Ukraine Overhauls Taxi Market with Driver Certification and Heavy Fines.

Ukraine's Taxi Industry Faces Major Reform with New Driver Rules and Penalties

According to Novyny.live: The Ministry for Communities and Territories Development of Ukraine has proposed a draft law to overhaul the taxi market. The legislation introduces mandatory driver certification, expands the powers of regulatory bodies, and sets new requirements for carriers. This initiative aims to enhance service quality and road safety, bringing the sector in line with stricter European standards.

Eligibility Criteria for Taxi Drivers

Under the new rules, an individual must meet the following criteria to work as a taxi driver:

• Be at least 20 years old;
• Hold a valid category 'B' driver's license;
• Pass an annual medical examination;
• Have no more than five traffic violations in a year;
• Have no criminal record.

These measures are designed to ensure a higher level of responsibility and professionalism among drivers.

Requirements for Taxi Operators

All taxi drivers must be officially employed under formal labor contracts. Currently, the driver certification costs 3,328 hryvnias and is valid for two years. This system is intended to improve oversight of carriers and raise the standard of service provision.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

The draft law also stipulates severe fines for violating the new requirements:

• A fine of 8,500 hryvnias for failing to meet taxi marking requirements.
• A fine of 17,000 hryvnias for accepting fares without a valid license.
• A fine of 34,000 hryvnias for a platform's non-compliance with technical standards.

The draft law is now awaiting approval from the State Regulatory Service. Its implementation could significantly transform Ukraine's taxi market by improving safety and service quality. The introduction of driver certification and tighter controls aims to reduce accidents and curb illegal operations, marking a pivotal step in the country's transport infrastructure development.