Consumer Affairs

Taxicab Inspection Program
Fact Sheet No. 2

The Consumer Affairs Unit performs taxicab safety inspections and meter testing at the Test Station on Dearborn Street.  The Test Station also performs digital security camera inspections and silent alarm tests.  

Taxicab safety inspections are required up to two times per year, depending upon violation histories. Several vehicle safety requirements contained in Rule R-6310.320.G are based on state law (chapter 46.37 RCW). Taximeter tests are performed each year beginning in April.

Safety inspections include the following:

Windshield wipers, defroster, braking system, emergency brake, lighting system, glass, tires, exhaust system, spare tire and jack, driver displays (e.g., gear shift indicator, speedometer, engine warnings), steering system, suspension system, mirrors, horn, seat belts, seats, door/window handles and locks, heating system, and body panels.

Meter tests are done on a roller mechanism which is turned by the taxicab's drive wheels. One revolution is 2.833 feet and 1864 counts or revolutions equal one mile (5,280 feet). Taxicab meters are tested with two persons in the vehicle (driver and inspector). Tires are inflated to pressures recommended by the manufacturer. The driver accelerates to approximately 20 mph for the test. Tolerances are 1% for over-registration (against the consumer) and 4% for under-registration. Each drop (1/10 mile) is tested. The total distance of the test in one mile. Wire-and-lead security seals are affixed to the taxicab meters to prevent adjustments.

Types of Taxicab Licenses

City-Only: 340
City-County: 311
(including 8 wheelchair-accessible taxicabs)
County-Only: 199
Total: 850

Complaint Hotline

206/ 296-TAXI

Applicable Laws:

Washington

Chapter 81.72 Revised Code of Washington
"Taxicab Companies"

King County

King County Code, Chapter 6.64
"Taxis - Business and Drivers"

The City of Seattle

Seattle Municipal Code Chapter 6.310
"Taxicabs and For-Hire Vehicles"

Interlocal

"Cooperative Agreement Between the City of Seattle and King County" (8/4/95)

Applicable Standards

NIST Handbook 44 Specifications, Tolerances, and Other Technical Requirements for Weighing and Measuring Devices, 
Section 5.54 "Taximeters"

Taxicab Associations

Farwest
North End
Northwest
Orange
Yellow

City of Seattle Taxicab License Fees

Taxicab Ass'n Annual Fee.......$ 900
Taxicab Vehicle Annual Fee.......$ 300
Taxicab (Change of Vehicle) Fee.......$ 75
Vehicle Reinspection Class A.......$ 25
Vehicle Reinspection Class B.......$ 60
Inspection Rescheduling Fee.......$ 25
Taximeter Test Fee....... $ 30

King County Taxicab License Fees

Taxicab Vehicle Annual Fee.......$ 300
Taxicab (Change of Vehicle) Fee.......$ 75

Rates

Drop.......$ 2.50
Per Mile.......$ 2.00
Wait.......$ 0.50/minute*

* Taximeter charges rate by time rather than distance when speed slows to less than 15 mph