Victoria’s taxi and rideshare rules have changed, with new measures now in place to improve passenger safety and crack down on serious repeat offending.
The latest changes began on 1st August 2026, introducing new rules around passenger refusals and expanding the types of incidents that must be reported.
For cab drivers, one of the biggest changes affects unbooked trips—including passengers picking up a taxi from a rank or hailing one from the street. If a driver is available to take the passenger, they generally must accept the fare unless a valid exception applies.
Drivers can’t simply refuse rides
A driver can refuse an unbooked trip if:
- A passenger is abusive, aggressive or violent.
- The driver believes there is a safety risk.
- There aren’t enough seatbelts.
- Someone is drinking or smoking and refuses to stop.
- The passenger or their belongings could soil the vehicle.
- The driver reasonably believes the fare won’t be paid.
- A destination sign means the trip is outside the area the driver is authorised to cover.
The maximum penalty for refusing a service without a valid reason is 10 penalty units.
The government says the change is intended to stop unfair refusals, including drivers knocking back passengers because they’re travelling a short distance.
QR codes and cameras have changed
Since 1st March, taxis and other commercial passenger vehicles have been required to display an ST Vic QR code, giving passengers a direct way to report concerns.
New camera and audio standards began on 1st July, including audio recording and 14-day footage retention, up from 72 hours. Dashcams cannot be used as approved CPV security cameras.
Drivers must also make sure any Booking Service Provider signage displayed on their vehicle matches a BSP they are actually affiliated with.
Victoria’s taxi reform timeline
- 1st January 2026: Higher penalties for some fare and meter offences began.
- 1st March 2026: QR codes became mandatory in commercial passenger vehicles.
- 1st July 2026: The expanded two-strikes framework and new camera and audio standards came into effect.
- 1st August 2026: New unbooked service refusal rules and expanded incident reporting began.
- 1st September 2026: Drivers must have updated their BSP affiliation details.
- Later in 2026: Further guidance and strengthened training requirements for wheelchair-accessible vehicle drivers are expected.
For Melbourne cabbies, know the rules and only refuse fares when justified.
