Making rides safer for everyone

New reforms will include a new service refusal offence to charge drivers who refuse to take passengers without a valid reason. This offence includes refusing passengers with assistance animals or those taking short trips – which are often taken by the most vulnerable members of our community. 

Service refusals will also be added to the ‘two strikes and you’re out’ scheme, meaning those who are charged with repeat offences won’t be allowed to keep driving in the industry.

It will also become mandatory for rank and hail taxi services to record audio during trips to reduce the risk of overcharging and sexual harassment.

These changes build upon the industry reforms introduced earlier in 2026. 

This included the introduction of the ‘two strikes and you’re out’ rule, mandatory QR codes to make reporting complaints easier, a ban on drivers displaying branding unless they are genuinely affiliated with that service provider and tougher penalties for drivers who fail to use the taximeter properly. 

Taxis and ride-share journeys should be a safe and trusted transport choice. 

We’re committed to making the industry safer, fairer and more inclusive – especially for those who rely on these services every day.

To find out more, visit the Safe Transport Victoria website.