USNWG on Taximeters August 7, 2014

1

USNWG ON TAXIMETERS

AUGUST 7, 2014

WEB-CONFERENCE SUMMARY

Contents

I. Carry-over items ................................................................................................................................... 1

A.Proposal for a new requirement: S.1.3.3. Customer’s Indications.................................................... 1

B.Proposal to amend S.1.9. Recorded Representation.......................................................................... 6

C.Proposal to add new requirements S.1.4.1 Multiple rate taximeters, S.1.4.1.1. Manual rate 

changes, and S.1.4.1.2. Automatic rate changes................................................................................... 9

II. New Items....................................................................................................................................... 12

A.Review of final drafts for proposed changes to HB44 that will be submitted for consideration by 

Regional Weights and Measures Associations. .................................................................................. 12

1.Amendment of the definition for “point-of-sale system” in HB44 Appendix D..................13

2.Proposed amendment to S.1.2. Advancement of Indicating Elements................................13

3.Proposed amendment for S.2. Basis of Fare Calculations.................................................... 14

4.Changes proposed under paragraph S.1.1.1. Recording Elements and S.1.1. General. .......15

5.Proposal to add two new definitions to HB44 Appendix D .................................................17

III. Attendance: ..................................................................................................................................... 18

I. Carry-over items

A. Proposal for a new requirement: S.1.3.3. Customer’s Indications.

The proposal for this new requirement is to ensure that supplementary indicating devices installed for 

use by the passenger provide sufficient information about the transaction. The original proposal is 

shown below.

S.1.3.3. Customer’s Indications. – A point-of-sale system’s indicating element positioned 

in the passenger compartment shall clearly display:

(a) indications for all fees; and

(b) values that are in agreement with indicated values on all other displays.
USNWG on Taximeters August 7, 2014

2

(Added 201X)

Background:

This proposed new requirement for NIST Handbook 44 (HB44), Taximeters Code was developed 

during a meeting of regulatory officials in August 2011 with the intent of addressing indicating 

elements that directly provide passengers with information regarding a transaction involving a 

taximeter. This technology is appearing in the taxi industry as “Passenger Information Monitors” or 

PIMs. It was reasoned that since this type of display will be installed in a location where it is easily 

viewed by the passenger, the initial proposal focused on making available all relevant information 

about a trip to the customer.

This proposal was considered by the U.S. National Work Group on Taximters (USNWG) at their 

March 2014 meeting. The members provided comments and suggested some changes to the original 

proposal that included the following. 

• It should be clear that the proposed requirement only applies to indicating devices that are 

interfaced with the taximeter and are intended to provide the passenger information regarding 

the taxi service.

• The passenger’s display should be capable of continuously displaying a current total of 

charges.

• It was noted that unless processed by the taximeter or taximeter system, any additions or 

reductions of the total charge would not necessarily be displayed on a PIM.

Based on the discussions of the work group at the March 2014 meeting, the NIST Technical Advisor 

revised the initial proposal to consider the points addressed at that meeting. A revised draft is shown 

below.

S.1.3.3. Passenger’s Indications. – During the normal operation of a taximeter, a 

supplementary indicating element installed for the passenger’s use that provides 

information regarding the transportation service provided, shall clearly display at all 

times the existing, current total charge for the service. Any additional information 

displayed on the passenger’s monitor shall not obscure the indication of current total 

charges.

Any required additional information provided by the supplemental indicating element 

that is not displayed constantly must be accessible to the passenger through clearly 

identified operational controls (e.g., button, touch-screen, menu, key pad). Additional 

information that is required shall include: 

(a) an itemized account of all charges incurred including fare, extras*, and other 

additional charges; and

(b) the rate(s) in use at which any fare is calculated.

* The indication of fare and extras charges shall agree with similar indications 

displayed on other indicating elements in the system.

[Nonretroactive as of January 1, 201X]
USNWG on Taximeters August 7, 2014

3

(Added 201X)

At that time the work group agreed that this proposal was not fully developed and the NIST Technical 

Advisor agreed to draft a revision that was to be considered at a future meeting.

A revised proposal was drafted based on input from USNWG members during previous meetings

and was offered to the work group for reviewed at the August 2014 meeting.

Following the March 2014 meeting of the USNWG, Mr. Bill Fishman presented the NIST 

Technical Advisor with a draft amendment for a user requirement related to this item. This

recommended change would allow for the electronic display of the statement of rates on a PIM 

while also specifying that rate information, if displayed in that manner, must not obscure other 

required information. This draft of proposed change to HB44 Taximeters Code requirement, 

UR.3. is shown below.

