AS PROMISED: BILLS OF RIGHTS FOR PASSENGERS OF N.Y.C. CABS AND LIVERY CARS, AND FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (AND ANSWERS)
From: New York attorney Gary E. Rosenberg (personal injury and accident attorney and lawyer; serving Brooklyn Queens Bronx; Bronx Accident Attorney)
There is a taxi rider's Bill of Rights that every yellow (medallion) cab must display. It says:
As a taxi rider, you have the right to:
Pay for your ride with credit/debit card;
Go to any destination in NYC, Westchester, Nassau, or Newark Airport;
Direct the route taken: The most direct route or one of your choice;
A safe and courteous driver who obeys all traffic laws;
A knowledgeable driver who speaks English and knows City geography;
Air conditioning or heat on request;
A noise free trip: no horn honking or radio;
Clean air. smoke and scent free air;
Working seatbelts for all passengers;
A clean taxicab: interior, exterior and partition;
Be accompanied by a service animal;
A driver who does not use a cell phone while driving (hand-held or hands free);
Decline to tip for poor service.
(If you feel your rights were violated by a taxicab driver please Submit a Consumer Complaint.)
There is a livery car rider's Bill of Rights that every yellow livery car must display. It says:
As a livery passenger, you have the right to:
Ride in a car that is clean, in good condition, and has passed all required inspections;
Be driven by a TLC-licensed driver in good standing whose license is clearly displayed;
A safe and courteous driver who obeys all traffic laws;
A quiet trip, free of horn-honking and audio/radio noise;
Receive a fare quote from the dispatcher and pay that amount for your ride (unless the trip changes);
A driver who does not use a cell phone while driving (hands-free phones are not permitted);
A smoke and scent free ride;
Air-conditioning or heat on request;
Working seatbelts for all passengers - please use them!
Not share a ride, unless you want to;
Be accompanied by a service animal;
Some Frequently Asked Questions (and Answers) about taxies:
Q: What is a medallion and why is it important to get the receipt after the trip?
A: The medallion number, which is located on the side of the taxicab as well as on the partition in the taxicab and on the receipt, is the four letter/number unique to that cab. It is comprised of one number, followed by one letter, followed by two more numbers. If you lose property in a cab or wish to make a complaint or give a compliment, the Taxi and Limousine Commission can track down the driver or taxicab from the medallion number. Without this information or the name of the driver and the license number, it is almost impossible to track down the taxicab. Always take your receipt when exiting a taxicab!
Q: What is the light located on the back of taxicabs called and what is it used for?
A: This light is called a trouble light and is located on the back of the car, just to the left of the trunk lock. It is used to send out a silent alarm in case of a crime. A driver who is being robbed may trigger a switch in the taxi, which makes the light flash and alerts any passing police cars.
Q: How many people can fit into a medallion taxicab?
A: From N.Y.C. Driver Rule 2-43(a):
The maximum amount of passengers allowed in a medallion taxi by law is four riders in a four passenger taxicab or five riders in a five passenger tax, except that an additional passenger can be accepted if such passenger is under seven years-old and is held on the lap of an adult passenger seated in the rear.
Q: Can a passenger sit in the front seat of the taxicab if no room exists in the back seat?
A: From N.Y.C. Driver Rule 2-43(b):
The Taxi and Limousine Commission's rules state that a passenger who is unable to enter or ride in the passenger part of the taxicab is permitted to sit on the front passenger seat.
Q: Are there rules concerning multiple-stop trips?
A: Drivers are not allowed to refuse riders with more than one stop. Passengers may make unlimited stops. However, the meter will run as one non-stop trip; it is not switched off and then restarted after every stop. You pay the entire fare at the end of your trip. If the driver refuses to carry you because you request multiple destinations, get the cab's medallion number, and call 311 to make a complaint against the driver.
Q: How does the taxi's E-Z Pass work going through tolls?
A: From Driver Rule 2-25(i):
The cab driver must use the E-Z Pass when passing through tolls. The passenger then reimburses the driver for tolls paid by E-Z Pass. The passenger pays discounted E Z Pass toll price.
Q: Must a taxi driver know directions?
A: It is required that taxi drivers know the streets of Manhattan and major destinations in the outer boroughs. Also, cab drivers are required to have a map available to them. If they do not, they are in violation of a New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission rule. Drivers are not permitted to refuse service because they do not know how to reach a destination.
Q: What about taxi drivers and cell phones?
A: From Driver Rule 2-25(h):
Drivers are not allowed to use cell phones or any type of communication device, hands free or otherwise, while operating a cab.
Q: What are the regulations governing child safety seats and seatbelts in taxicabs?
A: Drivers of livery cars and yellow (medallion) cabs and their passengers are not required to use infant car seats or wear seatbelts. While the N.Y.C. Taxi and Limousine Commission recommends seat belt and car seat use, there is a state rule that exempts taxis and liveries. Passengers with children are encouraged to bring their own car seats, which the driver must allow them to attach. Furthermore, children under the age of seven are permitted to sit on an adult lap.
Q: Can a driver can refuse to take passengers to Westchester County, Nassau or Suffolk County, or Newark Airport?
A: From Driver Rule 2-50(e)(8):
If a driver has been operating the taxicab for more than eight hours of any continuous twenty-four hour period, then he or she may refuse to take a passenger outside of New York City.
Refusal Law
From Driver Rule 2-50:
It is against the law to refuse a person based on race or disability. A taxi driver is required to drive a passenger to any destination in the five boroughs.
Disability Services
From Driver Rule 2-34(a), 2-50(c), 2-50(e):
Taxis are required to transport service animals. If a passenger states that an animal is a service animal, than the driver must allow the animal and passenger into the taxi - whether the animal is secured or not. If a non-service animals is not in a secure kennel case, a driver may refuse to carry it. Drivers are required to fold up walkers and wheelchairs and place them in the trunk.
