Contact: Neville Waters (202) 645-6020

(Washington, DC) – The DC Taxicab Commission (DCTC) approved today the adoption of final regulations defining sedan vehicles and the rulemaking concerning the uniform color scheme for taxicabs. The specific regulations regarding sedans are contained in Chapters 12 and 14. The uniform color scheme is covered in Chapters 4, 5, 6, 8 and 9.

The characteristics to define sedan vehicles include: an L Tag; prohibition from accepting street hails; no meter; and specific size and color limits. The uniform color adopted is a red with a gray stripe along both sides to include company name, logo and contact information. The transition to the uniform color will initially occur for equipment replacements due to age, mileage or DMV inspection rejection.

Additional action taken by the Commission was the approval of resolutions to establish two panels for further consideration of possible regulatory modifications. The panels are comprised of DCTC commissioners and are charged with defining the framework to develop rulemaking and provide recommendations to the Commission.

The Industry Panel will be chaired by Commissioner Paul Cohn and is charged with addressing how vehicles should be categorized; determining the need for erecting or dismantling competitive barriers; and evaluating ride sharing services. This panel will also revisit the phase out of older vehicles under the fleet modernization program to determine what incentives may be available to extend service time and better accommodate the needs of all users of public vehicles for hire.

The second panel to be chaired by Commissioner Gladys Mack will review the adjudication and administrative process. The objective is to study the complaint procedures and formulate appropriate enforcement actions.

The Determination and Findings document titled “Luxury Class Services and Operation of Sedans” is posted to the DC Taxicab Commission website.