India Orders Ride Apps to Remove Pre-Ride Tipping Prompts

India's Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has ordered ride-hailing and other motor vehicle aggregators to immediately remove pre-ride tipping prompts from their mobile applications, stating such features violate national guidelines and consumer protection laws. The directive, issued in a letter dated August 11, 2026, mandates that tipping must remain entirely voluntary and can only be offered after a journey is completed.

The ministry's action follows reports that some platforms were displaying options such as "Advance Tip," "Choose an Addon," and messages suggesting that adding a tip could improve the chances of quicker ride confirmation or make drivers more likely to accept a trip. Officials stated these interfaces create an impression that passengers who offer a tip are more likely to get their ride accepted or confirmed, which is not permitted under the Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines, 2025.

Under Clause 14.15 of those guidelines, aggregators may provide a facility for passengers to tip drivers, but the option can only become visible after the journey is complete. It cannot be made available at the time of booking, before the journey begins, or while the ride is...