NYC Administrative Code, Title 19 Chapter 5 (TLC law)
Codes starting with 19- are sections of the NYC Administrative Code, Title 19, Chapter 5 — the City law the TLC enforces, not a TLC rule. The most common are §19-506 (operating or arranging for-hire rides without the required TLC license; seizures), §19-507 (mandatory penalties for refusals, asking a passenger's destination, overcharging and FHV street pickups), §19-507.1 (persistent violator program), §19-504 (vehicle licensing) and §19-528 (doing TLC-licensed business without a license). These sections still apply today.
Incomplete City TLC law code (section number cut off)
This code stops at 19-50, so the last digit of the section is missing. Sections 19-501 to 19-509 of the City's TLC law cover vehicle licenses (§19-504), driver licenses (§19-505), unlicensed activity (§19-506), mandatory penalties (§19-507) and equipment (§19-508). Which one was meant cannot be told from the public data.
City unlicensed-activity code missing a digit (most likely §19-506(b)(1))
There is no §19-50 in the City’s TLC law; a digit is missing. The 2013 summonses with this code also list 506B and §19-506(b)(1), so it almost certainly means §19-506(b)(1): driving, offering to drive or letting someone drive a vehicle for hire that has no TLC vehicle license. That charge applies to the owner and the driver. Check the officer’s description on the summons.
City TLC vehicle-licensing law (§19-504, written with an extra dash)
This looks like §19-504 written with an extra dash. That section of the City's TLC law requires every taxi, livery, black car, commuter van and wheelchair van operating for hire in the city to hold a valid TLC vehicle license, and covers inspections, fees and revocation for nonuse. The specific subdivision was not recorded.
City unlicensed-activity law (§19-506, written with an extra dash)
This looks like §19-506 written with an extra dash. That section of the City's TLC law covers unlicensed for-hire activity: vehicles with no TLC license, vehicles used beyond their license, taxi or livery markings without a license, and drivers without a TLC driver license, plus seizures and penalties. The specific subdivision was not recorded.
Mistyped City unlicensed-activity code (most likely §19-506(b)(1))
§19-501 of the City’s TLC law only states its purpose and has no subdivision (b). The 2013 summons with this code also lists §19-506(b)(1) and 506B, so it was most likely a mistyped §19-506(b)(1): driving or letting someone drive a vehicle for hire that has no TLC vehicle license. Check the officer’s description on the summons.
City law on licensing taxis, for-hire vehicles and commuter vans
§19-504 of the City's TLC law requires every taxi, livery, black car, commuter van and wheelchair-accessible van that operates for hire in New York City to hold a TLC vehicle license. It also covers license fees, inspections, replacement of licenses, and revocation when a vehicle is not used (subdivision (g)). This summons did not record which subdivision was charged.
Commuter van driven by someone without a CDL and TLC commuter van driver license — another spelling of §19-504.3(A)(5) (Commuter van driven by someone without a CDL and TLC commuter van driver license).
This City law lets the TLC revoke a vehicle license when the vehicle has not been operated for 60 days in a row, or when the owner sold the vehicle and did not replace it within 120 days. Nonuse caused by a strike, riot, war, public disaster or other event outside the owner's control does not count, and an owner-driver who was disabled by illness, with proof, should not lose the license this way. These cases are brought by the TLC from its records, not at a roadside stop.
§19-504.3 of the City's TLC law sets the conditions for running commuter vans ("dollar vans"): each van needs a TLC license, inspection, registration and insurance, and must use a properly licensed driver; the service must keep trip records and meet federal disability and drug-testing rules. This summons did not record which part was charged.
Commuter van operating conditions (service and owner responsibilities)
Subdivision (a) of §19-504.3 lists the conditions every commuter van must meet while in service: a TLC commuter van license, state DOT inspection and safety standards, valid registration, required insurance, a properly licensed driver, FCC-compliant radios, trip records, and naming drivers as agents for legal papers. The commuter van service and the van owner are both liable. This summons did not say which condition was broken.
Commuter van driven by someone without a CDL and TLC commuter van driver license
This City law says a commuter van service or van owner may not let a van be used in service unless the driver holds both a commercial driver's license (CDL) valid for carrying passengers and a TLC commuter van driver's license. The van service and the owner are both responsible. It is usually charged when a dollar van is stopped with an unlicensed driver.
§19-505 of the City's TLC law covers TLC driver's licenses: you need the right license for the type of vehicle you drive, the requirements to get one (chauffeur's license, age, health, fingerprints, good character), license terms, and revocation for nonuse or rule violations. This summons did not record which part was charged.
Driving a vehicle for hire without the right TLC driver license
Subdivision (a) of §19-505 says no one may drive a TLC-regulated vehicle for hire without first getting the matching TLC driver's license (taxi, for-hire vehicle, wheelchair van or commuter van). A license for one type of vehicle does not allow you to drive another type. This summons did not record which vehicle type was involved.
Driving a commuter van without a TLC commuter van driver license
This City law says no one may drive a regulated vehicle for hire without the matching TLC driver's license. Paragraph (v) covers commuter vans ("dollar vans"): the driver must hold a TLC commuter van driver's license. A license for another kind of TLC vehicle does not count. These summonses are written by the TLC, mostly to commuter van drivers.
