Zagreb - Parliament on Friday approved amendments to the Road Transport Act aimed at improving passenger safety and increasing transparency in the taxi sector through stricter driver checks, enhanced oversight and the possibility of capping taxi fares.
The amendments were passed by 81 votes in favour, with 40 MPs abstaining.
The changes are intended to support more professional and lawful taxi services by introducing faster and simpler procedures for issuing taxi driver permits, alongside more effective checks of drivers’ qualifications and the validity of their driving licences.
The legislation also broadens the assessment of drivers’ “good repute”. In addition to existing requirements, authorities will verify whether a driver has been banned from driving as a protective measure imposed in misdemeanour proceedings, with the aim of ensuring that only authorised drivers provide taxi services.
The amendments also empower the transport minister to set maximum rates for all components of taxi fares by regulation, including the starting fare, per-kilometre and per-minute charges, and waiting time fees, with the aim of preventing excessive price increases and protecting consumers.
Special taxi licence plates (TX) will be introduced for all taxi vehicles to improve identification and enable more effective enforcement on the road.
The rules also introduce stricter penalties for offences such as failing to display fares or changing conditions after a ride has been accepted. Enforcement powers will be expanded to include municipal and traffic wardens, police, and customs authorities.
Local authorities will issue permits for each individual vehicle used for taxi services and will be required to publish data on issued permits, allowing public oversight of the actual number of taxis operating in each area.
Parliament also adopted, by majority vote, amendments to legislation governing the Judicial Academy, the State Judicial Council and the State Attorney Council. The changes are intended to speed up the appointment of judges and state attorneys while increasing transparency and efficiency in the selection process.
MPs also approved the Strategy for Bioeconomy until 2035, the first strategic document of its kind in Croatia. It sets two main objectives: developing sustainable production and markets for bioeconomy feedstocks, and increasing added value in the sector.
Planned measures include the development of biomass distribution centres, regulation of sewage sludge use, investment in modernisation of bioeconomy facilities, and incentives for packaging made from recycled materials as well as bio-based and biodegradable plastics.
Parliament also endorsed the 2025 defence report.