February 22nd, 2026Safe to book taxi or ride-share

Victorians deserve to feel safe and not be ripped off when they book a taxi or ride-share.

That’s why the state government is cracking down on dodgy drivers and strengthening protections for passengers.

From Sunday, 1 March 2026, new reforms will make it easier for Victorians to report misconduct and tougher for the wrong people to stay in the industry.

A new ‘two strikes and you’re out’ rule will mean drivers who commit fare-related offences twice within 10 years can lose their accreditation.

Drivers will also be banned from displaying branding unless they are genuinely affiliated with that provider – so passengers can book with confidence and know exactly who is picking them up.

Mandatory QR codes will be rolled out in all taxi and ride-share vehicles, giving passengers quick access to information about their rights and how to make a complaint.

These changes will make it easier to speak up when something goes wrong – and back the vast majority of drivers who are doing the right thing.

The reforms build on tougher penalties the government introduced on 1 January 2026 for drivers who fail to use the meter properly.

More changes are coming later this year, including better training for wheelchair-accessible vehicle drivers, stronger use of security cameras and audio recording in taxis, and a public register of disciplinary actions.

Safe Transport Victoria will be out in force at the 2026 Australian Grand Prix to inform passengers and drivers about the new rules.