Basically every cab has two lights, one on the top and one on the dashboard. If the top is green and the dashboard is green then the cab is available. If the top is green and the dashboard is red then the cab is reserved from a call or an app or they just don't want to pick you up (as I am recently learning). If the top is red and the dashboard is red then the cab is clearly unavailable.
On the dashboard is a plaque with a photo id of someone who may, or may not be your driver along with a number. The lower the number, the long the driver as been driving. Drivers with numbers over 350,000 are newer drivers, 200,00 ranger are average and anyone with a number below 100,000 is considered a veteran driver (meaning knowing the streets of Shanghai best not necessarily safe driving).
The star system on the id card is based out 5 stars. The drivers seeking higher stars must past extensive written exams. I have been advised that any taxi with 2+ stars is considered good and will safely get my to my destination in one piece. Maybe three times since I've been here I've been in a cab with 4 stars and the majority of the time the drivers have no stars. Apparently the drivers who have 4+ stars have more likely been driving for 20+ years.
It's an experience every time you get in the cab.
Smoking, required.
Seat belts, not required.
Air conditioning, not likely.
Traffic, a must.
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