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 of services like Uber and Bolt,” he told Novinky.cz. “Unfortunately, many of them are unfamiliar with local traffic laws, lack driving experience, and don’t know their way around the city—putting passengers and others at risk.”

The government is now acting on proposals submitted by Prague authorities earlier this year. These changes were included in a broader amendment to the Road Transport Act, approved last week by the Senate and now awaiting the president’s signature.

Under the new law, all taxi vehicles must be registered in the national taxi database and display a round yellow sticker on the windshield to aid identification during checks.

Municipal police will have expanded authority to stop taxis for regulatory compliance inspections—not just for traffic safety reasons.

Growing Concerns Over Safety

While insurance companies don’t track the nationality of drivers, they do report a noticeable rise in traffic accidents involving taxis. Most taxi vehicles are owned by private companies, further complicating accountability.

Another concern is that some foreign drivers continue working after their visas or permits expire, or even operate while staying in the country on tourist visas. Alena Mühl, spokeswoman for the Ministry of Transport, confirmed that enforcement gaps have allowed this to happen.

According to official data, of the nearly 15,000 taxi licenses issued last year, more than 6,000 went to Ukrainian citizens, with 1,153 issued to Uzbeks and 117 to Nigerians.

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