When taking a taxi ride in Annapolis, it’s important to know your rights and the driver’s rights. You may wonder if taxi drivers can refuse service or terminate a ride en route. The answer is yes—but only under certain circumstances. Let’s take a look at when and why drivers can refuse service.

Reasons for Refusing Service

Taxi drivers can refuse service for various reasons, mainly for their safety. If taxi drivers feel unsafe or uncomfortable about the situation, they can deny service. As a passenger, you also have the right to refuse taxi service for any reason—but you should still be respectful and considerate.

Other reasons taxi drivers can refuse service include:

• You can’t prove that you have the means to pay the fare
• You have things that could be used as weapons
• You’re intoxicated by alcohol or drugs
• Your clothes are excessively dirty
• You have a history of irregular or late fare payments
• You owe money from previous fares
• You don’t follow established rules

Safety First

It’s important to note that safety always comes first with taxi drivers. As such, drivers have the right to refuse service and terminate a ride en route if they feel their safety is being threatened due to verbal or physical abuse from a passenger.

It’s also worth noting that all passengers must respect local laws while riding in a taxi; failure to do so may result in the driver refusing service and terminating the ride immediately.

Passengers Have Rights Too

It’s important to remember that taxi passengers have rights too. For instance, taxi drivers are prohibited from denying service based on their destination, especially if it’s within city limits. It is also illegal for taxi drivers to refuse service based on race, gender, sexual orientation, or other discriminatory practices.

Passengers are also responsible for entering the taxi, closing the door safely, being seated, and informing the driver of their destination. All Annapolis cab drivers must have a functioning taximeter and accept credit card payments. It’s also important for taxi drivers to display their driver’s licenses in the vehicle. Lastly, taxi passengers must wear a seat belt—otherwise, they may be subject to a $50 fine.

Service Animals 

Service animals are allowed to travel in taxi cabs for free. Taxi drivers cannot refuse service or charge a fee for carrying service animals with their owners.

Know Your Rights When Riding in a Taxi

In summary, yes—taxi drivers can legally refuse service and terminate rides en route due to certain circumstances, such as hygiene issues and verbal or physical abuse from passengers. However, safety always takes precedence over everything else; as such, drivers have the right (and even obligation) to protect themselves and their vehicles when out on the road in Annapolis.

At Annapolis Taxi Service, we take the safety and comfort of our passengers very seriously. We provide efficient, safe, and dependable taxi service to meet the transportation needs of Annapolis, Edgewater, Mayo, Cape ST Claire, Arnold, Severna Park, Crownsville, parts of Crofton, and all its surrounding areas—including airport transportation.  Don’t hesitate to book your ride with us today!

Also Read: Why Hire the Same Taxi Driver Every Time?