Last updated on October 24, 2025
No. Taxis in Bermuda are only allowed to use officially approved meters, as designated by the Minister responsible for transport. These meters must meet specific legal and technical standards outlined in Bermuda’s motor taxi regulations.
Why Meters Matter in Bermuda’s Taxi Culture
Step into a Bermuda taxi and you’ll notice something quite specific: the meter ticking away isn’t just any gadget—it’s a government-approved device. In a place where tourism drives much of the economy and transparency is key to maintaining trust, the rules around taxi meters are more than just bureaucratic red tape—they’re part of a carefully regulated system designed to protect both passengers and drivers.
The story begins with the Motor Car Act 1951, Bermuda’s foundational legislation for motor vehicles. Over the decades, this act has evolved to reflect the island’s changing transportation needs. One of its key offshoots is the Motor Taxi Regulations 1952, which lay out the framework for how taxis operate—including how fares are calculated and what kind of meters can be used.
Only Approved Meters Make the Cut
Not just any meter can be installed in a Bermuda taxi. According to the regulations, a meter must be explicitly approved by the Minister responsible for transport. This approval isn’t arbitrary—it’s based on whether the meter meets the standards set out in section 35B(1A) of the Motor Car Act. These standards ensure the meter can accurately record fares, track operations, and integrate with other regulatory systems.
In 2025, two meters received official approval: the Cabman MDT and the Curb Digital Meter. The Cabman MDT is an all-in-one onboard system designed to manage daily taxi operations, while the Curb Digital Meter is a Weights and Measures-approved device tailored for fare calculation. Both were formally authorized through separate legal orders issued in March 2025.
This means that any taxi operating in Bermuda must use one of these approved meters—or another that receives future approval. Using an unapproved meter isn’t just frowned upon; it’s a violation of the law.
Legal Framework and Enforcement
The legal backbone for this policy is found in Regulation 8(1) of the Motor Taxi Regulations 1952, which gives the Minister the authority to approve specific instruments for use in taxis. The regulations also define what a “taximeter” is and how it must function—automatically recording fares based on a legally defined scale and displaying charges clearly to passengers.
This isn’t just about technology—it’s about fairness. By standardizing meters, Bermuda ensures that passengers are charged consistently, regardless of which taxi they hail. It also helps prevent disputes and supports enforcement of fare regulations.
Looking Ahead
As Bermuda continues to modernize its transportation infrastructure, the list of approved meters may expand. But the principle will remain the same: only meters that meet strict legal and technical criteria will be allowed. It’s a system built on trust, transparency, and a touch of island pragmatism.
See more on Bermuda
Sources
Motor Taxi (Approved Taxi Meter) (Cabman MDT) Order 2025
https://bermudalaws.bm/Document/%7B6cdafe3f-4c54-4e8d-80cc-0e137d5cd73c%7D
2025-03-19
Motor Taxi (Approved Taxi Meter) (CURB Digital Meter) Order 2025
https://bermudalaws.bm/Document/%7B7b0db962-e3da-45e3-ac01-bced38a8dee4%7D
2025-03-19