Updated December 13, 2025

Check out the Disability Rights & Resource Center's Disability Etiquette Tips: 

Persons Using Wheelchairs:

  • A person’s wheelchair is part of his or her body space and should be treated with respect. Don’t hang or lean on it unless you have the person permission. Don’t be tempted to pat a person in a wheelchair on the head, as it is a degrading gesture.
  • Speak directly to the person and if the conversation lasts more than a few minutes, sit down or kneel to get yourself on the same level as the person in the wheelchair.
  • Don’t worry about using expressions such as “running along” or “walked away” when speaking to a person in a wheelchair. These sayings are used in every day conversation and are not offensive.
  • Wheelchair use provides freedom. Don’t assume that using a wheelchair is in itself a tragedy. It is a means of freedom, which allows the person to move about independently. Structural barriers in public places create inconveniences for wheelchair users. You can help by advocating for wheelchair access.
  • When giving wheelchair users directions, be aware of architectural barriers such as narrow doorways, stairs, curbs, etc.
  • When a person transfers out of the wheelchair to a chair, toilet, car or other object, do not move the wheelchair out of reaching distance. Some people who use a wheelchair for mobility can walk with aid, such as braces, walkers, or crutches. They use wheelchairs some of the time to conserve energy and move about more quickly.
  • Don’t classify persons who use wheelchairs as sick. Although wheelchairs are often associated with hospitals, they are used more frequently to help people with mobility disabilities get around their home, work and community.
  • Relationships are Important. Have eye and physical contact with chair users in the same respectful manner you would a person that isn’t in a wheelchair.

Persons with Speech Difficulties:

  • Give whole, unhurried attention to the person who has difficulty speaking.
  • Keep your manner encouraging rather than correcting.
  • Rather than speak for the person, allow extra time for the conversation and be patient. Do not finish a person’s sentence.
  • If you have difficulty understanding, don’t pretend that you do. Repeat as much as you do understand. The person’s reaction will guide you and clue you in.

Communication with Persons with Cognitive/Language Impairments:

  • Use a calm voice and be reassuring. Use short sentences and simple, concrete words.
  • Do not argue with the person. If the person tells you he is waiting for his wife to come and you know that his wife died several years ago, do not state “You know your wife died several years go.” The person will either get mad because you are wrong or become grief stricken because he has just learned his wife died. It would be better to reassure the person that everything is all right; his wife has just been delayed. Then divert his attention to an activity.
  • Treat each person as an individual with talents and abilities deserving of respect and dignity. Individuals can usually tell if they are being talked down to like a child which can make a situation worse.
  • Give extra time for the person to process what you are saying and to respond. Look for signs of stress and/or confusion.

Persons with Hearing Loss:

  • Hearing aids do not guarantee that the person can hear and understand speech. They increase volume, not necessarily clarity.
  • Get the person’s attention with a wave of the hand, or a tap on the shoulder. Move away from background noise.
  • Speak clearly and slowly, but without exaggerating your lip movements or shouting. Be flexible in your language. If the person experiences difficulty understanding what you are saying, switch the words around and rephrase your statement rather than keep repeating. If difficulty persists, write down what you are saying.
  • Many persons with hearing loss read lips. Place yourself facing the light source and keep hands, cigarettes and food away from your mouth when talking in order to provide a clear view of your face.
  • When an interpreter accompanies a person, direct your remarks to the person rather than to the interpreter.
  • Look directly at the person and speak expressively. The person who has a severe hearing loss will rely on your facial expressions, gestures, and body movements to assist in understanding. Use sign language if you and the person are both familiar with it. Ask what the person prefers.

Persons with Vision Loss:

  • People with visual impairments do not necessarily hear better than others or have ultra developed sense of touch. They may have trained their other senses to assist them with mobility, etc.
  • When you enter a room, indicate who you are. Let the person know when you are leaving the room.
  • When talking to a person with a visual impairment, begin by identifying yourself and that you are speaking to them.
  • When addressing a person who is blind, it is helpful to call them by name or touch them gently on the arm.
  • When offering your assistance, do not grab a person’s cane or arm, this can be very disorienting for the person. If you are walking with a person who is blind, offer your arm for them to hold. The person may feel most comfortable walking a half step behind. Walk at your normal pace. It is helpful to speak casually and naturally about the terrain, objects and building you are passing as you walk. Stop for curbs and steps; let the person know if they should step up or down. Once you have indicated up or down, proceed and they will follow.
  • Don’t worry about using words such as “see” or “look” in your conversation. These words are apart of every day conversation and are not offensive.
  • Not all visually impaired people read Braille. Ask the person what alternative format they prefer.
  • Do not pet a guide dog unless you have been given permission – these dogs are working and they need to concentrate.
  • It is appropriate to offer your help if you think it is needed but don’t be surprised if the person would rather do it himself. Ask first!
  • Remember that you’ll need to communicate any written information orally.

