Taxi Driver Responsibilities: Requirements, Regulations, and Daily Practice. A Guide for Taxi Drivers
- Damian Brzeski
- 22 minutes ago
- 10 min read
Are you wondering what the professional work of a taxi driver looks like in the new legal realities?
It is no longer just the ability to drive a car, but a complex game with regulations and technology.
In this guide, we take a detailed look at all the responsibilities of a taxi driver – from how to start working as a taxi driver and getting a license, through equipment requirements such as a taximeter, to tax optimization in 2025.
Legal basis of the taxi driver profession
The Polish transportation market has undergone a veritable earthquake in recent years. The system has evolved from a rigid corporate model to a hybrid that blends tradition with applications.
Understanding which regulation takes precedence is your first step to safely transporting people by taxi .
Ignorance of the law in this industry costs money – literally, because administrative fines are counted in thousands of zlotys.
Road Transport Act
It's a kind of "constitution" for every professional driver. The Act of 6 September 2001 defines passenger transport services as a licensed activity.
Importantly, the amendment known as "Lex Uber" (fully implemented in 2025) finally blurred the division between classic taxi drivers and "occasional transport".
Today, the situation is clear: every taxi driver providing transport in a passenger car – whether in Uber, Bolt or Free Now – is subject to the same rigors.
The key requirements of the Act are:
Territorial License (Art. 5b): Licenses are assigned to a specific area (municipality or city with district rights). A license from Warsaw is not valid in Krakow unless the cities have signed a special agreement. Violating the zone carries severe penalties, so taxi drivers must be aware of the limits of their operations.
A good reputation: This isn't just an empty slogan. It specifically means the absence of a final conviction for an intentional crime and the absence of a ban on practicing one's profession .
Regulation of the Minister of Transport of 1995
Although the Regulation of the Minister of Transport is already three decades old, it still regulates the "micro-practice" of your daily work.
It is he who resolves most disputes between driver and passenger, defining the standards that should characterize taxi transport .
It is worth paying attention to two fundamental aspects:
The right to choose a taxi: A customer at a taxi rank does not have to get into the first car in line (the so-called "column"). They have the right to choose the third or fifth vehicle, and you – as the chosen driver performing the transport – cannot refuse the ride by citing a queue.
Shortest route: You are obligated to take the shortest route unless the passenger requests otherwise. How should this be interpreted in the age of GPS and navigation technology ? Modern interpretation suggests that "shortest" (geometrically) does not always mean "best" (traffic jams). Therefore, it is crucial to coordinate the route with the customer before takeoff – which apps automatically do for us.
Formal requirements and documents
The path to becoming a driver is a highly formalized process these days. Becoming a taxi driver requires going through a rigorous selection process. What do you need to legally hit the road?
Category B driving license required
The basis, of course, is a valid category B driving license . However, regulations alone are not everything – the market sets the bar higher.
Statutory requirements: Possession of qualifications (Polish or recognized in Poland).
Market requirements: Typically minimum age of 21 and have held a driving license for at least one year.
Why is that? Working as a taxi driver involves spending up to 12 hours a day behind the wheel in extreme city traffic.
Experience is a safety net here. Also, remember that losing your driving privileges (points, alcohol) automatically ends your career.
Obtaining a taxi license and driver ID
A taxi license is an administrative document that binds an entrepreneur to their vehicle and territory. To legally offer taxi services , you must take care of the formalities. In 2025, this process will have two paths:
Driver-Entrepreneur: You set up your own company, submit an application to the commune and apply for a license for your own car.
Fleet Driver (Partner): You drive under the umbrella of a fleet partner. In this case, the partner holds the license, and you operate under the taxi entrepreneur's license, with a license extract in your vehicle.
Did you know that in cities like Warsaw, Krakow, and Poznań, you must have a visible ID. Since 2024, in the capital, IDs are assigned to individuals, not companies, making it easier for drivers to perform their duties when changing fleets.
Medical and psychotechnical examinations
Health and safety are a priority for drivers. To begin working as a taxi driver , you must pass a taxi driver examination , which consists of two stages:
Medical Examinations: Occupational medicine verifies vision, hearing, and nervous system health. The result is a medical certificate confirming the absence of contraindications.
Psychotechnical tests: Specialized psychological tests of drivers check reaction time, coordination and resistance to stress in the darkroom.
How often?
Up to age 60: Every 5 years.
Over 60 years of age: Every 30 months (2.5 years).
