Chile’s controversial ride-hailing regulation, known as the “Ley Uber,” remains in legal limbo despite initial approval, creating uncertainty for drivers, passengers, and transportation companies across the country. The law, formally designated as Law No. 21.553 on App-Based Transportation Companies (Empresas de Aplicaciones de Transporte or EAT), was passed by Congress in 2023 but has yet to take full effect due to ongoing regulatory challenges and administrative reviews.
The core issue centers on the implementing regulations, which require approval by Chile’s Contraloría General de la República (General Comptroller’s Office) before the law can be enforced. Although the Executive Branch confirmed two weeks prior to April 20, 2026 that the regulation had been “taken into account” (tomado de razón), it simultaneously announced plans to modify key provisions, including removing restrictions on vehicle age and engine displacement to expand service availability. This dual action—approving the rule whereas signaling intent to alter it—has triggered alerts among traditional taxi unions and some members of Congress, who have referred their concerns to the Contraloría for review.
The Contraloría’s role is pivotal: it previously rejected two earlier versions of the regulation, forcing the Ministry of Transport and Telecommunications (MTT) to withdraw and revise the document. Only after the third submission did the Contraloría finally grant approval, as reported by Cooperativa on April 7, 2025, which noted that “the Contraloría took reason of the MTT decree and the legislation could finally be applied.” However, this clearance appears to have been provisional, as the government’s subsequent announcement of planned changes has reignited scrutiny.
Taxi representatives argue that weakening vehicle requirements would create an uneven playing field. Héctor Sandoval, president of the National Confederation of Collective Taxis of Chile (Conatacoch), stated that “there is concern about potential indirect effects. In low-demand scenarios, these platforms could continue operating informally, as has occurred in recent years, directly affecting our income.” He emphasized that “no requirement should be lower than what formal taxis and collective vehicles currently meet in areas such as engine displacement, vehicle age, and professional licensing.” Conatacoch is reportedly gathering regional input to formulate a unified position before engaging with authorities.
Beyond labor concerns, consumer advocacy groups have as well weighed in. ODECU (Organization of Consumers and Users of Chile) has called for an end to regulatory uncertainty while insisting that consumer rights must not be compromised. Similarly, elrepuertero.cl reported that consumers are demanding clear rules without sacrificing protections, reflecting broader apprehension about how regulatory delays might impact service quality and pricing transparency.
The Ley Uber establishes several mandatory requirements for both platforms and drivers, including electronic registration, compulsory insurance, background checks, and technical vehicle inspections. These measures were designed to formalize an industry that had operated in a legal gray zone for years, particularly following Uber’s entry into the Chilean market around 2014. Despite the law’s congressional passage, the absence of enforceable regulations has meant that many of these safeguards remain unimplemented, leaving questions about compliance and oversight unresolved.
Critics of the current pause highlight the socioeconomic implications, particularly regarding informal labor practices. Some civil society organizations have alleged that app-based drivers often lack proper social security coverage and face income instability, exacerbating vulnerabilities in the gig economy. While these claims are part of ongoing public debate, they have not been independently verified through official labor statistics or government audits within the scope of this report.
As of Wednesday, April 22, 2026, no definitive timeline has been established for when the Ley Uber will move from regulatory pause to active enforcement. The Contraloría has not issued a public statement indicating whether it will review the government’s proposed modifications or uphold the previously approved version. The Ministry of Transport has not released further details about the nature or scope of the intended changes beyond the mention of vehicle-related restrictions.
For stakeholders seeking updates, the official channels remain the Ministry of Transport and Telecommunications website and the Contraloría General de la República’s public notices portal. Neither entity had published new resolutions or hearings related to the EAT regulation as of the date of this report.
The situation underscores the complexities of regulating emerging digital services within established legal frameworks. As Chile continues to navigate the integration of app-based transportation into its urban mobility ecosystem, the outcome of this regulatory stalemate will likely influence not only market competition but also broader conversations about labor standards, consumer protection, and technological innovation in Latin America.
We encourage readers to share their perspectives and experiences with ride-hailing services in Chile in the comments below. Your insights help foster a more informed public dialogue on transportation policy and its real-world impacts.