The Convergence Convergence - S9-E24
Other mistake: Howard believes he's being followed by the government, when it's actually Leonard, Penny, and Beverly in their car. The shots from Howard's car show only Leonard's silhouette. The other two do not appear as silhouettes.
Chosen answer: It does. The variable cleanliness of the cab and the habit of taxi drivers to engage customers in small talk would be too much for Sheldon to handle, and not an option for him.
Captain Defenestrator