? The NYS Federation of Taxi Drivers is warning Bronx and city residents to think twice before illegally hailing a livery cab.

The organization?s president, Fernando Mateo, plans to ask the City Council to pass legislation that would fine passengers and drivers caught in the act. While it is legal for residents to hail yellow cabs on city streets, they can only catch livery cabs if they call drivers in advance. Mateo says he?s pushing for the penalties to prevent passengers from getting into cars with fake livery drivers.

One city councilmember says the issue will be addressed, but adds he feels it would be a mistake to fine passengers.