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Reporting Taxicab and Vehicle-For-Hire Discrimination

Sections on This Page:

  • What Are Taxicabs and Vehicles for Hire?
  • Examples of Discrimination
  • File a Complaint
  • Helpful Information
  • Requesting an Accessible Cab
  • Additional Questions and Comments

What Are Taxicabs and Vehicles-for-Hire?

In Washington, D.C., taxicabs and vehicles-for-hire are entities that provide transportation services to members of the public.

Traditional taxicabs are public vehicles that can be hailed on the street or dispatched via phone or smartphone apps. They are typically recognized by the company’s distinctive color and markings. Taxicab fares are regulated by the Department of For-Hire Vehicles (DFHV) and are based on distance and time, with additional charges for passenger surcharges and wait time.

Vehicles-for-hire, including those associated with ride-sharing apps such as Uber and Lyft, are considered private vehicles. Passengers are connected with drivers through smartphone apps only. The DFHV also regulates these private vehicle operators, ensuring they meet specific standards for safety, licensing, and operation.

Examples of Discrimination

The DC Human Rights Act expressly prohibits discrimination in the “goods, services, facilities, privileges, advantages, and accommodations of any place of public accommodations” based on a person’s actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, familial status, family responsibilities, genetic information, disability, matriculation, political affiliation, source of income, place of residence or business, or homeless status of any individual. Under the DCHRA, places of public accommodations include taxicabs and vehicles for hire.

Examples of discrimination by taxicabs or vehicles for hire can include, but are not limited to, refusal to: 

  • Transport an individual with a service animal;
  • Transport an individual with a walker or folding wheelchair;
  • Take an individual to their requested destination;
  • Transport an individual because of their protected trait (race, disability, sexual orientation, political affiliation, etc.); and/or
  • Accept a call in a specific geographic area of the District.

Additionally, under District law on-duty traditional taxicab drivers without a current fare must stop for a potential passenger in a wheelchair who is hailing a taxicab and ask if the individual wants a ride. If the taxicab is not accessible and cannot accommodate a wheelchair, the driver must offer to call dispatch to send an accessible taxicab. This applies specifically if the driver works for a company that has accessible taxicabs. 

File a Complaint

Under the DCHRA, OHR has jurisdiction over complaints of discrimination brought within one year of the incidence or discovery of an alleged discriminatory act that occurred in the District of Columbia.

If you believe you were discriminated against by a taxicab or vehicle-for-hire while in the District of Columbia, you can file a complaint with OHR by completing the DC Taxicab and Vehicle-for-Hire Initial Written Complaint form below:

You can learn more about OHR’s complaint process by visiting this page. 

Helpful Information

When submitting a complaint of discrimination, please provide any of the following information to aid with our investigation:

  • Name of the taxicab or vehicle-for-hire company (or app) and/or Driver
  • Date, time and location of incident
  • Names and contact information of any witnesses to the incident
  • Any video or recorded evidence of the incident
  • Receipts or documentation of the request for or refusal for a ride

If you are filing a complaint against a traditional taxicab driver, the following additional information is also helpful:

  • Taxicab number (usually on the side of the vehicle)
  • Driver license and identification number (Face ID card) (usually on the inside of the vehicle)
  • Vehicle license tag

Requesting an Accessible Taxicab

To request a wheelchair-accessible taxi in Washington, DC, you can contact:

If you have further questions or wish to learn more about how to request an accessible taxicab, please visit our page on requesting a wheelchair accessible taxi.

Additional Questions or Comments

If you have any further questions about the above information, submitting a complaint based on an alleged discriminatory incident with a taxicab or vehicle-for-hire, please contact us via:

  • E-mail: [email protected]
  • In-Person: 441 4th Street NW, Suite 570N, Washington, DC 20001
  • Phone: (202) 727-4559

Please note that while OHR is available to answer questions to the best of our ability, any information provided should not be considered legal advice.

 

This page was last updated on January 6, 2025. 

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