Starting September 1, individual taxi drivers will face a new limit: they may not work more than 12 hours in a single day. This development has been reported by the Russian news agency TASS, which cited a government decree issued by authorities in the Russian Federation. The decree lays out the official norms for how long drivers may work, how rest periods should be scheduled, and the maximum driving time allowed for single-operator taxi services. These rules are designed to create clear boundaries between work and rest for those who operate independently in the taxi sector, and they are expected to affect scheduling, dispatch, and overall driver wellbeing. (Source: TASS)
According to the same report, the document sets a baseline of 40 hours per calendar week as the standard working time for an individual taxi driver. In addition, daily working hours are capped at 10 hours, with a provision that individual drivers may occasionally exceed this limit by up to two hours in order to complete an active dispatch or an issued order. This adjustment appears to be a limited exception intended to prevent service disruption, while maintaining a framework that prioritizes rest and safety for drivers. (Source: TASS)
The decree also notes that allowances to extend the daily limit are strictly constrained and must be used only to finish a current assignment, never to exceed the two-hour buffer. The goal behind this rule is to balance demand for timely rides with the risk factors associated with long, uninterrupted driving shifts. Industry observers say the modification could influence how ride-hailing operators and independent drivers plan their days, and may prompt changes in shift patterns, break schedules, and trip routing. (Source: TASS)
Earlier reports from Izvestia indicated that the Ministry of Transport had proposed a mechanism intended to replace certain fee collectors, a move that could reduce the opportunity for drivers to extend work hours beyond the 12-hour daily cap. The suggested approach would shift or reorganize responsibilities in a way that aligns with the new decree, potentially altering the economic and operational dynamics for individual drivers who rely on flexible scheduling. (Source: Izvestia)
On a broader scale, there are additional rules relevant to transportation workers. Beginning March 1, public transport operators will prohibit work for individuals who hold criminal records that are outstanding. This policy aims to strengthen safety and compliance across the sector, ensuring that personnel in passenger service roles meet established legal and regulatory criteria. The combination of these measures reflects a comprehensive effort to standardize working hours, reinforce safety standards, and modernize management practices within the transport industry. (Source: Izvestia)
Taken together, the decree and related reporting signal a shift in how independent taxi drivers and public transport workers manage time on the road. Stakeholders in the sector will be watching closely to see how ride availability, driver fatigue, dispatch reliability, and enforcement evolve in the months ahead. Observers emphasize that while the rules provide a clear framework, real-world adherence will depend on the ability of operators and drivers to adapt their routines, rest periods, and trip sequences without compromising service levels or personal safety. (Source: TASS; Izvestia)