UR.3. Statement of Rates. – The distance and time rates for which a taximeter is set, 

including the initial distance interval and the initial time interval, the local tax rate, and the 

schedule of extras when an extras indication is provided shall be conspicuously displayed 

inside the front and rear passenger compartments. The words “Rate,” “Rates,” or “Rates of 

Fare” shall precede the rate statement. The rate statement shall be fully informative, selfexplanatory, and readily understandable by the ordinary passenger, and shall either be of a 

permanent character or be protected by glass or other suitable transparent material.

A rate statement may be displayed on a physical card or placard or it may be accessed 

and displayed on an electronic monitor in the passenger’s area. If displayed on a 

monitor intended for the passenger’s use, the statement of rate information must not 

obscure additional required information such as passenger charges.

(Amended 1977, 1988, 1990, and 1999, and 20XX)

This proposed change was reviewed by the USNWG during their meeting in May 2014. During 

that meeting, some of the participants provided comments and offered additional changes that 

were generally supported by the work group. The NIST Technical Advisor revised this proposal 

based on those changes. This revised version of proposed changes to UR.3. Statement of Rates 

included a separation of the initial proposal into a subparagraph, UR.3.1. and is shown below.

UR.3. Statement of Rates. – The distance and time rates for which a taximeter is set, 

including the initial distance interval and the initial time interval, the local tax rate, and the 

schedule of extras when an extras indication is provided shall be conspicuously displayed 

inside the front and rear passenger compartments. The words “Rate,” “Rates,” or “Rates of 

Fare” shall precede the rate statement. The rate statement shall be fully informative, selfexplanatory, and readily understandable by the ordinary passenger, and shall either be of a 

permanent character or be protected by glass or other suitable transparent material.

UR.3.1. Where permitted, a rate statement may be accessed and displayed 

electronically on a supplemental indicating element in the passenger’s area. When 
USNWG on Taximeters August 7, 2014

4

the statement of rates is displayed on this type of indicating element, it must not 

obscure any information that is specifically required to be displayed on this type of 

indicating element.

(Added 20XX)

(Amended 1977, 1988, 1990, and 1999, and 20XX)

Discussion:

At the August 2014 meeting, the participating members of the USNWG were asked to comment on 

the latest version of the proposal to add a new S.1.3.3. that is shown below.

S.1.3.3. Passenger’s Indications. – A supplementary indicating element installed in a

taxi to provide information regarding the taxi service to the passenger shall clearly 

display current total of all charges for a transaction. The current total of all charges 

must remain visible on the display at all times until the conclusion of the transaction. 

S.1.3.3.1. Additional information - Additional information shall also be made 

available through the passenger’s indicating element (as described in S.1.3.3. 

Passenger’s Indications) and must including the following:

(a) an itemized account of all charges incurred including fare, extras, and 

other additional charges; and

(b) the rate(s) in use at which any fare is calculated.

Any additional information provided must not obscure the current total of charges 

for the taxi service and may be made accessible through clearly identified 

operational controls (e.g., key pad, button, menu, touch-screen).

S.1.3.3.2. Fare and extras charges – The indication of fare and extras charges on 

a passenger indicating element shall agree with similar indications displayed on all 

other indicating elements in the system.

[Nonretroactive as of January 1, 201X]

(Added 201X)

During the August 2014 meeting, the USNWG considered the most recent changes to the proposed 

addition of S.1.3.3., S.1.3.3.1., and S.1.3.3.2. The participants were asked to consider if the intended 

meaning of the phrase “current total of all charges” was clear in describing a total cost to the 

passenger including all charges that are added to that total as they are incurred. Ms. Aileen Fox 

suggested using the term “accruing” to describe the running total of charges. Additional editorial 

changes were recommended by the work group that included adding language in paragraph S.1.3.3.1. 

which would clarify that the additional information could simply be available to the passenger and not 

necessarily presented continuously. Also that this additional information would need to be available 

at the conclusion of a trip. These changes were agreed to by the work group and are reflected in the 

revision of this proposal as shown in highlighted text below.
USNWG on Taximeters August 7, 2014

5

S.1.3.3. Passenger’s Indications. – A supplementary indicating element installed in a 

taxi to provide information regarding the taxi service to the passenger shall clearly 

display current total of all charges for a transaction. The current accruing total of all 

charges must remain visible on the display at all times until the conclusion of the 

transaction. 

S.1.3.3.1. Additional information - Additional information shall also be made 

available through the passenger’s indicating element (as described in S.1.3.3. 

Passenger’s Indications) and must including include the following:

(a) an itemized account of all charges incurred including fare, extras, and 

other additional charges; and

(b) the rate(s) in use at which any fare is calculated.

