Local Vehicle for Hire FAQ

When do Local Vehicle for Hire (LVFH) licences and permits need to be renewed? 

Business Licences – Required to be renewed annually. Must have at least one valid vehicle and driver registered. 

Driver’s permits – Required to have a valid driving licence for the full term of the permit, which are issued for a year or pro-rated to when the driving licence expires. New application forms are required to be completed with every Driver’s permit new or renewal.

Vehicle Tags – Required annually by January 1st. Before receiving the vehicle tag your vehicle will be  subject to an inspection by the By-Law officers, once it has passed, they will give you the vehicle tag.

What signage is needed for a LVFH vehicle?

The vehicle must have signage on its exterior of a permanent nature. Signage, including magnetic professional signs, must identify the name of the LVFH business, should be visible to potential passengers and are recommended to be 5” letter height.

Temporary signage such as hand lettered cardboard paper taped to the vehicle’s exterior is unacceptable and subject to fines.

The driver’s permit, which includes the driver’s picture, should be displayed and visible to passengers.

A passenger safety notice must be displayed in the vehicle and visible to passengers. This notice is  provided by the city to LVFH businesses for each registered vehicle. 

Are exceptions made for LVFH drivers?

LVFH drivers must follow all rules of the Motor Vehicle Act and in addition, must not allow alcoholic 
beverages to be consumed by passengers or the driver in the vehicle. When alcohol must be transported 
in the LVFH, it must be stored in accordance with the requirements of the Manitoba Liquor Control and 
Lotteries Commission. The driver must be satisfied before transporting any passenger with correctly 
stored alcohol that the passenger is of the age of majority. 

LVFH drivers will not eat, smoke, or use cellular phones while driving/or transporting passengers. (Please 
see regulations under distracted driving www.mpi.mb.ca.) 

Does the City set passenger fare rates? 

The City does not set fares. Passengers should confirm the fare rate prior to embarking on their LVFH trip. Some LVFH businesses are shuttles who combine trips with other passengers and may be an affordable option although these aren’t usually the quickest way to reach your destination. Others have meters or set fares per trip. 

Point to Point (PTP) or Ride Share Services require that passengers order and pay for their trip through 
an electronic application only. The LVFH businesses app must provide identification of the driver and 
their vehicle on booking and for passengers to confirm they are entering the correct vehicle. 

Can passengers book any LVFH for their trips in Portage? 

Only LVFH businesses registered with the City of Portage la Prairie can operate within the City of Portage 
la Prairie for pick up of passengers. Other LVFH businesses licensed in another municipality can drop off 
passengers only, in the City of Portage la Prairie. 

What should passengers do if they feel unsafe in a LVFH? 

If you believe the vehicle or driver, you have contracted, is not compliant with the LVFH by-law and 
traffic laws, please contact our offices or By-law Enforcement with the Company name, driver’s permit # 
and name. For serious violations or threats to your safety, please contact the RCMP at 204-857-4445 or 
911. 

How can I be sure the vehicle is registered as a LVFH? 

The City of Portage la Prairie provides a current listing of registered licence plates on its web site. If concerns, please review this listing. We would recommend you contact City Hall or By-law Enforcement 
if you are aware of an unregistered LVFH vehicle operating in our city. 

I’m interested in starting a LVFH business. What are the fees to do so? 

The fees and fines for LVFH businesses are available on the city’s website. 

A Business License would need to be applied for if you were operating the business from a non-commercial property, if operating from a commercial property you would still require completing an LVH-Taxi company form available at City Hall. At least one Vehicle and Driver would need to be registered at the time of applying for the business licence. Application forms can be found on our website.