 This month, Director Jonathan Rogers completed a training to become a wheelchair accessible vehicle operator. The training, provided by Transco, provided Dir. Rogers with hands-on experience to help him better understand the safety standards and functionality of WAV vehicles. This demonstrates DFHV’s commitment to its mission to create accessible, affordable, and equitable transportation services across the District of Columbia.
With winter in full swing, 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.
DFHV remains committed to expand wheelchair accessible vehicle 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.
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.
In observance of Washington’s Birthday, DFHV offices will be closed on Monday, February 16.
Accessibility Advisory Committee (AAC) Meeting (Virtual)
Tuesday, February 17 from 4:30 to 6:00 pm
Join Zoom meeting here. Meeting ID: 850 6280 9141, Passcode: 800234
The purpose of the AAC meeting is to discuss accessibility-related issues and to find innovative solutions to expand accessibility for residents and visitors in the District.
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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