Drivers should not assume Animals in Street Hails are not Service Animals:   Recognizing that the majority of service animals are dogs and service animals in the District are not required to wear any special equipment or markings, an Associated Driver, who does not have a valid medical exemption, must always stop to provide service where a passenger is accompanied by a dog and is using the accepted sign for hailing a taxicab (arm raised up and out). After stopping, if it is not obvious that a dog is a service animal, the Associated Driver must ask whether the dog is a service animal.

An Associated Driver who does not have a valid medical exemption must also stop and inquire whether an animal is a service animal, where a passenger is accompanied by an animal other than a dog, the passenger is using the accepted sign for hailing a taxicab (arm raised up and out), and the Associated Driver is in doubt or unsure whether the animal is a service animal. After stopping, if it is not obvious that the animal is a service animal, the Associated Driver must ask whether the animal is a service animal.

Drivers must accept the responses provided by the passenger and cannot ask about the person’s disability. However, pursuant to DFHV rules, it is at the discretion of the driver whether to provide service to a passenger with a large animal or an animal not enclosed in a carrier, which is not a service animal. Drivers will consider safety when stopping, disembarking and assisting passengers to and from their vehicles.

Drivers must take all required DFHV Disability Sensitivity & Non-Discrimination Training:  DFHV requires that the CAPITOL CAB confirm that the Driver has taken this training as reflected by the Driver having all required licenses.

CAPITOL CAB will distribute Periodic Non-Discrimination & Disability Sensitivity Training Reminders to Drivers:  This will be provided on an annual or bi-annual basis.

CAPITOL CAB Investigation & Sanctions for Drivers who engage in Discriminatory Conduct:  Each complaint will be investigated and completed within ten (10) business days of its receipt;

If at the end of the investigation, Capitol Cab believes there is a clear violation:

  • if the Associated Driver has dispatch service with the Capitol Cab dispatch service will be suspended for one (1) week and the Associated Driver will be reported to the DFHV; and
  • if the Associated Driver does not have dispatch service with Capitol Cab, the Associated Driver will be reported to the DFHV; and

If there is a pattern of violations as evidenced by a repeat offense where Capitol Cab believes there is a clear violation by the Associated Driver, or in the case of a first offense if warranted by the circumstances, Capitol Cab will terminate the association agreement with the driver.

Capitol Cab may refer complaints to DFHV. For Capitol Cab and DFHV complaints process, see contact us