Archive · 25 Dec 2025
Govt bans advance tipping, mandates female driver option
The Indian government has made new rules for ride-hailing apps like Uber and Ola.
They can no longer ask for tips before a ride starts.
Tips can only be given after the ride is over, and the whole tip goes to the driver.
Also, women can now choose to have a female driver, if available.
This is to make rides safer and fairer.
The government made these rules after people complained that the old system was not fair.
The apps have not said anything about these new rules yet.
The Union government has banned ride-hailing apps from soliciting tips before a ride begins.
Tipping features must only be visible after the journey is completed.
The entire tip amount must be credited to the driver without any deductions by the aggregator.
Apps must include an option for female passengers to choose female drivers, subject to availability.
State governments and Union Territories have been directed to ensure immediate implementation of these amendments.
- Who
- Union government, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA)
- What
- Banned advance tipping and mandated a female driver option for women
- When
- Amendment issued on December 15, 2025
- Where
- India
- Why
- To address unfair trade practices and enhance passenger safety, especially for female riders
- Date of Amendment
- December 15, 2025
- Affected Apps
- Uber, Ola, Rapido, Namma Yatri
- Mandatory Safety Feature
- Option for female passengers to choose female drivers
- Tip Visibility
- Only after the completion of the journey
- Tip Amount
- Credited to the driver without any deduction by the aggregator
