Baku, September 29, 2025
A viral case of a taxi driver in Baku who posted a list of rules inside his car – including bans on eating, talking on the phone, and additional fees for waiting and cargo – has triggered public discussion over whether such restrictions are legally valid.
Lawyers and transport experts interviewed by local media noted that while drivers may request passengers to follow certain norms, they cannot legally enforce private rules.
“Passengers enter into a contract for transportation, and only the law or the official service provider can define conditions,” one lawyer explained.
The discussion highlighted a key gap in Azerbaijan’s taxi market: unlike ride-hailing apps in some countries that specify terms of service, most local taxis operate without clear, standardized passenger guidelines. Experts said this leaves room for disputes and confusion.
While many citizens expressed sympathy for drivers who want to keep their vehicles clean and orderly, specialists stressed that any binding restrictions must come from regulation, not from handwritten signs inside cars.
The debate reflects broader questions about the modernization of taxi services in Azerbaijan, where calls for stronger passenger rights and driver protections have grown in recent years.
