Signage is how a licensed vehicle tells the world what it is. Some of it is required by the council and some of it is optional, and the distinction matters when you buy, sell or run a cab. This page explains the main kinds without getting into any one district's specific rules — always check those with your own licensing authority.
Compliance Signage
Every licensing authority requires certain identification on the vehicles it plates. Typically this includes the licence plate itself, door signs showing the licensing details, and, for Hackney carriages, a roof sign. The exact wording, size, colour and placement are set locally and are checked at inspection. Because these requirements differ between councils, a vehicle moving from one district to another usually needs its compliance signage changed — this is normal, and it is a cost to plan for.
Window Stickers and Notices
Beyond the plate and door signs, councils often require small window notices — fare tariffs, licence details, no-smoking notices, or accessibility information. These are usually printed vinyl stickers applied to the inside of the glass. They are cheap and easy to fit, but they must be current: an out-of-date tariff sticker or a missing required notice can be flagged at inspection.
Fitting a Window Sticker
Self-adhesive window stickers are straightforward to apply. Clean and dry the glass thoroughly, position the sticker level, and smooth it on from the centre outwards to push out air bubbles. Fit to a dust-free surface in the warm and it will sit flat and last. Remove old, faded or superseded stickers so the glass stays clear and compliant.
Advertising Decals
Separately from compliance, many drivers and operators carry advertising — livery wraps, door adverts or rear-window decals — as a source of income. Councils regulate what advertising is permitted on a licensed vehicle, so anything of this kind must be cleared against local rules before it goes on. Advertising must never obscure required signage, licence plates or the driver's view.
Keep It Current and Clear
The simple rule is that identification signage must be correct and legible, and nothing optional may compromise it. When buying, check what signage the vehicle carries and what your council will require instead; when selling, be honest that another buyer's district may need different signs. For the physical parts and consumables, see taxi spares and accessories, and for the licensing framework behind it all, our licensing overview.