In an alarming trend, the use of fake driver’s licenses by foreign individuals driving taxis in Prague has become increasingly prevalent. Since the start of this year, police in Prague alone have reported 136 cases of foreigners operating taxis with counterfeit or altered documents, exposing passengers to potential risks.

While the issue is not new, the recent surge in numbers has raised concerns among law enforcement authorities. A spokesperson for the Prague police acknowledged, “We are increasingly encountering cases where drivers from third countries providing personal transport are holders of counterfeit foreign driving licenses.” The problem is not limited to Prague, as Brno has also experienced similar challenges.

Police investigations have revealed that the easiest method to obtain fake documents is through online channels. Richard Hrdina, a police spokesperson, stated that these documents are often acquired through contacts published on the internet or social networks. While the official comments do not mention the nationalities of the drivers involved, Právo, a local newspaper, suggests that many of them come from post-Soviet states, including Ukraine. Moreover, it is not uncommon for these drivers to repeatedly present fraudulent documents.

Police authorities do not maintain precise records of the number of taxi drivers suspected of committing crimes. However, when a driver is found with counterfeit documents, they are apprehended and handed over to immigration police. Hrdina explained, “Criminal proceedings are then initiated for suspicion of committing a crime of counterfeiting and altering a public document.”

Although Ukrainian drivers are not required to possess a European driver’s license, they must hold one that adheres to the driver’s license model established by the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic (1968). Additionally, Ukrainian drivers can obtain a legitimate Czech driver’s license by completing appropriate training and passing a professional competence test for operating motor vehicles.

While language barriers may pose challenges for some drivers, driver’s license exams in the Czech Republic are conducted with the assistance of interpreters. Although it may be tempting for some individuals to obtain fake documents, it is crucial to emphasize that obtaining a valid Czech driver’s license is achievable through proper training and meeting the necessary qualifications.

The presence of taxi drivers with fake licenses poses a serious risk to passengers. It is imperative for authorities to take decisive action to address this issue, and taxi companies must ensure that their drivers possess authentic documentation. Passengers should also remain vigilant and exercise caution when utilizing taxi services in Prague, being aware of the possibility of encountering drivers with fraudulent licenses.

Article by Prague Forum