Frequently Asked Questions   Agenda  How can I get matters placed on the Agenda for Commission Meetings?   Character How does the Commission determine that an applicant for a Public Vehicle-For-Hire Operator License meets the "Good Moral Character” standard? Are there circumstances under which an applicant would not be issued a license because he/she has been determined to not be of good moral character?   Clean Hands Compliance What is the “clean hands” requirement applicable to public licenses issued by the Commission? How does the Commission implement this Law? What if I have traffic tickets which have not yet been adjudicated, will they be included in the Clean-Hands determination?   Complaints What should I do to file a Complaint with the Commission? What happens after I file my Complaint with the Commission? What is involved in the Phase I - Investigation Stage of my Complaint? What happens when the Response from the driver/owner, in the Phase I - Investigation Stage of my Complaint, shows or supports a violation of the Commission’s regulations? What happens when the Response from the driver/owner, in the Phase I - Investigation Stage of my Complaint, does not support or show a violation of the Commission’s regulations? What happens, if during the Phase I - Investigation Stage of my Complaint, the Office cannot determine whether an action can be taken? What types of proposed sanctions can be applied to the driver/owner, where, in response to my Complaint, the Office concludes that the driver/owner is in violation of the Commission’s regulations? How are the levels of monetary fines determined and are there specific monetary fines for specific violations? When does the Commission act to suspend or revoke a permit? What is the Review or Hearing/Appeal Phase and what is involved? What happens to the driver, who is issued a fine and seeks a hearing at OAH, and the judge issues an order supporting the fine and the violation? What can I do to assist the Commission with my Complaint?   Dress Code Why is there a Taxicab Operator Dress requirement? What is the Taxicab Operator Dress requirement? Can a taxicab operator be fined for not being properly dressed?   Handicapped Accessible Vehicles I am interested in operating a specially-equipped taxicab to transport physically disabled or medically disabled persons.  What do I have to do to become licensed by the DC Taxicab Commission? Am I required to carry a disabled passenger with a folding wheelchair? Am I allowed to charge extra for service animals accompanying a passenger with a disability or for carrying a person with a folding wheelchair? How does the Commission currently provide persons with motorized wheelchairs with taxicab services in the District?   Moratorium on Licensing of Taxicab Companies & Asociations, Limousine Companies & Independently-Operated Limousine Operations Who or what does this Moratorium cover? What is the reason for the Moratorium? When does the Moratorium begin and when does it expire? Will the Moratorium be extended beyond its current expiration date of November 2, 2008? Before the effective date of the Moratorium I submitted a complete application for a new business license to the Commission, which has been  reviewed and approved by the Office of Taxicabs but has not yet been voted on by the full Commission. Does the Moratorium apply to my application? I own my taxicab and have a current DCTC license for the vehicle. Does the Moratorium affect my ability to renew my taxicab vehicle license at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)? I own my taxicab vehicle and I have a current DCTC license for the vehicle.  If I decide to get a new taxicab vehicle, will the Moratorium affect my ability to have this vehicle licensed as a taxicab? Does the Moratorium affect the ability to have vehicles currently having L-Tags or H-Tags or other non-taxicab vehicles currently having DCTC’s to have these licenses renewed? I am interested in establishing an independent taxicab operation, not affiliated with a company or association. Does the Moratorium affect my ability to do so? I am interested in purchasing a taxicab vehicle and I am interested in affiliating with an existing company or association. Does the Moratorium affect my ability to do so? Does the Moratorium affect my ability to obtain a public vehicle for hire operator (hack) license to drive a taxicab? I am considering purchasing a limousine vehicle to begin providing services in the District of Columbia. How does the Moratorium affect my ability to do so? Does the Moratorium affect my ability to obtain a public vehicle for hire operator (hack) license to drive a limousine?   Passenger Questions Why is it important for me to get a receipt after the trip? What is the purpose of the numbers 911 on the dome of District taxicabs and what is it used for? How many people can fit in a taxicab? Can a passenger sit in the front seat of the taxicab if no room exists in the back seat? What are the rules concerning multiple-stop trips inside the District of Columbia? What is the law for cell phone use by taxicab drivers? What are the rules regarding the use of seatbelts and child safety seats in taxicabs? Can you pre-arrange a trip in a taxicab? What are the fares for trips outside of the District of Columbia? Are drivers allowed to ask for fares in advance of my reaching my destination? Is there a circumstance when a driver can refuse to take on a passenger? Can a driver refuse me service because I use a collapsible wheelchair or have a service animal? How do I file a complaint against or register a commendation for a driver? Are there any plans to integrate credit cards into taxicabs? Can a driver charge me for making change for a large bill, presented in payment for the fare? Renewal of Expired Face ID License What do I need to do if my hack license has expired and I want to renew it? If I reapply before the 90th day following the expiration date, what do I have to do? If I reapply 90 days following the expiration date but within one (1) year of the expiration date, what do I have to do? If I reapply one (1) year or more after the expiration date, what do I have to do?   