuttle.

5.5(4)     A shuttle driver must produce to a prospective passenger a detailed fare schedule when requested to do so.

5.5(5)     A notice for prospective passengers must be displayed in a readily visible position on the inside of a shuttle:

5.5(6)     The schedule required by 5.5(2) must state:

5.5(7)     A person may not drive a shuttle that is available for hire, unless:

5.5(8)     All fare-related items in the schedule required by 5.5(2) must be inclusive of GST, if charged.

5.6     Shuttle stands

5.6(1)    A shuttle driver whose vehicle is available for hire must take up position at a designated shuttle stand, or at an area designated for small passenger service vehicles (unless the stand is designated for taxis only).

5.6(2)    A shuttle driver must take the first vacant position on the stand behind the last vehicle.

5.6(3)    When a shuttle ahead of the driver on the stand moves, the shuttle driver must immediately move his or her vehicle into the position vacated.

5.6(4)    A shuttle driver must comply with any bylaws relating to the stand.

5.7     Fares and charges to be registered with Director

5.7(1)   Before commencing a shuttle service, the fares and charges referred to in 5.5(6) must be registered with, and acknowledged in writing by, the Director.

5.7(2)    The fares registered with the Director must be inclusive of GST, if charged.

5.7(3)    A driver of a shuttle must not charge a fare that exceeds the fare (or scale of fares) registered with the Director.

5.7(4)    An agreement to pay a different fare is enforceable only if the agreed fare is less than the fare registered with the Director.

5.7(5)    A representative of a group of shuttle operators may register a uniform fare schedule with the Director on behalf of the group, provided that:

Section 6     Private hire services

6.1     General requirements

6.1(1)    A holder of a passenger service licence who operates a private hire service and a driver of a private hire vehicle must comply with the requirements in this section and section 3.

[Note: ‘Private hire service’ and ‘private hire vehicle’ are defined terms. Requirements relating to private hire services are now separated from the requirements relating to other transport services.]

6.1(2)     A private hire vehicle may not cruise for hire.

6.1(3)     A private hire vehicle may not be fitted with any sign on the roof of the vehicle.

6.1(4)     A private hire vehicle must be pre-booked.

6.1(5)    A driver of a private hire vehicle may not use a taxi meter to determine a fare.

6.1(6)    A driver of a private hire vehicle may only charge a set fare or an hourly rate agreed with the prospective passenger at the time of booking.

6.1(7)    Before commencing a private hire service, a private hire service operator must register with the Director details of the nature of the private hire service and the general area of operation.

6.1(8)    The Director must acknowledge the registration under 6.1(7) in writing.

6.2     Operator identification

A driver of a private hire vehicle must carry in the vehicle the full name, business location, telephone number, and transport service licence number of the licence holder, and a copy of the Director’s acknowledgement of registration under 6.1(8),and must produce these details without delay for inspection on demand by an enforcement officer.

6.3     Designated stands

6.3(1)     A driver of a private hire vehicle may take up a position at a designated vehicle stand for small passenger service vehicles (unless the stand is designated for taxis or shuttles only) if the private hire vehicle is waiting for a pre-booked passenger.

6.3(2)     A driver of a private hire vehicle must comply with any bylaws relating to the stand.

Section 7     Other services using a small passenger service vehicle

7.1    General requirements

7.1(1)    This section applies to a holder of a passenger service licence who operates a passenger service using a small passenger service vehicle that is not being operated in a taxi, shuttle, or private hire service.

[Note: 'Passenger service' is a defined term.]

7.1(2)    Before commencing a service referred to in 7.1(1), an operator must register with the Director details of the nature of the service and the general area of operation and must seek the Director’s approval of the service.

7.1(3)     The Director must acknowledge in writing the registration under 7.1(2), and may impose conditions under which the service is to be operated.

7.1(4)     The driver of the vehicle must carry a copy of the Director’s approval and must produce it without delay for inspection on demand by an enforcement officer.   

7.2    Driver identification

A driver of a small passenger service vehicle that is not otherwise being operated in a taxi, shuttle, or private hire service must comply with the requirements in 3.2.

7.3    Other duties of drivers   

A driver of a small passenger service vehicle that is not otherwise being operated in a taxi, shuttle, or private hire service must be clean, and must conduct himself or herself in an orderly and civil manner while engaged in the operation of the service.

Section 8     Approved taxi organisations

8.1     Application requirements

An application from a person or an organisation to be an approved taxi organisation must be on a form approved by the Director and include:

 [Note: ‘Signage’ is a defined term.]

8.2     Public notice of application

8.2(1)     A notice of application in a form approved by the Director to be an approved taxi organisation must be published twice, at an interval of not more than seven days, in a local newspaper or newspapers approved by the Director.

8.2(2)     The notice must specify the name of the applicant and the names of the natural persons who are to have control of the proposed taxi organisation.

8.2(3)     The Director may not grant an application to be an approved taxi organisation until at least 14 days have elapsed following the date of the first publication of the notice.

8.3    Certificate of knowledge of law and practice for approved taxi organisations

8.3(1)     A person is entitled to obtain, or continue to hold, an approval to be an approved taxi organisation only if that person, or another person who has or is to have control of the service, holds a certificate of knowledge of law and practice for approved taxi organisations.

