February 16, 2023 Plastic Shielding Requirement

TO:               San Francisco Taxi Drivers, Color Scheme Managers and Medallion Holders
FROM:          Jeffrey Tumlin, Director of Transportation
DATE:           February 16, 2023
SUBJECT:    Plastic Shielding Requirement

On March 15, 2021, the SFMTA issued a memorandum requiring that any operational San Francisco Taxi have plastic shield installed between the front and rear seating areas.  The requirement took effect starting on April 15, 2021 and is still in effect.  Shortly after the requirement went into effect, SFMTA made a select number of plastic shields available to Color Schemes for free to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.

On October 17, 2022, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced that the COVID-19 State of Emergency will end on February 28, 2023.  In conjunction with the Governor’s order, the requirement that all San Francisco Taxis have a plastic shield will end on February 28, 2023.  Commencing March 1, 2023, plastic shields will be strongly encouraged, but will no longer be a requirement for San Francisco Taxis. 

If you have any questions, please contact SFTaxi@sfmta.com.

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