Any additional information provided or made available must not obscure 

the current accruing total of charges for the taxi service and must be available at 

the conclusion of the trip. This information and may be made accessible through 

clearly identified operational controls (e.g., key pad, button, menu, touch-screen).

S.1.3.3.2. Fare and extras charges – The indication of fare and extras charges on 

a passenger indicating element shall agree with similar indications displayed on all 

other indicating elements in the system.

[Nonretroactive as of January 1, 201X]

(Added 201X)

The USNWG was asked if the bulleted items in paragraph S.1.3.3.1. (a) and (b) should be included as 

information that is required to be available to the passenger. Mr. Bill Fishman recommended that this 

information be presented at all times while others in the group supported simply having this 

information available to the customer on demand. Ms. Joanne Rausen noted that the typical display 

area on a PIM was not large enough to allow for the continuous display of all required information 

and that it should be sufficient to have this data available to the customer if access to it is not difficult. 

It was also noted that the same information required in S.1.3.3.1.(a) and (b) is required to be included 

on the passenger’s receipt.

The work group was also asked for comments regarding the proposed change to the associated user 

requirement; UR.3. Statement of Rates by adding a new subparagraph; UR.3.1. The NIST Technical 

Advisor suggested to the participants that since there is no existing requirement that would prohibit 

the display of the statement of rates through an electronic display (i.e., a PIM), perhaps the addition of 

this new paragraph is not necessary. It would seem that this added language would only be warranted 

if the electronic version of the statement of rates displayed on a PIM is intended to replace rate cards 

and placards.

There was considerable discussion among the group regarding the intent of this added paragraph and 

whether this type of electronic display would be a replacement for existing rate cards or placards or 

simply a supplemental display of this information. The majority of those participants in attendance 
USNWG on Taximeters August 7, 2014

6

did not support the replacement of the traditional (hard-copy) rate card however, they would support 

the rate information being supplied via electronic display as a supplemental display of the rates.

Conclusion:

The USNWG agreed with the changes shown above for new paragraphs S.1.3.3., S.1.3.3.1., and 

S.1.3.3.2. and indicated their support for the submission of this proposal for consideration at the 

Regional Weights and Measures Association meetings.

The work group agreed that the proposed change to UR.3. was not needed and did not believe that 

this change should be given any further consideration by the USNWG.

B. Proposal to amend S.1.9. Recorded Representation

This proposal would amend the existing specification requirement S.1.9. Recorded Representation 

that provides a list of required information to be included on a customer receipt. The proposed 

changes would amend three of the current bulleted items in the existing requirement and add three 

new bulleted items.

Background:

Consideration of changes to the individually listed items in this existing requirement by the work 

group began during its September 2012 meeting. The USNWG continued to develop this item during 

the it’s meetings held in July 2013 through March 2014.

Changes that the work group considered during that time included: the addition of the identification 

of the company/owner of the taxi; including a trip number for the transaction if available; the addition 

of the phrase “as a minimum” in header the paragraph; and adding the phrase “or other identifying 

information as specified by the statutory authority” in bulleted item (b).

This item was reviewed again by the USNWG in May, 2014, where yet further changes were made to 

the draft proposal. Among other (mostly editorial) changes discussed during that meeting, the 

USNWG recognized that if changes to the total cost, such as any tips or discounts provided are not 

processed through the taximeter, they would not be reflected on a printed receipt generated by the 

taximeter. The group agreed that changes in the language could be made to clarify that if these types 

of alterations of the total cost to the passenger are processed through the taximeter, they will be 

required to be included on a receipt.

The NIST Technical Advisor agreed to redraft this proposed language to reflect the work group’s 

concerns and present a further revised draft to the USNWG at its next meeting. The latest changes

are shown in the revision below. Those changes and their justification are as follows.
USNWG on Taximeters August 7, 2014

7

• The elimination of previous exemptions provided for extras charges applied to additional 

passengers and the transportation of luggage. The work group agreed that while these two 

customary extras charges are widely recognized in the taxi industry, all extras charges should 

be made available to the customer.

• The deletion of “tip” under bullet point (g). Most of the work group participants agreed that 

this addition to the total cost of the taxi service could be in the form of a cash payment from 

the passenger and in many cases it may not be processed through the taximeter.

• The deletion of bullet point (i) and the renumbering of subsequent bullet points. The same 

reasoning used in the previous bullet regarding tips was applied to these changes to the total 

cost of the service. These credits or discounts may be in a form where they are not (or can 

not) be processed through the taximeter.

