Final rules for the new meters for D.C. taxis have been published in the D.C. Register.

The rules, published Friday, go into effect on May 1.

In October, Mayor Adrian Fenty announced the switch from the zone system to meters in order to reduce confusion and increase transparency in the fare system.

The final rates are a $3 flag drop rate and 25 cents for every one-sixth of a mile after the first sixth of a mile traveled. There also will be a 25-cent charge for every minute spent stopped or traveling less than 10 miles per hour. The snow emergency rate will be the regular fare plus 25 percent.

The maximum fare for all trips within the city is $19. Being out of compliance could mean a $1,000 fine.

But few of the city's taxi drivers installed new equipment. D.C. Taxicab Commission chairman Leon Swain says many are likely waiting for a D.C. Superior Court judge's decision on a suit seeking to halt the switch.

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