Whilst the legislation covering the operation of taxis may differ slightly between Australian states and territories, in most cases the laws are generally the same.

One of the singular things which defines a taxi is the presence of a taxi meter. For a taxi to operate it must have a meter and the meter must be working.

Maintenance of taxi meters

The operator of a taxi is responsible for keeping the meter in good working order and must have it tested at prescribed intervals. If the taxi meter is not registering correctly or the display is malfunctioning, the operator must cease using the taxi until an ‘approved’ testing officer certifies the taxi meter as being correct.

A taxi meter must

• have tariff indicator capabilities
• be capable of clearly displaying the hire charge, the distance rate and the prescribed tariff
• be capable of being effectively sealed
• be capable of being fitted in a position and manner that is approved
• once fitted, be tested and sealed by an approved testing officer.

If you get into a taxi without a meter or discover that the meter is not functioning properly, you should take the details of the car and driver and contact the appropriate state or territory taxi governing body. If you feel in danger at any time whilst travelling in a taxi you should call the police.