Mandatory taxi equipment

Contents

1. The mandatory equipment
2. A closer look at the taximeter
3. A closer look at the plate
4. A closer look at the roof sign
5. The receipt book and printer
6. The card terminal

1. The mandatory equipment

Under article R. 3121-1 of the interministerial circular on public passenger transport, a vehicle assigned to taxi work must carry the following:

• an approved taximeter (compteur horokilométrique);
• an approved time stamp device, if the taximeter doesn’t provide that function;
• a roof sign;
• a plate showing the number of the taxi licence (ADS);
• a printer connected to the taximeter;
• an electronic payment terminal.

Operating as a taxi in a vehicle that lacks any of this equipment is punishable by a fine.

2. A closer look at the taximeter

The taximeter calculates the fare from the distance travelled and the time spent in the vehicle.

The main suppliers are ATA, Gamma and HALE. They offer models of varying sophistication, differing in the parameters they take into account, robustness, design, weight and ergonomics. Some models don’t mount on the dashboard at all but are built into the rear-view mirror.

Choose whichever suits you best, bearing in mind that it must be type-approved regardless.

3. A closer look at the plate

To operate, a driver must hold an autorisation de stationnement (ADS), represented by a plate showing the ADS number and the town that issued it.

It’s riveted inside the vehicle on the front right wing, and must be visible from outside.

On obtaining, transferring and leasing an ADS, see our taxi licence rental page.

4. A closer look at the roof sign

The roof sign is the external device bearing the word “taxi”. It’s green when the taxi is free and available for a customer, and red when it’s occupied. It must be connected to the taximeter.

You can choose a fixed or detachable sign, and add accessories showing your town and phone number. The most conventional approach is to pick a sign from the same brand as your taximeter, but universal signs also exist, for instance from Starplast.

Beyond that it’s a matter of taste. Its primary job is to be seen.

5. The receipt book and printer

A taxi must carry a small printer (or receipt book) to issue fare receipts. Several models exist, some of which allow the tickets to be customised: logo, contact details, typeface.

6. The electronic payment terminal

A card terminal is mandatory on board. In practice, mobile terminals used in vehicles face real technical strain: vibration, temperature, patchy network coverage. Plan a fallback: at TS57, if the terminal fails we drop the customer at a cash machine of their choice.

Need help equipping your vehicle?

We arrange the fitting of all of this equipment for the operators we support, and we provide a replacement taxi while your own vehicle is off the road.