Legal and Regulatory Framework Flashcards

What legislation governs private hire car services in Singapore?

Answer: The Third-Party Taxi & Private Hire Car Services Act and the Road Traffic Act

Private hire car services are governed by the Third-Party Taxi & Private Hire Car Services Act (regulating platforms and drivers) and the Road Traffic Act (governing road use and driving standards).

What is the role of ride-hailing platforms (like Grab) under Singapore law?

Answer: They are licensed operators who must comply with LTA regulations, ensure driver and vehicle standards, provide insurance, and maintain service quality

Ride-hailing platforms must hold a licence from LTA, ensure their drivers have valid PDVLs, maintain vehicle standards, provide adequate insurance coverage, and comply with fair pricing practices.

Can a PDVL driver pick up street hails (flagging passengers on the road)?

Answer: No, PDVL drivers can only accept bookings through licensed ride-hailing platforms; street hails are reserved for taxi drivers

Private hire car drivers cannot pick up street hails — this is the key distinction between private hire cars and taxis. All PHC trips must be booked through a licensed ride-hailing platform.

What data protection obligations do PDVL drivers have under Singapore's PDPA?

Answer: Drivers must protect passenger personal information obtained through the ride (addresses, phone numbers) and must not misuse or share it

Under the PDPA, PDVL drivers who access passenger personal data (names, addresses, phone numbers) through the ride-hailing app must protect this information and not misuse it for personal purposes.

What is the legal position on surge pricing for private hire car services in Singapore?

Answer: Surge pricing is permitted but must be transparently displayed to passengers before they confirm the booking

Dynamic or surge pricing is permitted for private hire services but must be transparently communicated. Passengers must see and agree to the fare before confirming the booking.

What should a PDVL driver do if they witness or suspect criminal activity by a passenger?

Answer: Ensure personal safety first, do not confront the passenger, and report the suspicion to the police at the earliest safe opportunity

Driver safety comes first. Do not confront suspected criminals. Complete the trip safely if possible, note details (physical description, behaviour), and report to the police as soon as it is safe to do so.