Is it legal for New York City taxi drivers to refuse to accept credit cards?

The Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) has mandated that all taxicabs be equipped to accept credit/debit cards for all fares. As of March 1, 2008, the equipment to process credit/debit cards has been installed in about 10,000 of the city’s 13,000+ taxicabs. It is anticipated that the entire fleet will be equipped with credit/debit card readers by September 1, 2008.

Can I use my credit/debit card for all fares? In taxicabs that have technology systems installed, yes, drivers accept credit/debit cards for all fares; there are no minimums or fees to use your credit/debit. In those taxicabs where the systems have not yet been installed, this service is not yet available.

Do I have to sign the receipt? Customers only need to sign the receipt when the fare is $25.00 and over. What happens if my credit/debit card does not work?

If the credit/debit card payment does not process, passengers can pay in cash or use another card. If after swiping my credit/debit card, the driver informs me that the card transaction did not go through and requests cash, what should I do? The Passenger Information Monitor (PIM) located in the backseat will inform the passenger when a credit/debit card is approved.

If the screen indicates that the credit card has been approved, your card will be charged and the driver will be paid. In most cases the last four digits of your credit card number will be noted on the receipt. If you are double charged, call both 311 to bring a consumer complaint against the driver and your credit card company to request a chargeback.

If you want to press charges against the driver, you must attend a TLC hearing at 40 Rector Street in Lower Manhattan to pursue a consumer complaint. Passengers should always ask for a receipt. Is a driver allowed to refuse to let a passenger use his/her credit/debit card?

In vehicles equipped with technology systems drivers are required to accept American Express, MasterCard, VISA and Discover (and some will accept the JCB Card) for all fares. The driver must accept credit/debit cards for any fare amount. If a driver claims the credit card system is broken and/or prevents a passenger from using their credit/debit card, please report the medallion number to the TLC by calling 311.

What if a driver says the system is not working? The passenger should note the medallion number and call 311. Drivers are permitted to work with a broken system for up to 48 hours as long as they have reported the problem and are awaiting repair.

Almost all (90%) system repairs must be completed within six hours. I am concerned about security, who will swipe the credit/debit card? All the equipment is installed in the back seat of the cab.

The passenger swipes the card and can enter the tip on the touch screen located in the back seat.