Apps have made it easier than ever to catch a ride. But they haven’t taught us how to act once we are in one. Your behavior in the backseat matters more than you think.
Here are some common (and painfully ignored) taxi etiquette that make cab rides smooth and safe for everyone involved.
The Do’s
Your cab driver would appreciate if you did the following:
1. Be Punctual
Time is money, especially in the taxi world. You might think, “It’s just a few minutes, no big deal,” but to your driver, those few minutes can throw off their entire schedule.
Being ready when your cab arrives shows respect for yourself, the driver’s time, and other passengers they might pick up later.
Order your ride when you are actually ready to walk out the door. And if you’ll be running late, communicate. A quick call or message goes a long way.
2. Sit in The Back
A common predicament many people face is where to sit in a cab. In most cases, when riding solo, the universal rule is to sit in the back, diagonally behind the driver. This gives the driver room to focus on the road and keep personal space intact.
If you are with a group, fill up the back seat first and only move to the front when the back is full. If you really want to sit at the front, a quick “Mind if I sit here?” to the driver doesn’t hurt.
3. Buckle Up
You’d be surprised how many people hop into a cab and forget, or flat-out refuse, to buckle up. Maybe they are distracted, maybe it’s a short trip, or maybe they just don’t want to.
Seatbelts are there for safety. They are one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect yourself. And from the driver’s point of view, it prevents them from getting fined.
The next time you get in, buckle up immediately. It’s respectful and responsible, and it might even save your life.
4. Give Clear Directions
Even with GPS, not every app pinpoints your location perfectly. And telling your driver, “Take me to the restaurant by the road,” isn’t exactly helpful.
Speak up (politely, of course) if you know a better route or a landmark the driver might miss. Clear and respectful communication makes everyone’s life easier. You get to your destination faster, and the driver avoids unnecessary detours.
5. Pay Promptly
The ride is over, you’ve reached your destination, and your driver pulls over. What happens next should be simple: you say thank you, gather your things, and settle the fare. The driver has done their part; now it’s your turn.
Fumbling for cash or stalling at the drop-off point holds up the driver. Have your wallet, phone, or change ready before you reach your destination. In short, be quick, ready, and fair.
6. Thank the Driver
You don’t have to, but you should anyway. A simple “thank you” might seem small, but it goes a long way. Cab drivers deal with all kinds of passengers every day, and being one of the polite ones makes you stand out.
The trifecta is eye contact, a smile, and a sincere “thanks.”
The Don’ts
To keep things respectful, here are some major cab don’ts to steer clear of.
1. Don’t Slam the Door
For drivers, this is one of the top passenger pet peeves. Repeatedly slamming the door can damage the locks and hinges over time, and no one wants to foot that repair bill. It’s their car, workspace, and livelihood. So, handle it with care.
The golden rule is to close the door the same way you’d want someone to close it if it were your car.
2. Don’t Be Rude
Do not bark orders or be rude in any way to your cab driver. They already deal with enough stress from tight schedules, traffic, and the occasional nightmare rider.
Being decent is the least you can do. Be decent, patient, and have a normal tone of voice.
3. Don’t Distract the Driver
Your driver’s main job is to get you to your destination. Distracting them makes it difficult for them to do their job. Small talk is fine; most drivers even enjoy it. But don’t go overboard with loud conversations or blaring music.
Think of it this way: If you wouldn’t do it while you are driving, don’t do it while they are.
4. Don’t Eat or Drink
The cab is someone’s office, not your dining room. You may be hungry, but greasy wrappers, messy foods, and drinks that could spill are a hard pass. Guess who has to clean the mess you make?
Play it safe and wait until you arrive at your destination. Or, at the very least, ask first. It’s their space, you’re just passing through.
5. Don’t Get too Comfortable
Yes, you paid for the ride, but that’s not a pass to treat the car as your lounge. Don’t take your shoes off or lie across the seat.
6. Don’t Ask for Illegal Favors
“I’m running late. Can you go slightly faster than the speed limit?” “Can you run that red light?” “Do you mind if I squeeze in one more person?”
Don’t be this kind of a passenger. Asking your driver to break the law puts their license and your safety at risk.
7. Don’t Leave a Mess
A tidy ride is a happy ride. If you came with trash, take it with you: wrappers, receipts, and snacks. And don’t stick gum under the seat.
Leaving a mess behind shows disrespect to the driver and ruins the experience for the next rider.
8. Don’t Forget Your Stuff
Phone, check! Wallet, check! Headphones, check!
Double-check that you have everything with you before stepping out. Cab drivers deal with forgotten items almost daily, and not everyone is lucky enough to get them back.
You’ll save yourself the hassle of having to call back and the driver the stress of locating your lost items.
Five-Star Passenger
Being a great passenger takes a bit of awareness and a lot of respect. The goal is to make the riding experience as smooth as possible.
Be courteous, be mindful, and be human, and who knows, maybe you’ll earn a five-star rating.