• The elimination of the note which allows for an electronic version of a receipt. This becomes 

unnecessary due to a change in NIST Handbook 44 General Code that provides for this form 

of receipt in all types of devices covered in HB44.

• A separate note has been added to the requirement specifying that any changes to the total 

cost for the service that are processed through the taximeter must appear on the customer’s 

receipt.

• The return of the language “whether through an integral or separate recording element” to the 

header statement. Although this portion of the requirement had been relocated as a note to be 

included at the bottom of the requirement, the work group agreed that will simplify the 

requirement and improve its form.

These most recent changes are shown in the draft of the proposed changes below.
USNWG on Taximeters August 7, 2014

8

S.1.9. Recorded Representation. – A printed receipt issued from a taximeter, whether through an 

integral or separate recording element, shall include, as a minimum the following:

(a) date;

(b) unique vehicle identification number, such as the medallion number, taxi number, vehicle 

identification number (VIN), or permit number, or other identifying information as specified 

by the statutory authority;*

(c) start and end time of trip;*

(d) distance traveled, maximum increment of 0.1 kilometer (0.1 mile);*

(e) fare in $;

(f) for multi-rate taximeters, each rate at which fare was computed and the associated fare at 

that rate;*

(g) additional charges in $ where permitted such as extras, surcharge, telephone 

use telecommunications charges, tip and tax shall be identified and itemized;* and

(h) total fare charge for service in $ (total charge sum of fare, extras, and all additional 

charges).;*

(i) any credits or discounts in $ applied to the fare;** 

(j)(i) trip number, if available** and

(j)(j)telephone number (or other contact information) for customer assistance.**

Note: 

For systems equipped with the capability to issue an electronic receipt, the customer may be given 

the option to receive the receipt electronically (e.g., e-mail, text message, computer file).

When processed through the taximeter or taximeter system, additions or reductions of the total cost 

for the taxi service such as any credits or discounts applied or tips added shall also be included on 

the receipt.**

[Nonretroactive as of January 1, 1989] *[Nonretroactive as of January 1, 2000] **[Nonretroactive 

as of January 1, 201X]

(Added 1988) (Amended 1999 and 201X)

Discussion:

During the August 2014 USNWG meeting, some participants questioned whether it was appropriate 

to delete the first few words; “for multi-rate taximeters” in bullet point (f) as shown above. Mr. John 

Roach informed the work group that contrary to previous statements made in USNWG meetings, 

there are still manufacturers producing taximeters that are only capable of computing fares using a 

single rate. Since this is the case, the work group was asked whether it is justified to retain the 

wording “for multi-rate taximeters” that limits this portion of the requirement to only those taximeters 

capable of using more than one rate. The work group generally agreed that this change will have no 

effect in the application of that portion of the requirement.
USNWG on Taximeters August 7, 2014

9

Mr. Bill Fishman stated that since the work group is acknowledging that there are taximeters on the 

market computing fares at only a single rate, it may be advisable to review other proposals that the 

USNWG has developed with the assumption that this is not the case. If these other proposals do in 

fact imply that all taximeters calculate fare, they should be edited accordingly.

Conclusion:

The work group was asked to provide an indication of whether they will support the latest revised 

draft of this proposal as shown above. The work group agreed to support the proposal and there was 

no opposition expressed at the August 2014 meeting. The NIST Technical Advisor informed the 

USNWG that this proposed amendment will therefore be submitted to the Regional Weights and 

Measures Associations for their consideration.

C. Proposal to add new requirements S.1.4.1 Multiple rate taximeters, S.1.4.1.1. 

Manual rate changes, and S.1.4.1.2. Automatic rate changes.

These proposed new requirements are being recommended to recognize the use of multiple rates to 

calculate fare charges by taximeters and to specify what bases for rate changes are permitted and 

when they may be authorized.

S.1.4.1. Multiple rate taximeters – All rates in use for taximeters equipped to calculate fares at 

multiple rates must be included in the statement of rates as provided in UR.3.

S.1.4.1.1. Manual Rate Changes – Taximeters equipped with a means for changing the rate 

applied, that is not protected by a physical or other type of security seal shall be capable of 

manually applying rate changes of predetermined, flat rates only.

S.1.4.1.2. Automatic Rate Changes – Automatic rate changes may not occur between two 

consecutive drops and are permitted for differentials including:

a) trips that exceed a set distance;

b) trips that exceed a set time limit;

c) day/evening differentials;

d) specific days of the week; or

e) specific dates (e.g. holidays).

