Vehicle for hire permits application
Under the Vehicle for Hire Bylaw (91.5 KB) annual permits are required for Vehicle for Hire drivers and vehicles operating in Strathcona County. This bylaw applies to taxis, accessible taxis and limousines.
On this page
How to apply
Application forms for the Vehicle for Hire Permits are available online (below) or pick up at the RCMP and Enforcement Services Detachment at 911 Bison Way, Sherwood Park.
Print and complete the application forms:Â Taxi Permit Application
Completed application forms can be dropped off at:
Enforcement Services
911 Bison Way
Sherwood ParkÂ
(Monday to Friday -Â 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
Once the application is submitted, please allow several weeks for the process to be completed. Once approved, you will be contacted and an appointment will be made for the inspection.
Driver's permit
The driver's permit is valid for one year from the date of issue or renewal, unless otherwise suspended or cancelled.
Driver permit checklist:
- Valid Class 1, 2 or 4 Provincial Operator’s Licence information (provide a copy)
- Driver's abstract (dated within 30 days of application)
- Criminal Record check from RCMP (dated within 30 days of application)
- Vulnerable Sector check from RCMP (dated within 30 days of application)
- Permit fee of $50, payable by credit card, debit or cash. Accessible taxis drivers are not required to pay an annual permit fee ($0)
- Proof of successful completion of an accessible driver training program (if applying for Accessible Driver permit)
If your current Vehicle for Hire Driver's Permit goes missing, it must be reported to Strathcona County Enforcement Services immediately. A replacement Vehicle for Hire Driver's Permit may be issued at a fee of $50.Â
Vehicle permits
The vehicle permit is valid for one year from date of issue or renewal, unless otherwise suspended or cancelled. Each vehicle shall be inspected within 90 days prior to the date of application by a certified mechanic.
Vehicle permit checklist (required for taxi, accessible taxi and limousine):
- Proof of valid insurance showing 1 year of coverage
- Vehicle information, including VIN and licence plate number
- A copy of valid registration
- Driver information, including Provincial Operator's Licence number
- Government of Alberta Motor Vehicle Record of Inspection and/or equivalent completed and signed by a Certified Mechanic. In order to obtain the required vehicle inspection, applicants must pick up an Inspection Request Letter in person at Strathcona County Enforcement Services.Â
- Permit fee of $450, payable by credit card, debit or cash. Accessible taxis are not required to pay an annual permit fee ($0).
- If applying for an accessible taxi permit, proof must be provided that the accessible taxi is equipped to provide transportation to persons using mobility aids.
Report an infraction
You can report an infraction by phone or in-person.
RCMP and Enforcement Services
780-467-7741
911 Bison Way Sherwood Park, Alberta T8H 1S9
Â
Questions about the bylaw
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Why do we need a bylaw for the taxi cab industry?
1. Why do we need a bylaw for the taxi cab industry?
Permanent link to Why do we need a bylaw for the taxi cab industry?There are currently no bylaws or policies in Strathcona County dealing with the regulation of taxi cabs. The safety of passengers and taxi cab drivers is an important aspect of the transportation services that taxi cabs make available to all residents. A need was identified to implement regulations to foster public safety, quality of service and consumer protection for both customers and service providers in the taxi industry. Many other municipalities have similar regulations in place.
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When does the Taxi Cab Safety Bylaw come into effect?
2. When does the Taxi Cab Safety Bylaw come into effect?
Permanent link to When does the Taxi Cab Safety Bylaw come into effect?The bylaw came into effect on July 1, 2015. Enforcement of the bylaw began on that date.
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Licensed taxi vehicles are subject to regular mechanical inspection and must submit a driver’s abstract, an RCMP Criminal Record check, an RCMP Vulnerable Sector check and proof of insurance coverage.
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I am a taxi driver. When can I apply for the permits required to drive a taxi in Strathcona County? How much does it cost?
4. I am a taxi driver. When can I apply for the permits required to drive a taxi in Strathcona County? How much does it cost?
Permanent link to I am a taxi driver. When can I apply for the permits required to drive a taxi in Strathcona County? How much does it cost?The County began accepting and processing applications on April 13, 2015. The Taxi Vehicle Permit fee is $450 (valid for one year) and the Taxi Driver’s Permit fee is $100 (valid for two years). Permit application forms are available on the Taxi Permit Application web page or at the Enforcement Services office at 911 Bison Way in Sherwood Park. For more information, contact Enforcement Services 780-449-0170.
