New York alters taxi dress code

NEW YORK, Nov. 26 (UPI) -- New York taxi regulators said they are simplifying the complicated and rarely enforced cabbie dress code to simply requiring a "professional appearance."

The Taxi and Limousine Commission said it is doing away with the old dress code, which placed specific bans on swimming trunks, tank tops, sandals and tube shirts, in favor of a law simply stating cab drivers must "present a professional appearance," The New York Times reported Friday.

Officials said the old rules, which imposed $25 fines for violations, were rarely enforced, with only about three tickets being issued per year.

"Proper dress is not something that we can enforce very easily," said David Yassky, chairman of the commission. "Nonetheless, we want to communicate to drivers that there is a standard of behavior, and that's what the rule should get across."