Cash Cab (U.S. Game Show) - Rules

Rules

When the potential contestants enter the cab and state their destination, they are made aware that they are in the Cash Cab as ceiling lights and a fanfare play inside, accompanied by the host's greeting. While the only rules given on-camera after the introduction and before asking "Do you want to play?" pertain to his or her driving and the "three strikes and you're out" rule, the contestants are also informed that once their traveling begins, the cab will not take detours of any kind unless directed by a police officer, stop sign, traffic light or other legal means of diverting traffic. Bailey or Melewski offers them the chance to get out of the cab if they do not wish to play, and contestants who choose to play the game must stay in the cab until they reach their destination or get three strikes.

For the first two seasons, the first four questions were worth $25 each, the next four questions were worth $50 each, and any question thereafter was worth $100. In Cash Cab: After Dark - and beginning with the regular episodes of Season 3 - all of the money values were doubled to $50, $100 and $200. Beginning in the fourth season, some games were designated as Double Ride games, making the question values $100, $200 and $400.

Each wrong answer earns the contestant(s) a strike. On the third strike, they forfeit all their winnings and Bailey or Melewski will immediately pull over and kick them out of the cab. Once players have exited the Cash Cab, a camera crew from the trailing production van is already on the street waiting to tape their departure.