A Wigan private hire driver was forced off the road after her brand-new vehicle was ruled non-compliant due to tinted windows — despite the factory-installed feature.
The female driver, who had only recently upgraded her vehicle to continue her work in the taxi trade, was shocked to discover that the windows on her new car were considered too dark under Wigan Council’s taxi licensing regulations. Although the vehicle met all other required standards, the window tint failed to meet the council’s visibility threshold, making the car ineligible for use as a licensed taxi.
As a result, she cannot work and earn a living while the issue remains unresolved. The case has highlighted growing concern among taxi drivers about outdated or inconsistent regulations that don’t reflect the reality of modern vehicle designs.
Many in the industry have criticised local licensing rules that fail to account for manufacturer-standard features like window tints. They argue that councils should work more closely with manufacturers or update policies to prevent drivers from being unfairly penalised.
Wigan Council has confirmed that it is reviewing the matter and intends to work with the driver to find a resolution. In the meantime, other drivers are being warned to double-check licensing compliance before investing in a new vehicle.
With the taxi and private hire trade rapidly evolving, drivers and trade bodies are calling for regulations that reflect today’s vehicle standards, offering clarity and support rather than unnecessary barriers to work.
Source: Wigan Today
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