A settlement between the city and independent taxi owners will put the brakes on a policy that forced drivers to spend what seemed like every waking hour behind the wheel or face hefty fines.

About a dozen independent cabbies who are not affiliated with a fleet went to federal court two years ago seeking relief from rules that forced them to drive more than 1,600 hours each year even if they were sick.

Under the agreement, the rules will be amended, reducing the number of hours independent owners must drive to 900 hours, and to 600 hours for drivers age 62 and older.