The Taliban-run traffic authority has banned the use of private vehicles as taxis throughout the country, a move that could affect thousands who rely on informal ride services amid widespread unemployment.
The General Directorate of Traffic announced the new regulation on Sunday, stating that privately owned, unlicensed sedans and compact cars—known locally as tez raftars—can no longer operate as taxis in Kabul or other provinces.
In a public notice, the directoarte urged drivers currently using personal vehicles for commercial transport to officially register and convert their cars into licensed taxis, a process that is costly for many drivers.
The ban comes at a time of deepening economic hardship in the country. Many Afghans say they have turned to informal driving services out of desperation, citing a lack of job opportunities since the Taliban’s return to power in August 2021.
“This is not a choice—it’s survival,” said one Kabul resident who uses his car to earn a daily income. “Since the Taliban took over, unemployment and poverty have surged like never before.”
The new directive is likely to further restrict income options for thousands of households already struggling with soaring prices and limited access to basic services.
