Belarus Tightens Grip on Foreign Taxi Drivers: New Rules, Stricter Penalties

Mogilev, Belarus: Crackdown on Foreign Taxi Drivers Yields Results Mogilev, Belarus, has seen a recent increase in the regulation of foreign taxi drivers, leading to a significant rise in the number of officially registered drivers. A recent incident highlighted the impact of a new unified register of carriers, implemented in November 2024. A Turkmenistani driver was stopped by traffic police for lacking the necessary certification and insurance. His employer faces a substantial fine. "For these violations, the vehicle operator and the driver will be held administratively liable," stated Maksim Lazarenko, Deputy Head of the Transport Inspectorate in the Mogilev Region. The new system has led to a threefold increase in the number of official taxi drivers in Mogilev. While this is positive, the video also shows that only a small number of foreign drivers are currently operating legally. One Georgian driver, who has lived in Belarus since 2000, expressed his satisfaction with the country. The report concludes that stricter regulations and employer accountability are key to ensuring safer and more regulated transportation services. The increased enforcement and the new register demonstrate a commitment to improving road safety and fair competition within the taxi industry.