Posted on the 13th October 2025 in PHTM News

WOLVERHAMPTON COUNCIL CHANGES THAT AFFECT ALL LICENSED VEHICLES AND INSPECTION PROCEDURES

PLATE RESTRICTIONS:

• All 3D and 4D plates are strictly prohibited

• Vehicles stopped by compliance officers displaying 3D/4D

• If you no longer possess the original plates, you must purchase replacements from a DVSA-approved plate producer

NO TYRES OVER 10 YEARS:

• All tyres on licensed vehicles (including the spare) must not be more than ten years old

HOW TO CHECK TYRE AGE: Understanding the DOT Code

• Each tyre has a DOT code stamped on its sidewall

• The age of the tyre is indicated by the last four digits of this code:

• The first two digits represent the week of manufacture

• The last two digits represent the year of manufacture

Example:

• If the DOT code ends in 2319, the tyre was manufactured in week 23 of 2019

• Tyres that have had the DOT code removed, altered or obscured will be considered defective

• Please inspect all tyres on your vehicle and ensure none are older than ten years

• Tyres exceeding this age limit must be replaced immediately to remain compliant with licensing conditions

LOXDALE OFFICE PROTOCOLS:

• Only the individual with a booked appointment may attend

• Entry will be refused to anyone accompanied by passengers

• Drivers seen dropping passengers on Chapel Street will also be refused entry

IMPORTANT - On 1 October 2025 City of Wolverhampton Council has entered into an agreement with the following licensing authorities:

• Telford and Wrekin Co-operative Council

• Ashfield District Council

• Broxtowe Borough Council

• Mansfield District Council

• Newark and Sherwood District Council

• Nottingham City Council

• Rushcliffe Borough Council

• Liverpool City Council

It authorises their Enforcement Teams, pursuant to Section 101 (1) (b) of the Local Government Act 1972, to undertake functions under Sections 68 and 73 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976, as amended.

This means that their enforcement Teams are authorised to inspect and test private hire vehicles licensed by City of Wolverhampton Council working within their respective areas.

Should the vehicle fail the test/inspection, their enforcement teams are authorised to suspend the vehicle licence.

The suspension notice will be given in writing, requiring the proprietor to address the issue and present the vehicle for further testing/inspection.

It is important to note that it is an offence if you:

• obstruct the officer

• fail to comply with any requirement properly made acting under this authorisation

• without reasonable cause, fail to give the officer any other assistance or information which he may reasonably require

• make a statement which you know to be false to the officer

An authorisation letter has been issued to the respective teams.

If you have any questions, please contact us via vehicle.licensing@wolverhampton.gov.uk

Thank you.

Licensing Services


Read another story