Interior Minister Abdelouafi Laftit has made it clear that “using smart ride-hailing apps without official authorization is illegal,” but stressed that “no one has the right to take matters into their own hands against drivers using these apps.”
This comes amid ongoing tensions between traditional taxi operators and ride-hailing services, as unions push for stricter regulations while ride-hailing grows in popularity and taxi professionals grow increasingly frustrated.
Responding to a written question from MP Aziza Boujrida of the Haraki group about measures to reduce conflicts between taxi drivers and ride-sharing app drivers, Laftit explained that “under current laws, using private vehicles to provide transport services or acting as intermediaries through such apps without a license is strictly prohibited and considered unlawful.”
He affirmed that “anyone involved in providing this type of service is subject to legal penalties, particularly under the Royal Decree N° 1.63.269 concerning road transport by vehicles and the Road Traffic Law N° 52.05.
Yet, enforcement of these violations falls under the jurisdiction of the relevant security and the judiciary bodies, he explained. In coordination with regional authorities, police regularly carry out operations targeting drivers who use private cars for unlicensed passenger transport, seizing vehicles used in such illegal services.
At the same time, authorities are instructed to immediately intervene in any public disturbances or confrontations between licensed taxi drivers and unlicensed ride providers, or in response to complaints, ensuring public safety and the smooth flow of traffic.
Laftit emphasized that “any individual or group acting outside legal authority to stop these unlicensed activities is themselves committing an offense and will be held legally accountable.”
As for taxi license management, Laftit noted that the Interior Ministry has issued several circulars—most notably Circular No. 444 dated April 28, 2022—introducing a range of measures agreed upon with taxi driver bodies. These reforms aim to ensure professional use of taxi licenses and curb past abuses, such as individuals exploiting multiple licenses or using them by non-professionals.
The new regulations limit license use to drivers with a professional license and a “trust card,” forbid renewal of contracts for non-professional operators, and restrict individuals to one license only.
Local authorities have also created registries of qualified professional drivers to facilitate contract agreements with license holders and ensure stable, transparent operations.
The minister pointed out that license transfers now require either renewing the existing contract with a professional driver or signing a new one with a qualified operator.
These reforms have significantly reduced interference from intermediaries and non-professionals, bolstered the sector’s professionalism, and laid the groundwork for improved, modernized taxi services through updated regulations and smart technologies.
The Interior Ministry has increased scrutiny of ride-hailing services due to security concerns, with some drivers using fake identities to avoid retaliation from taxi drivers. Without regulation, these drivers risk prosecution for illegal transport. Despite this, many continue to operate, receive payments, and register as self-employed.
The debate over ride-hailing regulation is not new. Former Transport Minister Mohammed Abdeljalil previously stated that legalizing app-based transport requires consensus among public transport stakeholders.
The ministry had launched studies to reform urban mobility nationwide, including potential frameworks for integrating new transport models. However, no regulatory framework has been implemented so far.
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