Government

Taxi Regulations & Licensing

In 2008 the City Council adopted new taxicab regulations that change the requirements of taxicab operations as well as driver operator requirements.

• Inspections required at a registered inspection location
• New inspection requirements
• New taxicab markings required
• Mandatory cab color is yellow
• New licensing procedures

Taxicabs and Drivers are required to be in compliance with all aspects of the regulations.

Taxi Vehicle Inspections

• Taxi vehicles must be inspected at a registered location. For details, see the Taxi Inspection Checklist. The procedures is as follows:
• Pick up application (at orientation, City Clerk's office, Police Dept, or any inspection station).
• Inspection station inspects vehicle.
• Bring application, vehicle, and inspection approval to the Police Deptarment.
• Police Dept make final review & approval determination.
• Pay fees to City Clerk, receive registration sticker.

Taxi Driver Requirements

• All required New York State licenses (including a Chauffeur's License) and registration with the DMV.
• Results of drug screening test performed within 10 days of application submission.
• Photographs: 2 unretouched photos, 2-1/4 inches by 2-1/4 inches, taken within 30 days of filing.
• Application Filing fee paid to the Clerk prior to fingerprinting.
• Fingerprints (completed at Police Department).

Fares

• Fare rates must be displayed.
• Any to-and-from destination within the City of Newburgh is $5.00. Age 65 and older rate: $2.50.
• Drivers waiting more than 5 minutes for a passenger upon their request may charge $1.00 for each 5-minute wait.

Additional Driver Requirements

• Provide receipt if requested.
• No riders in front seat.
• Drivers may not carry additional riders other than the first employing the cab.
• Sounding the horn is illegal.
• Shall NOT operate vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance.

Vehicle Trip Sheets

Every company operating any taxicab shall designate an employee to keep and maintain a trip sheet at all times which should include:

• Name and driver's license number of each driver operating the vehicle.
• Date, start time in hour and minutes, and place of origin of each trip for each passenger.
• Time and location of drop-off location
• Fare and trip charged for each passenger and trip.
• Date, time, location and description of any accident or breakdown.
• Any citation or violation issued regarding the taxicab or the conduct of driver.
• Trip sheets must be provided to any police officer upon demand.
• Trip sheets must be kept on file and made available for audit , examination, or inspection for two years.