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No. You can't charge a wheelchair user more than any other passenger, and neither can your base. TLC rule 80-17(a)(3) says a driver "must not impose or attempt to impose any additional charge for transporting a person with a disability, a service animal accompanying a person with a disability, or a wheelchair or other mobility aid" (TLC Rules, Chapter 80). TLC's FHV accessibility page is just as direct: "No, you cannot charge more for WAV trips" (TLC).
What the rules say, by vehicle
Loading time is not billable
In a taxi or green cab, the time spent on the ramp or lift is not part of the fare. Start the meter only after the passenger is in and secured, and stop it before you start unloading. Starting it early is its own violation: rule 80-26(b)(2) carries a $100 fine and 1 point. Waiting time like this is also why some programs pay WAV drivers extra; that money comes from TLC programs or the app, never from the rider. See WAV driver pay in NYC.
Equivalent service
"Equivalent service" is the base-side rule. Under 59B-17(c)(4), service for people with disabilities must match other riders on response time, fares charged, hours and days, reservations, trip-purpose limits, vehicle types and capacity. Breaking it costs the base $1,000, appearance required. Bases also have a WAV dispatch target: the base WAV trip mandate.
So if an app shows a higher price only because the rider asked for a WAV, that is a base problem to report, not something you set as a driver.
Penalties for drivers
Extra charges to riders with disabilities fall under TLC's mandatory penalties for overcharging (80-02(e)):
Source: TLC Rules §80-02(e). Refusing the wheelchair or mobility aid is a separate refusal violation (80-20(a)(3)) with the same penalty ladder.
Overcharge reporting via 311
Riders who think they were charged extra can report it. TLC's accessibility page says: "If you suspect that a base is overcharging for WAV trips, contact 311." Taxi riders who were overcharged also use 311 (TLC taxi fare page). If you get a summons from such a complaint, read responding to a passenger complaint.
What to do next
- New to WAVs? Check which vehicles qualify: approved wheelchair accessible vehicles, and the WAV definition.
- Getting a new FHV license? New FHV vehicle licenses go to WAVs: new FHV vehicle license (WAV).
- How often riders ask for a WAV on apps: WAV trip requests on Uber and Lyft.
- Everything for accessible-vehicle drivers in one place: WAV drivers.
Related rules and exceptions
- Normal surcharges, tolls and the meter still apply to accessible trips exactly as to any other trip. The ban is on extra charges because of the disability or equipment.
- Taxi WAV drivers can get $10 for each qualifying trip a rider requested through an approved call center, paid from the Taxi Improvement Fund (58-50), not by the rider.
- Per-trip pricing plans for owners are a different topic: per-trip charge plan explained.
Frequently asked questions
Can I add a fee because loading the wheelchair takes time?
No. Rule 80-17(a)(3) bans any additional charge for transporting a person with a disability, a service animal or a wheelchair or other mobility aid. In a taxi or green cab, the meter must not run while you help the passenger in or out (80-26(b)(2)-(3)).
Can my base price WAV trips higher than regular trips?
No. Bases must give people with disabilities "equivalent service," and that includes the fares charged (59B-17(c)(4)). TLC's FHV accessibility page says plainly: "you cannot charge more for WAV trips."
What is the penalty for charging extra?
It is treated as overcharging with mandatory penalties: $350 if you plead guilty before a hearing or $500 if found guilty for a first violation, rising to possible suspension and then revocation for repeat violations within 24 or 36 months.
Can I charge for the passenger's helper or attendant?
No. You must not require an attendant, and if one comes along you must not charge extra for the attendant (80-17(a)(4)).
Do WAV drivers get paid more some other way?
Some do, through TLC programs and app pay rates, not from the passenger. See our WAV driver pay guide.
Sources
Last reviewed against the official sources on .
- TLC Rules, Chapter 80 (80-17(a)(3)-(4), 80-26(b)(2)-(3), 80-02(e)) nyc.gov
- TLC Rules, Chapter 59 (59B-17(c)(4) Equivalent Service) nyc.gov
- TLC: FHV Wheelchair Accessibility Owner/Driver Information nyc.gov
- TLC: Taxi Fare nyc.gov
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TLC Help is not a law firm and is not affiliated with the NYC Taxi & Limousine Commission or OATH. Explanations on this site are general information, not legal advice. Legal representation is provided by independent attorneys and OATH-registered representatives in our network.