News

Taxi and ride-share drivers will face stronger enforcement

By McPherson Media Group

Jul 3, 2026

The Victorian Government has introduced tighter reforms to protect taxi and ride-share users. Photo by Rodney Braithwaite

The Victorian Government is introducing stronger reforms to crack down on taxi and ride-share drivers who do the wrong thing.

Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content

From July 1, the ‘two strikes you’re out’ rule will expand to include misusing the meter, refusing a receipt and turning away passengers with assistance animals.

Audio recordings will become mandatory.

The name and shame register will include more information on disciplinary action taken against drivers and providers.

From August 1, there will be a new offence for drivers refusing a fare, including for short trips, which will count under the ‘two strikes you’re out’ rule.

Booking service providers will be required to notify the regulator of incidents of overcharging, service refusal and assault, to ensure proper action is taken.

The reforms are designed to protect riders, deter misconduct, hold drivers and service providers accountable and prevent disqualified drivers from moving to other service providers.

The register will show when a driver’s accreditation has been cancelled because of a criminal offence or court order, or when it has been suspended following serious allegations of sexual assault.