8.3(2)     At least one of the persons who has or is to have control of an approved taxi organisation must hold a certificate of knowledge of law and practice for approved taxi organisations.

8.3(3)     Despite 8.3(1) and 8.3(2), the Director, having regard to the limited or infrequent nature of the service, or proposed service, may waive the requirement for an applicant to be an approved taxi organisation for whatever limited period and subject to any conditions that the Director may determine.

8.3(4)     A person in control of an approved taxi organisation before 1 October 2007 is deemed to be a holder of a certificate of knowledge of law and practice for approved taxi organisations.

8.3(5)     The content of a certificate of law and practice test for approved taxi organisations (and any revision to the content of the test), the test provider, and the form of the certificate of knowledge of law and practice must be approved by the Director.

8.3(6)     A person in control of an approved taxi organisation must pass the test to hold a certificate of knowledge of law and practice for approved taxi organisations if he or she has had an approval granted under section 30Q or 30P of the Act and revoked under section 30R and reapplies to be an approved taxi organisation.

8.3(7)    If the Director believes on reasonable grounds that the holder of a certificate of knowledge of law and practice for approved taxi organisations does not have an adequate knowledge of the laws and practices concerning the safe operation of the organisation to which the approval relates, the Director may require the holder to pass another test for a certificate of knowledge of law and practice for approved taxi organisations.

8.3(8)     Failure to satisfactorily complete the test under 8.3(7) invalidates the holder’s certificate of knowledge of law and practice and the holder’s approval may then be revoked in accordance with section 30R of the Act.  

8.4     Approved taxi organisation’s operating rules

8.4(1)    An approved taxi organisation must submit to the Director, for the Director’s approval and before the change occurs, a copy of every amendment to the organisation’s approved operating rules.

8.4(2)    The Director may approve rules and changes submitted under 8.4(1) if satisfied that the rules or amended rules are likely to give the organisation adequate control over its members and their drivers.

8.4(3)    An approved taxi organisation must ensure that its members and their drivers comply with the organisation’s approved operating rules.

8.5     Operating requirements

8.5(1)    An approved taxi organisation must:

8.5(2)    The Director may only approve more than one signage for an approved taxi organisation if the services offered under each signage are clearly distinguishable by locality or type of service.

8.5(3)    For the avoidance of doubt, if an approved taxi organisation has more than one signage approved by the Director for use by that approved taxi organisation before 1 October 2007, the signage may continue in use until replaced by new or altered signage.

8.5(4)    Any approved signage that has been replaced by new or altered signage is null and void and its use must be discontinued.

8.6     Fare schedules of organisations

8.6(1)    An approved taxi organisation must register with the Director: .

8.6(2)    An agreement between operators of small passenger service vehicles to comply with a schedule required by 8.6(1), or by rules that require compliance with that schedule, and the enforcement of that schedule, is authorised for the purposes of the Commerce Act 1986

8.7     Other requirements

8.7(1)    An approved taxi organisation must notify to the Director any changes made to its operating area or areas.

8.7(2)    The Director may, in respect of a taxi service provided by an approved taxi organisation in a particular region, exempt the organisation from the requirements in 8.5(1)(b)(i) if, in the opinion of the Director, following consultation with the applicable regional council, public demand does not require that level of service.

[Note: 'Regional council' is a defined term.]

8.7(3)    An exemption granted under 8.7(2) may:

Section 9     Rental services

9.1     Register of vehicles and hirers

9.1(1)     A holder of a rental service licence must:

9.1(2)     A holder of a rental service licence must, if requested by the Director to do so, produce without delay for inspection by an enforcement officer, the register required in 9.1(1) containing the transactions for the three years preceding the date of that request.

9.2     Obligations of rental service licence holder

9.2(1)     A holder of a rental service licence and a hirer of a rental service vehicle operated under that licence must enter into a written agreement for the hire of that vehicle.

9.2(2)     The agreement referred to in 9.2(1) must, in addition to the requirements specified in 9.3, include the terms set out in:

9.2(3) A holder of a rental service licence must ensure the hirer receives at least one copy of the agreement.

9.2(4)     A holder of a rental service licence must, if requested to do so by the hirer, explain the provisions and content of the hire agreement to the hirer.

9.2(5)     A holder of a rental service licence must ensure that a prospective hirer or any person who is to drive the rental service vehicle holds a current and valid driver licence that is appropriate for the vehicle that he or she wishes to hire.

9.3     Hirer’s liability for use of vehicle

9.3(1)     The agreement must state the following:

Note: ‘Gross vehicle mass’ is a defined term.]

9.3(2)     A hirer must ensure that a copy of the agreement is:

9.4     Insurance of a hired vehicle

9.4(1)     Before entering into an agreement for hire of a rental service vehicle, a holder of a rental service licence must offer vehicle insurance to the prospective hirer.

9.4(2)     A prospective hirer does not have to accept the insurance cover offered by the holder of a rental service licence.

9.4(3)     If a prospective hirer does not accept the insurance cover offered by the holder of a rental service licence, the prospective hirer must provide alternative vehicle insurance cover that is comparable with the insurance cover offered by the licence holder.

9.4(4)     If a prospective hirer’s own insurance cover is not comparable with the insurance cover provided by the holder of a rental service licence, the licence holder has the right to refuse to hire the vehicle to the prospective hirer.

