Paying a taxi fare, payment terminal the driver suddenly breaks down and he takes you (at your expense) to an ATM to pay the fare in cash: are you familiar with this grotesque situation? This is indeed the reality in Paris, according to Clément Beaune, who condemns it fraudulent practice.

The minister-delegate responsible for transport actually refers to a “mysterious test” carried out on December 31 in Paris. The observation is instructive: “Every third Parisian taxi refuses to pay by bank card”This was stated by Clement Bon in his post on the social network X (Twitter).

Mystery test on December 31. Every third Parisian taxi refuses to pay by credit card. I have already told the profession: this is illegal and unacceptable. We will strengthen control and sanctions. Let it be clear to everyone, especially 200 days before the Games.

— Clement Baune (@CBaune) December 31, 2023

The taxi must accept payment by card!

And yet the law on this matter is clear: the taxi must be equipped with a kitmandatory equipment to be able to legally practice the profession. Among them is a payment terminal in working order, which should allow the passenger pay for the trip by credit card.

THE payment by card has become mandatory since 2016 for taxis, regardless of the rate. Cash payment is also possible, and the taxi driver has the right to refuse payment by check if he clearly indicates this on the window of his car.

Clément Beaune approaches the case and condemns this practice as it is subject to significant fines : “I have already told the profession: this is illegal and unacceptable. We will strengthen control and sanctions”, he clarifies. With these means of control, the Ministry wants to fight against the undeclared work of taxis, while improving the comfort of users.

Refusal to pay by card: what does the taxi driver risk?

In case of refusal to pay by bank card, the customer can write down the taxi registration number or the number of his parking card (shown on the black plate attached to the right in front of the vehicle) to make notify the police department.

The absence of a card payment terminal is punishable by a fine of the third class. Drivers who have a card but refuse to use it also risk having their professional taxi card revoked, banning them from practicing the profession, and a fine of up to 1,500 euros.

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