Passenger Rights & Regulations

Passenger Guide • NYC Taxi Regulations

NYC Taxi Passenger Rights & Regulations

Know your rights when riding a licensed Green Cab or Yellow Cab in New York City. Learn about service, fares, payment, accessibility, safety and how to report a problem.

Your passenger rights Report a problem

Who Regulates Taxis in New York City?

The NYC Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) regulates licensed Yellow Taxis and Green Taxis, also known as Boro Taxis. Its responsibilities include driver licensing, vehicle inspections, fare rules and passenger protections.

Passengers should use properly licensed vehicles and check the displayed license information. A receipt can help identify a taxi if there is a dispute or lost property.

Official TLC passenger guide

Your Core Passenger Rights

Fair and non-discriminatory service

Drivers may not discriminate on protected grounds, including race, ethnicity, disability, gender or sexual orientation. Limited lawful exceptions to accepting a ride can apply.

Licensed driver and vehicle

You have the right to a properly licensed driver and a clean, safe vehicle with working seat belts.

Transparent fare terms

Street-hail trips use the official meter. A prearranged ride may have a fare set by the licensed base or app. Check which fare arrangement applies to your trip.

Choice of route and comfort

You can request the most direct route or indicate your preferred route. You can also ask the driver to adjust the temperature or radio.

Payment and tipping

Licensed taxis accept cash and credit or debit cards for street-hail trips. Tipping is at your discretion; there should be no extra charge for baggage.

Service animals and accessibility

Service animals must be accepted under applicable rules. You can request an accessible taxi and report an accessibility-related service refusal.

Read the official Green Taxi Passenger Bill of Rights and Yellow Taxi Passenger Bill of Rights.

Green Cab vs. Yellow Cab: Pickup Rules

Yellow Cabs

Yellow Taxis are authorized to accept street hails throughout New York City, subject to traffic, safety and other applicable rules.

Green Cabs (Boro Taxis)

Green Taxis accept street hails in designated areas of the outer boroughs and northern Manhattan. Their street-hail permissions are more limited than those of Yellow Taxis.

Important: A taxi's permission to accept a street hail is not the same as its ability to drop off a passenger or handle a permitted prearranged trip. Airport pickups have additional restrictions. Check the current TLC rules and your booking arrangements.
Check official taxi service rules

Metered Fares and Pricing Transparency

For a street-hail trip, the taximeter should be used and the fare is calculated under the applicable TLC fare rules. Depending on the trip, additional authorized charges and tolls may apply.

  • Check that the meter is operating for a street-hail ride.
  • Review the fare shown at the end of the trip.
  • Keep your receipt so the trip and taxi can be identified later.
  • For a prearranged trip, review the fare quote or pricing terms supplied by the booking base or app.
Do not assume every trip has the same fare structure. A prearranged or app-based trip can follow different pricing rules from a street hail. For current rates, surcharges and airport fares, consult the official TLC fare page.
Official taxi fare rules

Safety, Accessibility and Luggage

Vehicle safety

Use a licensed taxi, wear your seat belt and do not continue a trip if you reasonably believe the vehicle is unsafe. Report serious concerns through the appropriate official channel.

Accessibility

Passengers can request wheelchair-accessible taxi service. If an accessible ride is refused, the TLC provides official guidance on reporting the incident.

Find an accessible ride

Service animals

Service animals must be accepted under the applicable passenger-rights rules. An additional charge for a service animal is not permitted.

Luggage and baggage

There should be no additional charge for baggage or help loading belongings. Items must still fit safely in the vehicle.

Can a Taxi Driver Refuse a Ride?

Licensed taxi drivers cannot refuse service for discriminatory reasons or simply because a trip is short. However, there are limited lawful circumstances in which a driver may not be required to accept a trip.

Examples can include a safety concern, the vehicle reaching its permitted passenger capacity, the driver ending a shift, or a destination outside the driver's permitted service obligations. The exact rule depends on the circumstances and applicable TLC requirements.

If you believe a driver unlawfully refused service, note the taxi identification details, the time and location, and what happened. You can then report the incident to the TLC.

Lost Property: What Should You Do?

  • Keep your receipt and look for the taxi's identifying information.
  • Record the date, time, pickup location and destination if you remember them.
  • Use the official TLC lost-property service to submit a report.
Report lost property to the TLC

How to File a Taxi Complaint

You can report suspected overcharging, meter issues, refusal of service, unsafe driving, discrimination or other concerns involving a TLC-licensed taxi.

1. Keep the details

Save your receipt and note the taxi identification, date, time, route and a factual description of the incident.

2. Contact the official service

Use NYC 311 or the TLC's official complaint guidance to submit the relevant details.

TLC complaint instructions

For complaints, you can call 311 within New York City. From outside NYC, the TLC lists 212-639-9675 as an alternative contact number.

Know the Rules Before You Ride

Learn how Green Cabs work and compare them with Yellow Cabs before your next New York City trip.