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How do I know if a taxi is operating legally in Strathcona County?
5. How do I know if a taxi is operating legally in Strathcona County?
Permanent link to How do I know if a taxi is operating legally in Strathcona County?
Under the Taxi Cab Safety Bylaw, every taxi vehicle based in Strathcona County must be licensed and must prominently and permanently display:
- Strathcona County taxi license plate on front of vehicle
- Vehicle permit sticker affixed to lower left corner of front licence plate
- Inspection decal on the passenger side window
- Taxi cab contact information and taxi vehicle number clearly visible on exterior of the vehicle
- Taxi Driver's permit showing the driver's photo and name (located on the interior sun visor)
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What do I do if I have reason to believe a taxi vehicle is in contravention of the bylaw?
6. What do I do if I have reason to believe a taxi vehicle is in contravention of the bylaw?
Permanent link to What do I do if I have reason to believe a taxi vehicle is in contravention of the bylaw?If you are in doubt about a taxi driver’s compliance with the bylaw, it’s a good idea to note the taxi vehicle number or licence plate number and decline to ride in that vehicle. You could also ask the driver to show you the permits related to the taxi cab safety bylaw, if these are not already clearly visible.
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How do I report a concern or bylaw infraction?
7. How do I report a concern or bylaw infraction?
Permanent link to How do I report a concern or bylaw infraction?To report a concern or suspected infraction related to the taxi cab safety bylaw, please contact Strathcona County Enforcement Services at 780-449-0170 or visit Enforcement Services at the RCMP detachment at 911 Bison Way in Sherwood Park.
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What happens when contravention of this bylaw is reported?
8. What happens when contravention of this bylaw is reported?
Permanent link to What happens when contravention of this bylaw is reported?A person who contravenes the bylaw is liable to a fine. If a violation tag is issued in respect to a bylaw offence, the person who commits the offence may pay a fine, ranging from $250 to $1,000, as established by the bylaw.
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Bandit taxis are vehicles operating as taxis, but without a valid licence. They can be uninsured and unsafe, and the driver has not been screened by a licensing authority. Effective July 1, 2015, bandit taxis are not permitted to operate in Strathcona County and can be reported by calling Strathcona County Enforcement Services at 780-449-0170.
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Why are some elements of the industry left out of the bylaw, such as cab fares?
10. Why are some elements of the industry left out of the bylaw, such as cab fares?
Permanent link to Why are some elements of the industry left out of the bylaw, such as cab fares?The taxi cab safety bylaw was created to address safety-related issues of concern to taxi drivers and passengers. As such, the bylaw does not regulate other elements of the taxi industry that are unrelated to the safety of drivers and passengers.
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Do the regulations in the bylaw apply to limousines and other transportation services such as transportation for seniors?
11. Do the regulations in the bylaw apply to limousines and other transportation services such as transportation for seniors?
Permanent link to Do the regulations in the bylaw apply to limousines and other transportation services such as transportation for seniors?This bylaw does not apply to limousines and any other vehicle whose seating capacity exceeds 10 adults, including the driver, or vehicles operated solely for the provision of specialized accompaniment and transportation services for seniors and those with disabilities.
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Where can I find more information about this bylaw?
12. Where can I find more information about this bylaw?
Permanent link to Where can I find more information about this bylaw?You can read the full bylaw here.
You can also call Enforcement Services at 780-449-0170 or visit Enforcement Services at the RCMP detachment at 911 Bison Way in Sherwood Park.
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What about ride-sharing services (e.g. Uber), as part of the vehicle for hire industry?
13. What about ride-sharing services (e.g. Uber), as part of the vehicle for hire industry?
Permanent link to What about ride-sharing services (e.g. Uber), as part of the vehicle for hire industry?Strathcona County places a high priority on public safety, quality service and consumer protection for both the customer and service providers in the vehicle for hire industry. All vehicle for hire businesses must have commercial vehicle insurance and the operators of these vehicles must have a Class 4 drivers licence. If they do not, they are in violation of provincial legislation. Strathcona County RCMP & Enforcement Services will investigate these violations, once a complaint has been filed in-person at the detachment (911 Bison Way, Sherwood Park). Strathcona County is reviewing this matter in light of technological innovations and the changing vehicle for hire industry, and it will be brought before Council for discussion and direction in the near future.
