Germany's Federal Court Upholds Taxi Return Rule for Uber Drivers

Several German cities are introducing minimum‑price rules for ride‑hailing services such as Uber, aiming to curb what taxi operators see as unfair competition. Mobility researcher Andreas Knie argues that price caps are ineffective and calls for a unified market that treats taxis and rental‑car platforms as a single strategic sector, rather than protecting the fragmented taxi industry with rigid tariffs.

On 3 June 2026 the Federal Court of Justice (BGH) issued a landmark ruling confirming the mandatory "return‑to‑base" obligation for Uber‑linked rental cars under the Persons‑Transport Act. The court rejected attempts by platform operators to bypass the rule via EU law, emphasizing that the provision prevents rental‑car services from operating like taxis. The case stemmed from a Cologne driver who left a vehicle at a drop‑off point after a cancelled Uber order, prompting a taxi association to seek an injunction. The decision reinforces regulatory protection for the traditional taxi sector while underscoring the legal tensions surrounding digital mobility platforms in Germany.