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In response to a sharp increase in foreign taxi drivers operating in the capital, Prague officials have pushed through changes to national transport legislation aimed at strengthening control over who can drive a taxi in the city.
The new law, passed by the Czech Senate earlier this month, limits taxi licenses to the duration of an individual’s residency permit and requires drivers to hold a license issued by the Czech Republic or another EU country.
City leaders say the measures, expected to take effect in July 2025, are meant to improve road safety and ensure taxi drivers have sufficient knowledge of Prague’s traffic rules, road signs, and geography—skills some drivers from third countries have reportedly lacked.
The effort marks the latest move in a long-running effort by Prague officials to regulate the city’s fast-growing and increasingly fragmented taxi market.
New rules restrict license eligibility for foreign drivers
Under the revised Road Transport Act, foreign nationals from outside the EU will only be granted taxi licenses for the duration of their temporary or long-term residency in the Czech Republic.
Previously, licenses were typically issued for a standard five-year period, regardless of how long the applicant was legally allowed to remain in the country. City officials argued that the blanket five-year validity created a loophole for drivers who may not be authorized to stay or work in the Czech Republic long-term.
“It is appropriate for taxi licenses to only remain valid while the driver’s residency status is in effect,” the city states through a press release. This change is expected to particularly impact applicants from third countries who, according to the city, often present short-term permits when applying for taxi licenses.
The second major change requires all taxi drivers to hold a valid driver’s license issued by an EU member state. Officials say this rule is aimed at preventing the proliferation of drivers who may not be familiar with local traffic laws.
Concerns over safety and service quality
Prague has long struggled with the regulation of its taxi industry, which has become increasingly complex due to the rise of ride-sharing apps and the influx of foreign drivers.
According to the city, many new applicants lack basic knowledge of Czech or English, have limited understanding of traffic regulations, and are unfamiliar with Prague’s layout—issues that have raised safety and quality concerns.
Prague Deputy Mayor Zdeněk Hřib, responsible for transportation, said the changes will help reduce the number of unqualified drivers behind the wheel of city taxis.
“There’s no room for experiments on Prague’s roads,” says Hřib, noting that taxi drivers must be capable, responsible, and able to communicate with passengers. “This is a step in the right direction toward improving both safety and service in the capital.”
