'Jersey Lifts' drivers could be fined £10,000

Thursday, 19 February 2026 10:59

Deputy Catherine Curtis wants Jersey's government to update the law to stop illegal taxis operating through Facebook groups,

Illegal taxi services in Jersey could soon be prosecutable.

Deputy Catherine Curtis wants to update the island's Motor Traffic Law, to prosecute 'uninsured drivers' operating through Facebook groups.

Deputy Curtis says 'clearly' it’s not just a group of friends giving each other lifts, but rather regular drivers advertising their availability, and earning a living by operating as illegal taxis.

She says members of the public using this service may be young, and vulnerable following a night out. Official taxi and cab drivers are required to have an enhanced DBS check.

Additionally, she says the drivers are uninsured for operating lifts and it can assumed they are not paying tax on their earnings.

The deputy notes that two Facebook groups have a combined membership of 42,000 people.

"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."

The proposed change would mean both those paying for and those offering the lifts would be subject to a fine.

Drivers could face up to £10,000, an users up to £1,000.

The deputy's proposals will come before the States for a vote in the spring.

She wants ministers to have finalised a change to the law by March 2027.