Driver News

DFHV Monthly Newsletter - June

Upcoming DTS Season: DFHV will post the list of approved DTS providers for the 2025-2026 season (September 1, 2025 – August 31, 2026) by August 1, 2025. Drivers who choose to switch their DTS providers must do so before September 1, 2025. DFHV limits DTS contracts to a maximum of one year, September 1 - August 31, to protect drivers and expand their choices. Some providers offer shorter contracts. For more information, please visit dfhv.dc.gov.

DFHV Non-District Limousine Conversation Series: Join DFHV’s Non-District Limousine Conversation Series to learn more about the Enforcement and Complaints Division and its policies and practices.
WHEN: Wednesday, July 16 at 10:00 am
WHERE: 2235 Shannon Place SE, Washington, DC 20020, 2nd Floor Hearing Room
Those who are unable to attend in-person may tune in via Microsoft Teams: Join Meeting Now

Digital Taxicab Solution (DTS) Operating Authority Applications: Completed DTS operating authority applications must be submitted through your company's portal no later than midnight on Tuesday, July 1. Late submissions will not be accepted. Drivers must select or renew their DTS no later than September 1. For more information, visit: DTS/OPT General and Technical Requirements.

Dates to Remember:

• DFHV offices will be closed on Friday, July 4 in observance of Independence Day.
• DFHV's Non-District Limousine Conversation Series will continue in person and virtually at 2235 Shannon Place SE Washington, DC 20020 2nd Floor Hearing Room.
• Enforcement and Compliance – Wednesday, July 16 at 10:00 am
• General Counsel – Thursday, August 14 at 10:00 am
• Complaints Office – Thursday, September 18 at 10:00 am

Two-Year One Stop Vehicle Registration: In efforts to create a more affordable and effective registration process, DFHV introduced a Two-Year One Stop Vehicle Registration option for taxicab vehicles. The new two-year registration fee will be $100. Taxicab vehicles with at least two years remaining before their retirement date are eligible to apply. For more information, visit dfhv.dc.gov or stop by our Client Services Center located at 2235 Shannon Place SE, Washington DC, 20020 on the second floor.

Enforcement Reminders: License plates must be visible. Avoid covering your license plate with obstructive covers. Vehicles with obstructed tags are subject to a $50 fine. All taxis must accept credit cards and electronic payments. Customers told to pay only in cash may file complaints with DFHV. Drivers not accepting electronic payments may face $100 fines. Taxi drivers must use their meters; failure to do so or being caught using faulty meters can result in a $500 fine. Signs requesting "cash only" are prohibited.

Keep Bus Lanes Clear!: The District Department of Transportation’s (DDOT) Clear Lanes program enforces bus zone and lane rules. Avoid fines by staying out of bus zones and red bus lanes and using side streets for picking up and dropping off customers. Drivers conducting illegal activities in bus lanes (marked by red paint and signage) or in bus zones (within 20 feet of a bus stop flag) will receive a $100 fine, including taxi and limo drivers. Learn more: https://ddot.dc.gov/release/clear-lane-bus-lane-and-zone-enforcement-expanding-new-locations. For more information, visit https://ddot.dc.gov/clearlanesprogram.

Vision Zero Safety Reminders: According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2023, distracted driving claimed the lives of 3,275 people. Now is a good time to reevaluate your driving habits to help reduce traffic accidents and fatalities on the road. To safeguard yourself and  passengers, follow these simple tips:

• Stow your phone. If you must place an emergency call or send a text message, pull over.
• Prepare your GPS and any other features before your trip.
• Avoid scrolling through apps while driving.
• Avoid eating and drinking while driving.
• Limit conversations with passengers while driving.
• Do not drive while tired.

Keep these road safety reminders in mind:

• U-turns are illegal and can be dangerous.
• Slow down and obey the speed limit. Higher speeds are more likely to cause injury or death.
• Give cyclists space. Don’t park in the bike lane or double park, this forces cyclists into busy roads.
• Blocking bike lanes, bus lanes, or traffic lanes is dangerous for all users. Use designated pick-up and drop-off areas instead.
• Always stop at stop signs and look for pedestrians and cyclists. Always stop for pedestrians at crossings and wait for them to cross before continuing.
• Passengers, remember to remain alert of your surroundings, travel with friends, and know your driver. If you’re taking a taxi or rideshare service, make note of your driver’s ID or tag number and always let your friends and family know where you are.

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.

Disability Etiquette - People with disabilities are entitled to the same courtesies you would extend to anyone, including personal privacy. If you find it inappropriate to ask people about their sex lives, or their complexions, or their incomes, extend the courtesy to people with disabilities.

• If you don't make a habit of leaning or hanging on people, don't lean or hang on someone's wheelchair. Wheelchairs are an extension of personal space.
• When you offer to assist someone with a vision impairment, allow the person to take your arm. This will help you to guide, rather than propel or lead, the person.
• Treat adults as adults. Call a person by his or her first name only when you extend this familiarity to everyone present. Don't patronize people who use wheelchairs by patting them on the head. Reserve this sign of affection for children.

In conversation...

• When talking with someone who has a disability, speak directly to him or her, rather than through a companion who may be along.
• Relax. Don't be embarrassed if you happen to use common expressions, such as "See you later" or "I've got to run", that seem to relate to the person's disability.
• To get the attention of a person who has a hearing disability, tap the person on the shoulder or wave your hand. Look directly at the person and speak clearly, slowly and expressively to establish if the person can read your lips. Not everyone with hearing impairments can lip-read. Those who do will rely on facial expressions and other body language to help understand. Show consideration by facing a light source and keeping your hands and food away from your mouth when speaking. Keep mustaches well-trimmed. Shouting won't help, but written notes will.
• When talking with a person in a wheelchair for more than a few minutes, place yourself at the wheelchair user's eye level to spare both of you a stiff neck.
• When greeting a person with a severe loss of vision, always identify yourself and others who may be with you. Say, for example, "On my right is Andy Clark". When conversing in a group, remember to say the name of the person to whom you are speaking to give vocal cue. Speak in a normal tone of voice, indicate when you move from one place to another, and let it be known when the conversation is at an end.
• Give whole, unhurried attention when you're talking to a person who has difficulty speaking. Keep your manner encouraging rather than correcting, and be patient rather than speak for the person. When necessary, ask questions that require short answers or a nod or shake of the head. Never pretend to understand if you are having difficulty doing so. Repeat what you understand. The person's reaction will guide you to understanding.

Common courtesies...

• If you would like to help someone with a disability, ask if he or she needs it before you act, and listen to any instructions the person may want to give.
• When giving directions to a person in a wheelchair, consider distance, weather conditions and physical obstacles such as stairs, curbs and steep hills.
• When directing a person with a visual impairment, use specifics such as "left a hundred feet" or "right two yards".
• Be considerate of the extra time it might take a person with a disability to get things done or said. Let the person set the pace in walking and talking.
• When planning events involving persons with disabilities, consider their needs ahead of time. If an insurmountable barrier exists, let them know about it prior to the event.