When a change in rate allowed under (a) and (b) occurs, the change must be identified and 

clearly displayed to the customer. Automatic rate changes allowed under (c), (d), and (e) 

above shall not occur after the meter has been set to register charges and before the meter 

has been cleared for that transaction (i.e., between fares).

(Added 20XX)
USNWG on Taximeters August 7, 2014

10

Background:

These requirements were included as an item on the agenda for the September 2012 meeting of the 

USNWG however, due to time constraints were not considered at that time. The work group did 

however, consider the addition of these new requirements shown above at its May 2014 meeting.

The USWNG recognized that the use of multiple rates adds to the complexity of charges that the 

passenger must consider. This understanding is the basis for these requirements that are intended to 

clarify the information provided to the customer. There has been concern expressed by some 

USNWG members that rate changes made without restriction will provide opportunities for 

fraudulent use of taximeter systems.

An important point to be noted and considered is that depending on the manner in which the rate 

change takes place, the passenger may or may not be cognizant of the fact that the rate that was 

initially applied has been changed and that the taximeter is now calculating fare at a different rate. If 

the driver must perform an action (such as pressing a button on the taximeter itself) to enact a change 

of the rate applied, this may provide some notice to the passenger that a change has taken place. If 

however, the rate is changed automatically without any action performed by the driver, the passenger 

may not perceive that any change has occurred. 

During the May 2014 meeting the work group reviewed the proposed new requirements and noted 

that the language used in S.1.4.1. conformed more to the structure and language of a user requirement 

in that it addressed the manner in which the device was used rather than the way it has been designed. 

The participants of that meeting suggested amending the wording to better align with the format of a 

specification requirement.

At the time of the May 2014 meeting, the group was under the assumption that all taximeters

produced today have the capability to perform calculation of fares using more than one rate. 

Although that notion has since been refuted, the work group at that time recommended that the first 

sentence of S.1.4.1. be amended to reflect this.

The work group discussed the concerns regarding the potential for fraudulent use by applying an 

inappropriate rate during the calculation of fare and how various methods of applying and changing 

rates could encourage misuse of the device. Also discussed during the May 2014 meeting was the 

provision for sealing rate change function and device programming.

No conclusions were made at the USNWG May 2014 meeting regarding this item. The NIST 

Technical Advisor did agree to revise the draft for S.1.4.1. and to provide that revision for a review 

by the work group at its next meeting.

Discussion:

At the August 2014 USNWG meeting, the work group was asked to consider the amended version of 

S.1.4.1. as presented below:
USNWG on Taximeters August 7, 2014

11

S.1.4.1. Multiple rate taximeters – All rates in use for taximeters equipped to calculate fares at 

multiple rates must be included in the statement of rates as provided in UR.3. A taximeter may 

utilize more than one rate to calculate fares.

The NIST Technical Advisor explained to the work group that this revision was done according to the 

comments made during the previous meeting. Those comments indicated that since the existing user 

requirement, UR.3. already addresses the need for rates that are used to be provided on the statement 

of rates, the first portion of this paragraph is not needed. The newly added portion of this proposed 

requirement (also recommended during the May 2014 meeting) to replace the stricken portion and 

simply states that a taximeter is permitted to use more than one rate to calculate fares. The USNWG

was asked to consider that this remaining portion of the proposed requirement may not be necessary 

since there is no requirement currently in the Taximeters Code that prohibits this. 

The USNWG was asked to consider additional questions regarding the other paragraphs in the 

proposal including the following.

• If the rate that is initially applied is changed through a manual interface such as keypad, 

button, or touch-screen either on the taximeter or another device is there a need to provide 

some sort of alert to the passenger that a change in rate has occurred?

• If the rate that is initially applied is changed through an automatic programming, (beyond 

driver control), what would be an appropriate means to alert the passenger that this change 

has occurred?

• Are there specific types of rate changes that should not be allowed to be controlled manually 

by the driver? For example changes in rate due to: Holidays; rush-hour differentials; trips 

that exceed a threshold in time or mileage; etc.

• Similarly to the previous question, are there any specific reasons for a rate to change that 

should not be allowed to be automatically controlled through programming of the taximeter?

With regards to the proposed new paragraph S.1.4.1.1., the work group in general did not support the 

attachment of the ability to make manual rate changes to the ability to apply a security seal to that 

feature. Most of the USNWG expressed the belief that manual rate changes that can be made by the 

driver using the operational controls on the taximeter must be allowed. Under certain circumstances, 

these types of changes are justifiable and necessary.

