Croatia tightens taxi rules ahead of summer: Will prices drop?

As Croatia prepares for another busy tourist season, the government’s proposed new transport law could bring major changes to the country’s taxi industry, including the introduction of maximum fare limits and stricter oversight of drivers.

As HRT reports, the proposed legislation comes amid growing complaints about high taxi prices in popular tourist destinations such as Zadar, where the number of taxi vehicles on the roads has increased significantly ahead of summer.

Tourists and residents alike have raised concerns about pricing. Some passengers have reported being charged unusually high fares for short journeys, fuelling debate over whether stronger regulation is needed.

Under the proposed law, all taxi vehicles would be required to display special “TX” licence plates, while inspections and enforcement measures would also be expanded. Authorities say the changes are aimed at improving transparency and bringing greater order to the sector.

The new rules would also give additional oversight powers to municipal wardens, police and customs authorities alongside existing traffic inspectors.

Taxi drivers in Zadar have welcomed some aspects of the proposal, particularly the introduction of TX registration plates, but many argue that the reforms do not go far enough.

Representatives from the local taxi association say the market remains overly liberalised and are calling for stricter controls, including the introduction of minimum fares and tighter licensing rules.

Some drivers are demanding a “one licence, one vehicle” system as well as a minimum price of €2 per kilometre, arguing that aggressive price competition from ride-hailing platforms has created unsustainable market conditions.

Officials from the City of Zadar, however, maintain that taxi transport operates as a liberalised market activity and that any operator holding a national licence can apply for permits in local government areas across Croatia.

According to city figures, there were 208 taxi permits issued in Zadar last year, while this year the number has already exceeded the same period in 2025 by around 20 permits.

Whether the proposed legislation will significantly reduce high taxi fares remains uncertain, but the debate highlights increasing pressure on Croatian authorities to balance consumer protection, tourism reputation and market competition ahead of the summer season.