June Newsletter

District of Columbia sent this bulletin at 06/25/2020 03:05 PM EDT

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June 2020

Situational Update

Phase Two

Mayor Muriel Bowser launched Phase Two of the District's reopening plan on June 22, 2020, which allows certain businesses to reopen and activities to resume under specified conditions. To support these efforts, the Department of For-Hire Vehicles (DFHV) has implemented online scheduling to enable customers to make an appointment with DFHV Client Services so they can apply for or renew a Face ID, renew Company Operating Authority, submit One Stop Vehicle Registration, or submit a DTS Application. It’s easy! Just go to DFHV.dc.gov/appointment. DFHV is open from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. You can reach us on (202) 645-7300 or send email to DFHV.ClientServices@dc.gov.

Drivers should note that the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has extended the expiration date for all documents expiring March 1 at least through mid-September (the current end date of the public health emergency). These documents include driver licenses, identification cards, vehicle registrations, inspections, ticket payments and ticket adjudication responses.

All driver licenses, vehicle registrations, and vehicle inspections scheduled to expire have been granted a waiver without penalty until DC DMV reopens at full operating capacity. In the meantime, special hours have been reserved for inspections of taxis and limousines on Monday, July 13, 2020 and Monday, July 20, 2020 from 9:00 am – 11:00 am. For more information visit dmv.dc.gov.

DFHV has continued to provide services with the intent to protect the health and well-being of both the riding public and for-hire operators. Programs such as, Senior Med Express and Non-Emergency Medical Transportation are operating on their regular schedules, VetsRide has increased the number of rides for each customer from four to 10 trips per month and has expanded eligibility to include unemployed veterans. Transport DC continues to provide unrestricted rides for the first 15 days of the month. During the remainder of the month, in addition to employment and medical services, grocery stores have been added as approved locations.

As we move into Phase Two, we must still work to mitigate the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). Follow these guidelines: wear masks or face coverings in for-hire vehicles and public places, practice social distancing, wash your hands frequently, and stay home when you are sick. Our collective efforts are making a positive difference.

Stay safe. Stay informed. For updates on the District's response to coronavirus (COVID-19) visit coronavirus.dc.gov

Free COVID-19 testing continues to be broadly available across DC. Recently, the District expanded walk-up testing sites to include firehouses across the city; these sites do not require an appointment.

Learn more about testing sites at coronavirus.dc.gov/testing

All for-hire drivers and passengers should wear a mask or face covering at all times. Passengers should handle their own baggage and use contactless payment options when possible. Remember to wash hands with soap and water frequently and use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer when soap and water are not available. Drivers should also carry tissues in their vehicle.

If passengers refuse to comply with safety measures, drivers may report this concern to your taxi company operator, your app rideshare company, and/or the authorities, as appropriate. If you feel uncomfortable with providing transport to a visibly sick customer for safety reasons, you can choose to refuse transport. However, discrimination against passengers is not allowed on the basis of race, national origin, or other reasons as described in your company’s policies, local, state, and federal law.

For further guidance visit coronavirus.dc.gov/healthguidance

Driver Resources

DFHV is taking steps during to support for-hire drivers, vehicle owners, and businesses. You can take advantage of useful free resources including financial and unemployment assistance, food delivery opportunities, health care, legal services, and more. Click here for additional information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Can more than one passenger ride together in a for-hire vehicle?

A: Yes, during Phase Two, non-essential ridesharing can resume. A family or members of the same household living together can ride together even if there are more than two people. Additionally, an essential companion, such as a personal care assistant or nanny may share a ride. Customers are prohibited from sitting in the front passenger seat by the driver.

Q. Is it required for drivers and riders to wear a mask?

A. During Phase Two, drivers and customers should wear a mask or face covering at all times. If customers refuse to comply with safety measures, you may report this concern to management, the app rideshare company, and/or the authorities, as appropriate.

For updates on the District's response to the coronavirus (COVID-19), visit coronavirus.dc.gov.

Department of For-Hire Vehicles

2235 Shannon Place, SE, Suite 3001

Washington, DC 20020

202.645.7300

dfhv.dc.gov