How can I get matters placed on the Agenda for Commission Meetings?   The Commission's rules require that anyone who wishes to place a matter on the Commission's    agenda  can communicate this to any of the Commissioners, including the Chairperson, who can be reached at (202) 645-6005 or on the Commission's main number (202) 645-6018. To get matters on the Commission's agenda, a member of the public has the following options: Submit the Material to the Commission's Office so that it is received fourteen (14) calendar days, (two weeks), prior to the Commission's meeting; Contact a Commissioner: a. After the fourteen (14) day-deadline, a Commissioner can place an item on the agenda ten    (10) calendar days prior to the Commission?s meeting; and; b. If the ten (10) calendar day-deadline has passed, a majority of the Commissioners can decide     to place an item on the agenda on the day of the Commission's meeting. The preference, of course, is for the fourteen (14) day notice as it allows the opportunity for research on the issue and to get adequate notice out to the industry. How does the Commission determine that an applicant for a Public Vehicle-For-Hire Operator License meets the "Good Moral Character” standard? The Commission’s regulations provide that the Chairperson shall not issue any license (whether new or renewal) to an applicant, who in the judgment of the Chairperson is not of good moral character under the standards required by District regulations (Chapter 10 of Title 31).     To determine whether an applicant is of “good moral character,” this Office requires that:     A. An applicant for New License provide letters vouching for the sobriety, honesty and general good         character of the applicant.     B. An applicant for a New License be fingerprinted. The fingerprinting process takes place after this Office has initially reviewed the application and determined that the applicant has completed the application correctly and provided all of the documents required to support he application and gives preliminary approval of the application. As to fingerprinting: The applicant is required to provide the Office with  ($35) for fingerprinting costs; To be fingerprinted, the applicant must present the receipt for the $35.00 fingerprinting fee payment issued by the Office and the license application which has been preliminarily approved by this Office Fingerprinting takes place at the Civilian Prints Division, Room 3058 at the Municipal Center, 300 Indiana Avenue, NW. The hours are Monday through Friday, (9 am-5 pm); A Criminal History Report is provided to this Office within three (3) months from the date of the fingerprinting. The applicant may contact this Office at (202) 645-6018, approximately eight (8) to twelve (12) weeks from the fingerprinting date to inquire as to the status of the license.    C. An applicant for a Renewal License provides a Criminal History Background Check. Are there circumstances under which an applicant would not be issued a license because he/she has been determined to not be of good moral character?  Yes, under the following two (2) circumstances:    A. An applicant will not be issued a new or renewal license, if he/she is: A habitual drunkard; Addicted to the use of drugs; or On parole or probation at the time of the filing of the application for a license. However, the application may be considered for approval if the parole or probation is for crimes other than those listed in item #2 below.  To be considered, however, the applicant must submit a letter form his/her parole or probation officer, on organization letterhead, that states (See 31 DCMR section 1001.13)            a. The charge(s) for which the applicant was convicted;            b. The state(s) and county (ies) in which the convictions occurred;            c. The sentence(s) received;            d. The amount of time left on the parole or probation;            e. That the applicant is currently in compliance with the terms of release; and            f.  That the parole or probation officer has no objection to the applicant receiving a public vehicle                for hire operator’s license.      B. You will not be issued a license, whether a new or renewal, if you have been convicted or have        served any prison time in the District of Columbia or elsewhere, within three (3) years from the date        you submit your application to this Office, for any of the following offenses: murder, manslaughter, mayhem, malicious disfiguring of another, abduction, kidnapping, burglary, housebreaking, robbery, or larceny; assault with intent to commit any offense punishable by imprisonment in the penitentiary; any sex offense; or any violation of the narcotics laws.      (See 31 DCMR  section 1001.15)     What is the “clean hands” requirement applicable to public licenses issued by the Commission?   The “clean hands” requirement is a licensing requirement applicable to all licenses (DC Code §§47- 2829(a) issued by the Commission. This provision states as follows: Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the District government shall not issue or reissue a license or permit to any applicant for a license or permit if the applicant           a. Owes the District more than $100 in outstanding fines, penalties or interest assessed               pursuant to the following acts or any regulations promulgated under the authority of the               following acts, the:               1. Litter Control Administrative Act of 1985, effective March 25, 2986 (DC Law 6-100; DC                  Official Code §8-801 et seq.);               2. Illegal Dumping Enforcement Act of 1994, effective May 20, 1994 (DC Law 10-117; DC                  Official Code §8-901 et seq.);               3. District of Columbia Traffic Adjudication Act of 1978, effective September 12, 1978 (DC                   Law 104; DC Official Code §50-2301.01 et seq.);               4. Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs Civil Infractions Act of 1985, effective                   October 5, 1985 (DC Law 6-42; DC Official Code §2-1801.01 et seq.);               5. District of Columbia Taxicab Commission Establishment Act of 1985, effective March 25,                  1986 (DC Law 6-97; DC Official Code §50-301 et seq.);               6. The Compulsory/No-Fault Motor Vehicle Insurance Act of 1982, effective                   September 18, 1982 (DC Law 4-155; DC Official Code §50-2301.01 et seq.); Owes the District more than $100 in past due taxes; Owes fines assessed to car dealers pursuant to section 2 (j) of the district of Columbia Revenue Act of 1937, approved August 17, 1937 (50 Stat. 680; DC Official Code §50-1501.02(i)); Owes parking fines or penalties assessed by another jurisdiction; or provided, that a reciprocity agreement is in effect between the jurisdiction and the District; or Owes past due District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority service charges or fees.    How does the Commission implement this Law?        The Office specifically checks the records of the Department of Motor Vehicles and the Office of Administrative Hearings final orders to determine whether an applicant owes monies to the District above the $100 threshold.   The Commission is also working with the Office of Tax & Revenue to develop the capability to determine compliance with the other laws identified in the clean-hands provision.     What if I have traffic tickets which have not yet been adjudicated, will they be included in the Clean- Hands determination?   The Office does not include tickets which are set for hearings in its “clean-hands” determination.     The District of Columbia Taxicab Commission (DCTC or Commission) has specific rules regarding Complaints: how to file complaints, how these complaints are processed, how they are investigated, and and what sanctions apply to complaints where the driver/owner is determined to have violated the Commissions regulations. These rules are found in Chapters 7, 8 and 10 of the Commission's regulations at Title 31 of the District of Columbia Municipal Regulations (DCMR).     What should I do to file a Complaint with the Commission?   Your Complaint must be filed within thirty (30) calendar days after the event giving rise to the Complaint and must be in writing, signed by you, and contain your address and telephone number. (See section 701.3). The Commission does accept emails. The Commission also has a Complaint Form which is available at our website or from our Office. You may also call us at (202) 645-6018.   Deliver or mail your Complaint to:                   Attn: Complaints                                                                            Office of Taxicabs DC Taxicab Commission                                                                            2041 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. SE                                                                            Suite 204                                                                            Washington, DC 20020-7024   You may fax your complaint to: (202) 889-3604 You may email your complaint to: dctc3@dc.gov  You may view the complaint process at: dctaxi.dc.gov   What happens after I file my Complaint with the Commission?   Your Complaint will undergo the processes or steps identified below:   Step #1 – We record your Complaint in our data bank and create a file;   Step #2 – We acknowledge receipt of your Complaint. Sometimes, in this step, we may need to clarify                information in your Complaint or we may direct you to transmit your Complaint to another                agency, such as the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Commission, if your Complaint is                about a fare charged by a District-licensed taxicab engaged in interstate transportation (i.e.                fare overcharges from the District to the airports);   Step #3 – We identify the driver/owner, if your Complaint does not provide this information. At this point,                sometimes, a complaint cannot be processed or investigated further because the information                provided is inaccurate – for example, the license number may not be accurate and we cannot                identify the driver because of this inaccuracy;   Step #4 – We investigate your Complaint and are required under our regulations to take action within a                certain period of time based on the response from the driver/owner. We have identified this                step as the Phase I – Investigation Stage;   Step #5 – We continue our investigation, if there is not a clear determination in Step #4 above and if, for                example, we need additional corroborating evidence from law enforcement officials, or we                believe we can mediate a resolution to your Complaint. We have identified this step as the                Phase II – Investigation Stage; and   Step #6 – This step occurs where the driver/owner requests a review or a hearing on the proposed                sanction. We have identified this step as the Review or Hearing/Appeal Phase.   What is involved in the Phase I - Investigation Stage of my Complaint?   Within ten (10) days of receipt of your Complaint, we are required by our regulations to notify the driver/owner, by certified mail, return- receipt requested, that a complaint has been filed with us; (See section 701.6).   Our notification directs the driver/owner to provide the Office with copies of his/her Manifest records and to contact the Office to schedule a meeting with our staff, where we present the driver or owner with your Complaint and require the driver/owner to provide the Office with a Response within ten (10) days of receipt. (See section 701.7).   