Driving law changes target drivers using social media for lifts under new proposals
Motorists 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.
Deputy 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.
The motion will be debated by the State Assembly on March 24, 2026, with the changes expected to be implemented by March 2027.
The 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.
“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.“
The issue centres on Facebook groups collectively called Jersey Lifts, where roughly 30,000 members share lifts for payment.
Drivers involved in providing the service do not have taxi licences, insurance, or background checks.
Ms 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.
Reports found roughly 30,000 members in Jersey use social media for lifts
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PA“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.”
Across 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.
The Reform Jersey politician said: “The Jersey taxi industry accepts all these requirements because they ensure public safety.
“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.”
The Jersey Assembly will debate new rules next month
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PAHome 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.
In 2024, a man using Jersey Lifts was cleared of operating an illegal taxi service after arguing that passengers paid what they felt they owed.
Ms Curtis has now spoken with the Jersey Taxi Drivers Association, police, legal professionals, and the Law Officers Department.
Acknowledging why some Islanders use Jersey Lifts, Ms Curtis stressed that safety must come first.
Experts have estimated £1million is lost in revenue from illegal taxi operators
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GETTY“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.
According to an anonymous Jersey Lifts driver, they have estimated the unregulated trade sector could be worth as much as £1million a year.
With the proposed changes, Ms Curtis hopes to protect passengers, support licensed taxi operators, and finally bring the illegal practice under the law.
