Contact: Neville Waters (202) 645-6020

The DC Taxicab Commission (DCTC) announced today that requests for a waiver of the vehicle replacement requirement will be accepted beginning January 6, 2014. Approved vehicles may be allowed to operate for one to three years.

The decision to grant a waiver will be based on not only the mechanical, safety and aesthetic condition, but also the reason for requesting a waiver. An auto inspection report from a national pre-purchase auto inspection service registered with the Better Business Bureau or a locally based (DC, MD, VA) automotive dealership that certifies vehicles will required to be submitted. The certification according to manufacturer specifications or an auto inspection service provider with real-time onboard diagnostic monitoring and reporting technology should cover a minimum of 150 point inspection. A taximeter calibration report and a dome light inspection report from DCTC certified meter shop must also be included with waiver request.

There is a $50 processing fee that must accompany the waiver application and a decision will be provided in writing within 30 days. Chapter Six, Section 609 of DCMR Title 31 outlines the Vehicle Modernization Program to phase out older vehicles from use. Vehicles subject to removal from service on January 1, 2014 include model years 1997 and earlier. All replacement vehicles are required to be painted in the new uniform color scheme.

The waiver application, instructions and an example of an auto inspection report are available on the DCTC website at http://dctaxi.dc.gov/page/vehicle-waiver-requests.