The DC Taxicab Commission (DCTC) is very committed towards ensuring public safety, protection and providing quality taxicab service. 

The DCTC has amended its complaint form.  If you believe you were unfairly treated due to an operator’s conduct please file a complaint by:

• contacting the DCTC at (202) 645-6018 or
• filing a written complaint with the DCTC
  • by email at [email protected]
  • by fax at (202) 889-3604, or
  • by mail at 2041 Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue, SE, Suite 204, Washington, DC 20020. 

You may download a complaint form.

The DCTC recently approved proposed taxicab regulations. Here are some of the new regulations that may be helpful to know:

REFUSAL TO HAUL

It is a violation for a taxicab or public vehicle for hire operator to refuseto transport or refusal to take customer to his/her destination;

CUSTOMER RECEIPTS FOR SERVICE

It is a violation if a taxicab or public vehicle for hire operator fails to provide a passenger with a printed, meter-generated receipt at the end of each taxicab ride;

SMOKING PROHIBITED

It is a violation for a taxicab or public vehicle for hire operator to smoke while transporting a passenger;

CELL PHONE USE

It is a violation for a taxicab or public vehicle for hire operator to use a mobile phone or other electronic device, with or without a hands-free device, while carrying a passenger in the vehicle, except in the event of bona fide emergency;

SHARED RIDING

Passengers have the right to refuse Shared Riding;

DISPLAY OF IDENTIFICATION

It is a violation for a taxicab or public vehicle for hire operator to NOT have displayed the original operator identification (Face) card issued to the driver in a bracket or receptacle and shall be firmly attached to the right sun visor so as to be visible to passengers at all times when the vehicle is operated by the driver;

STANDARDS OF CONDUCT; UNLAWFUL ACTIVITIES PROHIBITED

No operator of a public vehicle for hire, while performing duties and responsibilities as a licensed operator, shall commit or attempt to commit, an act of fraud, misrepresentation, or larceny. Examples of fraud, misrepresentation, or larceny include: Charging a fare other than the fare set by the Commission.

THREATENING, HARASSING, OR ABUSIVE CONDUCT PROHIBITED

No public vehicle for hire operator shall (a) threaten, harass, or abuse a passenger, or other person; or (b) use, threaten, or attempt to use physical force against a passenger, or other person, using derogatory or harassing language on the basis of a protected characteristic or trait; and (c)  refuse a call in a specific geographic area of the District; and 

SHORTEST ROUTE

Taxicab operators shall travel the most direct and reasonable route between the origin and destination of each trip and shall utilize a GPS device or a smart phone containing a GPS function to determine the most direct and reasonable route.  The operator, if unsure of the route, shall accept direction from the passenger to travel a certain route to the destination.

Definitions:

Public Vehicle for Hire - 

(A) Any passenger motor vehicle operated in the District by an individual or any entity that is used for the transportation of passengers for hire, including as a taxicab, limousine, or sedan; or

(B) Any other private passenger motor vehicle that is used for the transportation of passengers for hire but is not operated on a schedule or between fixed termini and is operated exclusively in the District, or a vehicle licensed pursuant to DC Official Code § 47-2829, including taxicabs, limousines, and sedans.

Shared Riding -

A group of two (2) or more passengers arranged by a Starter at Union Station, Verizon Center, or Nationals Park with common or different destinations.

Please be encouraged to continue to alert the Commission of any complaints you experience with public vehicle for hire operators.