There are important changes to point to point transport legislation regarding fare-related offences, which will take effect 6 December 2024. New disqualifying offences are being introduced for taxi drivers who commit fare-related offences, such as overcharging, not using the meter or refusing a fare.
These new laws mean that drivers who repeatedly commit fare-related offences now face being banned from driving taxis and other point to point transport services.
From 6 December 2024, any driver who is found guilty in court of committing a fare-related offence on or after 6 December, on two separate occasions will be disqualified from the point to point transport industry.
Examples of these offences include:
- not using the meter
- overcharging
- refusing a passenger if only going a short distance
- demanding or trying to negotiate a fare (other than the one displayed on the meter)
- adding an extra surcharge
- using the maxi-taxi tariff when transporting less than 5 passengers
What does this mean for drivers?
In most instances, if a driver is caught committing a fare-related offence for the first time they will be issued a penalty notice (fine) of $1000. After this they face prosecution, and a court imposed fine.
If they are found guilty by the Court on two separate occasions, they will be automatically disqualified from driving a taxi, rideshare or any point to point transport vehicle.
In cases where the offence is serious or significant, the Commissioner will consider prosecution as a first step – regardless of previous offences.
The Commissioner has written to drivers who have previously been issued with one or more penalty notices (before 6 December 2024) to warn them that if they are caught again, they risk prosecution. And if they are found guilty on two occasions, they will be disqualified from driving any point to point vehicles, including taxis and rideshare.
Further information
See our Frequently Ask Question Quick Guide for more information or call the Industry Contact Centre on 131 727 .