German Court Upholds Uber Return‑to‑Base Rule, Tightening Ride‑Hail Restrictions

Uber operates in Germany under a restrictive "Mietwagen" model, partnering with licensed car‑rental firms and limiting service to major cities such as Berlin, Munich and Frankfurt. The company cannot deploy private‑owner drivers and must comply with strict local transport laws.

The Federal Court of Justice (Bundesgerichtshof) confirmed the mandatory return‑to‑base requirement for Uber‑mediated rental‑car rides. Under § 49 of the German Passenger Transport Act, drivers must go back to their operator’s depot after completing a trip and are prohibited from waiting at the drop‑off point for new app orders. The ruling aims to prevent Uber vehicles from functioning like taxis without subjecting them to the same regulatory obligations. Uber has called the rule an "economic and ecological nonsense," while taxi associations argue it protects public service standards. The decision may cause fluctuations in Uber ride availability across German cities.