The film opens with a thrilling scene of a bicycle messenger racing through the bustling streets of New York City. As she arrives at her headquarters, cheers erupt around her. This is Belle, played by Queen Latifah, who has just shattered a speed record on what happens to be her last day. Having recently qualified for her taxi license, her coworkers surprise her with a parting gift: a titanium supercharger for the cab she has meticulously crafted over the last five years. This impressive taxi is equipped with an array of gadgets that could rival those seen in a James Bond film. Belle dreams of one day driving for Nascar, showcasing her expertise in engine mechanics.
On her final day, Belle's boyfriend, Jesse, portrayed by Henry Simmons, is frustrated with her because she missed their dinner plans. Determined to make the most of her day, she heads to her garage and promptly installs the supercharger into her beloved cab. The following day, she receives her first customer who offers a whopping $100 tip if she can make it to JFK airport in just fifteen minutes. Demonstrating her excellent driving skills, she races through the city, reminiscent of her messenger days, and arrives in an impressive nine minutes—though not without causing her passenger some distress.
Next, we encounter Detective Washburn, played by Jimmy Fallon, who is hilariously ineffective as an undercover detective. In his current assignment, he attempts to infiltrate a phone card ring connected to Cuba, using his best Tony Montana impression. However, chaos ensues when a gunfight erupts, leaving his partner injured while Washburn's lack of driving skills becomes apparent when he accidentally crashes their getaway car.
Back at the precinct, Washburn is given a "DRIVING FOR DUMMIES" handbook, reinforcing his reputation as the worst driver. Suddenly, he receives a radio call about a bank robbery and hastily commandeers the first car he sees. However, his appearance causes the driver to lose control, resulting in a massive pileup. In his frantic attempt to contribute, he ends up hopping into Belle’s cab, creating an unexpected partnership.
As they chase down the robbers, who turn out to be all women—including the head thief, Vanessa, played by supermodel Gisele Bündchen—they find themselves in a thrilling pursuit. After Belle provides a detailed description of the robbers, she learns that her cab is being held as evidence, much to her dismay. Washburn, empathetic to her plight, vows to help crack the case so she can retrieve her cab.
They eventually uncover a pattern: each robbery coincides with the garbage collection outside the bank, allowing the robbers to stash the cash in garbage bins. Their investigation leads them to the garbage driver, who is under duress as his wife has been kidnapped. After successfully rescuing her and retrieving most of the stolen money, they prepare for the next heist.
When the robbery unfolds seamlessly but is met with an overwhelming police response, the robbers take a hostage and attempt to negotiate their escape. In a surprising turn of events, Giselle offers to frisk the hostage in front of her fellow officers, bringing some unexpected levity to the tense situation. Belle and Washburn remain hot on their trail as they navigate high-speed chases through the city, desperately trying to recover the money while safeguarding the hostage.
The climax arrives on a construction-undergoing bridge where Washburn’s swift thinking allows them to corner the robbers, but not without danger—Belle is shot during the commotion. Thankfully, Washburn manages to drive her to the hospital, showcasing character growth and determination.
In the end, we find Belle on Nascar Sunday, proudly driving her new race car, now sponsored by the Banks of NY. As she glances at the scoreboard, she spots a heartfelt message from her boyfriend proposing marriage. This moment is further enriched by the comedic appearance of Washburn and Lt. Robins, still in their outrageous Russian mafia disguises, alongside a fun-loving, slightly tipsy Ann Margret, cheering Belle on.