Sometimes this phase is prolonged because the driver fails to respond or the mail is returned as “undeliverable.” We will then resend the notification by first class mail. Failure to respond to our efforts will result in the driver being fined for failing to respond to enforcement personnel (Section 825.1 - $50) and failure to update information (address) with the Commission (Section 825.1 - $100). If the driver does not respond, the Office will target the renewal of his/her Identification Card to ensure that all fines are paid and that he/she responds to the Complaint before the Identification Card will be renewed. In addition, if the driver rents his vehicle, the Office will notify the owner of the vehicle of the violations and that the Face Identification will not be renewed until the penalties and the complaint have been addressed. If the driver is the owner of the vehicle, the Office will also notify the Department of Motor Vehicles that the vehicle’s registration as a taxicab cannot be renewed until the driver responds to the Office and addresses the complaint.   What happens when the Response from the driver/owner, in the Phase I - Investigation Stage of my Complaint, shows or supports a violation of the Commission’s regulations?   When an evaluation of the driver/owner's Response, along with your Complaint, shows a violation of the Commission’s regulations, we are required, within ten (10) calendar days of receiving the Response from the driver/owner, to notify the driver/owner of the violation and the proposed sanction; and We are also required to notify you, the Complainant, of the proposed sanction. (See section 701.8).   What happens when the Response from the driver/owner, in the Phase I - Investigation Stage of my Complaint, does not support or show a violation of the Commission’s regulations?   When an evaluation of the driver/owner’s Response, along with your Complaint, does not support or show a violation of the Commission's regulations, we are required to notify you, the Complainant, of the Response and to provide you with an explanation of why there is no violation. (See sections 701.9 and 701.12).   What happens, if during the Phase I - Investigation Stage of my Complaint, the Office cannot determine whether an action can be taken?   When we cannot determine whether an action can be taken based on the initial evidence provided in Phase I and within the timelines identified under our regulations, the Office can continue into the Phase II - Investigation Stage and also may attempt to mediate a resolution of your Complaint. (See sections 701.10 and 701.11).   What types of proposed sanctions can be applied to the driver/owner, where, in response to my Complaint, the Office concludes that the driver/owner is in violation of the Commission’s regulations?   The driver/owner could be subject to a civil fine or criminal penalty and, depending on the severity of the violation, could also be subject to having his/her license suspended or revoked. See sections 703.1 and 703.2). Civil Fine: Our regulations provide that any driver/owner, upon determination of liability for violation of any of the Commission’s rules, may be subject to a civil fine, not to exceed five hundred dollars ($500), for each violation. (See Section 703.1) In addition to the civil fine, failure to pay the fine or request a hearing within fifteen (15) calendar days of the issuance of a notice of infraction (ticket) may result in the imposition of a penalty equal to the amount of the civil fine. (See section 825.2). Criminal Sanctions: By law, the Office can prosecute a number of violations criminally (such as soliciting passengers and loitering). The Commission can also seek criminal prosecution in lieu of imposing civil fines for driving or operating a public vehicle for hire without a license or failing to have that license displayed within the vehicle. (See sections 824.2 and 824.3). License Suspension/Revocation: In addition to a monetary fine, the Office can recommend to the Commission’s Panel on Consumer & Industry Concerns that it suspends or revokes the license of any driver/owner for violation of any of the Commission's rules. (See section 703.2) How are the levels of monetary fines determined and are there specific monetary fines for specific violations? Generally, complaints to the Commission fall into the following five (5) categories:    a. Behavior;    b. Overcharges;   c. Refusals to Haul;   d. Traffic; and    e. Miscellaneous. The fine for Refusals to Haul is specifically listed in the Commission's regulations (See Fine Schedule at Section 825.1, “Refusal to Haul Fine: $250.00”). The regulations also provide that the civil fine shall be doubled for the second violation of the same infraction, and shall be doubled once more for any subsequent violation or violations of the same infraction. (See section 825.4). The fines for other categories of complaints are determined by the Commission on a case-by-case basis using a Gravity Based Offense Guideline developed by the Office. When does the Commission act to suspend or revoke a permit? The following three (3) groups of activities by driver/owners can result in the Commission taking action to revoke or suspend a permit: Group #1 – Activities which are immediate threats to public health safety and welfare (See section 1005.6); Group #2 – Activities which have resulted in the applicant no longer meeting the license qualifications (See section 1005.6); and Group #3 – Activities which are repeated violations of licensing, safety and operational requirements (See section 703.2). What is the Review or Hearing/Appeal Phase and what is involved? Review Phase: Can occur where the Office proposes to suspend or revoke a license, and the licensee seeks a review of the proposed action before the Commission’s Panel on Consumer & Industry Concerns. Hearing/Appeal Phase: Can occur in the following two (2) instances: Instance #1 – When the Office issues a fine ticket (Notice of Infraction) to the driver/owner. The driver/owner can seek a hearing before the District's Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH), the central body within the District government authorized to conduct hearings and hear appeals of agency actions. At that hearing, you, (the Complainant) could be called as a witness. The outcome of the hearing can turn on who is most credible. Failure of a driver/owner to appear before the OAH for a scheduled hearing may result in a default judgment against the driver/owner. (See section 825.3). Where you, (the Complainant), fail to appear for a scheduled hearing, this could result in dismissal of your Complaint by OAH. (See section 702.4). Instance #2 – When the Commission moves to revoke or suspend a license, the Licensee can appeal the Commission’s action to the OAH. What happens to the driver, who is issued a fine and seeks a hearing at OAH, and the judge issues an order supporting the fine and the violation? When the OAH supports or imposes a monetary fine pursuant to a hearing or in a default judgment, the driver/owner must pay the fine within thirty (30) calendar days after the date of the order. (See section 702.5). No taxicab operator identification card or taxicab vehicle license can be renewed if any fines remain unpaid by the driver/owner at the time of renewal. (See section 702.6).   