Return obligation for private hire vehicles: what applies, what is allowed

What it is about

A private hire vehicle may only carry out jobs received at the company's depot and must return there after the job, unless a new job is already waiting. That is § 49 (4) of the German Passenger Transport Act (PBefG). Private hire vehicles may not wait for passengers at stations or taxi ranks like taxis do.

What matters

• Jobs via the app count as received at the depot if the company receives and records them.
• Every job belongs in the order book: time, pick-up, destination.
• No waiting at the destination without a job in hand, no taxi look on the vehicle.

This article explains everyday practice for fleet operators and is not legal or tax advice. Laws and fees change; when in doubt, your authority or tax adviser has the final say.