Vehicle standards for CPVs

Introduction

Vehicles used as a commercial passenger vehicle (CPV) in the Northern Territory (NT) must meet the minimum standards for commercial passenger vehicles.

The conditions apply to vehicles when being assessed for first registration and to vehicles that are already in-service.

Operators of commercial passenger vehicles must ensure they continue to comply with these standards at all times.

The pages in this section also include information about the assessment of taxis and what you need to become an approved taxi and minibus security camera system supplier.


Taxi vehicle standards

Passenger numbers

Taxis can carry up to 15 passengers if the vehicle is suitably equipped and approved.

A multi-purpose taxi (MPT) is licensed to carry at least four passengers in addition to at least one passenger in a wheelchair.

A substitute taxi is a vehicle that can be on standby for an existing taxi that is unavailable due to service or repair.

The holder of the taxi licence must ensure that any injury to a taxi driver is covered by a policy of insurance. The policy should provide cover for income loss and medical expenses relating to the injury.

Taxi meters

The Northern Territory Government regulates taxi fares.

Taxi meters must be calibrated to each vehicle.

You must also get your taxi meter certified every year. Meters must be accurate and show the correct set fares.

It is against the law to interfere with a taxi meter.

For more information read the Northern Territory taxi in-service maintenance standards PDF (1.2 MB).

Communication devices

Any device used to communicate with or co-ordinate a commercial passenger vehicle must first be approved by the department. This includes:

  • dispatching systems
  • mobile phones.

Roof signs

A taxi must be fitted with a roof sign that meets all of the following:

  • can be illuminated in the standard white colour
  • has the word 'TAXI' displayed on the front
  • has two tariff indicator lights indicating the rate being charged on the taxi meter.

The taxi driver must not operate a taxi for hire unless the word 'TAXI' on the roof sign is illuminated. The word 'TAXI' must not be illuminated when the taxi contains a passenger.

For more information read the Northern Territory taxi in-service maintenance standards PDF (1.2 MB).

Security cameras

Taxis and minibuses must have an approved security camera system fitted that is tested and certified by an authorised person.

Taxis and minibuses must not operate for hire or reward if the security camera is not functioning.

Each system fitted to a vehicle must comply with the Northern Territory taxi and minibus security camera specifications.

To find out more, go to the Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics website.

If you are involved in the management of security cameras in taxis and minibuses, you must read the Northern Territory taxi and minibus operational requirements in relation to onboard systems PDF (238.1 KB).

This includes:

  • operators
  • drivers
  • suppliers
  • inspectors.

Once the security camera system has been approved by the department, operators must have the system fitted to their vehicles by an approved installer.

Operators must keep the system in good working order and have it tested and certified by an authorised person at least once every 12 months.

Security camera systems must not be transferred to other vehicles without full re-certification by an authorised person.

An operator may email a fault notification report security camera system PDF (65.3 KB) when the security system has been assessed as not working.

You can email the form to cpv.compliance@nt.gov.au.


Assessment of taxis

All vehicle models are initially assessed for their suitability to operate as a taxi.

A factory standard or unmodified production vehicle that is fitted with an Australian compliance plate may be approved for use provided the vehicle meets all of the following:

  • complies with the in-service maintenance standards for that type of vehicle
  • passes the commercial passenger vehicle standards inspection
  • the intent of the single uniform type inspection (SUTI).

A single uniform type inspection will be required for any:

  • modified or imported vehicle
  • or vehicle without an Australian compliance plate.

Apply to become authorised taxi and minibus security camera inspector

You must follow these steps before you apply to become an authorised taxi and minibus security camera inspector: 

Step 1. Read the taxi and minibus security camera operational requirement, taxis regulations and minibus regulations.

Step 2. Read the Northern Territory taxi and minibus operational requirements in relation to on-board systems PDF (238.1 KB).

Step 3. Get a letter of endorsement from the security camera system supplier endorsing your application

Step 4. Get a criminal history check from the NT Police.

Step 5. Pass a fit and proper assessment.

Step 6. Fill in an application for approval as an authorised person for the taxi and minibus security camera scheme PDF (45.8 KB).

Step 7. Have a suitable premises for your business.

Step 8. Have the trade qualifications to perform the work. 

How to apply

Email

You can email your application and criminal check to cpv.admin@nt.gov.au.

Mail

Send your application and criminal check to:

CPV Branch
Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics
GPO Box 2520
Darwin NT 0801


CPV in-service standards

There are in-service maintenance guides available to give you information on the minimum acceptable standards for vehicles used as a commercial passenger vehicle.

This includes passenger numbers, taxi meters, communication devices and security cameras.

Read the in-service standards for commercial passenger vehicles: