Police conducted a surprise taxi inspection in Helsinki on Friday. Authorities checked 30 taxis during the operation. They found violations in 21 vehicles.
Officers issued 12 fines during the inspection. Police also handed out traffic violation fees. One driver faces suspicion of drunk driving according to officials.
The crackdown involved both taxi stand inspections and random stops from traffic flow. Most fines resulted from drivers failing to present proper work diaries. Many drivers had incomplete or missing documentation.
Traffic violation fees were mainly issued for missing information displays. Many taxis lacked visible driver names or license holder contact details. Some drivers could not present their operating licenses during inspections.
Despite the violations, police noted most vehicles were in good condition. All taxis possessed valid operating licenses. The operation shows basic compliance issues remain widespread in the industry.
Multiple agencies collaborated on the inspection. Helsinki police worked with transport safety authority Traficom. Regional administrative officials and tax authorities also participated.
The high violation rate suggests many taxi operators struggle with administrative requirements. While vehicles appear mechanically sound, paperwork compliance remains a clear challenge for drivers.