Under the Equality Act 2010, the law says that you should carry passengers with assistance dogs and passengers in wheelchairs in your taxi. You should provide these passengers with the help they need, and not charge them extra for doing so.
You might have a medical reason why you cannot do these things, and this is known as a medical exemption. There are two types of medical exemption:
- Section 166 exemption certificate (passengers in wheelchairs)
- Section 169 exemption certificate (assistance dogs in taxis)
About certificates
Section 166 exemption certificate
You can apply for this certificate if your physical health makes it impossible or very difficult to help passengers in wheelchairs. If you have been successful, you will be given a certificate which you must display in your taxi and present on request.
Section 169 exemption certificate
You can apply for this certificate if you have a medical condition caused by being near dogs. If you have been successful, you will be given a certificate. You must display this in your taxi or present it if you are asked to.
How to apply
To apply for these certificates, you will need to complete a medical assessment. This will provide us with evidence from your doctor, or a doctor that has been approved by us, that you cannot carry passengers with:
- wheelchairs
- assistance dogs