New Taxi Rules: Foreign Drivers Face Stricter Licensing in Czechia
The Czech government will introduce stricter rules for taxi drivers from outside the EU starting in July, aiming to tighten oversight of a rapidly growing sector dominated by foreign nationals. The change comes amid concerns over safety, regulatory gaps, and the sheer number of taxis on Prague’s roads. Last year, 5,405 new taxi driver licenses were issued in Prague alone—double the figure from 2020. In total, there are now an estimated 16,000 taxis operating in the capital, though city data suggest only about 3,500 would be sufficient to meet demand. The overcapacity, driven in part by the rise of ride-hailing platforms like Uber and Bolt, has triggered a government crackdown. From July 2025, taxi drivers will need a valid driver’s license from Czechia or another EU country to operate legally. Licenses will be granted only for the duration of a driver’s permitted stay, replacing the previous five-year validity. Police will also be empowered to carry out on-the-spot checks of drivers’ documentation and vehicle registration. Crackdown on Non-EU Drivers According to Vít Hofman, spokesperson for Prague City Hall, many applicants for taxi licenses are from Ukraine, Uzbekistan, and Nigeria. “The number of foreign drivers has risen sharply, particularly with the expansion...
