Taxi owners in Greece, numbering in the tens of thousands, will have three weeks in order to place a special adhesive sign on their vehicle’s right rear windows.
The signs, with writing in Greek and English, inform would-be fares of the obligation that drivers have to accept payment with credit and debit cards.
Federations representing cab owners and drivers received the first batch of stickers on Tuesday, with the three-week deadline to apply as of Wednesday.
Failure to properly display the sticker can lead to the imposition of a fine of up to 1,000 euros.
Taxi unions have criticized the measure, with arguments claiming the sticker is too big and will impair drivers’ rear view, or, that signs in the vehicle are adequate.
Conversely, the government has stepped up and doesn’t appear to be easing pressure on self-employed professionals and businesses to register all transactions, in a bid to stamp out rampant tax evasion and avoidance.
Practically all businesses and professionals in Greece are now obligated to have the ability to allow customers to pay by card, or mobile-based platforms.
