Khaberni - The Land Transport Authority announced that it received 32 new requests for licensing companies working in the field of smart transport since the start of this year, excluding currently operating companies.
Nidal Al-Assaf, the official responsible for smart transport applications at the Land Transport Authority, indicated that the authority preliminarily approved 15 requests for companies working on smart applications, noting that only one company has so far completed the final inspection requirements to obtain the license and is waiting to sign the contract to start its operations according to current regulations and instructions, according to Al Mamlaka.
On the first of December 2025, the Authority for the Regulation of Land Transport issued new instructions for regulating the transport of passengers using smart applications for the year 2025, aimed at controlling the operation mechanism of service providers, drivers, and vehicles, and ensuring their compliance with regulatory and technical requirements.
The instructions published by the official gazette define the general framework for companies operating smart applications, granting the authority the power of oversight, monitoring, and preventing any non-compliant practices.
The instructions require service providers to obtain the authority's approval before operating, and to provide it with accurate data on drivers and vehicles, in addition to linking application systems with tracking (GPS) and electronic payment data, and requiring clear display of driver and trip information to the user through the application.
The instructions also require drivers to comply with technical and behavioral specifications, not to use the vehicle for unauthorized purposes, and prohibit the operation of any unlicensed person.
Furthermore, it emphasized the necessity of carrying a QR identification card issued by the authority and displaying it upon request.
The instructions included detailed provisions regarding passenger rights, such as maintaining transparency in pricing, prohibiting the imposition of any undisclosed additional charges, in addition to ensuring that personal data is not misused or shared without consent.
The instructions also contain special provisions for penalties, allowing the authority to impose financial fines on violations, starting from 20 dinars and up to 200 dinars depending on the type of violation, which include operating an unlicensed vehicle, manipulating trip pricing, or violating safety conditions.
The authority was also granted the power to temporarily or permanently revoke the service provider's or driver's license in case of repeated violations or violations affecting public safety.
The instructions emphasized the necessity for drivers to behave courteously with passengers, not to use offensive language, to ensure passenger safety during the trip, and not to forge any data, in addition to adhering to the official fare and not exceeding or reducing it without approval.
Article 12 of the instructions requires the service provider to comply with the following:
- Conduct daily inspections of the vehicle before driving it, including lights, tires, body, and seats, maintaining inspection records and informing the licensee of any faults discovered.
- Ensure the availability of first aid kits and fire extinguishers in the vehicle.
- Prepare the vehicle before and after each transfer for orders, maintaining cleanliness and maintenance.
- Refrain from eating or smoking or allowing others to use the phone while driving the vehicle.
- Prohibit smoking inside the vehicle and prevent others from smoking inside it.
- Carry an identification card according to the specifications set by the Director-General, including the name of the service provider, license number, and vehicle number.
- Refrain from verbally abusing passengers or using foul language, insulting them, or harming them.
- Deal courteously and respectfully with passengers, ensuring their safety during transport.
- Commit to not forging any data while providing the service.
- Charge the fare according to the approved basis and mechanism for calculating fares from the council, and not to exceed or reduce them.
- Not to use any vehicle other than the vehicle authorized to provide passenger transport services through smart applications.
