Police have charged a twenty one year old Devonport man in relation to illegally hiring out a private vehicle, a practice known as ‘Des-ing for dollars’.

It’s alleged the man used his vehicle as an unlicensed taxi when offering to drive people home in the Devonport area in the early hours of Sunday 6 April. The man was issued with an infringement notice relating to a charge under the Taxi and Hire Vehicle Industries Act 2008.

Police are continuing to monitor the practice of ‘Des-ing for dollars’, or acting as a designated driver for payment, as part of their duties associated with the policing of licensed venues and public events along the Northwest Coast. 

“Nominating a designated driver amongst your friends is a safe option to plan how to get home after a night out.  Police fully support designated drivers as a valuable way to reduce the incidents of drink driving within the community,” said Sergeant Craig Harvey.

“There is no concern about friends making a financial contribution to their designated driver to cover the cost of their ride home.”

Acting as a designated driver with friends should not be confused with the practice of ‘Des-ing for dollars’.   ‘Des-ing for dollars’ is the illegal practice of offering a private vehicle for hire without appropriate public vehicle licenses.  

“This practice leads to concerns regarding safety issues for both passengers and drivers of vehicles that may be ‘Des-ing for dollars’, as well as issues regarding insurance and any subsequent injury to persons or property.”