Broad support for proposed changes to taxi regulation

Broad support for proposed changes to taxi regulation

The Ministry of Transport and Communications requested comments on a draft government proposal to amend the taxi regulation. Over 150 responses were submitted between 24 April and 6 June 2025. The Ministry published a summary of the comments on 11 September 2025.

"It's excellent that we received such a high volume of feedback. This input helps ensure that the new legislation meets the needs of both industry professionals and the majority of passengers. Our goal is to bring safe taxis back to the streets," said Minister of Transport and Communications Lulu Ranne.

Respondents supported the proposal's aims to rebuild trust and enhance safety in the taxi sector. Specific suggestions, such as proposals concerning driver training and the inclusion of certain criminal offences as grounds for disqualification from holding a licence, and for consideration in the assessment of good repute, were well received.

Opinions were more divided on the proposed mandatory use of taximeters and distinct taxi plates. Traditional taxi firms, advocacy groups, and individual entrepreneurs largely backed the meter requirement, while platform-based operators opposed it. Authorities including the Finnish Tax Administration's grey economy unit, the Ministry of the Interior and the National Emergency Supply Agency expressed support, whereas the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, the Finnish Competition and Consumer Authority and most wellbeing services counties and municipalities voiced concerns. Of all those who submitted feedback, 43 per cent supported the mandatory use of taximeters, while 22 per cent opposed it.

Based on the consultation responses, the proposal will be clarified and refined.

Amendments aim for safer and fairer taxi services

The draft government proposal aims to improve drivers' professional skills, reinforce control and prevent abuse. The conditions for granting taxi transport licences would be tightened, and training and the supervision of tests improved. New taxi drivers would be expected to attend 21 hours of training. Those already working in the sector would need to complete 7 hours of continuing professional education when renewing their taxi driving licence. The continuing education requirement would be in place for a fixed term.

Controlling and identifying taxis would be made easier. According to the Government's draft proposal, taxi licence holders would need to register the ownership or possession of their vehicles serving as taxis and link the vehicles to their taxi transport licence in the register. The registration number plates for taxis would have a specific colour. Licence holder details would be made publicly accessible via vehicle registration numbers, allowing passengers to verify licence validity online.

All taxis would need to have a taximeter for collecting the data to control the taxi services. Not only the taxi transport licence holders but also drivers would be required to provide information on the pricing of taxi rides. The government proposal would also specify the sanctions for violating the regulation.

What's next?

The government proposal should be submitted to Parliament during the autumn session 2025. The act would take effect gradually over the course of 2026.

Inquiries:

Requests for interviews with Minister Lulu Ranne:

Jesse Horsma, Special Adviser, tel. +358 295 342 072, [email protected]

Taxi regulation:

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

Elina Immonen, Director of Unit, tel. +358 295 342 159, [email protected]