Taxi drivers who refuse to turn on their meter will get a $1000 on the spot fine, up from $300, in an effort to crack down on passengers being ripped off across New South Wales.
Undercover compliance officers will be posing as passengers to crack down on the illegal behaviour in taxi hotspots and around Vivid Sydney events.
"The vast majority of taxi drivers are working in a tough industry and are trying to earn a living," NSW transport minister Jo Haylen said.
"The fact is there are rouge taxi drivers out there who are refusing to turn on the meter, who are refusing fares and are negotiating fixed prices."
Haylen is encouraging passengers to report taxi drivers who are not turning on their meter by taking a photo of the license plate.
The reports will help the government understand more about where it is happening.
Reports can be made to the Point to Point Transport Commissioner's 24 hour taxi fare hotline on 1800 500 410.
Sign up here to receive our daily newsletters and breaking news alerts, sent straight to your inbox.
