Canton of Zürich: Taxi Ranks and Local Knowledge of the City of Zürich
There is no longer a local knowledge test in the canton of Zürich, and municipalities may not make taxi ranks dependent on one. Good journeys nevertheless need solid local knowledge: the 12 city districts (Kreise), the Limmat bridges, important streets and the hospitals with an emergency department.
- 25 questions in this topic
- Topic 6 of 6 in the course: Taxi Basel-Stadt & Zurich – cantonal taxi law and local knowledge
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From the key facts
- No local knowledge test: taxi rank permits awarded without discrimination by public tender, for a limited period, not dependent on local knowledge (PTLG § 5).
- City of Zürich: taxi rank permit since 1.1.2026 from the Traffic Department (Dienstabteilung Verkehr), Fr. 480 per year, requires a cantonal taxi licence and vehicle permit (Stadt Zürich, Dec. 2025).
All key facts, the questions with explanations and the exam simulation are part of the course.
Sample questions from this topic
3 of 25 questions free to try. All questions with explanations and the exam simulation are part of the course.
Question 1: May a Zürich municipality make the allocation of its taxi ranks dependent on passing a local knowledge test?
- No, taxi rank permits must be allocated without discrimination and transparently by public tender and may not depend on a local knowledge test.
- Yes, but only the city of Zürich.
- Yes, every municipality may require its own local knowledge test.
Show answer
Correct answer: No, taxi rank permits must be allocated without discrimination and transparently by public tender and may not depend on a local knowledge test.
The PTLG allows municipalities to require a permit for taxi ranks on public land. The permits must, however, be awarded without discrimination, transparently and for a limited period, and they may expressly not be made dependent on a local knowledge test. There is no local knowledge test for the cantonal taxi licence either. Good local knowledge nevertheless remains part of a good service.
Legal reference: PTLG § 5 para. 1 and 2, § 3 para. 1
Question 2: Since 1 January 2026, who issues the taxi rank permit in the city of Zürich, and what does it cost?
- The Traffic Department (Dienstabteilung Verkehr, DAV) of the city of Zürich, Fr. 480 per year
- The cantonal Office for Mobility (Amt für Mobilität), free of charge
- Flughafen Zürich AG, Fr. 100 per month
Show answer
Correct answer: The Traffic Department (Dienstabteilung Verkehr, DAV) of the city of Zürich, Fr. 480 per year
Since 1 January 2026, the Traffic Department (DAV) of the city of Zürich has issued the taxi rank permit. The fee is Fr. 480 per year. The canton is responsible for the taxi licence and vehicle permit; the taxi ranks remain a matter for the municipality.
Legal reference: PTLG § 5; Stadt Zürich, press release on the Parkkartenverordnung (December 2025)
Question 3: What does the city of Zürich require for the taxi rank permit?
- A passed local knowledge test with the city police
- Residence in the city of Zürich
- A cantonal taxi licence and a cantonal taxi vehicle permit
Show answer
Correct answer: A cantonal taxi licence and a cantonal taxi vehicle permit
For the taxi rank permit, the city of Zürich requires a cantonal taxi licence and a cantonal taxi vehicle permit. A local knowledge test is not allowed under the PTLG, and requiring residence in the city would be incompatible with allocation without discrimination.
Legal reference: PTLG § 5 para. 2; Stadt Zürich, press release on the Parkkartenverordnung (December 2025)