The Department of For-Hire Vehicles (DFHV) is announcing the approval and immediate implementation of a new rulemaking regarding taxicab vehicle age. The rulemaking extends the vehicle retirement age from 8 to 10 years and allows taxicabs to stay on the road with a maximum odometer mileage of 300,000. These changes address the ongoing industry’s economic realities under the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic by allowing vehicles to operate longer, thus providing more opportunities for taxi drivers to increase earnings.  

All vehicles must remain in good condition and pass the DMV yearly vehicle inspection. This ensures that quality and safe vehicles remain on the road with no compromise to public safety. The vehicle extension is an automatic and does not require a vehicle owner to apply for a waiver or complete a transaction at DFHV.

This extension provides the industry with additional tools to continue to participate economically in the robust transportation ecosystem to meet the needs of our residents, visitors, drivers and taxicab companies. Equally as important, this regulation allows taxi drivers to continue using their existing vehicles for their livelihood without interruption. This rulemaking also brings the DC taxicab age limit in line with surrounding jurisdictions.

The complete rulemaking can be viewed on DFHV’s website: Age Amendment Rulemaking. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) are also posted on DFHV’s website.

If you have further questions, please contact Client Services at (202) 645-7300 or [email protected].