Australian Capital Territory Numbered Regulations

ROAD TRANSPORT (PUBLIC PASSENGER SERVICES) REGULATIONS 2002 (2002 NO 3) - REG 144

    (1)     A taxi driver must not ask a hirer for payment of more than the fare for the hiring of the taxi.

Maximum penalty: 5 penalty units.

Example of asking for payment of more than the fare for a hiring

If different fare rates are payable for hirings begun between certain times, asking for a fare that is calculated on a higher rate than applies at the time a hiring begins.

Note 1     The fare may include charges not shown on the taximeter, eg, a toll or cleaning charge for the taxi.

Note 2     If a taxi travels to a pick-up point to accept a hiring, the booking fee becomes payable, see reg 127 (1) (b).

    (2)     A taxi driver must not make an agreement with a hirer for payment of more than the fare for the hiring of the taxi.

Maximum penalty: 5 penalty units.

Example of agreement for payment of more than the fare for a hiring

Agreeing to a fixed amount for a hiring that is higher than the fare that would have been payable if the taximeter were operated for the hiring.

    (3)     However, subregulation (2) does not apply if, before the hiring is begun—

        (a)     the driver tells the intending passenger that the destination is outside the ACT taxi region; and

        (b)     the driver and the intending passenger agree on the amount payable as the fare for the hiring.

    (4)     At the end of a hiring, if the hirer paid a fare deposit and—

        (a)     the fare for the hiring is less than the fare deposit—the taxi driver must pay the difference to the hirer; or

        (b)     the fare for the hiring is more than the fare deposit—the hirer must pay the difference to the taxi driver.

Maximum penalty: 5 penalty units.

    (5)     At the ending of a hiring the hirer must pay to the taxi driver the fare for the hiring if the hirer did not pay a fare deposit.

Maximum penalty: 5 penalty units.

Note     For when a hiring ends, see reg 127 (3).

    (6)     The taxi driver must not, without reasonable excuse, fail to offer the correct change if given more money than the amount of the fare for the hiring.

Maximum penalty: 5 penalty units.