Consumer Affairs

For-Hire Vehicles
Information Sheet No. 13

DEFINITION For-hire vehicles transport passengers for compensation but are not taxicabs, limousines, or regular route/fixed termini auto transportation company vehicles:

LICENSING All for-hire vehicles that pick up passengers in Seattle or King County must be licensed by the City of Seattle [Seattle Municipal Code (SMC), Section 6.310.130A(2) and King County Code (KCC), Section 6.64.300]. The City of Seattle issues licenses for King County under a Cooperative Agreement signed in 1995. Operating an unlicensed for-hire vehicle is a criminal misdemeanor. In Seattle, violations may result in monetary penalties up to $1,000 and/or 90 days imprisonment [SMC 6.310.600]. The authority for local regulation of for-hire vehicles is contained in the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) at Section 46.72.160. The number of licenses available for issue are limited.

INSPECTION For-hire vehicles are inspected at the Test Station on the same frequency as taxicabs - usually twice annually. Nearly all of the vehicle requirements for taxicabs also apply to for-hire vehicles, e.g. minimum vehicle size, maximum vehicle age, mechanic’s inspection, and consumer information board. The for-hire vehicle color scheme must be different than existing taxicab colors and must be filed with the City of Seattle. Markings are generally the same. A for-hire vehicle cannot use the name "taxi", or "cab", cannot use a top light, and cannot have a taximeter. A decal will be placed in the windshield of all licensed for-hire vehicles.

RATES For-hire vehicles must charge for service based upon a flat rate per trip, hourly rates (with a minimum ½-hour increment), or as provided in a written contract. All rates must be filed with the City of Seattle. Rates must be shown in the passenger compartment of the for-hire vehicle.

OPERATION For-hire vehicles provide "limo"-like service. Trips must be prearranged. For-hire vehicles cannot use taxi zones, cannot cruise for passengers, and cannot park and solicit passengers. For-hire vehicles do not have to be affiliated with an association. Drivers must hold a valid for-hire driver license issued by King County. Drivers must keep trip sheets and issue receipts. An enlargement of the driver’s license must be posted on the dash board.

The Consumer Affairs Unit is available to answer any questions you may have regarding for-hire vehicles. If you need assistance, please contact us at Seattle.consumer-affairs@seattle.gov or call us at (206) 386-1298.