KRG resumes taxi registration with new environmental rules after 11-year freeze

ERBIL – The Kurdistan Region’s Ministry of Interior has lifted an 11-year freeze on taxi registration, introducing updated environmental and technical requirements aimed at modernizing the fleet and encouraging cleaner transportation.

Under Directive No. 3 of 2025, only vehicles that meet specific environmental and mechanical standards — and are legally registered in the Kurdistan Region — will be eligible for taxi use. Approved vehicle types include gasoline, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), hybrid and fully electric models. To promote greener options, the ministry is waiving registration fees for hybrid and electric vehicles.

The total number of taxis — currently more than 90,000 — will remain unchanged. However, existing taxi licenses may be transferred to newer vehicles, limited to models from 2023, 2024 or 2025. Older taxis can be reclassified for private use and issued new plates at no cost. The move is designed to update the aging fleet without increasing its size.

New taxis must conform to the region’s official taxi color code (4Q0). Owners can either repaint their vehicles or purchase pre-painted models from authorized dealers. Retired taxis may be repainted in any color except the official taxi color.

Eligible vehicles must also meet safety and emissions standards set out in Import Directive No. 7 of 2021, which limits taxi conversions to vehicles from the three most recent model years. The ministry has approved 74 hybrid and electric models and 89 gasoline-powered vehicles for taxi service.

Hemen Mirani, director general at the Ministry of Interior, said the new policy is both practical and beneficial for drivers. “After an 11-year freeze, taxi drivers can now choose from hundreds of globally recognized vehicle types available in Kurdistan and purchase new models of their own choice—2023, 2024, or 2025—and transfer their license plates accordingly,” he wrote on his official Facebook page.

He added that the process supports drivers financially. “Drivers benefit because they can sell their old vehicle and bring a new one into service,” he said. “The process is financially helpful and environmentally conscious.”

Mirani described the transition as a long-standing goal. “Replacing old taxis with new ones is a widely desired step but was delayed due to drivers’ financial constraints. The inclusion of hybrid and fully electric cars reflects both environmental responsibility and direct support for working taxi drivers.”