What can I do to assist the Commission with my Complaint? Any corroborating witnesses or other supporting information, such as receipts are helpful. You may ask for a receipt from the driver which should include the following: The driver’s name, The driver’s identification card number, which consists of five (5) numbers, The vehicle tag number, which consists of the letter “H” followed by 5 numbers, and The time and date, The amount of the fare; and The Commission's complaint phone number. As indicated, at a hearing on your Complaint, the case can turn on who is more credible. To avoid your Complaint being dismissed because the information you have provided does not allow us to identify the driver/owner, please observe the following documents, which contain identifying information and are required to be displayed in each taxicab: The Passenger Rights, which is displayed on the back of the rear front passenger seat (right front passenger seat), has the name of the cab company, the cab number and the Vehicle Tag number (which consists of the letter “H” followed by five (5) numbers); and   The Driver’s Face Identification, which is displayed on the right front passenger visor, has the driver’s picture and Identification number. The Identification number consists of five (5) numbers.     Why is there a Taxicab Operator Dress requirement?   Taxicab operators, licensed by the DC Taxicab Commission, serve as ambassadors of the District of Columbia as the operator is often the first representative of the District a visitor to our Capitol City meets.  The Commission, through its operator dress code requirement, seeks to continue to encourage the high level of professionalism, courtesy and pride reflected by many of our licensed taxicab operators.   What is the Taxicab Operator Dress requirement?   Section 822.10 of Title 31 requires that the taxicab operator meet the  following dress requirements:    822.10 No person shall drive a taxicab for hire when the operator does any of the following:      a. Is not clean in dress or in person;      b. Is not fully attired or is attired in such a manner as to give offense to the public; or      c. Wears shorts, “T” shirts as an outer garment, sweat pants, sweat shirts, sweatsuits, or sandals.     Can a taxicab operator be fined for not being properly dressed?   Yes, pursuant to Section 825.1, Civil Fines, a taxi operator can be fined as follows:           Section 825.1 Unkempt or improperly dressed - $25.00     I am interested in operating a specially-equipped taxicab to transport physically disabled or medically disabled persons, what do I have to do to become licensed by the DC Taxicab Commission?   The Commission’s regulations provide as follows:   603  SPECIALLY EQUIPPED TAXICAB VEHICLES   603.1 Specially equipped vehicles may be approved by the Commission to operate as taxicabs to          transport physically disabled or medically disabled persons   603.2 An application to operate specially equipped vehicles as taxicabs shall be made on a form          approved by the Commission.  The form shall include, but need not be limited to the following:   The name, address and telephone number of the applicant or registered owner of the vehicle; The make, model, year and vehicle identification number; As statement that the vehicle complies with the standards of the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, as applicable; A statement of the kinds of physical or medical disabilities that can be accommodated.                                                               Am I required to carry a disabled passenger with a folding wheelchair?   Yes.  See section 802.9 below.   Am I allowed to charge extra for service animals accompanying a passenger with a disability or for carrying a person with a folding wheelchair?   No.  Commission regulations do not allow drivers to charge extra for service animals or for a wheelchair. See section 801 which addresses service animals and folding wheelchairs:   801     PASSENGER RATES AND CHARGES           801.6  Extra charges or surcharges shall be as follows:              (h)  A service animal accompanying a passenger with a disability shall be carried without                charge. The term “service animal” means a guide dog, a signal dog, or other animal                trained to assist or perform tasks for the benefit of a passenger with a disability;             (i)  Devices for the aid of a disabled person, such as a folding wheelchair, when                accompanying the passenger with a disability shall be carried without charge. No                driver shall impose a personal service charge for loading or unloading such devices in                or from a taxicab;   818 DISCRIMINATION PROHIBITED   818.1 No taxicab operator shall refuse to transport an individual based upon race, color, religion,          national origin, sex, age or marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, family          responsibility, political affiliation, disability, or source of income, and place of residence or          business.   How does the Commission currently provide persons with motorized wheelchairs with services in the District?   The Commission does allow handicapped accessible Maryland and Virginia taxicabs to make trips which are solely within the District of Columbia to provide services to handicapped passengers.    