July the 31st, 2026 – Croatia is planning to finally deal with the taxi fare issue with caps and a hope to end excessive charges and frequent tourist rip-offs during summer.
Croatia is preparing to introduce a new set of rules for the taxi industry that will allow the government to cap fares, aiming to protect passengers from excessive prices while ensuring drivers can continue operating sustainably. Poslovni reports that the measures form part of amendments to the Road Transport Act, which have already been approved by Parliament and are expected to reshape the country’s taxi market.
Under the new legislation, the Minister of Maritime Affairs, Transport and Infrastructure will be authorised to set maximum fares for all key components of a taxi ride, including the starting fare, per-kilometre rate, waiting time, and per-minute charges. The goal is to prevent extreme price spikes that have generated negative publicity, particularly in tourist destinations.
The reform follows several high-profile incidents in which passengers, including foreign tourists, were charged hundreds or even thousands of euros for relatively short journeys. Those cases prompted calls for stronger consumer protection and greater transparency across the industry.
The government says the new framework is intended to strike a balance between protecting customers and ensuring taxi drivers receive fair compensation. Officials have been working with representatives of the taxi sector, digital ride-hailing platforms and consumer groups to develop a pricing model that avoids both unreasonably low fares and excessive charges.
The legislation also introduces several additional changes designed to improve oversight of the sector. Every taxi vehicle will require its own operating permit, while specially designated TX licence plates will make licensed taxis easier to identify. Authorities are also strengthening checks on drivers and expanding enforcement powers to police, customs officers and municipal inspectors.
Digital ride-hailing platforms will face tighter regulation as well. They will be required to work only with properly licensed operators and maintain records that allow authorities to verify compliance with Croatian transport regulations.
The government believes the reforms will create a more transparent, competitive and reliable taxi market, improving confidence among both residents and the millions of visitors who use taxi services each year. The new rules are expected to take effect following the implementation of the amended Road Transport Act.
