Government submits amendments to taxi legislation for approval, first changes to take effect in September

Government submits amendments to taxi legislation for approval, first changes to take effect in September

On 25 June 2026, the Government submitted a proposal to amend taxi legislation for approval. The aim is to increase trust in the taxi services sector. The amendments are due to come into force in stages, from 1 September 2026 and from 1 January 2027.

"We are now taking decisive action to address the problems in taxi services. We will tighten the licence conditions, improve the skills of drivers and give the authorities better tools for supervision. Our goal is to bring back safe taxi rides and restore trust in the taxi industry," says Minister of Transport and Communications Lulu Ranne.

The decision on the legislative project on taxi services was included in the Programme of Prime Minister Petteri Orpo's Government. The goals include strengthening consumer confidence in taxi services, enhancing supervision and tackling the shadow economy in the sector.

Aim is to improve drivers' professional skills and enhance supervision

The amendments aim to improve taxi drivers' professional skills, reinforce control and prevent abuse. A person's good repute, which is required for the licence, will also be considered compromised if they have been convicted of offences against life or health, sexual offences, or fraud-related or payment-instrument offences. Additional grounds for refusing a taxi driver's licence will include certain offences against personal liberty, tax fraud, fraud, payment-instrument offences and firearms offences.

Taxi driver training and supervision of tests will be improved. New taxi drivers will be provided with 21 hours of training and those already working in the sector will need to complete 7 hours of continuing professional education when renewing their taxi driver's licence. The continuing education requirement will be in place for a fixed term.

Controlling and identifying taxis will be made easier. Taxi transport licence holders will have to register the vehicles they own or operate as taxis and link each vehicle to their licence in the register. Taxis will have new number plates in a distinctive colour. Access to public information on taxi transport operators will be expanded, allowing passengers to verify up-to-date licence details on the basis of the vehicle registration number.

All taxis will need to have a taximeter for collecting the data to control the taxi services. In certain cases, not only the transport licence holders but also drivers will be required to provide information on taxi fares.

What's next?

The President of the Republic is to approve the legislative amendments on 26 June 2026. They will mainly enter into force on 1 September 2026. Amendments to the Vehicles Act will take effect on 1 January 2027.

Inquiries:

Requests for interviews with Minister Ranne:
Kasperi Lähteenmäki, Special Adviser, tel. +358 295 342 039, [email protected]

Sissi Kohtala, Senior Ministerial Adviser, tel. +358 295 342 208, [email protected]