The Commission, however, has recently worked with the Council of Governments to provide handicapped accessible taxicab services by awarding grants to District of Columbia licensed taxicab companies to provide motorized wheelchair accessible taxicab services in the District.   The Commission expects this service to begin this year.     Who or what does this Moratorium cover?   The Moratorium limits the issuance of business and other business-related licenses needed to establish and operate any new :   a. Taxicab companies, b. Taxicab associations, c. Limousine companies, and d. Independently-operated (single vehicle) limousine operations.   What is the reason for the Moratorium?   The Moratorium is to afford the Commission the opportunity to review existing regulations and policies governing the industry for the following reasons:   a. There has been a significant increase in the number of taxicab companies and associations which has resulted in difficulty assigning unique color schemes. The resulting difficulty in distinguishing companies has led to enforcement issues; and   b. The District’s regulations applicable to limousine operations presents significant operational challenges and there is a need to review these regulations to address these issues.   When does the Moratorium begin and when does it expire?   The Moratorium lasts for ninety (90) calendar days, beginning August 4, 2008 and expires on November 2, 2008.   Will the Moratorium be extended beyond its current expiration date of November 2, 2008?   There is currently legislation before the Council that would extend the Moratorium further. B17-894 would change the period covered by the moratorium from 90 calendar days to 225 calendar days, and B17-703 would change the moratorium period from 90 calendar days to two years.   Before the effective date of the Moratorium I submitted a complete application for a new business license to the Commission, which has been reviewed and approved by the Office of Taxicabs but has not yet been voted on by the full Commission. Does the Moratorium apply to my application?   No.  While the legislation indicates that it applies prospectively, it is reasonable to interpret that a completed application which has been approved administratively before the effective date of the Moratorium should be viewed as falling outside of the Moratorium and can be presented to the Commission to be voted on.   I own my taxicab and have a current DCTC license for the vehicle. Does the Moratorium affect my ability to renew my taxicab vehicle license at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)?   No. The Moratorium limits new business licenses issued by the Taxicab Commission and the Department of Consumer & Regulatory Affairs. Since it limits new business licenses, it also limits the issuance of vehicle licenses needed for the operations of these new businesses. However, it does not affect your ability to renew your DCTC vehicle license ($35), which is currently issued at the Department of Motor Vehicles.   I own my taxicab vehicle and I have a current DCTC license for the vehicle. If I decide to get a new taxicab vehicle, will the Moratorium affect my ability to have this vehicle licensed as a taxicab?   No.   Does the Moratorium affect the ability to have vehicles currently having L-Tags or H-Tags or other non-taxicab vehicles currently having DCTC’s to have these licenses renewed?   No.  The moratorium only affects new business licenses issued by the Taxicab Commission and the Department of Consumer & Regulatory Affairs. It does not affect your DCTC vehicle license ($35), which is currently issued at the Department of Motor Vehicles. It also does not affect renewal of current H-Tag or L-Tags at the DMV.   I am interested in establishing an independent taxicab operation, not affiliated with a company or association. Does the Moratorium affect my ability to do so?   No.   I am interested in purchasing a taxicab vehicle and I am interested in affiliating with an existing company or association. Does the Moratorium affect my ability to do so?   No.  Presuming you already have a public vehicle for hire operator’s license (hacker’s license) the Moratorium does not affect your ability to associate with an existing organization. If you have never had a hacker’s license, you would have to take the hacker’s training course offered at the University of the District of Columbia; complete the course and receive a Certificate of Completion and take the pre-licensing examination required by the Commission. This examination is slated to begin to be offered in late Fall 2008.   Does the Moratorium affect my ability to obtain a public vehicle for hire operator (hack) license to drive a taxicab?   No, however, as indicated above, the pre-licensing examination will not be offered until late Fall 2008.   I am considering purchasing a limousine vehicle to begin providing services in the District of Columbia. How does the Moratorium affect my ability to do so?   Pursuant to the Moratorium legislation, the Commission cannot issue you a business license during the Moratorium and therefore, the Department of Motor Vehicles would not be able to issue you a license for your vehicle to operate as a limousine (DCTC license) or an L-Tag.   Does the Moratorium affect my ability to obtain a public vehicle for hire operator (hack) license to drive a limousine?   No.   Why is it important for me to get a receipt after the trip?   The taxicab name and number are located on the side of the taxicab vehicle as well as on the Passenger Rights document displayed on the back of the front passenger seat, which also shows the vehicle tag number.  The operator’s name, his/her ID card number and vehicle tag number appear on the receipt. (See Rule 801.3).  The Operator’s name, ID number and vehicle tag number are unique to that cab.  If you were to lose property in a cab or wish to make a complaint or give a compliment, the DC Taxicab Commission (DCTC) can track down the driver/taxicab from this information.   