Certificate of no criminal record
There's no room for negotiation here. You must provide a certificate of no criminal record from the National Criminal Records Office. Crimes against life, health, sexual freedom, and property are checked.
Digital platforms such as Uber and Bolt periodically request the refreshing of this document to verify passenger safety .
Business activity and entry into CEIDG
For many people, working as a taxi driver means starting their own business. The most popular form is a sole proprietorship . To start one, registration with the Central Registration and Information on Economic Activity (CEIDG ) is required.
During registration, you must select the appropriate PKD codes:
Please note that only after obtaining registration can you submit an application for a license in your name. If you work for a fleet partner, they handle these formalities, and you operate under a contract of mandate.
Taxi vehicle marking and driver identification
Your vehicle performing the transport must be visible and clearly identifiable. Proper taxi vehicle marking is essential.
List of labeling requirements:
TAXI Roof Light: Roof light that must be coupled to the taximeter (turns off when occupied).
Side stripes and coat of arms: Municipal requirements (e.g. Warsaw, Poznań).
Side number: A unique identifier in the city system.
Price list: Sticker on the rear right door window.
Important: Each registered vehicle , even those operating solely on apps, must be fully marked to legally transport passengers using an emergency vehicle for use in bus lanes.
Taximeter and cash register – mandatory equipment
In 2025, operating a transport business will require the use of modern equipment. How can you pay?
Traditional system: Physical taximeter connected to the gearbox + cash register . The taximeter requires legalization by the Central Office of Measures.
Virtual (App) System: A software-based cash register. Apps ( Uber , Bolt ) serve as the interface. The price is known in advance, and the virtual cash register records sales in the cloud. Remember: the app itself is not a taximeter in the measurement sense, but a tool for concluding a contract.
If you have a taxi license and serve customers both on the street and via an app, hybrid solutions are often used.
Obligation to issue a receipt after the course
This is the final step in the service. Whether you use a taximeter or an app, a receipt must be issued immediately after payment is accepted.
In a traditional taxi: Paper printout.
In the app: E-receipt by email.
People carrying out transport who do not issue a receipt run the risk of huge tax fines.
Daily work duties of a taxi driver
Working as a taxi driver in the city involves balancing time pressures with the rigid confines of the law. What is allowed and what is avoided?
Compliance with traffic regulations
As a professional, you are not immune from fines. However, you do have certain privileges:
Bus lanes: You can use them (e.g. in Warsaw), but ONLY if you have full, legal signage and operate under a taxi license .
Sign B-36 : It often has a sign saying "Not applicable to TAXI", which makes it easier to transport passengers and drop them off in the city center.
Cleanliness and technical condition of the vehicle
The regulations state clearly: the car must be clean. Furthermore, passenger transport operations require the trunk to be empty.
You can't bring your own groceries or tools there. The luggage space belongs to the customer. The exceptions are the spare tire, fire extinguisher, and first aid kit.
Change of day and night tariffs
If you use a traditional meter, you're responsible for keeping track of the rates. The meter must be switched manually or automatically at the appropriate time.
Table: When does which tariff apply?
Tariff | Name | When does it apply? |
1 | Daily tariff | Weekdays 6:00 – 22:00 |
2 | Night/Christmas tariff | 10:00 p.m. – 6:00 a.m. and Sundays and holidays |
3 | Daily departure | Outside the taxi zone (zone I), 6:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. |
4 | Night outing | Outside the taxi zone, 10:00 PM – 6:00 AM + public holidays |
Golden rule: You only switch to a higher fare when you pass the "Zone border" sign.
Assistance with luggage and transportation of people in special need
A taxi driver is a service profession. You have a legal obligation to assist with loading luggage.
Sitting in a car while an elderly person struggles with a suitcase is not professional customer service . You also have to transport a wheelchair and an assistance dog free of charge.
The right to refuse carriage
Does a taxi driver have to take everyone? No. You have the right to refuse if:
The passenger is aggressive.
The client is dirty or smelly.
The passenger wants to transport hazardous materials.
However, you cannot refuse a trip just because the route is "unprofitable".
Passenger service standards
Quality service is the main battleground for customer loyalty today. The taxi business relies on reputation.
Personal culture and training
In 2025, neat attire (tracksuits are passé) and high personal culture are the norm. Although topography exams have disappeared, platforms have filled the gaps.
Uber and Bolt require online training, and a rating system verifies the quality of your work. A low rating could prevent you from earning money.
Technological competences
Passenger transportation today also involves IT. You need to master:
Navigation technologies: To verify the algorithm route.
