Ministry of Road Transport and Highways Directs Uber, Ola and Other Ride Aggregators to Remove Pre-Ride Tips

Ride-hailing platforms are set to stop offering passengers tipping options before a journey is completed, as per news reports. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has instructed motor vehicle aggregators, including Uber, Ola and other cab apps, to remove such prompts with immediate effect.  

The move comes after reports of platforms displaying options such as “Advance Tip”, “Choose an Add-on” and “Improve your chances of quicker ride confirmation” during the booking process. 

Upfront Tips Cannot Influence Ride Booking 

The government has asked aggregators to review their mobile applications and digital platforms and remove features that do not comply with the Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines, 2025. 

Pre-ride tip prompts, add-ons or payment options cannot suggest that paying extra could affect whether a driver accepts a ride, how quickly the booking is confirmed, which driver is allocated, waiting time, or the availability and quality of the service. 

Post-Ride Tipping Remains Available 

The directive does not prohibit passengers from tipping drivers. Under Clause 14.15 of the Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines, 2025, tipping can remain voluntary but the option can be offered only after completion of the journey. 

The entire tip must go to the driver, with aggregators not permitted to deduct any amount from it. 

Action Follows Earlier Consumer Authority Direction 

The latest government action follows reports concerning pre-ride tipping options and messages on ride-hailing platforms. The Central Consumer Protection Authority had earlier also directed platforms to stop the practice. 

The latest direction reinforces that tipping must remain voluntary and cannot be connected directly or indirectly with ride availability, driver acceptance or service quality. 

Read More: India Almost Doubles Planned Coal Mining Capacity in 2025! 

Conclusion 

Motor vehicle aggregators have been directed to remove pre-ride tipping features with immediate effect, while passengers can continue voluntarily tipping drivers after completing their journeys. 

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