The short answer: No. The longer answer: No, and if they do, theoretically they’re subject to fines ranging from $50 to $500. Neville Waters, a spokesman for the D.C. Taxicab Commission, says drivers aren’t allowed to ask for your destination until after you’ve gotten in the cab. Once you tell them where you’re going, drivers are required to take you there. Inquiring about your destination before you get in is a violation known as “Asking Destination in Advance,” which carries a $50 fine; nixing your destination once they hear it is “Refusal to Haul,” a $500 violation.

That’s assuming, though, that the driver is found liable for breaking the rules. Reporting a driver is easy—call 1-855-484-4966 or go to dctaxi.dc.gov. Note the driver’s cab number, cab company name, license plate number, and taxi ID number—the more information, the better. In 2012, 977 complaints were filed, according to the commission’s records. The good news? About 70 percent of those drivers were found liable for violations.