Other motor vehicles for hire

"Motor vehicles for hire" include any kind of a motor vehicle with a professional operator that offers transportation to customers in exchange for money. Today, San Francisco motor vehicles for hire consist of taxis and a jitney bus.  Motor vehicles for hire subject to SFMTA jurisdiction do not include limousines, which are regulated by the California Public Utilities Commission. However, San Francisco does have the authority to enforce state and local law with respect to limousines, such as local parking laws and state law restrictions on limousine operations.

Note: Fees are increasing effective July 1 for those motor vehicles operate under the authority of the SFMTA.

Beware of Illegal limousines

Limousine companies make reservations with their customers.  They are not allowed to pick people up on the street.  And some limousines are not even licensed by the City or the State of California; they just pick people up wherever they can.

• Limousine rides are legally required to be prearranged with the customer, usually by phone or in writing.
• Look for a charter-party carrier (TCP) permit number on the front and rear bumpers of the vehicle.
• Ask for driver’s business card and receipt before departing.
• Limousine drivers are forbidden from soliciting customers on the street; they may only pick up customers with reservations.

Beware of illegal taxicabs and limousines in San Francisco. Please do not take matters into your own hands. For complaints, call the San Francisco 3-1-1 Customer Service Center.