9.5     Hirer’s liability for infringement fees

9.5(1)     A holder of a rental service licence may charge an infringement fee to a hirer’s credit card if:

9.5(2)     The offences referred to in 9.5(1) are:

[Note: ‘Approved vehicle surveillance equipment’ is a defined term.]

9.5(3)     A holder of a rental service licence may not charge an infringement fee to a hirer’s credit card unless the hirer has been notified in the rental service agreement of:

9.5(4)   At the time of hiring, the holder of a rental service licence must obtain confirmation in writing from the hirer that the hirer has been notified of the information specified in 9.5(3)

9.5(5)    Unless 9.5(6) applies, before debiting a hirer’s credit card for an infringement fee for an offence in 9.5(2), a holder of a rental service licence must:

9.5(6)    If a holder of a rental service licence does not receive an infringement notice for an offence in 9.5(2) committed during a period of hire, but receives a reminder notice for that offence, the licence holder must:

9.5(7)    The holder of a rental service licence may charge an administration fee, which must be specified in the rental service agreement, to cover the cost of debiting the hirer’s credit card.

9.5(8)     The holder of a rental service licence must keep copies of the infringement notice, reminder notice and the rental service agreement for six months from the date of the latest notice.

9.5(9)     The holder of a rental service licence must remit any infringement fee paid by the hirer to the appropriate enforcement authority as soon as is practicable.

 

Section 10     Vehicle recovery services

10.1     Operator identification

10.1(1)     A holder of a vehicle recovery service licence must ensure that the following information is clearly displayed on both the inside and the outside of every vehicle used under the licence, in a form approved by the Director:

[Note: ‘Vehicle recovery service’ is a defined term]

10.1(2)    A holder of a vehicle recovery service licence must ensure that the holder’s transport service licence number, in the form specified in Schedule 2, is displayed on the outside of the vehicle.

10.1(3)    The information required by 10.1(1) and 10.1(2) must be displayed in a contrasting colour to the background on which it is displayed.

10.1(4)    The information required by 10.1(1) and 10.1(2) to be displayed on the outside of the vehicle must be clearly positioned on the forward doors of both sides of the vehicle.

10.1(5)    Subclauses 10.1(1) and 10.1(2) do not apply if the vehicle is operated under a certificate of responsibility and the certificate is carried in the vehicle and can be produced on demand by an enforcement officer.

10.2     Operator responsibility

A holder of a vehicle recovery service licence is responsible for the conduct of his or her drivers and employees based at the licence holder’s business location in respect of that vehicle recovery service.

10.3     Driver identification

10.3(1)    A driver of a vehicle recovery service vehicle must wear, in a readily visible position, his or her driver identification card that complies with 10.3(3) and 10.3(4).

10.3(2)    An application for a driver identification card must be made in accordance with clause 36 of the Land Transport (Driver Licensing) Rule 1999.

10.3(3)    The form of a driver identification card must comply with clause 65 of the Land Transport (Driver Licensing) Rule 1999.

10.3(4)    A driver identification card must:

10.3(5)    A driver identification card is current for a period not exceeding five years, but the Director may extend, by notice in writing, its currency for a period not exceeding 12 months.

10.4     Driver behaviour

A driver of a vehicle recovery service vehicle must behave in an orderly and civil manner at all times while engaged in the operation of a vehicle recovery service.

10.5     Driver responsible for behaviour of passengers

10.5(1)     Except in respect of persons specified in 10.5(2), a driver of a vehicle recvery service vehicle is responsible for ensuring that any passenger the driver allows in the vehicle does not engage in threatening or improper behaviour.

10.5(2)     The persons referred to in 10.5(1) are:

10.5(3)    Regardless of any lack of fault on the driver’s part, a driver of a vehicle recovery service vehicle is in breach of 10.5(1) if any passenger for whom he or she has responsibility engages in threatening or improper behaviour while the passenger is in the vehicle, or in the vicinity of the vehicle:

10.6     Driver to comply with direction of enforcement officer or ambulance officer

10.6(1)     A driver of a vehicle recovery service vehicle must, if so directed by an enforcement officer, a fire officer, or an ambulance officer, move himself or herself, and the vehicle, away from the immediate vicinity of a crash scene.

10.6(2)     The driver of a vehicle recovery service vehicle must ensure the removal of a person who has arrived at the crash as a passenger in the vehicle (other than a person listed in 10.5(2)(a) to (c)), if an enforcement officer, a fire officer, or an ambulance officer directs that person’s removal.

10.6(3)     A driver of a vehicle recovery service vehicle is in breach of 10.6(2) if the passenger fails to comply with that direction, regardless of any lack of fault on the part of the driver.

10.7     Advertising material

A holder of a vehicle recovery service licence must not allow a recovery service vehicle to be used in the service if there is advertising material on the outside or the inside of the vehicle that:

10.8     Animals prohibited

10.8(1)     Subject to 10.8(2), a holder of a vehicle recovery service licence and a driver of a vehicle recovery service vehicle used in the service must not allow an animal to be transported in or on that vehicle at any time when the vehicle is being used or is available for use in the service.

