We are going to the Chianti region of Italy soon and staying at an airbnb
Our host has offered a friend to drive us from the airport to our lodging and to wineries in the region the next day.
I was told that this might not be legal as he is not a licensed taxi driver? Anyone know the laws pertaining to this? I know Uber was not allowed, but this is a friend of our host and not in the business of driving others. Should we stick with a service?
thanks much!
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
16575 posts
Uber is not allowed because courts decided that type of service for payment can be rendered by licensed professional drivers only. Uber Black operates in a Italy (Milan and Rome only) as it is a luxury black limo service operated by professional licensed limo drivers.
Friends and family can pick up whomever they want. If it were illegal all my friends and family members would be in jail by now.
Posted by
Ontario, Canada
6153 posts
Roberto, I think the OP would be paying this person, just as they would if they had hired a driver from a private car service. I don't know if these drivers need a taxi license or some other type of commercial license.
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
16575 posts
The OP specifically mentioned a "friend" of the host.
The post doesn't specify if the friend of the host, is just a friend doing this favor or if he's actually a professional limo driver (NCC) providing that professional service.
If it's a professional limo service, then the driver needs to be licensed and is subject to the regulations pertaining NCC (Noleggio Con Conducente = Car hire with driver).
Friends and family can and do pick up people at the airports in Italy just like the do in North America.
If it's not a professional service, then it's not a valid limo/taxi type contract, so the parties have no recourse in case of dispute. It's a friendly arrangement, like it would be if I get picked up at the airport by a friend and then I give him some money to compensate for the gasoline and toll costs. If I refuse to pay the gas to my friend who picks me up, he can't sue me for breach of contract, as a taxi driver could if I refuse to pay the fare.
Posted by
Houston
3522 posts
As long as this person is not driving around randomly picking up passengers for a fee without the proper licenses, I doubt he is breaking the law. No more than the friend who drives you to the airport that you give gas money to. You are not paying this person to be your taxi, you don't need to worry.
Posted by
NYC
490 posts
If anything goes wrong with the " friend" then what do you do? If you are the kind of people who hire tour guides and drivers, do it on your own.
Posted by
Pa and Italy
4152 posts
What could go wrong with the friend picking you up? If they don't show up they don't get paid.
Donna