Morocco’s long-standing friction between traditional taxi operators and ride-hailing services has reached a decisive turning point. The Ministry of Transport and Logistics has announced that it will no longer issue transport licenses for services operating via smart applications, arguing that current regulations do not explicitly authorize such activity. This move effectively halts the operations of popular ride-hailing platforms and underscores the government’s intention to uphold strict compliance with existing transport laws.
Legal Framework and Government Position
In an official statement, the Ministry clarified that the country’s legal and regulatory framework for road passenger transport does not include any provisions specifically governing ride-hailing services. It stressed that transport activities conducted through private vehicles or without a proper license constitute violations subject to penalties, including fines or imprisonment. The Ministry emphasized that only natural or legal persons engaged in authorized public transport activities are eligible for licenses, drawing a clear line between regulated taxi operators and unlicensed app-based drivers.
Division of Authority Between Ministries
The Ministry of Transport further noted that ride-hailing primarily falls within the urban transport sector, which is under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of the Interior. This clarification followed months of confusion over which government body held responsibility for regulating ride-hailing services. The Ministry of the Interior, led by Abdelouafi Laftit, reinforced this stance by reminding the public that operating passenger transport without legal authorization remains strictly prohibited and punishable under Moroccan law.
Legal Basis for Sanctions
Authorities have cited two main legislative references supporting these measures: Royal Decree No. 1.63.260 on road transport by motor vehicles and Law No. 52.05 of the Highway Code. Both establish that providing transport services through private vehicles outside the legal framework is illegal and subject to sanctions. These legal instruments form the foundation of Morocco’s public transport governance, leaving no room for interpretation that would permit app-based ride-hailing to operate in a legal gray zone.
Impact on the Ride-Hailing Sector
The government’s announcement effectively ends years of tension between ride-hailing platforms and taxi unions, who have repeatedly clashed over competition and market fairness. Traditional taxi drivers operate under a tightly regulated fare system set according to distance, time, and location, while ride-hailing services have enjoyed greater pricing flexibility. The prohibition marks a significant victory for the taxi sector, which has long argued that app-based drivers undermine their livelihoods by circumventing costly licensing and regulatory obligations.
Industry and Public Reaction
The decision has sparked strong reactions among urban commuters and digital mobility advocates. Supporters of ride-hailing apps argue that these services brought convenience, safety, and digital payment options to Moroccan cities, modernizing an outdated sector. Critics, however, view the ban as a necessary step to restore order and fairness in a market that had become fragmented and legally ambiguous.
Broader Policy Context
The Moroccan government’s stance reflects a broader hesitation to liberalize the transport market without first updating the legal framework. While global trends show growing integration of ride-hailing technologies into urban mobility systems, Morocco’s approach signals a preference for preserving regulatory control. The Ministry’s statement suggests that any future introduction of ride-hailing services would require explicit legislative authorization and a harmonized regulatory approach involving both the Transport and Interior Ministries.
By reaffirming that ride-hailing services lack legal standing under current Moroccan transport laws, the government has effectively drawn a line between innovation and regulation. This decision, while controversial, highlights the need for legislative reform if Morocco intends to integrate digital mobility solutions into its urban transport ecosystem. Until then, the country’s ride-hailing landscape will remain at a standstill, caught between legal rigidity and the growing public demand for modern transport alternatives.