How to Ride a Green Cab Green Cab vs. Yellow Cab

Informational resource only. This page is not legal advice and is not an official NYC TLC publication. Taxi rules and fares may change; consult the official TLC sources linked above for current requirements.

NYC Taxi Passenger Rights & Regulations

Official Rules for Green Cabs and Yellow Cabs in New York City

Every passenger using a New York City taxi—whether a Yellow Cab or a Green Cab (Boro Taxi)—is protected by clear rules established by the NYC Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC). These regulations ensure fair pricing, non-discriminatory service, transparency, and passenger safety.

This page provides a comprehensive overview of passenger rights and taxi regulations in NYC, helping residents and visitors understand what to expect when using licensed taxis.

Who Regulates Taxis in New York City?

All Yellow Cabs and Green Cabs operate under the authority of the NYC Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC).
The TLC sets and enforces regulations covering:

  • Driver licensing and conduct

  • Vehicle safety and inspections

  • Fare structures and meter usage

  • Passenger rights and complaint procedures

Only TLC-licensed taxis are legally permitted to offer street-hail taxi services in NYC.

Your Right to Service – When Can a Taxi Refuse a Ride?

Legal Obligation to Accept Passengers

Licensed NYC taxis may not refuse a passenger based on:

  • Destination (within NYC and nearby approved areas)

  • Race, ethnicity, gender, religion, or disability

  • Payment method (cash or card)

  • Short trip distance

Limited Legal Exceptions

A driver may refuse service only if:

  • The passenger poses a safety risk

  • The vehicle is at legal passenger capacity

  • The destination is outside the permitted service area

  • The passenger requests illegal activity

Unjustified refusals violate TLC regulations.

Taxi Pickup Rules: Green Cabs vs Yellow Cabs

Yellow Cab Pickup Rights

  • May pick up street hails anywhere in NYC

  • Especially common in Manhattan below 96th Street

Green Cab (Boro Taxi) Pickup Rights

  • May pick up street hails only in:

    • Brooklyn

    • Queens

    • The Bronx

    • Staten Island

    • Upper Manhattan (above East 96th St / West 110th St)

  • May drop off passengers anywhere in NYC

Understanding pickup zones helps passengers avoid confusion and delays.

Metered Fares & Pricing Transparency

Mandatory Meter Usage

  • All trips must be charged using the official TLC taximeter

  • Flat-rate or negotiated fares are not allowed

  • The meter must be activated at the start of the trip

What the Fare Includes

  • Base fare

  • Distance and time charges

  • Approved surcharges (night, peak hours)

  • Tolls (clearly itemized)

Passengers have the right to see the meter at all times.

Payment Rights: Cash, Card & Receipts

Accepted Payment Methods

All NYC taxis must accept:

  • Cash

  • Credit and debit cards

  • Contactless payments (where equipped)

Drivers may not demand cash only.

Receipts

Passengers have the right to:

  • Receive a printed or digital receipt

  • Review fare details, taxi ID, and driver information

Passenger Safety & Vehicle Standards

TLC regulations require:

  • Regular vehicle safety inspections

  • Seat belts for all passengers

  • Properly functioning doors, lights, and brakes

  • Clean and well-maintained interiors

Passengers may decline a ride if a vehicle appears unsafe.

Accessibility & Non-Discrimination

Disability Rights

  • Wheelchair-accessible taxis must provide service when hailed

  • Service animals must be accepted without surcharge

  • Drivers may not discriminate based on physical limitations

Equal Treatment

Discrimination of any kind is strictly prohibited under TLC rules.

Passenger Capacity & Luggage Rules

  • Maximum passenger count is determined by vehicle design

  • Luggage must be transported if it fits safely

  • No additional fee may be charged for luggage

Airport trips are fully permitted for both Green and Yellow Cabs.

Lost Property in NYC Taxis

If you leave an item behind:

  • Note the taxi medallion or license number

  • Check your receipt for driver information

  • Contact the NYC Taxi & Limousine Commission Lost & Found

Prompt action increases recovery chances.

Filing Complaints or Reporting Violations

Passengers may report:

  • Overcharging or meter violations

  • Refusal of service

  • Unsafe driving

  • Discrimination or rude behavior

Complaints can be filed with the TLC using taxi ID details from the receipt.

Why Passenger Rights Matter

NYC’s taxi regulations exist to:

  • Protect passengers from unfair practices

  • Ensure reliable transportation citywide

  • Maintain high professional standards

  • Build trust between drivers and riders

Understanding your rights helps create a fair and efficient taxi system for everyone.

Summary: Know Your Rights Before You Ride

Whether you choose a Green Cab or a Yellow Cab, your rights as a passenger in New York City are clearly defined and legally protected.

  • Transparent fares

  • Equal access to service

  • Safe, licensed vehicles

  • Clear complaint procedures

Choosing licensed taxis ensures compliance with NYC regulations and a dependable travel experience.