KATHMANDU: Vehicles operating under ride-sharing services may soon be required to display separate identification stickers with QR codes, as per a new draft standard prepared by the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport.
The proposed Digital Mobility Service Operation Standard 2082 includes a provision that all vehicles used for digital mobility services must carry a QR-coded sticker designed according to specifications set by the Department of Transport Management.
Under the draft, service providers will be responsible for producing and distributing the stickers, while the department will determine the QR code model and required security features.
The ministry has also proposed that the QR code should only be accessible for verification by passengers, traffic police, and authorized regulatory personnel.
The QR code is expected to contain key details such as the service provider’s name, operating permit number, vehicle registration number and date, engine or motor number, chassis number, driver’s name, photo, license number, issue date, and validity period.
Once issued, the sticker will remain valid for one year. For vehicles partially engaged in ride-sharing services, an annual affiliation fee has been proposed: Rs 1,000 for two-wheelers and Rs 5,000 for four-wheelers. Service providers will collect the fee during sticker distribution and deposit the total amount into the federal treasury by the end of the Nepali calendar month of Chaitra each year.
The draft also states that vehicles used for digital mobility services must obtain operational approval from the concerned office as per provincial law. Their registration documents must clearly mention Digital Mobility Service as the vehicle purpose.
According to the proposed standard, such vehicles will receive recognition equivalent to public transport vehicles.
The ministry is currently collecting feedback from stakeholders on the draft. After incorporating suggestions, the standard is expected to be finalized soon and implemented following ministerial approval.
