VOSA the Vehicle & Operators Services Agency, the regulatory arm of the UK Ministry of Transport have stringent new regulations governing the hire of all limousines imported to the UK.
(More information can be obtained via
» VOSA INDEX Page or by downloading the full document pdf relating to stretch limousines:
» more: GUIDANCE FOR OPERATORS OF STRETCH LIMOUSINES)
NOTES ON VOSA GUIDANCE FOR OPERATORS OF STRETCH LIMOUSINES
Limousines with more than 8 passenger seats
Traditionally a Limousine of this size required a
COIF (Certificate of Initial Fitness) from VOSA in order to be registered and used to carry paying passengers (referred to as "use for hire or reward"). Since
April 2009 it has also been possible to apply for Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) or type approval for such vehicles. From
29 October 2010, COIF will no longer be an acceptable route to registration, except for vehicles built more than 3 months prior to this date (i.e. manufactured prior to 29th July 2010).