The Road Transport Licensing Committee (“RTLC”) acts as an independent tribunal body of Government with responsibility for regulating the transport of passengers. From 1st January 2019 the RTLC assumed responsibility for regulating the commercial use of goods vehicles – basically any vehicle or trailer carrying goods on a public highway which has a maximum laden weight exceeding 3,500 kg.
It is the duty of the Committee to administer the provisions of the Road Transport Act 2001 ('the Act') to benefit and protect the public through the provision of sufficient, efficient, safe, and quality services of public transport.
The RTLC office is open again but Isle of Man Government Staff are being encouraged to work from home wherever possible. As a result, if you wish to visit the RTLC office it is strongly recommended that you make an appointment in advance. If you do not do this then you might have a wasted journey as the member of staff that you wish to see may not be in the office.
The most effective way to contact us is by using the following email addresses:
You can still call our telephone lines and leave a voicemail but it might take a number of days to receive a response.
Public Passenger Vehicles (PPVs)
The Act provides for the licensing of all Public Passenger Vehicles ('PPVs') that are used commercially on the Island, (including taxis, Private Hire cars, minibuses, buses, and coaches), and their drivers, plus the licensing or registration of operators. Links to several useful documents are listed below, but for all application forms and guidance notes related to PPV regulation please visit our PPV Application Forms page.
Approved List of Class A Modern Style Executive Private Hire Cars
Formal Public Meeting Procedures with Applicants
Guide to Maintaining Roadworthiness
Procedure for Submitting an Objection to an Application
Goods Vehicles
The Road Transport Regulations 2018 were passed by Tynwald in July 2018 and came into force on 1st January 2019. This means that all Manx Goods Vehicle operators (who operate both on-Island and off-Island) must hold either an Operator Licence or Operator Registration. All Goods Vehicles with a maximum laden weight of over 3,500 kg must also be licensed. Since 1st February 2020 it has been an offence to operate a Goods Vehicle on a public highway in the Isle of Man without a valid Operator Licence or Operator Registration.
The application forms for Goods Vehicle Operator Registrations and Operator Licences are available on this website. General guides to Goods Vehicle maintenance and operator licensing / registration are also available along with five examples of checklists / inspection sheets / forms which should assist operators. These five examples of maintenance documents are for guidance only. It is up to the individual operator to decide how best to perform and record maintenance work. Please address any questions on this matter to the RTLC Secretary at noel.capewell@gov.im.
Goods Vehicle drivers will not be regulated by this legislation.
For all documents related to Goods Vehicle Registration and Licensing please visit our GV Application Forms page.
The RTLC is appointed by the Council of Ministers subject to the approval of Tynwald, and each member shall hold office for a term of 5 years. It is comprised of a Chair, a Vice Chair and three other members.
- Mr B O'Friel, Chair
- Mr D Sellick, Vice Chair
- Mr G Curphey
- Mr M Pattison
- Mr C Kniveton
Officers of the Committee:
- Mr N Capewell, Secretary
- Mr SM Callister, Project Co-ordinator
- Mr T Cain, Assistant Secretary
- Mr D Berry, PPV Inspector
