Can the customer choose which taxi he wants?

Yes, if the taxi rank does not have a queuing system.

Where do I find a Paris map?

Free maps are available at ticket offices in the metro, in the department stores and at all the information points of the Paris Convention and Visitors Bureau. Maps of each “arrondissement” are also available from vending machines in each area - you have to pay for them, but they are very detailed. Public transport maps of all shapes and sizes will be given to you free of charge at ticket offices des stations, and at all the information points of the Paris Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Can the driver refuse to accept a cheque in payment?

Yes, if his vehicle has a sign clearly visible from the exterior indicating that he does not accept this form of payment.

Is the driver permitted to smoke while on duty?

No, unless the customer is consulted and does not object.

Can the driver be accompanied by other passengers apart from the customer?

No, it is prohibited.

Can the driver refuse to take a customer in certain cases?

• Yes, if the customer wishes to travel outside the zone covered by Parisian taxis (Paris, Hauts de Seine, Seine Saint-Denis, Val de Marne, Orly, Le Bourget, Roissy and Parc des Expositions de Villepinte) unless he is at Roissy CDG airport where he is obliged to accept all destinations.
• Yes, if the customer is obviously inebriated.
• Yes, if the customer’s luggage cannot be carried by hand, except in the case of a folding vehicle for the disabled.
• Yes, if the passenger’s clothing or luggage would visibly soil or damage the vehicle’s interior.
• Yes, if the customers have animals with them, except in the case of a guide-dog for the blind.

Can the driver request the payment of tips?

No, not at all. He can accept them, however.

Can the driver solicit customers, either verbally or using gestures, to offer them a taxi service?

No, it is strictly prohibited.

Should the driver provide a detailed receipt stating the fare paid by the customer?

Yes, it is obligatory for all journeys of 15€ or above and also if the customer requests one for a journey costing less than that amount. The customer is advised to check that the receipt is correctly filled in (dates and times of departure and arrival, place of pick-up and set-down, the fare and the tariff or tariffs used and, if applicable, the supplements) and that the information shown thereon (in particular the vehicle’s registration number) effectively corresponds to the journey made and to the vehicle’s number plate.

Is the driver obliged to wear a seat belt?

Article R.412-1 of the French Highway Code states that the wearing of seat belts is not obligatory for any taxi driver in service, that is, when the illuminated “TAXI” sign on his vehicle is not covered by an opaque hood.

Is the taxi driver obliged to load the customer’s luggage into his vehicle?

No. However, as a service is being provided, drivers are recommended to show a certain courtesy towards their customers.

Are child seats obligatory in taxis?

Article R.412-1 of the French Highway Code states that the use of an approved child restraint system is not obligatory for a passenger under 13 years of age travelling in a taxi, in a chauffeur-driven vehicle or any other vehicle used for public overland passenger transport, or in a public transport vehicle. Therefore, a person accompanying a child under 13 years cannot insist that a taxi driver be equipped with an adaptable seat for the transport of children. Similarly, a taxi driver cannot refuse to accept a passenger accompanied by a child under 13 years of age, on the grounds that he does not have an approved child restraint system at his immediate disposal.

How do you know when a taxi is in service?

If the sign on the roof is not covered.

For any complaints about taxis

Write to:

Préfecture de Police DCTC Service des Taxis Parisiens 36, rue des Morillons 75732 Paris Cedex 15 France

Website: www.prefecture-police-paris.interieur.gouv.fr

Have a cigarette while waiting for the next metro train?

Impossible: the entire Paris metro network is a no-smoking zone.

See “Health: Smoking/No smoking”

How do you know when a taxi is available?

If the sign on the roof is lit up.

How much is the standing pick-up charge?

2.10€ (price as at 17 April 2007).

Is the driver obliged to accept payment by credit card?

Yes, if he has a credit card terminal in good working order.

When you book a taxi, what does the amount shown on the meter when you enter the vehicle refer to?

It represents the cost of the standing charge (2.10€, price as at 17 April 2007), plus the cost of the journey to the pick-up point from the place where the taxi was at the moment it received your booking.

Can the driver request other supplements?

Yes: - from the 2nd suitcase, package or large object weighing more than 5kg placed in the boot: 0.90€/per item (price as at 9 April 2005)

No : - for the transport of an animal; - for pick-up at a station; - for people with disabilities : there is no extra charge for transporting a wheelchair or the animals that accompany them.

Can the driver refuse to take 4 passengers?

No, he is obliged to take them but there is a supplement to be paid from the 4th person onwards: 2.70€ per adult (price as at 9 April 2005), a child under 10 years counts as ½ an adult.

Can the driver refuse a short journey?

No, as there is a fixed minimum journey charge. When the cost of the journey (including supplements) plus the standard pick-up charge comes to less than 5.60€, the driver can request 5.60€ (price as at 17 April 2007).