Finland taxi regulations have become the subject of heated debate and strong support after the Ministry of Transport and Communications completed its consultation on proposed reforms. The consultation, held between 24 April and 6 June 2025, drew over 150 responses from authorities, industry stakeholders, and private citizens.
Minister of Transport and Communications Lulu Ranne welcomed the response, stressing that the new rules are aimed at restoring trust in the taxi sector and ensuring that customers can rely on safe and accountable services. “It is important that we received such a large number of responses. The feedback ensures the new legislation will reflect the needs of both taxi users and service providers. Our goal is to bring safe taxis back to Finnish roads,” she said.
Public feedback showed clear support for reforms that focus on safety, driver qualifications, and the credibility of the taxi system. Strong backing was recorded for stricter driver training requirements, tougher disqualification criteria for drivers with certain criminal offences, and improved background checks. These proposals are expected to form the backbone of the final law.
One of the most contested issues was the proposal to reintroduce mandatory taximeters in all taxis. Traditional taxi operators, associations, and independent drivers strongly supported the idea, while platform-based ride services opposed it. According to the Ministry, 43 percent of respondents backed mandatory taximeters, compared with 22 percent who opposed them.
Several state bodies, including the Tax Administration’s grey economy unit, the Ministry of the Interior, and the National Emergency Supply Agency, endorsed the taximeter requirement. On the other hand, the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, the Finnish Competition and Consumer Authority, and many city administrations opposed it.
The draft law would introduce tougher standards for professional drivers. New drivers would need to complete 21 hours of training, while licence renewals would require a seven-hour refresher course for a limited period. Licence holders would also face tighter documentation rules, stricter inspections, and stronger enforcement.
Other reforms include clearer identification of licensed taxis. Vehicles would need to be registered under the name of a licensed operator and tied to the operator’s licence in the national transport register. A distinct coloured licence plate would also be introduced, and customers would be able to verify a taxi’s licence status online using the registration number.
The Ministry confirmed that compulsory taximeters would help track ride data for oversight purposes, and both drivers and operators would be responsible for fare transparency. New sanctions would also be introduced to cover fare manipulation, unlicensed operations, and breaches of registration rules.
Overall, the proposed Finland taxi regulations are intended to improve safety, reduce misuse in the taxi market, and bring professional standards in line with other areas of public transport. The Ministry will revise the draft law based on the consultation feedback before presenting it to Parliament.
