Updated March 17, 2025
Jail Time for Cheap Rides? - Empower, a ride reservation service, has been hounded by Washington, D.C., regulators since it began its operations in 2020. The D.C. Attorney General has threatened to request that Empower CEO Joshua Sear be arrested for civil contempt if he refuses to comply with the Department of For-Hire Vehicles (DFHV) cease and desist order by Wednesday.* Mayor Muriel Bowser has the power to direct the DFHV to rescind its order, which would allow Empower to continue operating in the city. Read more here.
Please be advised that EMPOWER is not registered with DFHV and is not authorized to operate as a ride share provider in the District. Therefore, driving for EMPOWER will subject drivers to DFHV enforcement including vehicle impoundment. Also, DFHV discourages the public from accepting rides on the EMPOWER APP as there could be seriously negative consequences for the passengers.
Vehicle Age and Mileage Criteria:
- Maximum vehicle age for internal combustion engine vehicles: increased from 10 to 15 years
- Maximum vehicle age for EV, Hybris and WAVs: increased from 10 to 20 years. To continue operating from 15 years up to 20 years, owners of these vehicles will have to submit an annual application verifying the suitability of the vehicle.
- Maximum mileage to enter service for new drivers: increased from 65,000 to 150,000 miles
- Maximum mileage limit: none
Technical Support: Drivers in need of technical support must complete this request form before any services are provided. This is a measure to ensure we are tracking, and working to rectify, all ongoing driver issues. If you are accessing this page from ycdrivers.com, click on the 'Need Help' button on the home page.
DFHV Will Impound Taxis Operating Without Approved DTS Meter: District law mandates that all taxis have working digital meters. This includes accepting digital forms of payment such as credit cards. DFHV is increasing enforcement of this requirement and will impound taxis caught refusing credit card payments or operating without an approved digital meter. Taxi drivers must use an approved meter for each passenger trip. Each trip from the past 24 hours must appear in the trip history (trip manifest) in your DTS meter.
ConnectorCard Program is another DACL program that provides qualified adults, 60 and older, with a debit card that can be used for ground transportation services. For more information, visit connector-card.com or call 202-420-7534.
Pay Online With Credit Card: Instead of paying for their weekly dues online with an ACH debit from a single account, drivers now have the option to pay with the debit or credit card of their choice every time. Visit this link for access to this new payment portal.
DFHV Online Services: Please take advantage of DFHV online services including the Online Business Portal to submit License Applications, One Stop Vehicle Registrations, and Vehicle Case Management. Online services save you time and allow you to access services from the safety of your home. And if you need further assistance you may call (202) 645-7300 or use the chat feature on the website. Visit the Online Business Portal
The Transportation Alliance ‘Media Watch’: With TTA’s ‘Media Watch’, a source that compiles the most relevant articles in transportation news, drivers will be able to stay up to date on the latest happenings in the industry. View news articles updated daily here.
Taxicab ADA Brochure Frequently Asked Questions on Taxi PDF version: This brochure outlines in question and answer format taxicab companies’ responsibilities under the ADA and is geared toward managers and owners.