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  "path": "/lifestyle/cars/driving-law-changes-taxi-drivers-jersey",
  "publishedAt": "2026-02-20T13:00:24.000Z",
  "site": "https://www.gbnews.com",
  "tags": [
    "DVSA issues driving test rule update as new limits loom for millions next month",
    "Electric cars 'tested to their limit' in extreme -32C temperatures as battery ranges drop",
    "Driver slapped with fines and licence points for 'speeding' on motorway at 47mph",
    "The GB News Editorial Charter"
  ],
  "textContent": "\n\n\nMotorists have been warned of new laws under proposal, which could make it easier to prosecute drivers who offer paid lifts through social media across Jersey.\n\nDeputy Catherine Curtis has put forward proposals to update the Motor Traffic (Jersey) Law 1935, aiming to close loopholes that allow unlicensed taxi services to operate.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nThe motion will be debated by the State Assembly on March 24, 2026, with the changes expected to be implemented by March 2027.\n\nThe need for change follows reports by Ms Curtis, who warned thatunregulated and uninsured drivers have become a \"potential risk\" to passengers and a threat to licensed services, while also contributing to untaxed earnings.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nTRENDING\n\nStories\n\nVideos\n\nYour Say\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n\"The main concern is that there could be an accident which is not covered by insurance, or an assault on a member of the public,\" Ms Curtis told the BBC. \"Often members of the public using this service may be young and especially vulnerable following a night out.\"\n\nThe issue centres on Facebook groups collectively called Jersey Lifts, where roughly 30,000 members share lifts for payment.\n\nDrivers involved in providing the service do not have taxi licences, insurance, or background checks.\n\nMs Curtis added: \"There are regular drivers advertising their availability, occasionally stating their charges, which are most often arranged through Facebook Messenger or in the car.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n\"The scale and frequency of adverts suggest that there are people earning their living by operating as illegal taxis, and not paying any tax or social security on their earnings.\"\n\nAcross Jersey, legitimate operators face strict regulations, including annual vehicle tests, enhanced DBS checks, medical and customer-care tests, disability awareness training, and insurance costs up to £1,500 a year.\n\nThe Reform Jersey politician said: \"The Jersey taxi industry accepts all these requirements because they ensure public safety.\n\n\"However, a young person who is interested in driving for a living may understandably be attracted to the idea of operating an unregulated taxi service through a platform such as Jersey Lifts, because although illegal, it is not prosecuted.\"\n\n### LATEST DEVELOPMENTS\n\n\n\n\n  * DVSA issues driving test rule update as new limits loom for millions next month\n  * Electric cars 'tested to their limit' in extreme -32C temperatures as battery ranges drop\n  * Driver slapped with fines and licence points for 'speeding' on motorway at 47mph\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nHome Affairs Minister, Deputy Mary Le Hegarat, said prosecutions are \"very difficult\" because it is hard to prove a commercial service rather than friends sharing petrol costs.\n\nIn 2024, a man using Jersey Lifts was cleared of operating an illegal taxi service after arguing that passengers paid what they felt they owed.\n\nMs Curtis has now spoken with the Jersey Taxi Drivers Association, police, legal professionals, and the Law Officers Department.\n\nAcknowledging why some Islanders use Jersey Lifts, Ms Curtis stressed that safety must come first.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n\"I do believe sometimes the illegal taxis are not really cheaper anyway, so it's a matter of trying to make a good choice,\" she warned.\n\nAccording to an anonymous Jersey Lifts driver, they have estimated the unregulated trade sector could be worth as much as £1million a year.\n\nWith the proposed changes, Ms Curtis hopes to protect passengers, support licensed taxi operators, and finally bring the illegal practice under the law.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n**Our Standards:The GB News Editorial Charter **",
  "title": "Driving law changes target drivers using social media for lifts under new proposals"
}