Passenger Frequently Asked Questions

The medallion number, which is located on the hood, license plate and top of the taxicab as well as on the partition and your receipt, is the four-letter/number combination unique to that cab. It is comprised of a number, followed by a letter, followed by two numbers. If you lost property in a cab or wish to complain about or compliment a driver, the TLC can identify the driver/taxicab from the medallion number. Without this information or the name of the driver and the license number, it is difficult to identify the taxicab without the driver first contacting the TLC or the passenger. It is a good idea to always take a receipt when exiting the taxicab.

This light is called a trouble light and is located on the back of the Taxi, just to the left of the trunk lock. It is used to send out a silent distress call in the event of a crime. A driver who is being robbed can press a button in the cab which causes the light to flash and alerts passing police cars.

From Driver Rule 54-15(g) Chapter 54 - Drivers of Taxicabs and Street Hail Liveries (PDF)

The maximum amount of passengers allowed in a yellow taxicab by law is four (4) in a four (4) passenger taxicab or five (5) passengers in a five (5) passenger taxicab, except that an additional passenger must be accepted if such passenger is under the age of seven (7) and is held on the lap of an adult passenger seated in the rear.

From Driver Rule 54-15(h) (PDF)

The Taxi and Limousine Commission's (TLC) rules state that a passenger who is unable to enter or ride in the passenger part of the taxicab must be permitted to occupy the front seat alongside the driver.

Many New Yorkers and visitors traveling by car service prefer to put their babies and children in car seats and booster seats when requesting a TLC-licensed vehicle.

Passengers riding in a TLC-licensed vehicle are allowed to bring and use their own car seats and booster seats for children. Passengers are encouraged to review the proper way to secure car seats and booster seats in vehicles prior to their ride.

In addition, a number of NYC car services provide car seats and booster seats upon request. The TLC has created the following list, detailing the availability of car seats and booster seats upon request in TLC-licensed vehicles.

If you would like to be added to this list, please reach out to our Office of Community Affairs at Communityaffairs@tlc.nyc.gov.

For more information about car seats and booster seats, please visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s website.

Drivers are not permitted to refuse passengers with more than one stop. There is no limit to how many stops are allowed. Keep in mind, the taximeter will run as one continuous trip; it is not turned off and then started again with every stop. You pay the entire fare at the end of your trip. If you encounter a situation where the driver refuses you service based on multiple destinations, get the taxicab medallion number, and contact us at 3-1-1 to file a complaint against the driver.

From Driver Rule 54-15(f)(2) (PDF), Driver Rule 55-15(f) (PDF), 60A-23 (PDF):

The taxicab driver must use the E-Z Pass when passing through tolls. The passenger will reimburse the driver for any toll cost during the trip. The passenger will be paying the discounted E Z Pass toll rate.

Drivers are required to know the streets of Manhattan as well as major destinations in the other boroughs. Additionally, all New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission licensed taxi drivers must have a map available to them when on duty. If they do not, they are in violation of TLC rules and regulations. In addition, as per TLC rules, they are required to know the "lay of the land", that is, have extensive knowledge of the NYC area. Taxi drivers are not permitted to refuse service, because they do not know how to reach a destination. They must consult their 5-borough map to identify the best route to any destination within the 5 boroughs..

From Driver Rule 54-14(e) (PDF) and Driver Rule 55-14(g) (in PDF):

According to the Taxi and Limousine Commission rules, drivers are not allowed to use cellular phones or any communication device, hands free or otherwise, while operating a cab..

New York State law requires all taxi and for-hire vehicle drivers wear a seatbelt while driving. The State also requires that front seat passengers above the age of 16 wear a seatbelt. The TLC encourages everyone, including those in the rear of the vehicle, buckle their seatbelts while riding in a cab. Passengers with children are encouraged to bring their own car seats, which the drivers must allow passengers to install.

*NOTE - Children under the age of seven are permitted to sit on an adult's lap.

For the latest breakdown on airport fares and general fare information, please see the Taxi Fare page.

Long Island

For Nassau County: The meter will be engaged for the entire trip and the passenger will pay the standard city rate (Rate Code 1) to the county line, then the Nassau/Westchester rate (Rate Code 4) to the destination. Rate Code 4 is double the amount of Rate Code 1.

For any other county: The fare will be a set rate, pre-determined between the passenger and the driver that must be paid at the end of the trip.

The fare will be a set-rate, pre-determined between the passenger and the driver that must be paid at the end of the trip.

The fare will be a set-rate, pre-determined between the passenger and the driver that must be paid at the end of the trip.

Westchester County: The meter will be engaged for the entire trip and the passenger will pay the standard city rate (Rate Code 1) to the county line, then the Nassau/Westchester rate (Rate Code 4) to the destination. Rate Code 4 is double the amount of Rate Code 1.

- New York State (excluding Westchester and Nassau Counties): The fare will be a set-rate, pre-determined between the passenger and the driver that must be paid at the end of the trip.

From Driver Rule 54-14(d) (PDF):

If the trip would result in the driver’s having to operate the taxicab for more than 12 consecutive hours, which is prohibited, then that driver may refuse to take a passenger to these destinations..

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It is impossible to pre-calculate a fare, because the meter rate depends on traffic, construction, weather, and route to the destination.

From Driver Rule 54-20 (in PDF): It is against the law to refuse a person based on race, disability, or a destination in New York City. A taxicab driver is required to drive a passenger to any destination in the five boroughs. You can make a refusal complaint by calling 3-1-1.

For a list of TLC Licensed For-Hire services read Find-a-Ride (PDF). This list is sorted by Borough and by Zip Code for your convenience.

Visit Vehicle Insurance Information.

The TLC does not have regulatory authority over insurance claims. These are handled by the New York State Insurance Department. Visit File a Complaint.

Yes, drivers accept credit/debit cards for all fares; there are no minimums or fees to use your credit/debit card.

Customers only need to sign the receipt when the total is $25.00 and over.

If the credit/debit card payment does not process, passengers can pay in cash or use another card.

The Passenger Information Monitor (PIM) located in the backseat will inform the passenger when a credit/debit card is approved. If the screen indicates that the credit card has been approved, your card will be charged and the driver will be paid. In most cases the last four digits of your credit card number will be noted on the receipt. If you are double charged, go to 311 Online to bring a consumer complaint against the driver and your credit card company to request a chargeback. Passengers should always ask for a receipt.

No. Drivers are required to accept American Express, MasterCard, VISA and Discover (and some will accept the JCB Card) for all fares. The driver must accept credit/debit cards for any fare amount. If a driver claims the credit card system is broken and/or prevents a passenger from using their credit/debit card, report the medallion number to the TLC by going to 311 Online.

The passenger should note the medallion number and go to 311 Online. Drivers are permitted to work with a broken system for up to 48 hours as long as they have reported the problem and are awaiting repair. Almost all (90%) system repairs must be completed within six hours.

All the equipment is installed in the back seat of the cab. The passenger swipes the card and can enter the tip on the touch screen located in the back seat. There is no need to hand the card to the driver. In addition, all taxicab systems are certified under the Payment Card Industry (PCI) Data Security Standard.

The systems only work with signature based credit cards/debit cards. There are no PIN based functions built into the systems. This feature may be added at a later date. If a MasterCard or Visa logo is present on the debit card, it should be accepted by the cabs. Which credit/debit cards are accepted? Credit cards: Visa MasterCard American Express Discover and in some instances, JCB Debit cards: Signature based Visa and MasterCard

The driver will hand you the receipt as they do now.

Inform the driver that you wish to pay by credit card. He/she will be able to reset the PIM or enter the amount as a negotiated fare (rate code 5).