Additional Suggestions:

  • Don’t discourage children from asking questions about disabilities. Children have a natural curiosity that needs to be satisfied so they do not develop fearful or misleading attitudes. Most people are not offended by questions children ask them about their disabilities or wheelchairs.
  • Remember that the person with a disability is a person like anyone else.
  • Appreciate and emphasize what the person can do.
  • It is appropriate to offer your help if you think it is needed but don’t be surprised or offended if the person would rather do it himself. If you are uncertain how to assist, ask the one who needs assistance.

Credit Card Acceptance and DTS Compliance Required by Law:  The DC Department of For-Hire Vehicles is issuing this reminder to all licensed taxicab operators that accepting cash-only payments or requesting passengers pay in cash is a violation of Title 31 of the District of Columbia Municipal Regulations.

All District-licensed taxicabs are required to be equipped with a fully operational Digital Taximeter System (DTS) that accepts multiple forms of payment, including credit and debit cards. The DTS must always be in good working order while providing service to passengers. Drivers are prohibited from:

• Requesting that passengers pay in cash,

• Refusing to accept a credit card as payment,

• Operating a vehicle with a malfunctioning DTS.

Such practices are non-compliant with DC regulations and undermine public trust in the for-hire vehicle industry. Enforcement actions, including fines and Face ID suspensions, may be taken against operators who fail to comply.

You are strongly encouraged to verify that your DTS equipment is functioning properly before beginning service each day. If your system is not working or you are experiencing issues with card acceptance, you must contact your DTS Provider immediately and resolve the issue before continuing to provide taxi service.

Taxi Butler Locations: Yellow Cab services over 50 locations with Taxi Butler technology. Please be familiar with all locations for you convenience . See all Taxi Butler locations.

New PG Zones: IN response to numerous driver requests and to better assist dispatching, sections of Prince George's County within the Capital Beltway were didved into dispatch zones. This change will allow us to dispatch a driver more timely to pickup addresses for certain accounts within the extended area. See the new revised Zone Map.

EMPOWER: Ride Share: 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.

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.

Updated October 22, 2025

Uber took bigger cut of fares to grow profits, study says — with Seattle hit hardest: The report attributes the shift to the company’s alleged move to "upfront pricing," which reportedly sets fares based partly on what riders are willing to pay. Read more here.

DFHV Monthly Newsletter - October

 

Check out the Disability Rights & Resource Center's Disability Etiquette Tips: 

Persons Using Wheelchairs:

  • A person’s wheelchair is part of his or her body space and should be treated with respect. Don’t hang or lean on it unless you have the person permission. Don’t be tempted to pat a person in a wheelchair on the head, as it is a degrading gesture.
  • Speak directly to the person and if the conversation lasts more than a few minutes, sit down or kneel to get yourself on the same level as the person in the wheelchair.
  • Don’t worry about using expressions such as “running along” or “walked away” when speaking to a person in a wheelchair. These sayings are used in every day conversation and are not offensive.
  • Wheelchair use provides freedom. Don’t assume that using a wheelchair is in itself a tragedy. It is a means of freedom, which allows the person to move about independently. Structural barriers in public places create inconveniences for wheelchair users. You can help by advocating for wheelchair access.
  • When giving wheelchair users directions, be aware of architectural barriers such as narrow doorways, stairs, curbs, etc.
  • When a person transfers out of the wheelchair to a chair, toilet, car or other object, do not move the wheelchair out of reaching distance. Some people who use a wheelchair for mobility can walk with aid, such as braces, walkers, or crutches. They use wheelchairs some of the time to conserve energy and move about more quickly.
  • Don’t classify persons who use wheelchairs as sick. Although wheelchairs are often associated with hospitals, they are used more frequently to help people with mobility disabilities get around their home, work and community.
  • Relationships are Important. Have eye and physical contact with chair users in the same respectful manner you would a person that isn’t in a wheelchair.

Persons with Speech Difficulties:

  • Give whole, unhurried attention to the person who has difficulty speaking.
  • Keep your manner encouraging rather than correcting.
  • Rather than speak for the person, allow extra time for the conversation and be patient. Do not finish a person’s sentence.
  • If you have difficulty understanding, don’t pretend that you do. Repeat as much as you do understand. The person’s reaction will guide you and clue you in.

