 The Department of For-Hire Vehicles extends warm holiday wishes to you and your loved ones. This time of year, is always special as it gives us a chance to reflect on the past year and look forward to the future with hope and excitement. This year has been filled with successes and challenges, but your hard work and commitment to providing excellent service to the community has remained steadfast.
Thank you for your continued efforts and contributions to serve and uphold our industry, and we look forward to continuing our work together in the coming year.
Wishing you a wonderful holiday season and a prosperous new year!
It is with deep sorrow that we share the news of the passing of Prince Abayomi Oduola. The Department of For-Hire Vehicles extends our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time.
Prince Abayomi Oduola dedicated over 30 years of his life to the taxi industry through his work with the Georgetown Cab Company. His commitment and service have left an indelible mark on the community, and his contributions will not be forgotten.
We also mourn the loss of another cherished member of the taxi driver community, who we are unable to name out of respect for the family’s privacy. Our thoughts are with all who are grieving.
These remarkable individuals played meaningful roles in our industry. Together, we honor their memories and reflect on the impact they had on those around them.
DFHV remains committed to expand wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV) service in the District by creating opportunities for new and existing drivers. Fiscal year 2026 grant funding opportunities are now available through August 2026. To learn more about the grant programs and application criteria, visit https://dfhv.dc.gov/grants or the ZoomGrants:DFHV Grants Portal. If you require technical assistance, contact the DFHV Grants Team at DFHV.Grants@dc.gov.
As winter approaches, it’s important to understand how snow emergencies and related fare policies are managed in the District. The declaration of a snow emergency by the Mayor serves to restrict parking on major roadways to enable efficient snow removal.
The activation of a snow emergency fare is determined at the discretion of the DFHV Director, based on actual roadway conditions rather than the emergency status itself. The District Government’s declaration of a Snow Emergency does not automatically authorize taxi operators to charge passengers an additional $15 fare for such circumstances. DFHV will communicate the activation and deactivation of the $15 snow emergency fare through the website, DTS companies, and text communication. Please ensure your contact information is up to date with your DTS company and DFHV Client Services.
The Department of For Hire Vehicles recognizes Transco for their participation in the Department of Employment Services (DOES) Division of State Initiatives Partnerships (DSI) job fair. Transco connected with employment seekers to help recruit drivers for the Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV) pilot and DC School Connect programs. We appreciate Transco’s commitment to grow and sustain the transportation industry!
The Department of For-Hire Vehicles (DFHV) is looking for taxi, Uber, or Lyft drivers who are District residents to join the For-Hire Vehicle Advisory Council (FHVAC). As part of the Council, members have a unique opportunity to share their insights and help shape decisions that directly impact drivers, passengers, and the broader for-hire industry. FHVAC recommendations play a critical role in guiding the agency’s future direction to better serve the community. FHVAC members are required to serve a three-year term, and general body meetings are held quarterly. For more information, please contact Lindsey de Boo at Lindsey.deboo@dc.gov.
Taxi companies and operators may not discriminate against passengers for any protected trait including, but not limited to age, race, disability, gender identity, national origin, color, or religion. Passengers have the right to file discrimination reports with DFHV’s Office of Complaints and the DC Office of Human Rights. Penalties for drivers who discriminate against passengers may include fines and license suspensions. To file a complaint, email DFHV@dc.gov.
In observance of the Christmas and New Year’s Day holidays, DFHV offices will be closed on Thursday, December 25 and Thursday, January 1.
License plates must be visible. Avoid covering your license plate with obstructive covers. Vehicles with obstructed tags are subject to a $50 fine.
All taxis must accept credit cards and electronic payments. Customers told to pay only in cash may file complaints with DFHV. Drivers not accepting electronic payments may face $100 fines. Taxi drivers must use their meters; failure to do so or being caught using faulty meters can result in a $500 fine. Signs requesting "cash only" are prohibited.
Keep these road safety reminders in mind:
U-turns are illegal and can be dangerous.
Slow down and obey the speed limit. Higher speeds are more likely to cause injury or death.
Give cyclists space. Don’t park in the bike lane or double park, this forces cyclists into busy roads.
Blocking bike lanes, bus lanes, or traffic lanes is dangerous for all users. Use designated pick-up and drop-off areas instead.
Always stop at stop signs and look for pedestrians and cyclists. Always stop for pedestrians at crossings and wait for them to cross before continuing.
Passengers, remember to remain alert of your surroundings, travel with friends, and know your driver. If you’re taking a taxi or rideshare service, make note of your driver’s ID or tag number and always let your friends and family know where you are.
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