If you've ever received money from family or friends for giving them a lift, you could end up in trouble.
Under UK law, it is illegal for a driver to turn a profit from offering people a lift, and they could end up being slapped with a huge fine for it.
While it is legal for drivers to accept petrol money or reimbursement of costs, the RAC says drivers face a £2,500 fine and invalidating their insurance if they are found to be making money out of it.
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Speaking to the Daily Express, Tim Schwarz, spokesperson for motoring experts at Moneybarn, warned about the dangers of 'taxi touting'.
He said: "Taxis home from the airport, train station and even nights out are notoriously expensive. In this scenario, many of us turn to the kindness of friends and family to give us a lift home.
"But did you know it's illegal for them to accept payment for this service?
"Cab services are very heavily regulated in the UK, especially since the rise of Uber in the modern age, so accepting money when unlicensed is not okay in the eyes of the law.
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"Without the right documentation, be prepared for a £2500 fine, six licence points and even seizure of your vehicle."
Paul D'Ambrogio Solicitors said the law is there to protect people from the dangers of unlicensed drivers.
The company's site reads: "Taxi touting is illegal. It is an offence that both licenced and unlicenced taxi drivers can fall foul of.
"Touting for trade involves soliciting people in a public place to hire a vehicle to carry them as a passenger.
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"For taxi drivers without a licence, it is an offence to solicit people in public or display the word 'taxi' on your vehicle.
"For licenced taxi drivers, it is an offence to transport a passenger who hasn't booked through a licenced minicab operator.
"The regulations regarding booking a taxi in advance have been enforced to help preserve the safety of both passengers and drivers."
Back in 2018, Dorset Police cracked down of taxi touters who were operating in the area.
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The force discovered a Facebook group of 5,000 people, where drivers were found to me offering lifts in exchange for payment.
A Dorset Police spokesperson told the Bournemouth Echo said it was vital people only ever used proper, licenced taxi services.
They said: "We are aware of several Facebook groups which have been created in order to share lifts in and around the Bournemouth and Poole area.
"When getting into a vehicle with an unlicensed and unvetted stranger, you have no knowledge of their background and risk your own personal safety.
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"Before offering a lift in exchange for money, you should speak to your insurance company as this could invalidate your insurance and may result in your vehicle being seized by police, a fixed penalty or prosecution resulting in a fine, points on your licence or disqualification from driving."
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