Communication with Persons with Cognitive/Language Impairments:

  • Use a calm voice and be reassuring. Use short sentences and simple, concrete words.
  • Do not argue with the person. If the person tells you he is waiting for his wife to come and you know that his wife died several years ago, do not state “You know your wife died several years go.” The person will either get mad because you are wrong or become grief stricken because he has just learned his wife died. It would be better to reassure the person that everything is all right; his wife has just been delayed. Then divert his attention to an activity.
  • Treat each person as an individual with talents and abilities deserving of respect and dignity. Individuals can usually tell if they are being talked down to like a child which can make a situation worse.
  • Give extra time for the person to process what you are saying and to respond. Look for signs of stress and/or confusion.

Persons with Hearing Loss:

  • Hearing aids do not guarantee that the person can hear and understand speech. They increase volume, not necessarily clarity.
  • Get the person’s attention with a wave of the hand, or a tap on the shoulder. Move away from background noise.
  • Speak clearly and slowly, but without exaggerating your lip movements or shouting. Be flexible in your language. If the person experiences difficulty understanding what you are saying, switch the words around and rephrase your statement rather than keep repeating. If difficulty persists, write down what you are saying.
  • Many persons with hearing loss read lips. Place yourself facing the light source and keep hands, cigarettes and food away from your mouth when talking in order to provide a clear view of your face.
  • When an interpreter accompanies a person, direct your remarks to the person rather than to the interpreter.
  • Look directly at the person and speak expressively. The person who has a severe hearing loss will rely on your facial expressions, gestures, and body movements to assist in understanding. Use sign language if you and the person are both familiar with it. Ask what the person prefers.

Persons with Vision Loss:

  • People with visual impairments do not necessarily hear better than others or have ultra developed sense of touch. They may have trained their other senses to assist them with mobility, etc.
  • When you enter a room, indicate who you are. Let the person know when you are leaving the room.
  • When talking to a person with a visual impairment, begin by identifying yourself and that you are speaking to them.
  • When addressing a person who is blind, it is helpful to call them by name or touch them gently on the arm.
  • When offering your assistance, do not grab a person’s cane or arm, this can be very disorienting for the person. If you are walking with a person who is blind, offer your arm for them to hold. The person may feel most comfortable walking a half step behind. Walk at your normal pace. It is helpful to speak casually and naturally about the terrain, objects and building you are passing as you walk. Stop for curbs and steps; let the person know if they should step up or down. Once you have indicated up or down, proceed and they will follow.
  • Don’t worry about using words such as “see” or “look” in your conversation. These words are apart of every day conversation and are not offensive.
  • Not all visually impaired people read Braille. Ask the person what alternative format they prefer.
  • Do not pet a guide dog unless you have been given permission – these dogs are working and they need to concentrate.
  • It is appropriate to offer your help if you think it is needed but don’t be surprised if the person would rather do it himself. Ask first!
  • Remember that you’ll need to communicate any written information orally.

Additional Suggestions:

  • Don’t discourage children from asking questions about disabilities. Children have a natural curiosity that needs to be satisfied so they do not develop fearful or misleading attitudes. Most people are not offended by questions children ask them about their disabilities or wheelchairs.
  • Remember that the person with a disability is a person like anyone else.
  • Appreciate and emphasize what the person can do.
  • It is appropriate to offer your help if you think it is needed but don’t be surprised or offended if the person would rather do it himself. If you are uncertain how to assist, ask the one who needs assistance.

Credit Card Acceptance and DTS Compliance Required by Law:  The DC Department of For-Hire Vehicles is issuing this reminder to all licensed taxicab operators that accepting cash-only payments or requesting passengers pay in cash is a violation of Title 31 of the District of Columbia Municipal Regulations.

All District-licensed taxicabs are required to be equipped with a fully operational Digital Taximeter System (DTS) that accepts multiple forms of payment, including credit and debit cards. The DTS must always be in good working order while providing service to passengers. Drivers are prohibited from:

• Requesting that passengers pay in cash,

• Refusing to accept a credit card as payment,

• Operating a vehicle with a malfunctioning DTS.

Such practices are non-compliant with DC regulations and undermine public trust in the for-hire vehicle industry. Enforcement actions, including fines and Face ID suspensions, may be taken against operators who fail to comply.

You are strongly encouraged to verify that your DTS equipment is functioning properly before beginning service each day. If your system is not working or you are experiencing issues with card acceptance, you must contact your DTS Provider immediately and resolve the issue before continuing to provide taxi service.

Taxi Butler Locations: Yellow Cab services over 50 locations with Taxi Butler technology. Please be familiar with all locations for you convenience . See all Taxi Butler locations.

New PG Zones: IN response to numerous driver requests and to better assist dispatching, sections of Prince George's County within the Capital Beltway were didved into dispatch zones. This change will allow us to dispatch a driver more timely to pickup addresses for certain accounts within the extended area. See the new revised Zone Map.

EMPOWER: Ride Share: 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.

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.