10.8(2)     The following animals may be carried in or on a vehicle recovery service vehicle:

10.9     Tow authority

10.9(1)     A vehicle recovery service vehicle may not tow a vehicle unless a tow authority has been completed and is carried in the vehicle recovery service vehicle, and can be produced on demand to an enforcement officer.

[‘Tow authority’ is a defined term.]

10.9(2)     A tow authority must be in a form approved by the Director and must contain the following:

[Note: Land Transport Rule: Work Time and Logbooks provides for tow authorities to be maintained as an alternative to logbooks.]

10.10     Restriction on moving of vehicles by vehicle recovery service

10.10(1)     Subject to 10.10(2), a person may not move a vehicle using a vehicle
recovery service vehicle unless the tow authority has been signed by:

10.10(2)     If a person listed in 10.10(1) is not available, the driver of the vehicle recovery service vehicle must record the name, address, and contact telephone number of the person who requested that the tow be undertaken.

10.11     Tows to be without deviation or delay

A driver of a vehicle recovery service vehicle towing a vehicle must tow that vehicle to the place of intended set down without unnecessary delay or deviation from the shortest available route, unless otherwise instructed by:

10.12     Prevention of damage or loss

A holder of a vehicle recovery service licence and a driver of a vehicle recovery service vehicle must take all reasonable precautions to prevent loss of or from, or damage to, a vehicle that is being or has been towed under the licence.

10.13     Register of tows

10.13(1)     A holder of a vehicle recovery service licence must maintain a register comprising, in chronological order, all the tow authorities completed in respect of each vehicle recovery service vehicle operated under the licence.

10.13(2)     A tow authority must be included in the appropriate register within 18 hours after the completion of the tow to which it relates.

10.13(3)     The register must be made available, at any reasonable time during the 12 months following the latest date to which it refers, for inspection by:

10.14     Complaints register

10.14(1)    A holder of a vehicle recovery service licence under which one or more vehicle recovery service vehicles are operated must ensure that a register of complaints referred to in 3.5(2) is maintained and must comply with the requirements in 3.5(4) to 3.5(6).

10.14(2)     A complaint does not have to be entered in the register unless the complaint is signed and in writing.

10.14(3)    The original written complaint must be retained as part of, or as an attachment to, the complaints register.

10.14(4)    When a complaint is entered in the complaints register, that entry must be retained in the register for at least two years.

10.14(5)     The register must be available for inspection at any reasonable time by an enforcement officer.

Section 11     Other services

11.1     Goods service vehicles

Operator identification

11.1(1)     Subject to 11.1(4) and 11.1(5), a holder of a goods service licence must ensure that there is clearly displayed on the outside of both forward doors of every goods service vehicle (other than a trailer) used under the licence:

11.1(2)    The information required by 11.1(1)(a) must be displayed in a contrasting colour to the background on which it is displayed, and in a form approved by the Director.

11.1(3)    The information required by 11.1(1)(b) must be displayed in a contrasting colour to the background on which it is displayed, and in the form specified in Schedule 2.

11.1(4)     The Director may approve the display of the name and business location of the holder in a different position from that specified in 11.1(1).

11.1(5)    Subclause 11.1(1) does not apply if the vehicle is operated under a certificate of responsibility, and that certificate is carried in the vehicle and can be produced for inspection on demand by an enforcement officer.

11.2     Large passenger service vehicles

Operator identification

11.2(1)     A holder of a passenger service licence must ensure that there is clearly displayed, on the outside of every large passenger service vehicle used under the licence:

[Note: ‘Large passenger service vehicle’ is a defined term.]

11.2(2)    The information required by 11.2(1)(a) must be displayed in a contrasting colour to the background on which it is displayed, and in a form approved by the Director.

11.2(3)    The information required by 11.2(1)(b) must be displayed in a contrasting colour to the background on which it is displayed, and in the form specified in Schedule 2.

11.2(4)    The Director may exempt a licence holder from the requirement in 11.2(1) for any period and subject to any conditions that the Director may determine.

11.2(5)    Subclause 11.2(1) does not apply if the vehicle is operated under a certificate of responsibility, and that certificate is carried in the vehicle and can be produced for inspection on demand by an enforcement officer.

Complaints register

11.2(6)     A holder of a passenger service licence under which a large passenger service vehicle is operated must ensure that a register of complaints referred to in 3.5(2) is maintained and must comply with the requirements in 3.5(4) to 3.5(7).

11.3     Dial-a-driver service

Operator identification

11.3(1)     A driver who drives in a dial-a-driver service must carry the full name, business location, telephone number, and transport service licence number of the licence holder, and must produce these details without delay for inspection on demand by an enforcement officer.

Driver identification

11.3(2)     A person may not drive in a dial-a-driver service unless that person is the holder of, and wears in a readily visible position, a current driver identification card.

11.3(3)     An application for a driver identification card must be made in accordance with clause 36 of the Land Transport (Driver Licensing) Rule 1999.

11.3(4)     The form of a driver identification card must comply with clause 65 of the Land Transport (Driver Licensing) Rule 1999.

11.3(5)     A driver identification card must:

  1. (c)      display other information or material that may be required by the Director.

11.3(6)     A driver identification card is current for a period not exceeding five years, but the Director may extend, by notice in writing, its currency for a period not exceeding 12 months.