During the August 2014 meeting, Ms. Joanne Rausen explained that the New York Taxi and 

Limousine Commission has regulations in place that will not permit a driver to initiate certain types 

of rate changes unless certain circumstances are met. An example is that a manually initiated rate 

change that is applied when the taxi leaves a geographic defined area will not be enabled unless the 

GPS locator for that particular taxi has verified that the vehicle has indeed traveled outside that 

defined area. In addition, taxis operating within New York City will provide an alert to the passenger 

that a rate change has occurred via a passenger information monitor (PIM).

Mr. Byron Corcoran pointed out that the draft proposal states that a manual type of rate change would 

only be permitted to happen when the initial rate applied is changed to a flat rate only. Mr. Corcoran 

explained that many taximeters in various U.S. locations today have the ability to change rates from 
USNWG on Taximeters August 7, 2014

12

one time and/or distance based rate to a different time and/or distance (not a change to a flat rate)

based rate. All of the rates used during a trip would then be identified on a passenger’s receipt. This 

information served to make the work group aware that the controls that New York City has adopted

(as mentioned above) are not universally applied.

Mr. Corcoran also noted that on some models of taximeters the ability to manually change rates may 

be accomplished at any time through the operational controls on the taximeter however, the 

manufacturer may have the ability to disable that function to be in compliance with jurisdiction’s 

regulatory practices. In addition the programming of some taximeters may allow that once the taxi 

has been hired, the rate applied can not be changed until the transaction is completed.

Mr. Bill Fishman expressed his concerns about manually controlled rate changes and stated that it is 

his belief that that type of rate change will need to be regulated more stringently than the automatic 

type of rate changes. Mr. Fishman stated that he also believes that the automatic rate changes 

programmed into a taximeter are less likely to be used in a fraudulent manner because those are 

programming choices typically made by licensed service providers or regulatory agents.

With the points made above in mind, the group recognized that the development of this requirement 

may be predicated to some degree on the ability of local authority to set regulation. Thus, it may be 

preferable to add language in these requirements that specifies the application of some requirements 

is dependent upon whether local regulation is permissive of certain features.

Most of the USNWG generally supported the intent of the proposed new paragraph S.1.4.1.2. and 

agreed that the circumstances under which these types of automatic rate changes take place will 

determine whether or not the rate change should be permitted. Mr. Byron Corcoran added that there 

should be one additional rationale listed for a rate change in this paragraph which would be a change 

in rate once a certain monetary threshold has been met. Mr. Corcoran explained that in some 

jurisdictions, a different rate will be applied once the charge for the transportation service has 

exceeded a certain monetary amount.

Conclusion:

The working group agreed that these proposed new requirements need further consideration and 

development and that the USNWG should continue to address this proposal during future meetings.

II. New Items

A. Review of final drafts for proposed changes to HB44 that will be submitted for 

consideration by Regional Weights and Measures Associations.

The following proposed changes are those that the working group has worked on in the past and are 

now ready for a final review before being submitted as proposed changes to HB44. Upon final 

review and approval by the USNWG, these proposed changes will be submitted to the Regional 

Weights and Measures Associations for consideration.
USNWG on Taximeters August 7, 2014

13

1. Amendment of the definition for “point-of-sale system” in HB44 Appendix D

Background:

The USNWG has agreed that the existing definition for POS in HB44, Appendix D could be 

improved by describing the specific functions of a generic POS system rather than defining the 

term by listing the hardware components used when the system is performing these operations. 

The USNWG agrees that the existing definition for point-of-sale systems in HB44, Appendix 

D should be amended as shown below to make that term more clearly understood and more 

suitable to apply to all types of weighing and measuring devices. 

point-of-sale system. – An assembly of interactive elements including a weighing 

or measuring element, an indicating element, and a recording element (and may also 

be equipped with a “scanner”) used to complete a direct sales transaction. The 

system components, when operated together must be capable of the following:

1. determining the weight or measure of a product or service offered; 

2. calculating a charge for the product or service based on the weight or 

measure and an established price/rate structure; 

3. determining a total cost that includes all associated fees involved with 

the transaction; 

4 providing a printed sales receipt. For systems equipped with the 

capability to issue an electronic receipt, the customer may be given the 

option to receive the receipt electronically (e.g., e-mail, text message, 

electronic file).

(Amended 201X)

Discussion/Conclusion:

During the August 2014 meeting, the USNWG was asked to note a recent change that has not 

been reviewed by the work group since the item was last included as an agenda item in 

December 2013. This change consists of removing the statement under bulleted item 4 

regarding the allowance for an electronic form of receipt. This change has been made due to a 

recent change in HB44 General Code that added similar language in that section of HB44 

which will apply to all devices covered in the handbook.

The participants of the meeting all agreed to support the item in its current form. This item 

will be submitted as a proposed change to HB44.

