HELSINKI — Finland has begun implementing major reforms to its taxi transport regulations, introducing stricter requirements for taxi drivers and operators, clearer pricing rules, mandatory training and new identification requirements for taxi vehicles.

The reforms are being introduced in stages, with the first major changes taking effect on 1 September 2026. Further requirements, including mandatory taxi-driver training, special taxi registration plates and taximeters, will follow between November 2026 and July 2027.

According to the Finnish Transport and Communications Agency, Traficom, the purpose of the reform is to improve professional competence in the taxi sector, strengthen customer safety, make taxis easier to identify and supervise, and increase transparency in taxi pricing.

Stricter Rules Start from September 1

From 1 September 2026, several important changes apply to Finland's taxi sector.

Taxi drivers and licence holders will have greater responsibility for providing customers with clear information about the fare before a journey begins. If a customer asks, the driver must provide the fare information orally or in writing before the trip.

For journeys that have not been booked in advance or where the final price may vary, the customer must be given the total price or a clear explanation of how the fare will be calculated. The fare or the basis used to calculate it cannot be changed during the journey.

Failing to comply with the fare-information rules may result in a traffic penalty fee for the licence holder.

New 21-Hour Training Requirement for Taxi Drivers

One of the biggest changes affects people entering the taxi profession.

From 1 November 2026, new taxi drivers must complete 21 hours of mandatory training before they can take the taxi driver's examination.

The taxi driver examination is also being updated from September 1, with a new section covering drivers' rights and obligations and 10 additional questions.

Taxi entrepreneurs will also face new training requirements. To take the entrepreneur examination, applicants must first complete 21 hours of approved training. Traficom will take responsibility for organising the taxi transport entrepreneur examination from September 1, while taxi training programmes must be approved by the authority.

More Criminal Convictions Can Block a Taxi Licence

Finland is also tightening the background requirements for taxi drivers and taxi entrepreneurs.

A wider range of criminal convictions may prevent an applicant from receiving a taxi driving licence. The new rules can take into account convictions related to offences against personal liberty, public finances, fraud, means of payment and weapons.

When assessing the good repute of taxi transport licence applicants and holders, authorities can also take additional offences into account, including certain offences related to homicide and bodily injury, sexual offences, fraud and payment-related crimes.

According to Traficom, the aim is to improve customer safety and ensure that taxi drivers and operators meet stronger reliability requirements.

Medical Certificate Required

Another change starting on 1 September 2026 requires applicants for a taxi driving licence to submit a medical report.

The certificate must generally be no more than six months old and show that the applicant meets the Group 2 fitness-to-drive requirements for taxi drivers.

However, applicants may not need to submit another report if they have already provided a qualifying medical certificate to the authorities within the previous six months.

Special Taxi Plates Coming in 2027

Finland will also make licensed taxis easier for passengers and authorities to identify.

From 1 January 2027, vehicles used in taxi transport must apply for special registration plates that differ from ordinary vehicle plates.

The requirement will become fully mandatory on 1 July 2027.

The new identification system is intended to make taxi vehicles easier to recognise and monitor.

Taximeters Will Become Mandatory

Perhaps one of the most significant changes for the industry is the return of a universal taximeter requirement.

From 1 February 2027, all taxis in Finland must have a taximeter. Taximeters will also become part of the vehicle's periodic inspection requirements.

The change is designed to improve monitoring and increase transparency in taxi services.

New Rules for Existing Taxi Drivers

The reforms will not only affect new drivers.

Taxi drivers renewing their licences will be required to complete seven hours of further training. Under the current implementation schedule, this requirement applies to renewals between 1 November 2026 and 31 August 2034.

In addition, from 1 January 2027, members of the public will be able to search certain licence-holder information using a taxi vehicle's registration number through the public information service.

Key Dates at a Glance

The changes are part of a broader reform of Finland's taxi legislation. The government announced that the amendments would be implemented in stages, with the main reforms beginning in September 2026 and vehicle-related requirements following in 2027.

For passengers, the reforms could mean clearer pricing, easier identification of legitimate taxis and stronger professional requirements for drivers. For taxi drivers and entrepreneurs, the changes bring additional training, stricter background checks, medical documentation and new equipment and vehicle requirements.

Official Resources:

1. https://traficom.fi/en/commercial-transport/changes-taxi-transport-regulation
2. https://valtioneuvosto.fi/en/-/1410829/government-submits-amendments-to-taxi-legislation-for-approval-first-changes-to-take-effect-in-september