11.3(7)     A holder of a passenger service licence under which a dial-a-driver service is operated must ensure that the driver’s driver identification card:

Complaints register

11.3(8)     A holder of a passenger service licence under which a dial-a-driver service is operated must ensure that a register of complaints referred to in 3.5(2) is maintained and must comply with the requirements in 3.5(4) to 3.5(7).

Section 12     Exempt passenger services

12.1     Exempt passenger services

12.1(1)     The following passenger services are exempt services for the purposes of the Act and this Rule:

[Note: ‘Cost-sharing arrangement’ is a defined term.]

[Note ‘Home or community support service’ is a defined term.]

[Note: ‘Controller’ is a defined term.]

[Note:‘Armed forces’ is a defined term.]

12.1(2)     An organisation in 12.1(1)(a), 12.1(1)(d), or 12.1(1)(g) may receive funding for the transport service from third parties or donations in respect of the service.

12.1(3)    If a passenger service vehicle is used in the circumstances specified in 12.1(1)(c), the vehicle is deemed to be operating under the licensee’s passenger service licence.

12.1(4)    An organisation in 12.1(1)(e) may receive voluntary donations in respect of the service.

Part 2     Definitions and abbreviations

Act
means the Land Transport Act 1998.
Ambulance service
means a service that complies with the requirements in NZS 8156:2002 Ambulance Sector Standard.
Approved taxi organisation
means a taxi organisation approved or deemed to be approved by the Director under this Rule or the Act or the regulations.
Approved vehicle surveillance equipment
means vehicle surveillance equipment of a kind approved by the Minister of Police, by notice in the Gazette.
Armed forces
means the Navy, the Army, and the Air Force collectively; and includes any branch, corps, command, formation, unit, or other part of the Armed Forces; but does not include any part of the cadet forces.
Authority
means Land Transport New Zealand established by section 66 of the Land Transport Management Act 2003.
Business location
in relation to any matter required by the Act or this Rule to be displayed on any vehicle, means:
  • (a) in the case of a licence holder, operator, or approved taxi organisation which has its base location in an urban area, the location of that base by reference to the town or city, and the suburb (if any), in which it is situated; or
  • (b) in any other case, any description of location by which the base location of the licence holder, operator, or organisation can be easily identified, whether by reference to any road and area, or by reference to the nearest urban area.
Companion dog
means a dog certified by the Top Dog Companion Trust as being a companion dog or a dog under training as a companion dog.
Control
in relation to a transport service or a proposed or approved taxi organisation, means direct or indirect control of the management of the whole or part of the transport service or taxi organisation by a shareholding or the holding of any position (however described) in the management of the whole or part of the transport service or taxi organisation that gives the person a significant influence on the operation of the whole or part of the service or organisation (whether or not other persons are also involved).
 
