That sure doesn't stop them from doing it though. I've threatened to report them before and although you can threaten them it sucks to have to do it. I'd rather just let them roll and wait for another cab in all but the most dire circumstances.
I live in Brooklyn. They can't officially refuse. But you'd be shocked how many taxis meters stop working about 20 seconds into the journey....
I also live in Brooklyn, but I've never actually had that problem.
The fine is tiny, though.
Not really. If I recall correctly, three such reports within two years results in the taxi medallion being revoked.
Not the medallion which is generally not owned by the driver and worth mid six to low seven figures, but the driver's hack license is endangered by multiple violation of TLC's rules.
The guy who maimed that tourist is back on the road, so if you don't lose your license by running over someone on the sidewalk, you're not going to lose your license by not taking someone to Brooklyn.