2. Proposed amendment to S.1.2. Advancement of Indicating Elements

This proposal would amend S.1.2. Advancement of Indicating Elements so that certain fare 

indications would be permitted to advance by means other than the movement of the vehicle or 

by the time mechanism.
USNWG on Taximeters August 7, 2014

14

S.1.2. Advancement of Indicating Elements. – Except when a taximeter is being 

cleared, the fare charges displayed on the primary indicating and recording 

elements shall be susceptible of advancement only by:

a). the movement of the vehicle; 

b). by the time mechanism;

c). a combination of both a) and b); or 

d). the entry of a monetary amount associated with a flat rate or negotiated 

flat rate where permitted.

Advancement of the indications for charges, other than fare may occur through 

manual or automatic means.

(Amended 1988, and 201X)

Discussion/Conclusion:

No further comments were voiced at the August 2014 meeting of the USNWG. This item is 

supported in its current form by all participants in that meeting. This item will be submitted as 

a proposed change to HB44.

3. Proposed amendment for S.2. Basis of Fare Calculations

This proposed change to the existing S.2. addresses the lack of any reference in the 

requirement to a fare charge that is based on a flat rate or negotiated flat rate when either 

distance traveled or time elapsed has not occurred at the time the rate is determined. 

S.2. Basis of Fare Calculations. – A taximeter shall calculate fares only upon the 

basis of:

(a) distance traveled;

(b) time elapsed; or

(c) a combination of distance traveled and time elapsed; or

(d) an established flat rate or negotiated flat rate.

(Amended 1977 and 20XX)

Discussion:

The NIST Technical Advisor recommended that this proposed change not be submitted for 

consideration by the Regional Weights and Measures Associations. The primary reason 

for this recommendation is the recognition that this existing requirement specifies the 

criteria on which a calculation of fare by a taximeter can be based upon and because the 

proposed added language would insert a basis of fare (for an established flat rate) which 

involves no calculation on the part of the taximeter, this proposed amendment is not 

considered appropriate. The NIST Technical Advisor explained that an additional factor 

why this item should not be pursued is that since a flat “rate” is not based on the 
USNWG on Taximeters August 7, 2014

15

metrological function of a taximeter (calculating a fare based on time and/or distance), flat 

rates (or fixed amounts) should not be a subject that is covered under HB44 regulations.

In contrast, in the previous item (proposed change to S.1.2.) flat rates are referred to in the 

proposed changes although, in that context the reference to that type of rate is simply a 

justification for the displayed indications of the taximeter to advance.

Conclusion:

The USNWG generally agreed that this proposal involves a requirement concerned with 

the advancement of indications and that this is not an appropriate location to state that a 

flat rate may be displayed by the taximeter. The members of the work group participating 

at the meeting expressed no support for any further development of this item and agreed 

that it should not be submitted as a proposed change to HB44 Taximeters Code.

4. Changes proposed under paragraph S.1.1.1. Recording Elements and S.1.1. 

General.

The proposal to add new paragraph S.1.1.1. Recording Elements would require that a receipt 

be made available from taximeters or taximeter systems for all transactions as is shown below.

S.1.1.1. Recording Elements. – A receipt providing information as required in S.1.9. 

Recorded Representations shall be available from a taximeter or taximeter system 

through an integral or separate recording element for all transactions conducted. 

For systems equipped with the capability to issue an electronic receipt, the customer 

may be given the option to receive the receipt electronically (e.g., e-mail, text message, 

electronic file).

[Nonretroactive January 1, 201X]

(Added 201X)

To facilitate this change to the NIST Handbook 44 Taximeters Code, additional changes have 

been recommended to paragraph S.1.1. General, as shown below.

S.1.1. General. – A taximeter shall be equipped with a primary indicating element and 

may be equipped with a recording element.

(Amended 1988 and 201X)

Background:

At the December 2013 meeting of the USNWG, the participants debated whether to propose a 

requirement that would mandate a recording element be included in the taximeter system when 

certain criteria were met or whether to require a recording element for all taximeter systems. 

It was the decision of the work group, determined through a ballot after that meeting, that all 
USNWG on Taximeters August 7, 2014

16

taximeter systems manufactured and placed into service after an effective date (nonretroactively) would be required to include a recording element. 

During the USNWG’s meeting in March 2014, the participants agreed to support the proposed 

addition of paragraph S.1.1.1. Recording Elements shown above. It was noted however that 

this proposed change would create a conflict with paragraph S.1.1. General in that this 

requirement states that a recording element is optional for a taximeter.

