Why MoRTH Is Stopping Cab Apps From Asking for Tips Before Your Ride Starts
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has banned pre-ride tipping prompts on cab-hailing apps to prevent consumer pressure. New directives require that tipping remain entirely voluntary, appear only after a ride ends, and ensure the full amount goes directly to the driver without any platform deductions. Aggregators must update their apps immediately to comply.
In a major consumer-centric directive, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has enforced strict new rules regarding the use of tipping features on ride-hailing applications. Under the updated guidelines, cab aggregators are officially barred from prompting or pressuring passengers to tip during the booking process or while a ride is in progress.
The regulatory update ensures that tipping remains a purely voluntary token of appreciation rather than a mechanism used to influence ride allocation or waiting times, reports NDTV Profit. NHAI New Ambulance Rules: 10-Minute Crash Response, 1-Hour Hospital Deadline On Highways.
Post-Ride Tipping Only
According to the ministry's directives, digital platforms can only display a tipping option after a trip has been fully completed. Pre-ride tipping prompts - often utilised during peak hours to secure faster vehicle confirmations - have been restricted to protect consumers from manipulative or coercive interface designs. The ministry emphasised that the entire tip amount must be passed directly to the driver. Aggregators are strictly prohibited from deducting any portion of the tip as a platform fee, commission, or service charge.
Compliance and Next Steps
MoRTH has instructed all cab aggregators to immediately review their applications and modify relevant features to comply with the revised framework. The guidelines aim to bring transparency to digital mobility services, safeguarding both consumer interests and driver earnings.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 13, 2026 07:32 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
