Can taxis keep up? New Uber rule in Budapest aims to enhance safety

Uber has announced the launch of a new safety feature in Budapest aimed at protecting both drivers and passengers: from 21 April, the ride-hailing platform will implement a Driving Time Limit policy, capping continuous driving without rest at 12 hours.

According to Világgazdaság, the new measure is designed to reduce the risk of fatigue-related accidents, a growing concern in urban transport. While most traditional taxi companies in Budapest currently do not regulate maximum working hours, Uber’s initiative could set a new industry benchmark.

Uber extends new feature to Budapest

The Driving Time Limit will be enforced through Uber’s mobile application, which continuously tracks each driver’s active time. As a driver nears the 12-hour threshold, the app issues warning notifications encouraging them to take a break. Once the limit is reached, the system will automatically switch the driver to offline mode for six hours. After this mandatory rest, the full 12-hour driving allowance is reinstated. However, drivers are free to take a break and go offline at any time, not just when prompted.

This feature is already in use across several continents, including North America, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. According to Eszter Kardos, Uber’s head of operations in Hungary, the company aims to raise the safety standards across the entire local passenger transport market.