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Houston, TX Mobility & Curb Rules: TNC Pickup Zones (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Citation
Houston Code § 9-59
Waiting area
designated TNC lot or outside geofence
Pickup/drop-off
only designated terminal curb zones
Penalty
up to $500 per day (§ 9-52)
Permit
valid airport use permit required

Summary

Houston requires Uber and Lyft drivers picking up airport passengers to wait in a designated TNC waiting area and load only at airport-designated pickup and drop-off curbs, enforced under the Houston Airport System's Chapter 9 permit rules.

(b)TNC drivers waiting for a fare through a TNC's mobile application technology shall wait in a designated TNC commercial vehicle waiting area on airport property or outside the geofence.(c)TNC drivers may pick up or drop off pre-arranged passengers only at designated TNC pick-up and drop off areas at airport terminal commercial curbs or other airport areas designated by the director.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Under Sec. 9-59 of the Houston Code, TNC drivers waiting for a fare through the company's app must wait in a designated TNC commercial vehicle waiting area on airport property or outside the geofence, and may pick up or drop off pre-arranged passengers only at designated TNC pickup and drop-off areas on airport terminal commercial curbs or other director-designated locations. TNCs must also hold a valid airport use permit and maintain a geofence under Sec. 9-60 that blocks the app from showing available cars near the airport except in the waiting area. Violations of Sec. 9-52 draw fines up to $500 per day.

Violations & Fines

Operating without an airport use permit, boarding or dropping off passengers outside designated TNC zones, or failing to maintain the required geofence draws a fine up to $500 per day, each day a separate offense.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can an Uber or Lyft driver wait anywhere near IAH or Hobby Airport for a ride request?
No. Houston requires TNC drivers to wait only in the designated TNC commercial vehicle waiting area on airport property, or outside the geofence, until matched with a rider.
Where can a TNC driver load or unload airport passengers in Houston?
Only at airport-designated TNC pickup and drop-off areas on terminal commercial curbs, or other locations the aviation director designates under Sec. 9-59.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Houston

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All Houston rules

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