US-New YorkCan a taxi driver refuse a fare based on destination in New York?
No, a taxi driver in New York cannot refuse a fare based solely on destination — it is illegal discrimination under NYC and state law.
What the Law Says
New York City law explicitly prohibits licensed for-hire vehicle drivers from refusing passengers based on their destination, among other protected grounds.
Under the New York City Administrative Code, it is unlawful for any licensed taxicab driver to refuse service to a passenger 'solely because of the passenger's destination.' This rule applies regardless of whether the destination is in a different borough, outside NYC, or perceived as inconvenient.
The NYC Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) enforces this through Rule § 19-508, which states that drivers 'shall not refuse any trip' without lawful justification — and destination alone is never a lawful justification.
Violations can result in fines up to $500 per incident and up to 30 days of license suspension for repeat offenses.
Statutory TextIt shall be unlawful for any person licensed to operate a taxicab to refuse to transport any person solely because of the person's destination.
— NYC Admin. Code § 305-a(4) — Refusal of service based on destination
Statutory TextA driver shall not refuse any trip except where the trip is unlawful, unsafe, or violates TLC rules.
— NYC Rules § 19-508(a) — Duty to accept trips
What Courts Have Said
Courts have upheld the city’s authority to penalize destination-based refusals as discriminatory and contrary to public transportation policy.
Court affirmed TLC’s suspension of a driver’s license after he refused a fare to JFK Airport, holding that destination-based refusal violates § 305-a and is not excused by personal inconvenience or perceived low fare.
Court rejected a driver’s argument that refusing a long-distance trip to Brooklyn was reasonable; ruled that § 19-508 requires acceptance of all lawful trips, and destination length does not justify refusal.
What to Do
If a taxi driver refuses your fare based on destination, note the medallion or license number, time, date, and location.
File a complaint immediately with the NYC Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) online or by calling 311.
Request a written confirmation of your complaint — TLC investigates all such reports within 10 business days.
If you’re a driver facing a complaint, respond promptly to TLC’s notice and gather evidence (e.g., GPS logs, dispatch records) to show the refusal was for a lawful reason (e.g., safety hazard).
Sources
Not legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: 2026-06-08.