Control
in relation to a transport service or a proposed or approved taxi organisation, means direct or indirect control of the management of the whole or part of the transport service or taxi organisation by a shareholding or the holding of any position (however described) in the management of the whole or part of the transport service or taxi organisation that gives the person a significant influence on the operation of the whole or part of the service or organisation (whether or not other persons are also involved).
Controller
means the person who is the National Controller in accordance with section 10, or a Group Controller appointed under section 26, of the Civil Defence Emergency Management Act 2002.
Cost-sharing arrangement
includes (but is not limited to) fuel costs and reasonable wear and tear of a vehicle; but does not include any infringement fee incurred in the course of the journey, or compensation for the driver’s travelling time.
Designated stand
means an area designated by a road controlling authority as an area in which a specified category of small passenger service vehicle that is indicating its availability for hire may wait for hire.
Dial-a-driver service
means a passenger service in which the carriage of passengers is made using the vehicle provided by one of the passengers or any accompanying vehicle and the driver is paid for the carriage or vehicle transfer; but does not include a service in which a vehicle is driven by a private chauffeur.
Director
means the Director of Land Transport appointed under section 186 of the Act.
Driver identification card
has the same meaning as it has in the Land Transport (Driver Licensing) Rule 1999.
Emergency service
means the New Zealand Police, New Zealand Fire Service or an ambulance service.
Enforcement authority
has the same meaning as it has in section 2(1) of the Act.
Enforcement officer
means:
  • (a) a sworn member of the Police;
  • (b) a non-sworn member of the Police who is authorised for the purpose by the Commissioner of Police;
  • (c) a person who is appointed to that office by warrant under section 208 of the Act or who holds that office by virtue of that Act.
Goods service
  • (a) means the carriage of goods on any road, whether or not for hire or reward, by means of a motor vehicle whose gross laden weight is 6000 kg or more; and
  • (b) includes the letting on hire of a motor vehicle whose gross laden weight is 6000 kg or more by a person who drives the vehicle or provides a driver for the vehicle, where the motor vehicle is used for the carriage of goods; but
  • (c) does not include:
    • (i) a vehicle recovery service; or
    • (ii) a service involving the carriage of goods for personal domestic purposes where the service is not operated for more than a total of seven days in any 12-month period; or
    • (iii) any carriage of goods by a passenger service vehicle where the carriage is part of a contract for the carriage of passengers or where the carriage is of such small amounts of goods, or occurs so infrequently, that it does not form a significant part of the overall operations of the vehicle; or
    • (iv) the use of trucks by motor vehicle traders (within the meaning of section 7 of the Motor Vehicle Sales Act 2003) to carry goods for demonstration and sale purposes; or
    • (v) the use of vintage vehicles to carry goods for display purposes; or
    • (vi) the use of trailers towed by small passenger service vehicles to carry passengers’ luggage; or
    • (vii) any service specified as an exempt goods service in the regulations or the rules.
Goods service licence
means a licence granted or deemed to be granted under subpart 3 of Part 4A of the Act that authorises its holder to carry on a goods service.
Goods service vehicle
  • (a) means a motor vehicle used or capable of being used in a goods service for the carriage of goods; but
  • (b) does not include a vehicle specified as an exempt goods service vehicle in the regulations or the rules.
Gross laden weight
has the same meaning as it has in section 2(1) of the Act.
Gross vehicle mass
means either:
  • (a) the maximum permitted mass of a vehicle, which includes the mass of the accessories, the crew, the passengers and load, and is, unless (b) applies, the gross vehicle mass specified (subsequent to the latest modification, if any) by the manufacturer of the vehicle; or
  • (b) if a person approved for the purpose by the Director determines that the gross vehicle mass should differ from that specified by the manufacturer, taking into account evidence on the capability of the systems and components of the vehicle, or the effects of any modification, that mass determined by that person.
GST
means Goods and Services Tax.
Guide dog
means a dog certified by the Royal New Zealand Foundation of the Blind as being a guide dog or a dog under training as a guide dog.
Health practitioner
has the same meaning as it has in section 5(1) of the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003.
Hearing ear dog
means a dog certified by Hearing Dogs for Deaf People New Zealand Trust as being a hearing ear dog or a dog under training as a hearing ear dog.
Home or community support service
means a health or disability support service provided in the environment of a person’s home or in their community, by individuals working as support workers or health practitioners accountable to a home or community support service provider.
Hours of darkness
means:
  • (a) a period of time between half an hour after sunset on one day and half an hour before sunrise on the next day; or
  • (b) any other time when there is not sufficient daylight to render clearly visible a person or vehicle at a distance of 100 metres.
Large passenger service vehicle
means any passenger service vehicle that is designed or adapted to carry more than 12 persons (including the driver).
Licence or other document
means any transport service licence or other document issued by the Director under this Rule.
Local authority
means a regional council or territorial authority within the meaning of the Local Government Act 2002.
Motor vehicle
has the same meaning as it has in section 2(1) of the Act.
Notify
means to notify in writing.
Parking warden
means a parking warden appointed or deemed to be appointed under section 7 of the Transport Act 1962.
Passenger service
  • (a) means:
    • (i) the carriage of passengers on any road for hire or reward by means of a motor vehicle; and
    • (ii) the carriage of passengers on any road, whether or not for hire or reward, by means of a large passenger service vehicle; and
  • (b) includes the carriage of passengers on any road:
    • (i) that involves a specific charge on passengers for transport, including part payments to cover fuel and donations (which are expected as a condition of carriage); or
    • (ii) by a person or organisation that is funded by another person or organisation specifically for the provision of transport; or
    • (iii) in which the carriage of passengers is an integral part of, or reasonably necessary to provide, another service or activity (other than a transport service) for which payment is made; or
    • (iv) in which the carriage of passengers is made using the vehicle provided by one of the passengers and the driver is paid for the carriage; or
    • (v) that involves the letting on hire of a vehicle by a person who drives the vehicle or provides a driver for the vehicle if, during the hiring, the vehicle is used for the carriage of passengers; but
  • (c) does not include:
    • (i) private ambulance services provided by organisations primarily for their employees, being ambulance services that are available to the general public in an emergency only when public ambulance services cannot provide a service; or
    • (ii) any service using a vehicle that is specified as an exempt passenger service vehicle in the regulations or this Rule; or
    • (iii) any service specified as an exempt passenger service in the regulations or the rules.
Passenger service licence
means a licence granted or deemed to be granted under subpart 3 of Part 4A of the Act that authorises its holder to carry on a passenger service.
Passenger service vehicle
