Update (2025): The General Transport Authority has released draft rules to organize public taxi and airport fare transport, focusing on service quality, passenger safety, licensing standards for vehicles and drivers, allowed in-car advertising, geographic operating limits, required driver behavior, and clear cases where service may be refused. The draft is published on the Istitlaa platform for public feedback before finalization.
Overview of the New Draft Regulations
Purpose and Scope
These rules set minimum quality and safety benchmarks for public taxi and airport fare transport services, defining who can operate, which vehicles qualify, and how services must be delivered and monitored.
Public Consultation via Istitlaa
The draft has been posted on the government’s Istitlaa consultation platform to gather stakeholder feedback prior to implementation.
Advertising Inside Taxis
Advertising is permitted inside taxis provided that any ad materials or electronic screens are positioned so they do not distract the driver nor compromise passenger comfort and safety.
In-car ads are allowed if they do not distract drivers or affect passenger comfort.
Operating Card: Vehicle Requirements
No person may operate a public taxi or airport transport service without a valid operating card. Use during suspension or without a card is prohibited.
Newness & Operational Life
- Vehicle must be new and not previously registered in the Kingdom.
- Operational life must not exceed 5 years.
Ownership, Registration & Insurance
- Vehicle must be owned or leased by the individual; the owner must be the actual user.
- Registered in the traffic system as a “fee” vehicle.
- Compliant with technical and identification standards issued by the Authority.
- Insurance must cover third-party and passenger liability.
Validity, Renewal & Replacement
- Operating card issued for 1 year, linked to the driver’s license and the vehicle’s operational life.
- Vehicle may be replaced once during the card period if it meets the “new car” criteria.
- Card is non-transferable. One-time replacement only.
- Renewal may be requested 30 days before expiry; a 90-day grace period applies.
- Non-renewal after grace triggers automatic cancellation and a late fine.
Driver Card: Professional Requirements
No one may drive a taxi without a valid professional driver card.
Licensing & Competence
- General taxi driving license.
- Certificate of professional competence issued by the Authority.
Validity & Restricted Cards
- Driver card is issued for 1 year, and cannot exceed the validity of the operating card or driver’s license.
- Status of the driver card is linked to the service provider’s operating card.
- A restricted card (up to 30 days) may be issued while a driver completes requirements.
Geographic Coverage of Taxi Services
Public Taxis
May operate within the licensed city and carry passengers to other cities. For return trips, they may only pick up passengers via an approved mediation (e-hailing) service.
Airport Taxis
May transport passengers from the airport to cities, governorates, and centers. They cannot carry passengers on return from city to airport.
Mandatory Driver Conduct
Required Behaviors
- Activate the fare meter at the start of each trip.
- Keep the vehicle clean and well-maintained.
- Maintain a good personal appearance; wear the official uniform.
- No smoking inside the vehicle.
- Display the message: “If the fare meter is not activated, the trip is free.”
- Allow pets in cages and respect passenger privacy.
Prohibited Actions
- Picking up passengers outside official platforms.
- Combining multiple passenger requests in one trip (except for intercity travel).
When Drivers May Refuse Service
- Passenger is smoking or eating in the vehicle.
- Passenger count exceeds available seats.
- Passenger refuses to wear a seat belt.
- Aggressive behavior or drug use.
- Unknown destination or refusal to specify one.
- Tampering with vehicle parts or official stickers.
- Failure to respect public morals or abusive conduct toward the driver.
- Presence of illegal behavior or threats.
- Any condition that threatens safety or public order.
Why These Rules Matter
The framework aims to lift service quality, protect passengers and drivers, reduce disputes through clear fare and conduct rules, and align the sector with broader mobility initiatives.
Drivers must activate the fare meter and wear the official uniform.