During the May 2014 meeting of the USNWG, the NIST Technical Advisor pointed out this 

potential conflict and offered a possible resolution (shown above) that involved the deletion of 

the language “and may be equipped with a recording element” from that paragraph. This 

change was not perceived to have any detrimental effect on existing taximeter systems that 

have been in service and approved in the past.

Discussion/Conclusion:

During the May 2014 meeting, the NIST Technical Advisor pointed out that the current 

proposal included a statement in the second paragraph of S.1.1.1. which would allow for the 

passenger’s receipt to be provided in electronic form. This provision however, is already 

adopted as a change to HB44 General Code which is applicable to all types of weighing and 

measuring devices and to include that statement in the Taximeters Code is not necessary. In 

recognition of this fact, the recommendation to delete the second paragraph under S.1.1.1. was 

made. The work group participants were asked if they would support the proposal if this 

statement was removed from the previous draft. There were no further comments from the 

USNWG and it was agreed that the revised proposal shown below would be submitted for 

consideration as a change to HB44.
USNWG on Taximeters August 7, 2014

17

S.1.1. General. – A taximeter shall be equipped with a primary indicating element and 

may be equipped with a recording element.

(Amended 1988 and 201X)

S.1.1.1. Recording Elements. – A receipt providing information as required in 

S.1.9. Recorded Representations shall be available from a taximeter or taximeter 

system through an integral or separate recording element for all transactions 

conducted. 

For systems equipped with the capability to issue an electronic receipt, the 

customer may be given the option to receive the receipt electronically (e.g., e-mail, 

text message, electronic file).

[Nonretroactive January 1, 201X]

(Added 201X)

5. Proposal to add two new definitions to HB44 Appendix D

The definitions listed below are for terms being used in the drafting of other agenda items and 

therefore it is recommended that definitions for these terms be added to Handbook 44, 

Appendix D.

flat rate. – a predetermined, fixed fare indicated on the taximeter based on a 

definite and specific point of origin and a definite and specific destination point. 

[5.54]

(Added 20XX)

negotiated flat rate. - A fixed fare that is not predetermined and is based on a 

destination point that is agreed upon by both driver and passenger which is then 

entered into the taximeter by the taxi driver. [5.54]

(Added 20XX)

Background:

Considering that some of the other proposals for changes to HB44 that have been 

developed by the USNWG use these two terms, at the May 2014 meeting the work group 

reviewed the drafts of proposed definitions to be added to HB44 Appendix D. At that 

meeting, participants generally agreed with the draft and supported the effort to submit 

these definitions for consideration at the Regional Weights and Measures Associations 

meetings in the fall of 2014.

Discussion:

These proposed new definitions were presented to the USNWG at their meeting in August 

2014 for a final review by the work group. The work group participants made several 
USNWG on Taximeters August 7, 2014

18

comments regarding the proposals at that time which indicated that these definitions 

should be further developed. 

The specific concerns noted by the USNWG include the recognition that a “negotiated flat 

rate” on some taximeters may be able to be entered into the system via of a passenger 

information monitor (PIM) or the taxi company’s dispatch system. This would conflict with 

the statement contained in the proposal indicating that a negotiated flat rate is entered into the 

taximeter by the driver. Also, the proposed definition for “negotiated flat rate” states that this 

type of fare is “based on a destination point that is agreed upon by both driver and 

passenger...” however, it was pointed out that there may be other bases for this type of fare. 

Other bases for a negotiated rate could, for example include the application of a higher rate 

during inclement weather conditions.

Conclusion:

Based on the above comments, the work group acknowledged that this proposal could be 

improved upon and that it would be beneficial for the USNWG to spend additional time 

developing these definitions. This item will therefore be placed on the agenda of a future 

USNWG meeting.

III. Attendance:

John Barton NIST OWM (USNWG Technical Advisor) john.barton@nist.gov

Bill Fishman Retired, NY Bureau of W/M bfishman@nycap.rr.com

Aileen Fox NYC TLC - Legal Unit foxa@tlc.nyc.gov

Keith Walsh NYC TLC - Legal Unit Walshke@tlc.nyc.gov

Joanne Rausen NYC TLC - Policy & Ext. Affairs Dept. Rausenj@tlc.nyc.gov

Angela Godwin County of Ventura CA angela.godwin@ventura.org

Bob McGrath City of Boston Robert.McGrath@CityofBoston.Gov

John Roach CA. Dept. of Measurement Services john.roach@cdfa.ca.gov

Brook Taye Windels, Marx, Lane, and Mittendorf

Byron Corcoran Centrodyne byron@centrodyne.com

Viktor Gruber City and County of San Francisco viktor.gruber@sfdph.org