Multi-apping: Working on several applications simultaneously to minimize downtime.
Tax and financial obligations imposed on taxi drivers
Taxes in this industry are unique. Efficient financial management is key to success.
Taxi driver tax returns
You have several forms to choose from:
Flat rate (8.5%): Most popular for those running a passenger taxi business . You pay tax on your income.
General principles: Profitable with high costs (fuel, repairs).
VAT: You can choose a rate of 4% (flat VAT) or 8% (with deductions).
In summary , working as a taxi driver in 2025 is a job for professionals. If you ensure you have a legal database, a functioning taximeter (or app), and quality service, this job can offer you not only freedom but also a satisfying salary.
What's next for your career? Now that you know the theory, it's time for practice.
Would you like me to prepare a "driver essentials" checklist for you now, to print out and keep in your glove compartment, which will help you survive your first ITD inspection?
FAQ: Quick answers to every taxi question
Below, you'll find quick solutions to the most common dilemmas drivers and passengers face. It's the essence of the regulations in a nutshell—ideal when you need quick and reliable information right now.
Does a taxi driver have to wear a seat belt? : No, when carrying a passenger, a taxi driver is exempt from wearing a seat belt. Without a passenger, seat belts are mandatory.
Does a taxi have to have a child seat? : No. Traffic regulations exempt taxis from the obligation to transport children in child seats, although for safety reasons it is recommended to order cars with the "Kids" option.
Can I refuse a ride if a passenger is eating a kebab? : Yes. You have the right to refuse transportation if the passenger's behavior (eating) poses a risk of contaminating the upholstery.
Are Uber and Bolt also considered taxis under the law?: Yes. Any passenger transport service ordered through the app is legally treated as a taxi service and requires a license.
Can I take a minibus (9-seater vehicle) for a taxi? : Yes, but a taxi can carry a maximum of 9 people including the driver (8 passengers).
Can I take more people than my registration certificate allows? : No. Transporting more people than listed in my registration certificate may result in my driving license being suspended for 3 months.
Can a passenger drink alcohol in a taxi? : Theoretically yes (it is not a public place within the meaning of the Act on Upbringing in Sobriety), but the regulations of the corporation and the application usually prohibit it to avoid getting dirty.
Am I obligated to give change from 200 PLN?: Yes. The taxi driver is a service provider and is obligated to have the means to give change. Lack of change is not an excuse.
Can I work as a taxi driver if I have a criminal record?: No. A clean criminal record (intentional crimes) is required.
Is a taximeter mandatory for app-based rides?: No. If you only use digital services (Uber/Bolt), a virtual cash register in the app is sufficient. A physical taximeter is not necessary.
Do I need to have a spare tire in my car?: Yes. The regulation on technical conditions for taxis requires that you have a spare tire (or repair kit) as well as a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit.
Can I park on a no-stopping sign (B-36)? : Yes, but only for the time necessary to board or alight a passenger and only if there is no sign below the sign saying "Also applies to TAXI".
Can I request payment in advance? : In exceptional cases, yes (e.g. a very long trip out of town), but normally payment is made after the service is provided.
Are taxi drivers allowed to park for free in the city? : Only at designated taxi ranks. In regular parking spaces within the paid parking zone, drivers must pay like any other user.
Can I transport a parcel instead of a passenger? : Yes, it is a courier service, but it should be charged at the cash register with the appropriate VAT rate (usually 23% for services other than passenger transport).
Can I set a fixed rate without a taximeter? : No. Agreeing to a fixed price without using a taximeter or app is a tax offence.
Is the taxi license transferable to the new owner of the vehicle?: No. The taxi license is non-transferable and assigned to the entrepreneur. The new owner must obtain their own.
Do I need a payment terminal? : In many cities (e.g. Warsaw), local regulations do not require a terminal, but it is a market standard (applications have cards connected).
Can I terminate a ride if a passenger insults me?: Yes. You have the right to terminate the service due to a threat to personal rights or safety. In such cases, you must safely stop the vehicle and ask the passenger to exit.
Can I smoke an e-cigarette while waiting for an order? : Inside the vehicle – no. The odor penetrates the upholstery, which violates the requirement to keep the vehicle clean and aesthetically pleasing.
Can I transport animals without a carrier? : Subject to your consent (except for assistance dogs). If you consent and the dog soils the upholstery, the passenger is responsible for the cleaning costs.
Is the medical examination a one-time procedure?: No. Taxi drivers' medical and psychological examinations must be renewed every 5 years (or every 30 months after the age of 60).
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