Taxi service standards

The Queensland Government has made changes to strengthen customer, driver and vehicle safety standards relating to taxis, as well as improving transparency on fares.

Taxi service and fares

• You can receive assistance to board and exit the taxi, and to load and unload your luggage without additional charge.
• The taximeter starts when you enter the vehicle if you hail from street or enter at a taxi rank.
• If you hail a taxi from the street or enter at a taxi rank, you may negotiate your fare for your journey with the driver. The driver must always activate the taximeter at the beginning of the journey to calculate the maximum payable fare. At the end of the journey, you'll pay the lower of the metered fare and the negotiated fare.
• For all Taxi Subsidy Scheme journeys and all journeys for people using a wheelchair in a wheelchair accessible taxi, the taximeter must be activated to calculate the fare.
• The waiting time fee is charged for each minute the taxi is stationary (whether during the journey or when held for the hirer).
• The taximeter must be turned off when you arrive at your destination.
• Booking fees do not apply if you hail a taxi from the street or enter a taxi at a rank.
• When pre-booking your taxi service, your service provider may charge a booking fee for your service.
• You will receive a fare estimate when pre-booking your service.
• Credit card transaction surcharge is capped at 5% in taxis.
• The driver can legally require a deposit of the estimated fare or agreed amount before commencing the journey.
• If you soil the taxi, the driver may charge an additional amount of up to 1 penalty unit for cleaning the taxi ($154.80 as of 1 July 2023).
• You can request a receipt which must include a breakdown of your total fare and any payment surcharges.
• All fares are GST inclusive.
• Fare evasion is an offence and a maximum penalty of $6,192 applies (amount current as of 1 July 2023).

Find out more about the application of maximum taxi fares.

Accessibility information

• You can be accompanied by an assistance animal if required. Drivers may not refuse to provide a service because you need to be accompanied by an assistance animal.
• Drivers cannot start the taximeter until after a Taxi Subsidy Scheme (TSS) member using a wheelchair or mobility scooter is loaded and secured in the vehicle.
• Passengers must transfer to a fixed seat in the vehicle if using a scooter or mobility device/aid that is not a wheelchair.
• A $1.60 booking fee will apply for bookings involving TSS members or services provided in a wheelchair accessible taxi to a person using a wheelchair.

Find out more about disability support and the Taxi Subsidy Scheme.

Taxi safety requirements

• You can identify taxis by a distinctive registration plate: T + 5 numbers (maroon and white colours).
• All vehicles must pass safety inspections every 12 months.
• Approved security cameras are installed in most taxis.
• It’s illegal for your driver to make arrangements with you for future bookings, unless they also have approval to operate as a booking entity.
• A driver is allowed to direct a person to leave or not enter the vehicle if the driver reasonably believes the person is creating or likely to create a disturbance or nuisance – or cause danger to anyone.

Taxi driver requirements

• You can check your driver is authorised by viewing their driver display card, which must be displayed in the taxi.
• All authorised drivers undergo criminal and traffic history checks to ensure suitability before becoming a driver. They are then monitored on an ongoing basis to ensure they remain suitable.
• Drivers must comply with zero alcohol and drug limits.
• Drivers must not drive while fatigued.
• Drivers must be medically fit.

Taxi passenger responsibilities

• The Queensland Government does not regulate the age of passengers. Please check with your service provider for any passenger age restrictions.
• You are responsible for wearing a seatbelt.
• If you have a child with you (under 16 years of age), you must ensure they are properly restrained. If you have your own child restraint, check with your taxi service provider if it can be installed in the vehicle.
• You cannot smoke (including electronic cigarettes) or consume food or drink, including alcohol, during your journey.