  • (a) means a vehicle used or available for use in a passenger service for the carriage of passengers; but
  • (b) does not include:
    • (i) a vehicle used in dial-a-driver service;
    • (ii) a vehicle specified as an exempt passenger service vehicle in the regulations or the rules.
Private hire service
means a passenger service carried on by means of a private hire vehicle or vehicles.
Private hire vehicle
means a motor vehicle that:
  • (a) is a small passenger service vehicle that is designed or adapted to carry 12 or fewer persons (including the driver); and
  • (b) carries passengers for hire or reward; and
  • (c) is pre-booked on an agreed fare basis.
Regional council
means a regional council within the meaning of the Local Government Act 2002.
Registered service
  • (a) means:
    • (i) in respect of a passenger service, a passenger service registered under section 49 of the Transport Services Licensing Act 1989; and
    • (ii) in respect of a specified service, any part of the service that is so registered; and
  • (b) includes a contracted service.
Rental service
means the letting of a motor vehicle on hire for the carriage of passengers (including the driver) or of goods, or both, to a person who drives the vehicle or provides a driver for the vehicle; but does not include:
  • (a) the letting of a motor vehicle under a hire purchase agreement or a bailment that is for a period exceeding six months; or
  • (b) the hiring of trailers with a gross laden weight not exceeding 3500 kg; or
  • (c) any service specified as an exempt rental service in the regulations or the rules.
Rental service licence
means a licence granted or deemed to be granted under subpart 3 of Part 4A of the Act that authorises its holder to carry on a rental service.
Rental service vehicle
means a vehicle used or available for use in a rental service for letting on hire for the carriage of passengers or goods, or both, to a person who drives the vehicle or provides a driver for the vehicle; but does not include a vehicle specified as an exempt rental service vehicle in the Act or the regulations or the rules.
Road controlling authority
in relation to a road:
  • (a) means the authority, body, or person having control of the road; and
  • (b) includes a person acting under and within the terms of a delegation or authorisation given by the controlling authority.
Shuttle
means a motor vehicle that is:
  • (a) a small passenger service vehicle that was originally designed to carry no fewer than eight persons and no more than 12 persons (including the driver); and
  • (b) used for hire or reward for the carriage of passengers who must begin or end their journey at an airport, or a bus or ferry terminal, or a railway station.
Shuttle service
means a passenger service carried on by means of a shuttle or shuttles.
Signage
means signage that is common to the vehicle fleet; and includes an operator’s name, business location, contact number, logo (including colour), and a taxi roof sign; but does not include a fare schedule, a unique fleet number, or a transport service licence number.
Small passenger service vehicle
means any passenger service vehicle that is designed or adapted to carry 12 or fewer persons (including the driver).
State services
has the same meaning as it has in the State Sector Act 1988.
Support worker
means a support worker described in the New Zealand Home and Community Support Sector Standard (NZS 8158:2003) or a mental health community support worker.
Taxi
has the same meaning as it has in the Act.
Taxi service
means a passenger service carried on by means of a taxi or taxis.
Tow authority
means a document that must be completed by the driver of a vehicle recovery service vehicle before towing a vehicle away.
Transport service
  • (a) means any goods service, passenger service, rental service, or vehicle recovery service; but
  • (b) does not include:
    • (i) a rail service under the Railways Act 2005; and
    • (ii) any service specified as an exempt transport service in the regulations or the rules.
Transport service licence
means any of the following licences granted or deemed to be granted under subpart 3 of Part 4A of the Act:
  • (a) a goods service licence;
  • (b) a passenger service licence;
  • (c) a rental service licence;
  • (d) a vehicle recovery service licence.
Transport service operator
means a person who carries on a transport service, whether or not that person employs personnel to assist in doing so on its behalf; but does not include those personnel.
Transport service vehicle
means any goods service vehicle, passenger service vehicle, rental service vehicle, or vehicle recovery service vehicle; but does not include:
  • (a) a vehicle licensed under the Railways Act 2005; or
  • (b) a vehicle running on self-laying tracks or rollers; or
  • (c) a vehicle that operates solely on or in areas to which the public does not have access as of right (whether or not that vehicle is used on a road in connection with that vehicle’s inspection, servicing, or repair, or for the purposes of a practical driving test required under any enactment); or
  • (d) a vehicle used as a place of abode to the extent that it is not used in a rental service; or
  • (e) a vehicle listed as a farm vehicle in Part 1 of the Schedule to the Land Transport Management (Apportionment and Refund of Excise Duty and Excise Equivalent Duty) Regulations 2004 or in any provisions made in substitution for that schedule; or
  • (f) a tractor (being a motor vehicle designed principally for traction at speeds not exceeding 50 km per hour); or
  • (g) a forklift (being a motor vehicle designed principally for lifting and stacking goods by means of one or more forks, tines, platens, or clamps); or
  • (h) a hearse; or
  • (i) a traction engine.
Unique identifier
means the unique identifier required by 3.2(4)(b) to be specified on a driver identification card.
Vehicle recovery service
  • (a) means the towing or carrying on any road of a motor vehicle, irrespective of the size or design of the towing or carrying vehicle, and whether or not the towing or carrying of the vehicle is carried out by a person intending to carry out repairs on the vehicle; but
  • (b) does not include:
    • (i) the towing or carrying of any motorcycle or moped; or
    • (ii) the towing or carrying of one motor vehicle by another where:
      • (A) the towing or carrying is not carried out directly or indirectly for reward; and
      • (B) the towing or carrying vehicle is not designed or adapted for the purpose of towing or carrying motor vehicles; or
    • (iii) the towing or carrying of a vehicle by a person who owns the vehicle; or
    • (iv) the towing of disabled vehicles using a rope or flat tow by:
      • (A) a person employed by, or contracted to, a motoring association or insurance company where the towing is limited to removal of the vehicle to a place of safety; or
      • (B) the owner or an employee of a garage or workshop who intends to carry out repairs to the vehicle; or
    • (v) the removal of vehicles by New Zealand Defence Force tow trucks at the request of an enforcement officer; or
    • (vi) routine towing services operated by New Zealand Defence Force personnel in areas where there is no suitable and available commercial towing service nearby; or
    • (vii) any service where the Director has provided the transport service operator with a written notice that:
      • (A) must be carried in the vehicle used in the service; and
      • (B) specifies that the nature of the service is such that the carriage of vehicles should be treated as the carriage of goods; or
    • (viii) any service specified as an exempt vehicle recovery service in the regulations or the rules.
Vehicle recovery service licence
means a licence granted or deemed to be granted under subpart 3 of Part 4A of the Act that authorises its holder to carry on a vehicle recovery service.
Vehicle recovery service vehicle
  • (a) means a vehicle used or available for use in a vehicle recovery service for towing or carrying on a road any motor vehicle; but
  • (b) does not include any vehicle specified as an exempt vehicle recovery service vehicle in the regulations or the rules.

