District Of Columbia § 50-301.26 - Modernization of taxicabs.
Full text of District Of Columbia D.C. Code § 50-301.26 — Modernization of taxicabs., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 50-301.26. Modernization of taxicabs.
50-301.26The Commission shall have one year from October 22, 2012, to modernize the taxicab fleet, and make vehicle and equipment improvements, including:
A meter system that facilitates non-cash payment of a taxicab fare, including credit cards, debit cards, and other generally acceptable means of purchasing goods and services as defined by the Commission, prints receipts to passengers automatically, and allows non-cash payment to be made in the rear compartment of the taxicab without handling by the taxicab operator. This system shall contain an authenticated login unique to each individual taxicab operator, and shall electronically collect trip-sheet data through the use of GPS technology. GPS data shall not be collected unless a taxicab operator is currently logged into the meter system. The meter system shall consist of an information monitor for the taxicab operator that is able to send and receive text messages, and shall allow for integration with web, tablet, or cellular phone dispatch applications that can transmit the location of potential passengers to the taxicab operator information monitor. The Commission may elect to certify the technology that can integrate with the meter system. The system shall also include an information monitor for passengers that, at a minimum, shall provide audio-visual content, including advertising, and is capable of being muted or turned off by the passenger for the duration of the ride;
Uniform cruising lights that clearly display a taxicab’s identification number, as well as identify when a taxicab is occupied, on-call, off-duty, or available to accept a fare; and
Uniform color and an emblem symbolizing the flag of the District. The Commission shall issue rules allowing all vehicles operated by taxicab companies, fleets, and associations to place an insignia or logo on the vehicle, requiring the insignia to be of a certain size and placement on the vehicle. If a taxicab is powered by an alternative fuel, it may display this information on the exterior of the vehicle with a term or symbol approved by the Commission. Taxicabs licensed to operate in the District as of the date on which the Commission issues rules to implement this paragraph shall be permitted to maintain their current color scheme. The uniform color and emblem shall apply only to new vehicles entering taxicab service or when owners choose to repaint their existing vehicles.
The Commission may issue rules and regulations regarding the installation or use of counterfeit or non-compliant public vehicle-for-hire equipment or technology systems. Any person who willfully installs or uses any counterfeit or imitation public vehicle-for-hire equipment or technology systems shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, shall be imprisoned no more than 180 days or fined no more than $1,000.
The Commission shall create a notice to be posted in a conspicuous location in all taxicabs in clear view of passengers. The notice shall be at least 5 inches by 7 inches in size, and shall include the following:
A statement that a taxicab must accept credit cards through the approved taximeter system;
A statement that a taxicab shall not operate without a functioning taximeter system;
A statement that failure to accept a credit card is a violation of the law and is punishable by fine; and
The information required for passengers to submit an alleged violation, including a telephone number and website address to the agency responsible for handling the complaint.
To obtain a copy of the notice required to be posted under this subsection, the owner or operator of a taxicab required to post the notice shall:
Print the notice from the Commission website; or
Request that the notice be mailed and submit payment to the Commission for the cost of printing and first-class postage.
The Commission shall post a notice on its website indicating that compliance with this subsection is mandatory as well as the penalties for failure to comply.
A violation of this subsection shall be punishable by a civil fine or other penalty provided by regulation.
Annotations
Applicability of : Section 7 of provided, in part, that §§ 1, 2, 3, and 4 of the act shall apply as of March 10, 2015.
Section 7007 of repealed , § 7.
Section 7 of provided that the act shall apply upon the inclusion of its fiscal effect in an approved budget and financial plan, as certified by the Chief Financial Officer to the Budget Director of the Council in a certification published by the Council in the District of Columbia Register.
Source: official District Of Columbia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About District Of Columbia § 50-301.26
What does D.C. Code § 50-301.26 cover?
Section 50-301.26 ("Modernization of taxicabs.") is part of the D.C. Code, the codified statutory law of District Of Columbia. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite District Of Columbia § 50-301.26?
A common citation format is "D.C. Code § 50-301.26" (District Of Columbia). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of District Of Columbia law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the District Of Columbia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed District Of Columbia attorney.
How does District Of Columbia § 50-301.26 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in District Of Columbia can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in District Of Columbia.