Saudi Arabia Issues New Taxi and Airport Transport Regulations (2025 Update)

Saudi Arabia Issues New Taxi and Airport Transport Regulations (2025 Update)

The General Transport Authority announced new rules to organize the work of individuals in public taxi services and airport fare transport. These rules focus on service quality, passenger safety, and clear operational standards. They also require drivers to meet professional and procedural conditions.

The rules were published on the “Istitlaa” platform to get public feedback before they are finalized. See Also: Soon self-driving taxis in Riyadh

Advertising in Cars

Advertising inside taxis is allowed, but ads or electronic screens must be placed in spots that do not distract the driver or affect passenger safety and comfort.

Operating Card Conditions

No one can work in a public taxi or airport transport without an operating card (official license). Using a car without a valid card or during its suspension is prohibited. Key conditions for issuing the card include

➤ The car must be new and not previously registered in the Kingdom.

➤ Operational life must not exceed 5 years.

➤ The car must be owned or leased by the individual, with the owner as the actual user.

➤ The car must be registered as a “fee” vehicle in the traffic system.

➤ It must meet technical and identification standards set by the Authority.

➤ The car must have insurance covering third-party and passenger liability.

➤ The card has one-time replacement only and a specific validity.

Card validity:

■ Issued for 1 year, linked to the driver’s license and the car’s operational life.

■ The car may be replaced once during the license period if it meets the new car requirements.

■ The card cannot be transferred to another person. Most Viewed: Fine for transporting passengers without permit

Renewal:

🔘 Renewal can be requested 30 days before expiration.

🔘 A 90-day grace period is given after expiry.

🔘 If not renewed, the card is automatically canceled and a late fine is applied.

Driver Card Conditions

No one can drive a taxi without a professional driver card. Conditions include:

✓ A general taxi driving license.

✓ A certificate of professional competence from the Authority.

✓ Validity is linked to the operating card.

Driver card validity:

• Issued for 1 year, not exceeding the expiration of the operating card or driver’s license.

• The card’s status is connected to the operating card of the service provider.

• A restricted card can be issued for up to 30 days for drivers completing license requirements.

Geographical Scope of Work

🔹 Public taxi drivers: Can operate within the licensed city and transport passengers to other cities. They may only pick up passengers for return trips through a mediation service.

🔹 Airport taxi drivers: Can transport passengers from the airport to cities, governorates, and centers, but cannot return from the city to the airport with passengers. Trending: Canceling 5-trips in a month, Transport authority to suspend e-hailing drivers account

Required Driver Behaviors

Taxi drivers must:

✅ Start the fare meter at the beginning of each trip.

✅ Keep the car clean and maintained.

✅ Maintain a good personal appearance.

✅ Not smoke inside the car.

✅ Wear the official uniform approved by the Authority.

✅ Display the message: “If the fare meter is not activated, the trip is free.”

✅ Allow pets in cages.

✅ Respect passenger privacy.

Prohibited actions:

🚫 Picking up passengers outside official platforms.

🚫 Combining different passenger requests in one trip (except intercity travel).

When Drivers Can Refuse Service

Drivers have the right to refuse passengers in 9 cases:

1. Passengers are smoking or eating.

2. Number of passengers exceeds available seats.

3. Passengers refuse to wear seat belts.

4. Passengers show aggressive behavior or drug use.

5. Destination is unknown.

6. Passengers tamper with car parts or stickers.

7. Passengers fail to respect public morals or treat the driver poorly.

8. Presence of illegal behavior or threats.

9. Any condition that threatens safety or order.

Summary

The General Transport Authority has introduced new draft rules to improve public taxi and airport taxi services. These include strict licensing conditions for cars and drivers, clear operational areas, permission for safe in-car advertising, required driver conduct, and situations where service can be refused. The rules aim to raise service quality, ensure passenger safety, and provide clear standards for the taxi industry. Follow Saudi Expatriates News on X platform

Saudi Arabia Issues New Taxi and Airport Transport Regulations (2025 Update)