Deputies of the State Duma adopted a law tightening the requirements for the level of localization of taxi cars, immediately in the second and third readings. It will come into force on March 1, 2026.
Delays are provided for the Kaliningrad Region, Siberia and the Far East. There, the requirements will come into force on March 1, 2028, and in the Far Eastern Federal District — on March 1, 2030.
The main condition for the number of localization points for taxi companies remains at 3200. This high figure corresponds only to the products of AvtoVAZ, some models of the Moskvich brand and Evolute electric vehicles.
Cars produced under special investment contracts were allowed into taxi fleets. This significantly expanded the range of permissible models, including cars of the Haval, BAIC, SWM, Foton, Dongfeng and Jetour brands. The Voyah Free crossover hybrid, worth five million rubles, can also be included in the "Comfort+" category.
The bill introduces a restriction on the possibility of working on your own cars if they do not meet localization requirements. According to the Digital World Union, this measure will affect about 2.5 million drivers. The worst thing will happen to regions where up to 95% of transportation is carried out by private vehicles.
According to the Analytical Center under the Government (AC), up to 507 thousand drivers may lose their jobs. This is up to 51% of the total number of drivers in this area.
Yandex Taxi expressed a similar opinion. According to their estimates, even if amendments to the bill are adopted, tens of thousands of self-employed drivers may lose the opportunity to work in a taxi. In some regions, such as Siberia and the Far East, the number of drivers may decrease by 70–90%, which will lead to an increase in taxi fares by 25–50%.
Earlier www1.ru reported that a bill on taxi localization is planned to be adopted in the second reading on May 13.
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