Without this information, it is almost impossible to track down the taxicab unless the driver first contacts the DCTC or is able to contact the passenger.  Always take your receipt when you exit the taxicab!   What is the purpose of the numbers 911 on the dome of District taxicabs and what is it used for?   This is called a safety warning light and is located on the top of the taxi. When this is lighted, it is intended to send out a silent distress call in the event of that the driver has reason to believe that he or she is being threatened with harm. For example, a driver who is being robbed can press a button in the cab, which causes the light to flash and alerts passing police cars or other observers who can call 911.  (See Rule 601.12)   How many people can fit in a taxicab?   The maximum number of a passengers allowed in a taxicab by law is four (4) in a four (4) passenger taxicab or five (5) passengers in a five (5) passenger taxicab.   Can a passenger sit in the front seat of the taxicab if no room exists in the back seat?   The DC Taxicab Commission rules state that a passenger who is unable to enter or ride in the passenger part of the taxicab must be permitted to occupy the front seat alongside the driver.   What are the rules concerning multiple-stop trips inside the District of Columbia?   Drivers are not permitted to refuse passengers with more than one stop. There is no limit to how many stops are allowed. Keep in mind, the taximeter will run as one continuous trip; it is not turned off and then started again with every stop. You pay the entire fare at the end of your trip which includes wait time.  According to Rules 801.3 and 801.4 “wait time” shall be charged for time consumed for stopovers en route at the direction of the passenger.  Wait time  shall be calculated in sixty (60) second increments. “Wait time” does  not include time that is lost due to taxicab or driver inefficiency. The  wait rate is fifteen dollars ($15.00) per hour. If you encounter a situation where the driver refuses you service based on multiple destinations, get the taxicab information and contact us at (202) 645-6018 or 311 to file a complaint against the driver.   What is the law for cell phone use by taxicab drivers?   According to the DC regulations, drivers are not allowed to use cellular phones or any communication device that is not hands-free while operating a taxicab. The Commission will be looking into the issue whether a limit should also be placed on hands-free devices while operating the taxicab as is now required in a number of jurisdictions.   What are the rules regarding the use of seatbelts and child safety seats in taxicabs?   Drivers of the taxicab and for-hire vehicles are exempt from the laws regarding seat belts and the vehicles are exempt from providing child safety seats. The passengers, however, are required to use seat belts. The DCTC, however, encourages everyone in the vehicle to buckle their seatbelts while riding in a cab and requires taxicab vehicles to post a decal to that effect. Passengers with children are encouraged to bring their own car seats, which the drivers must allow passengers to install.   Can you pre-arrange a trip in a taxicab?   Taxicabs and other for hire vehicles may have pre-arranged agreement with clients. This means that the client may request to be picked up and dropped off at a specific location and know the amount of the fare ahead of time. This is not to be confused with calling a dispatch service and reserving a taxicab. Commission regulations allow for taxicabs to be employed on an hourly basis and set the rates at $25.00 for the first hour or fraction thereof, and $6.25 for each additional fifteen minutes or fraction thereof.   What are the fares for trips outside of the District of Columbia?   The meter will be engaged for the entire trip and the passenger will pay the metered rate of fare to his/her destination, which fares are set by the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Commission (WMATC).   Are drivers allowed to ask for fares in advance of my reaching my destination?   No. However, the Commission is looking into allowing drivers to request fares in advance. These fares charged will be an estimated fare and must be reasonably related to the actual fare. The driver will be required to state this to the passenger.   Is there a circumstance when a driver can refuse to take on a passenger?   It is against the law to refuse a person based on race, disability or destination in the District of Columbia. A taxicab driver is required to drive a passenger to any destination in the District of Columbia. However, if the driver has been operating the taxicab for more than twelve (12) hours of any continuous twenty-four (24) hour period, or the vehicle is on-call or off-duty for mechanical or other reasons, then he/she may refuse to take on a passenger. (See rule 820).  The driver, however, is required to display the “on-call” or “off-duty” or “out-of-service” signs indicating that the vehicle is out of service and must have the cruising light turned off indicating that the taxicab is not for hire. (See rule 605.6)   Can a driver refuse me service because I use a collapsible wheelchair or have a service animal?   No. Taxicabs are required to welcome service animals. Service animal means a guide dog, a signal dog, or other animal trained to assist or perform tasks for the benefit of a passenger with disability.  If the passenger states that the animal is a service animal, then the driver must, regardless of whether the animal is secured or not, allow them in the taxicab. Drivers are required to fold up wheelchairs and place them in the trunk. There is no additional charge for the service animal or for the wheelchair. If non-service animals are not in a secure kennel, drivers may elect to transport or not transport them and the accompanying  passenger. According to the Commission’s Rules, if the driver agrees to carry a small dog or small animal which is not enclosed, there shall be a charge of one dollar ($1.00). A driver may refuse to transport any passenger traveling with a small dog or other small animal if the driver notifies the passenger that he/she suffers from a diagnosed medical condition such as allergies and cannot travel with the small dog or other small animal in the vehicle; and no driver shall have a personal pet or animal of any kind in a vehicle for hire while holding the vehicle out for hire.   