Maybe it is because I have been at my parents house upstate for much of the last week, or maybe it just is a function of me finally realizing something that has always been there, but I have never been so frustrated with honking as I have been the last few days. As Kim astutely pointed out ^[1] a number of weeks back, there seems to be no real consequence to over-honkers, but I feel that the cops should be cracking down on this. Taxi drivers seem to be the biggest culprit of this.

I understand the idea of getting impatient when driving in NYC, but does honking really help at all? What I don’t get is the people who are stuck in the middle of two avenues, and lay on the horn for 20 seconds or so. Do they honestly think they are the only ones who want to move? What is the thought process? Is it as if the honker thinks that other people are not looking to drive, and are just fine with sitting idle? There is literally no use to the horn.

But if you are in fact in a cab, as a passenger in a NYC public vehicle ^[2], you do have rights! Make sure to read the Taxicab Riders Bill of Rights ^[3] so you know what you can and cannot do, and more importantly, what the driver can and cannot do. And if you feel the rules have been violated, file a complaint ^[4].

Also, here’s a little-known fact for you: According to the NYC Taxi & Limousine Commission’s FAQ section,” ^[5] “drivers are not allowed to use cellular phones or any communication device, hands free or otherwise, while operating a cab.”

So, next time a cabby is giving you shit or being a prick, use this information as leverage.

[Photo courtesy of Wired NY ^[6]]