Taxi driver rights: what a driver can ask of the passenger

Taxi driver rights are the other side of the passenger's. The driver can refuse a fare when there is a justified reason, charge for the journey according to the applicable fare, ask for a deposit if the customer asks them to wait, expect respectful treatment and that the vehicle is looked after, and not continue the journey if behaviour puts safety at risk. In Madrid, the framework of rights and obligations for taxis is set by the City Council's Taxi By-law (Ordenanza del Taxi), which is the reference for specific details.

Although taxis are obliged to serve whoever requests them, the regulations recognise reasons that justify a refusal: more passengers than authorised, a passenger who is clearly drunk or under the influence of drugs, luggage that does not fit or could damage the vehicle, or situations that put safety at risk. We go through each one from the passenger's point of view in my taxi driver refuses to take me: why?.

It is a very common situation: the passenger asks the driver to wait while they pick something up, use a cash machine or pop up to their flat. Taxi regulations usually provide that, in these cases, the driver can ask for an amount as a deposit or payment for the distance covered so far, so they are not left unpaid if the customer does not come back. It is reasonable: a taxi standing still is also working time.

The driver is entitled to charge for the journey according to the current fare or the fixed price agreed when booking. The passenger can choose the permitted payment method (cash or card), but cannot refuse to pay for a service provided. If you disagree with the amount, the right thing to do is pay, ask for a receipt and complain afterwards through the official channels.

With a fixed fare, like the one we apply by area (from inside the M-30 to the airport, €33), this kind of argument disappears, because the price is clear before you set off. You can check all the areas on our fares page.

The taxi is the driver's workplace and, very often, their main tool. That is why they can ask:

• For respectful treatment, without insults, threats or aggressive attitudes.
• That you do not eat, drink or make a mess in the vehicle if they say so.
• That you do not smoke: it is forbidden in taxis for everyone.
• That you do not distract them from driving with shouting, your own loud music or dangerous behaviour.

If a passenger damages the vehicle intentionally or through negligence, the driver can claim the cost of repair from them through legal channels.

Taxi drivers' rights come with clear obligations: serving everyone without discrimination, following the most suitable route or the one the customer asks for, charging only what is authorised, giving a receipt and accepting assistance dogs. On the customer side, you will find the basic rights in taxi passenger rights.

A good professional does not need to keep reminding people of their rights: they exercise them politely and know how to handle tense situations without losing their composure. If you are interested in what makes a good driver different, read how to become a top-notch taxi driver, and if you are thinking of working as a taxi driver, start with the requirements for working as a taxi driver.

And if what you are looking for is a transfer with no surprises for either side, booking your airport taxi makes the price, passengers and luggage clear from the outset.