How do I file a complaint against or register a commendation for a driver?   Your complaint must be filed within thirty (30) calendar days after the event giving rise to the complaint and must be in writing, signed by you, and contain your address and telephone number. (See Rule 701.3). The Commission does accept emails. The Commission also has a Complaint Form which is available at our website or from our Office. You may also call us at (202) 645-6018 or call in the complaint to 311.   You may deliver or mail your complaint to:         Attn: Complaints                                                                               Office of Taxicabs                                                                               2041 Martin Luther King Jr., Ave., SE                                                                               Suite 204                                                                               Washington, DC 20020-7024   You may fax your complaint to:                        (202) 889-3604 You may email your complaint to:                    dctc3@dc.gov     Are there any plans to integrate credit cards into taxicabs?   There are currently taxicabs which accept credit cards but all taxicabs are not required to provide credit card services at this time. According to DCTC Rules: where the taxicab operator accepts a credit card for payment:   a.  There shall be no additional charge added to the fare for the use of a credit card; b.  No minimum charge may be imposed for the use of a credit card to pay a fare; c.  No service may be refused to any person desiring to use credit card on the grounds that a rip      will not exceed a minimum length or generate a minimum fare; and d.  Any operator who accepts credit cards in payment of fares must have posted on a sign in a      location that is conspicuous to all passengers the type of credit cards accepted for payment.   Can a driver charge me for making change for a large bill, presented in payment for the fare?   According to Commission rules (806.1 through 806.5) when the driver is unable to change a large bill in payment of the fare, the driver shall inform the passenger of that fact while en route to the passenger’s destination, and ask whether change will be required.  The driver shall inform the passenger of that there will be a charge of $.50 to go get change at the end of the trip if the passenger says nothing and presents a large bill at the end.   If the passenger states that change will be required, the driver shall stop en route and provide an opportunity to change the bill in question.  No charge for the stop is permitted.   A Commission approved sign that is displayed within the passenger’s view, stating that the operator can only change a designated bill, may be considered as notice to the passenger of the operator’s limitation on making change.       The District of Columbia Taxicab Commission (DCTC) has specific rules regarding expired operator (hack) licenses.  Specifically, DCTC rules at Title 31 of the District of Columbia Municipal Regulations (DCMR) provide at the following sections that:   1014.2 If a person fails to submit an application to renew the license to operate a public vehicle            for hire ninety (90) days following the expiration date of the license, the person may be            required to take and successfully pass any test required pursuant to section 1004. The            tests listed in section 1004 are the following:              a. Test of the applicant’s knowledge of the Metropolitan Area            b. Further physical and mental examination as the Chairperson finds necessary to                determine the applicant’s fitness 1014.3 If a person fails to submit an application to renew the license to operate a public vehicle            for hire one (1) year following the expiration date of the license, the person shall be            required to apply for a new or original license to operate a public vehicle   What do I need to do if my hack license has expired and I want to renew it?   According to the regulations above, it would depend on the following:           a. whether you reapply  before the 90th day (calendar days) following the expiration date               of your face identification;           b. whether you reapply 90 days (calendar days) after the expiration date of your face               identification but within one (1) year after the expiration date; or           c. whether you reapply one (1) year  or more after the expiration date of your face               identification.   If I reapply before the 90th day following the expiration date, what do I have to do?   If you reapply before the 90th day following the expiration date, submit a Renewal License Application Form. The renewal period for this license will be for two years minus the period of time the license had expired.   If I reapply 90 days following the expiration date but within one (1) year of the expiration date, what do I have to do?   If you reapply 90 days following the expiration date but within one (1) year of the expiration date, the Chairperson has determined that you should submit a Renewal License Application Form. The renewal period for your license will be for a two years minus the period of time the license had expired.   If I reapply one (1) year or more after the expiration date, what do I have to do?   If you reapply one (1)  year or more after the expiration date, you must submit the following:           a. A  new Certificate of Completion after having taken the Taxicab Drivers’ Training Course              offered by the University of the District of Columbia,           b. A New  License Application Form.   Note that the electronic records of the Commission only go back to 1987. Note also that the hard copy records of the Commission only go back on site to four (4) years.