Jill Kolodner | January 13, 2025 | Car Accidents
Rideshare services are changing how people get around in Baltimore, Maryland. Many residents ask about Uber’s safety compared to regular yellow cabs. Uber and similar apps have forever changed city transportation. The Pew Research Center found that over 36% of Americans have used a rideshare service. More competition has also changed how taxi companies work. This competition helps improve both services for riders, but it also raises questions about safety.
Vehicle Safety Standards
In Maryland, taxis and rideshare vehicles must follow specific safety regulations set by the Maryland Public Service Commission. These standards protect passengers while reflecting each service’s different business models.
Maryland Taxi Requirements
Baltimore taxis operate under strict state and local regulations that mandate:
- Annual inspections by Maryland state-certified inspection stations
- Vehicle age limits of 8 years or less for Baltimore City operations
- Twice-yearly meter inspections by the Maryland Department of Transportation
- Daily safety checks logged and maintained by the taxi company
- Clearly displayed taxi numbers and Baltimore City certification
Maryland Uber Requirements
For Maryland rideshare vehicles, Uber requires:
- The vehicle must be 16 years old or newer
- The vehicle must have four doors
- The vehicle must be able to transport at least four passengers
- The vehicle’s title cannot be salvaged, reconstructed, or rebuilt
- The vehicle must be in good condition with no cosmetic damage or missing parts
- Rental vehicles are not permitted except those from an approved Uber rental car partner
- The vehicle cannot have any commercial branding
Both services must maintain clean vehicles with functioning safety equipment, including seat belts, airbags, and proper lighting. However, taxi companies in Baltimore provide centralized fleet maintenance, while rideshare drivers are personally responsible for vehicle upkeep. This distinction affects how vehicle safety is monitored and maintained throughout the Baltimore metropolitan area.
Driver Screening Process
Maryland enforces strict screening requirements for taxi and rideshare drivers through the Maryland Public Service Commission. Each service must comply with specific state regulations while also meeting its own company standards.
Maryland Taxi Driver Requirements
The Maryland Public Service Commission requires Baltimore taxi drivers to complete extensive screening that includes:
- Proof of either 6 months of consecutive driving experience in Maryland or at least 1 year of consecutive driving experience in any state
- Must pass FBI and State criminal background check via fingerprinting
- Valid driver’s license
- Social Security Card
- Clean driving record (any suspensions or revocations must be disclosed)
- If not a U.S. citizen: Valid employment authorization from INS
- If naturalized citizen: Certificate of Naturalization or U.S. passport
- Must complete a mandatory course in courtesy, geography, map reading, and tourist information
- Must provide full driving history records from all states where licensed in the past 10 years
- Medical certification of fitness to drive
- Must be affiliated with a licensed Taxicab Association or authorized For-Hire transportation company
- Drug testing upon initial application and random screening thereafter
Any criminal history, license suspensions, or incomplete documentation can result in license denial. The application emphasizes that falsification of any information can result in license denial, suspension, or revocation.
Maryland Uber Driver Requirements
Uber sets the following requirements for its drivers in Baltimore City:
- Be at least 21 years old
- Have at least one year of licensed driving experience in the US
- Use an eligible 4-door vehicle that meets Uber’s requirements
- Submit a valid US driver’s license, proof of residency, and proof of auto insurance
- Pass a background check and online screening
Taxi drivers undergo more frequent in-person screenings and must complete more extensive initial training than rideshare drivers. The Maryland Public Service Commission oversees compliance for both services, but enforcement methods differ based on each service’s business model. You should always be cautious when taking a taxi or an Uber, as screening systems aren’t perfect.
Digital Tracking and Transparency
Maryland transportation regulations require both traditional taxis and rideshare services to maintain digital records of trips, though their technological capabilities differ significantly. The Maryland Public Service Commission monitors these systems for passenger safety and service accountability.
Taxi Digital Systems
Baltimore taxi companies have modernized their operations with digital features, including:
- GPS tracking systems in all licensed vehicles
- Digital dispatch systems recording pickup and drop-off locations
- Electronic payment processing with digital receipts
- Automated fare meters with transaction records
- 24/7 dispatch center monitoring
Rideshare Digital Features
Rideshare platforms operating in Maryland provide comprehensive digital tracking:
- Real-time GPS tracking visible to passengers and company
- Detailed digital records of driver and passenger information
- In-app emergency assistance button
- Automated route sharing with trusted contacts
- Two-way rating system for drivers and passengers
- Automatic fare calculation and digital receipts
- 24/7 incident response team monitoring
While both services maintain digital records as Maryland law requires, rideshare platforms typically offer more direct user access to safety features through their apps. However, taxi services provide the advantage of regulated meter systems and dedicated dispatch centers that can track and respond to incidents in real-time.
Insurance Coverage Differences
Maryland law requires specific insurance coverage for both taxi and rideshare services. The Maryland Insurance Administration sets and enforces these requirements to protect passengers, drivers, and other motorists.
Maryland Taxi Insurance Requirements
According to Maryland law, taxis must maintain the following insurance:
- Commercial liability insurance with minimum coverage of $30,000 per person and $60,000 per incident
- Property damage coverage of at least $15,000
Maryland law requires taxis to maintain the same minimum coverage as non-commercial vehicles. While some Maryland counties require additional insurance, Baltimore City does not.
Maryland Rideshare Insurance Requirements
Uber requires insurance coverage as follows:
- Period 1 (Offline): Personal auto insurance covers offline drivers
- Period 2 (App on, waiting for a ride request): $50,000 per person for bodily injury, $100,000 per incident for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage
- Period 3 (Accepting ride through trip completion): $1,000,000 minimum liability coverage
Both services must provide proof of insurance to state regulators and maintain current documentation with the Maryland Public Service Commission. However, the key difference lies in coverage periods and amounts–taxi insurance remains constant, while rideshare coverage adjusts based on driver activity.
Safety Tips for Both Services
The Maryland Public Service Commission emphasizes that passenger safety often depends more on circumstantial factors than service type. Regardless of which service you choose, follow these safety practices and considerations:
- Verify driver and vehicle information before entering
- Share your trip details with a trusted contact
- Sit in the back seat when possible
- Trust your instincts about the driver and the situation
- Always be aware of your surroundings
- Report any concerns immediately
By following these safety tips, you can help ensure a safer and more secure ride, no matter which service you use.
Contact the Baltimore Car Accident Law Firm of WGK Personal Injury Lawyers Today For Help
For more information contact the Baltimore car accident law firm of WGK Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation.
WGK Personal Injury Lawyers
14 W Madison St, Baltimore, MD 21201, United States
(410) 837-2144
WGK Personal Injury Lawyers – Dundalk Office
7329 Holabird Ave Suite 3, Dundalk, MD 21222
By appointment only
(410) 970-3080