Limo Hire Companies have been urged to obtain an official license before showing DVD’s onboard their vehicles.  The Federation Against Copyright Theft (FACT) run regular checks on party limos and those found in breach of the copyright law could face a maximum fine of £5,000 or a 6 month prison sentence.

Limo hire companies must obtain license for use of DVD's

This is a growing problem as the number of luxury limos which feature DVD players and plasma screens onboard is expanding. Passengers have come to expect a certain level when it comes to limo hire and technology such as a DVD player is becoming more and more commonplace.  

Many Limo Hire firms have expressed concern at the announcement as there is widespread confusion regarding the guidelines for screening copyrighted films. Trevor Hayes is a chauffeur and said he’s wondered for some time about the legalities of screening DVD’s on his hire vehicles but “wasn’t sure” what the procedure was.

An independent copyright license service, MPLC, has stepped in to try and resolve matters. This statement hopes to clear up any issues Limo Hire Companies may have regarding the law: “Home videos and DVD’s are intended for private, domestic use only. When shown onboard a limousine, or anywhere outside of one’s home, this qualifies as “public performance” under the Copyright, Designs and Patent Act 1988 (section 19)”

Those Limousine Hire firms who wish to show copyrighted material onboard their vehicles must apply for the appropriate license before they allow paying passengers to view the material. It is the obligation of the Limo Company to obtain the license, even if the vehicle is sub-contracted to a chauffeur.