To: San Francisco Taxi Drivers, Medallion Holders, and Color Scheme Managers
From: Philip Cranna, Enforcement and Legal Affairs Manager, SFMTA Taxi Services
This memo provides instructions on completing the 19-point inspection as required by San Francisco Transportation Code, Division II, Article 1100, Section 1113(s)(1(B).[1]
BACKGROUND
On September 27, 2024, the California Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) ended the Brake Certificate Program. Prior to the end of the program, San Francisco Taxis needed to submit a valid Brake Certificate as part of the inspection process required under Article 1100 of the Transportation Code. On September 28, 2024, San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) suspended the requirement that Taxis submit a valid Brake Certificate.
On February 4, 2025, the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency Board of Directors approved a change, replacing the Brake Certificate requirement with a 19-point inspection.
Pursuant to §1113(s), “[a]ll Taxis and Ramp Taxis shall be inspected by the SFMTA or its designee, every six months if they are used as spare vehicles, have 200,000 miles or more on the odometer, or if the vehicle is older than nine Model Years, and every 12 months for regular vehicles, at a date and time designated by the SFMTA, and at any other time deemed necessary by the SFMTA.”
Commencing April 1, 2025, proof of a 19-point inspection must be provided at the time of inspection.
19-POINT INSPECTIONS
The SFMTA Taxis Access and Mobility Services (TAMS) Taxi Vehicle 19-point Inspection Form must be completed by a person or facility that holds an Automotive Repair Dealer (ARD) license issued by BAR. The ARD licensee must complete the entire form including all inspections as listed on the form. The ARD licensee should indicate whether the taxi vehicle passes or fails each inspection item.
Upon completion, the form must be submitted to the San Francisco International Airport (SFO) Ground Transportation Unit (GTU) at the time of the inspection.
Any taxi vehicles that were inspected between September 28, 2024 and March 31, 2025 must undergo a 19-point inspection and submit proof to the GTU no later than July 1, 2025.
Forms may be email to the GTU at GTU@flysfo.com.
[1] Unless otherwise noted, all Section references are to the San Francisco Transportation Code.