In Russia, taxi drivers will be able to drive imported cars, despite the localization law, but with reservations. The government supported the corresponding bill developed by State Duma deputies.
According to the document, a private cab driver's car can be included in the regional taxi register if it has been owned for more than 6 months and is used by 1 owner.
The bill provides for a quota for personal foreign cars at the level of 25% of the total number of cars in the register. The quota will be valid until January 1, 2033.
What market participants say about the law
Boris Orelsky, General Director of Taxi Park No. 47, said that this is a bad idea. In his opinion, it should be allowed to use cars that are already working in taxis. In addition, the initiative with the distribution of quotas raises questions.
Those who are lucky, of course, will remain in this business and will continue to work quietly on their Hyundai Solaris. But what about the rest?
Law on localization of taxis
The law comes into force on March 1, 2026. Cars that are registered in the regional register must be on the line. We are talking about cars produced in Russia, as well as cars with a high level of localization.
The Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation has already prepared a list of cars that taxi drivers can drive. These are models from AvtoVAZ, UAZ, Sollers, Evolute, Voyah and Moskvich. The department promised to regularly update the list.