What is taxi signage in 3 simple steps

Do you dream of working as a taxi driver? That’s a fantastic decision! But before you start driving, there’s one thing you must know – proper taxi marking is not only a legal requirement but also the key to running your business legitimately. Many people mistakenly think that a roof lamp is enough. However, that’s just half the story.

In this article, we’ll explain everything you need to know about taxi labeling, from basic requirements to details specific to Warsaw and other cities. You’ll learn about various types of taxi stickers and find out how to properly install them.

Taxi marking is a set of visual elements that identify a vehicle as a licensed taxi. This is regulated by the Polish Road Transport Act, but every city also sets its own additional requirements locally.

Why is this so important? Well, taxi labeling serves several key functions:

Passenger safety – thanks to proper labeling, tourists and locals can tell they’re getting into a legal taxi
Service credibility – proper taxi marking builds customer trust
Legal compliance – without the correct markings you risk heavy fines and being banned from operating
Easy identification – side numbers make it easier to file complaints or compliments

Neglecting proper labeling is a path to trouble. The authorities controlling you (city guard, police) may issue fines up to 3,000 PLN for missing documents or failing to comply with requirements.

Mandatory taxi marking elements in Poland

Poland has one common marking for all cities: TAXI roof lamp. But that’s just the beginning. Here’s what you need to know:

TAXI Lamp – mandatory throughout Poland

Every taxi lamp must be:

Placed on the roof of the vehicle
White or yellow with black “TAXI” lettering
Visible from at least 50 meters away
Powered (connected to the battery or cigarette lighter socket)

This is an absolute requirement, valid everywhere – regardless of city. Taxi sign on the roof tells everyone the vehicle is available for hire.

Side number – vehicle identifier

Taxi side number is a sticker usually placed on the vehicle’s front doors. It contains:

Taxi license number (assigned by the city office)
In the new regulations – a permit extract number (makes identification easier)

The size of the sticker is usually about 29–30 cm wide and 5–6 cm high. The format is important – it must be legible from a distance.

Taxi driver identification card

This is a plastic card (laminate) containing:

Driver’s full name
Photo (as in the ID card)
Identifier number
License number
City/municipality coat of arms

The identifier must be placed in a visible spot inside the vehicle. Recently, the taxi driver identifier has been assigned exclusively to the driver rather than to the whole taxi company – this change was introduced, among other places, in Warsaw.

Taxi stickers – types and use

There are several types of taxi stickers, each with its own purpose:

1. Classic stickers on self-adhesive foil

These are standard taxi stickers cut from self-adhesive foil. They are characterized by:

Durability (resistant to rain, frost, UV)
Quick installation
Cannot be removed quickly (they adhere permanently to the paintwork)

They are most commonly used by taxi companies and not recommended if you plan to change vehicles.

2. Magnetic taxi stickers

Magnetic taxi stickers are a more modern solution, popular among drivers who work:

On multiple apps at once (Uber, Bolt, Free Now)
With rented vehicles
Who want to keep the vehicle’s paintwork in perfect condition

Advantages of magnetic stickers:

Quick installation and removal (without damaging the paintwork)
The possibility of having several versions of signage
An excellent solution when changing fleets

However, keep in mind – magnetic taxi stickers may not be accepted in every city. Always check local regulations!

3. Other mandatory stickers

Depending on the city, the following may be required:

City/municipality coat of arms
Fare list (on the rear door window)
Information about tariffs and service conditions

Requirements in Warsaw – a detailed overview

Warsaw has particularly detailed requirements regarding taxi signage Warsaw. From September 2024, new regulations apply:

Signage element	Where to mount	Details
Yellow-red stripe	Front doors (both sides)	A stripe covering the entire door width
Taxi side number	On the yellow-red stripe	Format: license number + hyphen + excerpt number
Warsaw city crest	Front doors, below the number	City crest as a sticker
TAXI lamp	Vehicle roof	White or yellow, visible all day and night
Fare list	Rear right door window	Legible, visible to the passenger
Driver ID	Visible spot inside the vehicle	Assigned exclusively to the driver

Change of requirements in Warsaw (from September 2024)

The City Council of Warsaw is introducing several important changes:

Side number expansion – the number will include an additional excerpt number, making it easier to identify the vehicle
Hologram removal – the requirement for a hologram plate on the windshield has been lifted
Abolition of zones – the entire city will be one tariff zone (blue plates for the second zone removed)
Individual driver ID – assigned solely to the driver, not the corporation

These changes are meant to make it easier for passengers to identify the vehicle and driver in case of service issues.

How to order taxi stickers?

If you want professional taxi stickers for a chosen city, you have a few options:

Professional printing

Specialized print shops offer:

Complete marking sets – everything you need in one package
Advice regarding local requirements
High print quality (1440 DPI)
Fast turnaround

Prices range from several dozen to several hundred zlotys depending on the scope.

Online marketplaces

Platforms such as Allegro or specialist stores offer ready-made taxi stickers for various cities. There you can also find magnetic taxi stickers.

Advice in corporations

If you work for a taxi company, they usually provide ready-made marking kits. All you need to do is submit an application.

Penalties for missing or incorrect signage

It’s worth knowing the consequences of ignoring the requirements:

No TAXI lamp – fine from 100 to 500 PLN
Missing or damaged taxi stickers – fine 200–1000 PLN
No driver ID – fine 300–1500 PLN
Incorrect marking – ban on further activity until errors are corrected
No license – fine of 3000 PLN and a work ban

It’s not just about money. Inspections can result in suspension of business operations until you meet the requirements. It’s not worth the risk!

Practical tips for future drivers

Before you start working, check:

City resolutions – visit the city hall website and download the exact requirements
Local taxi associations – they can provide reliable printers and advice
Corporation or app – if you belong to one, ask about their guidelines
The effective date of new regulations – rules change, stay up to date

Prepare your own checklist:

✓ TAXI lamp on the roof – in working condition
✓ Side number – legible and of appropriate size
✓ City emblem – properly placed
✓ Fare schedule – up to date and visible
✓ Driver ID – visible to the passenger
✓ Taximeter – functional and calibrated
✓ Cash register – ready for use

Summary

Taxi marking is not just a formal obligation, but the foundation of legal business operations. Correct taxi stickers, TAXI lamp and driver ID guarantee that you will operate without problems with regulatory authorities.

Whether you work in Warsaw or another city, always check local resolutions and comply with the requirements. If you have doubts – contact the city hall or a local taxi association.

Remember: good organization is half the success. Investing in professional signage quickly pays off thanks to passenger trust and no hassle from inspections.

Start today!

Looking for a partner to help you comprehensively prepare for work as a taxi driver? Avalon Logistics Group is the ideal choice for anyone who wants to start without unnecessary complications. Our team will take care of everything – from explaining all legal requirements and local regulations, to properly marking your vehicle in accordance with all standards.

As a partner of Avalon Logistics Group you get access to work on the most popular taxi apps – Uber, Bolt and Freenow. This means more orders, higher earnings, and a stable source of income. You won’t have to worry about paperwork or inspections – we take care of every detail.

Contact us now at Avalon Logistics Group and invite us to cooperate. Our guarantee is professional support, clear work conditions, and the certainty that your vehicle will be properly marked and ready to operate on all platforms.

Good luck in your new career! 🚕