Part 3     Schedules

Schedule 1     Certificate of responsibility [Refer 2.4]

CERTIFICATE OF RESPONSIBILITY

Pursuant to clause 2.4 of Land Transport Rule: Operator Licensing 2007 the
following records the details of responsibility in relation to the operation of the
vehicle below for the period specified in this certificate. Any person or
company named in this certificate as a person or company accepting
responsibility for the operation of the vehicle may be prosecuted and may
incur demerit points for any offence in relation to the use of this vehicle.

1. Particulars of vehicle:

Registration No: __________ Make: _______________ Model:_______

2. Particulars of registered owner:

Name: ____________________________________________________

Address: __________________________________________________

Owner’s Transport Service Licence Number (if applicable): __________
and Type: ______________

3. Particulars of person/company accepting responsibility:
(If company, show company name and name of person authorised to complete
this certificate on behalf of the company)

Name: ____________________________________________________

Address: __________________________________________________

Name of person acting on behalf of company: _____________________

Position: __________________________________________________

Transport Service Licence Number of person/company accepting
responsibility:
_____________________________ Type:______________________

4. Period of operation/Validity of certificate:

From Date: _____________________ To Date: __________________

5. Signed for and on behalf of the parties in 2. and 3. above: ___________

Registered owner (2): _______________________ Date: ____________

Hirer/Borrower (3): _________________________ Date: ____________

This certificate must be retained by the registered owner/s of the vehicle for a
period of not less than 12 months after the last day to which it relates, and
must be produced on demand by an enforcement officer. Failure to complete
all sections or the entering of false or incorrect information may invalidate this
certificate.

A copy of this certificate must be produced by the driver of the hired or borrowed
vehicle when demanded by an enforcement officer.

 

Schedule 2     Display of operator or taxi information

For the purposes of this Schedule, information to be displayed must use Times New Roman or Arial, or an equivalent plain font.

1.     Fare schedule to be displayed on outside of taxis

[Refer 4.7]

(a)    Minimum dimensions of sign

(b)    Minimum sizes and style of lettering

SAMPLE LAYOUT OF DIAGRAM
MAXIMUM FARES: Notified to the Director of Land Transport
[Month/year]
FLAGFALL $X.XX [Record here details of any multiple
hire discounts and any other
charges]
Tariff 1 $X.XX per km
Tariff 2 $X.XX per km
Waiting time XXc per minute
Tariff 1 applies between [time] and [time]   Tariff 2 applies between [time] and [time]

Member of [ATO name]   [Record here if GST is not charged]

2.     Fare schedule and complaints information to be displayed inside taxis

[Refer 4.8]

If you have a complaint about the operation of this taxi service contact either:

Name and telephone number of approved taxi organisation or address and telephone number of the nearest Land Transport New Zealand office.
[In this space, give details of all fares and charges and discounts for multiple hires and the date of fare registration.] [Display unique fleet number as assigned by ATO.]

a)    Minimum size of sign

b)    Minimum size and style of lettering

3.     Complaints information to be displayed inside a shuttle

[Refer 5.5(5)]

If you have a complaint about the operation of this service, contact either:

Name and telephone number of your shuttle organisation or address and telephone number of nearest Land Transport New Zealand office.
Display unique fleet number

a)    Minimum size of sign

b)    Minimum size and style of lettering

4.     Statement of fare schedule availability to be displayed on a shuttle

[Refer 5.5(3)]

a)    Minimum size of sign

b)    Minimum size and style of lettering

5.    Display of Transport Service Licence Number

[Refer 4.2(2), 5.2(2), 10.1(2), 11.1(3), 11.2(3)]

(a)    Display

On both forward doors in a position clearly visible to a person standing beside the vehicle.                                 

(b)    Form

The letters ‘TSL’ followed by the number

(c)    Font

48 point minimum, using a plain font such as Times New Roman or Arial.

Schedule 3     Rental service agreement

[Refer 9.2(2)]

A rental service agreement must contain the information specified in clauses 1 to 10 of this Schedule. If the rental service operator intends to charge any infringement fee to the hirer’s credit card, the rental service agreement must also contain the information specified in clause 11 of this Schedule.

1.     The parties

2.     The vehicle

3.     The term of the hire

4.     Authorised drivers

5.     Hire charges

6.     Hirer’s obligations and restrictions

7.     Accidents and vehicle repairs

8.     Insurance

9.     Cancellation of the hire agreement

10.     Hirer’s liability for use of vehicle

11.     Hirer’s liability for infringement fees

Schedule 4    Areas for which an area knowledge certificate is required

[Refer 4.13]

Land Transport Rule - Operator Licensing 2007 - Rule 81001
Land Transport New Zealand, Ikiiki Whenua Aotearoa