District Of Columbia § 50-301.29a - General requirements for private vehicles-for-hire.
Full text of District Of Columbia D.C. Code § 50-301.29a — General requirements for private vehicles-for-hire., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 50-301.29a. General requirements for private vehicles-for-hire.
50-301.29aA private vehicle-for-hire company shall:
Create an application process for a person to apply to register as a private vehicle-for-hire operator;
Maintain an up-to-date registry of the operators and vehicles associated with the private vehicle-for-hire company;
Provide the following information on its website:
The private vehicle-for-hire company’s customer service telephone number or electronic mail address;
The private vehicle-for-hire company’s zero tolerance policy established pursuant to paragraphs (9) and (10) of this section;
The procedure for reporting a complaint about an operator who a passenger reasonably suspects violated the zero tolerance policy under paragraphs (9) and (10) of this section; and
A telephone number or electronic mail address for the Commission;
Verify that an initial safety inspection of a motor vehicle used as a private vehicle-for-hire was conducted within 90 days of beginning service and that the vehicle passed the inspection and was determined safe by a licensed mechanic in the District pursuant to or an inspection station authorized by the State of Maryland or the Commonwealth of Virginia to perform vehicle safety inspections; provided, that an initial safety inspection need not be conducted if the motor vehicle used for service is compliant with an annual state-required safety inspection. A safety inspection conducted pursuant to this paragraph shall check the following motor vehicle equipment to ensure that such equipment is safe and in proper operating condition:
Brakes and parking brake;
All exterior lights, including headlights, parking lights, brake lights, and license plate illumination lights;
Turn signal devices;
Steering and suspension;
Tires, wheels, and rims;
Mirrors;
Horn;
Windshield and other glass, including wipers and windshield defroster;
Exhaust system;
Hood and area under the hood, including engine fluid levels and belts;
Interior of vehicle, including driver’s seat, seat belts, and air bags;
Doors;
Fuel system; and
Floor pan.
Verify the safety inspection status of a vehicle as described in paragraph (4) of this section on an annual basis after the initial verification is conducted;
Perform the background checks required by on each applicant before private vehicle-for-hire service is provided and update those checks every 3 years thereafter;
Establish a trade dress as required by ;
Transmit the required amount pursuant to ;
Establish a policy of zero tolerance for the use of alcohol or illegal drugs or being impaired by the use of alcohol or drugs while a private vehicle-for-hire operator is logged into a private vehicle-for-hire company’s digital dispatch;
Immediately suspend, for the duration of the investigation conducted pursuant to subparagraph (C) of this paragraph, a private vehicle-for-hire operator upon receiving a written complaint from a passenger submitted through regular mail or electronic means containing a reasonable allegation that the operator violated the zero tolerance policy established by subparagraph (A) of this paragraph; and
Conduct an investigation when a passenger alleges that a private vehicle-for-hire operator violated the zero tolerance policy established by paragraph (A) of this subparagraph;
Establish a policy of zero tolerance for discrimination or discriminatory conduct on the basis of a protected characteristic under while a private vehicle-for-hire operator is logged into a private vehicle-for-hire company’s digital dispatch. Discriminatory conduct may include:
Refusal of service on the basis of a protected characteristic, including refusal of service to an individual with a service animal unless the operator has a documented serious medical allergy to animals on file with the private vehicle-for-hire company;
Using derogatory or harassing language on the basis of a protected characteristic;
Refusal of service based on the pickup or drop-off location of the passenger; or
Rating a passenger on the basis of a protected characteristic;
It shall not constitute discrimination under this paragraph for a private vehicle-for-hire operator to refuse to provide service to an individual with disabilities due to violent, seriously disruptive, or illegal conduct by the individual. A private vehicle-for-hire operator shall not, however, refuse to provide service to an individual with a disability solely because the individual’s disability results in appearance or involuntary behavior that may offend, annoy, or inconvenience the operator or another person;
Immediately suspend, for the duration of the investigation conducted pursuant to subparagraph (D) of this paragraph, a private vehicle-for-hire operator upon receiving a written complaint from a passenger submitted through regular mail or electronic means containing a reasonable allegation that the operator violated the zero tolerance policy established by subparagraph (A) of this paragraph; and
Conduct an investigation when a passenger makes a reasonable allegation that an operator violated the zero tolerance policy established by subparagraph (A) of this paragraph;
Maintain records relevant to the requirements of this section for the purposes of enforcement; and
Submit to the Commission for the purposes of registration:
Proof that the private vehicle-for-hire company is licensed to do business in the District;
Proof that the private vehicle-for-hire company maintains a registered agent in the District;
Proof that the private vehicle-for-hire company maintains a website that includes the information required by paragraph (3) of this section;
Proof that the private vehicle-for-hire company has established a trade dress required by , including an illustration or photograph of the trade dress;
A written description of how the private vehicle-for-hire company’s digital dispatch operates;
Proof that the private vehicle-for-hire company has secured the insurance policies required by ; and
The certification required by ; provided, that the Commission shall not impose a registration, licensure, certification, or other similar requirement for a private vehicle-for-hire company to operate in the District that exceeds the requirements set forth in this subchapter.
Annotations
Source: official District Of Columbia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About District Of Columbia § 50-301.29a
What does D.C. Code § 50-301.29a cover?
Section 50-301.29a ("General requirements for private vehicles-for-hire.") 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 § 50-301.29a?
A common citation format is "D.C. Code § 50-301.29a" (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 § 50-301.29a 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.