Not meeting the basic requirements for a TLC driver license
Subdivision (b) of §19-505 lists what a person needs to hold a TLC driver's license (other than for commuter vans): a New York chauffeur's license, age 19 or older, good health and eyesight, fingerprints, good moral character, and no drug or alcohol addiction. A summons citing it, written by Port Authority police in 2014, most likely means the driver lacked one of these, often the chauffeur-class license.
Paragraph (b)(1) of §19-505 requires every TLC driver (except commuter van drivers) to hold a New York State chauffeur's license, meaning a Class E or other license that allows driving passengers for hire. A summons citing it means the officer found the driver did not have a valid chauffeur-class license. Port Authority police issued these at the airports in 2014.
TLC power to suspend or revoke a driver license for breaking the rules
Subdivision (l) of §19-505 lets the TLC, after a hearing, suspend or revoke a driver's license when the driver fails to follow the City's TLC law or TLC rules for drivers. It is a power section rather than a specific act, so a summons citing it usually goes with another charge that explains what the driver did.
City TLC law on enforcement and unlicensed for-hire activity
This summons cites §19-506 of the City's TLC law without a subdivision. That section is the main enforcement law for unlicensed for-hire activity: driving a vehicle with no TLC license (b)(1), using a vehicle beyond its license (b)(2), taxi or livery markings and ads without licenses (c), driving for hire without a TLC driver license (d), and the penalties and seizure rules for them. The exact part was not recorded in the public data.
Unlicensed or out-of-scope for-hire vehicle operation
This charge cites subdivision (b) of the City's TLC law without saying which paragraph. Paragraph (1) covers driving or allowing a vehicle to be used for hire with no TLC vehicle license at all. Paragraph (2) covers using a licensed vehicle for work its license does not allow. Both apply to the owner and the driver, and both can lead to vehicle seizure for repeat violators. The officer's description should show which one was meant.
Operating a vehicle for hire without a TLC vehicle license — another spelling of §19-506(B)(1) (Operating a vehicle for hire without a TLC vehicle license).
Operating a vehicle for hire without a TLC vehicle license — another spelling of §19-506(B)(1) (Operating a vehicle for hire without a TLC vehicle license).
Operating a vehicle for hire without a TLC vehicle license
This City law makes it a violation to drive, offer to drive, or let someone else drive a car for hire (as a taxi, livery, black car or similar) when the vehicle has no TLC vehicle license. It applies to the vehicle's owner and, if different, the driver. It is the most common unlicensed-activity charge. The vehicle can be seized if the owner had another unlicensed-activity violation in the past 36 months (TLC rule 68-17), and repeat violations can lead to forfeiture.
Fine (published)
Civil penalty at OATH (Admin Code §19-506(e)(1)): $1,500 for a first violation; $2,000 for a second violation within 36 months. In criminal court: $1,000–$2,000 and/or up to 60 days in jail.
Operating a vehicle for hire without a TLC vehicle license — another spelling of §19-506(B)(1) (Operating a vehicle for hire without a TLC vehicle license).
Using a licensed vehicle for hire beyond what its license allows — another spelling of §19-506(B)(2) (Using a licensed vehicle for hire beyond what its license allows).
Using a licensed vehicle for hire beyond what its license allows
This City law covers a vehicle that does have a TLC license but is used for work its license does not allow, for example a for-hire vehicle picking up street hails where only taxis may, or a vehicle doing a type of service it is not licensed for. It applies to the owner and, if different, the driver. The vehicle can be seized when the owner has a prior unlicensed-activity violation within 36 months.
Fine (published)
Civil penalty at OATH (Admin Code §19-506(e)(2)): $200–$1,500 per violation. In criminal court: $400–$1,000 and/or up to 60 days in jail.
There is no paragraph (b)(10) in §19-506. This is most likely §19-506(b)(1) with an extra zero: driving, offering to drive or letting someone else drive a vehicle for hire that has no TLC vehicle license. That charge applies to the owner and the driver and can lead to seizure of the vehicle for repeat violators.
Operating a vehicle for hire without a TLC vehicle license — another spelling of §19-506(B)(1) (Operating a vehicle for hire without a TLC vehicle license).
Taxi or livery markings or advertising without TLC licenses
This charge cites the whole of subdivision (c) of the City's TLC law. Part (1) bans vehicles marked "taxi," "cab," "livery," "limousine," "van" or similar, and advertising such a service, unless the vehicles and drivers hold the right TLC licenses. Part (2) requires licensed businesses to show their TLC license number in print and broadcast ads. The officer’s description should show which part was meant.
Fine (published)
Civil penalty at OATH (Admin Code §19-506(e)(2)): $200–$1,500 per violation. Advertising by unlicensed persons can instead carry per-ad penalties under §19-506(f).
Taxi, livery or van signs or ads without the right TLC license — another spelling of §19-506(C)(1) (Taxi, livery or van signs or ads without the right TLC license).
Taxi, livery or van signs or ads without the right TLC license
This City law bans driving or allowing a vehicle marked with words like "taxi," "cab," "livery," "limousine" or "van service" unless the vehicle and driver hold the right TLC licenses. It also bans advertising or presenting yourself as a taxi, limousine, livery, commuter van or wheelchair-van service unless every vehicle used has the needed TLC license. The vehicle can be seized when the owner has a prior unlicensed-activity violation within 36 months.
Fine (published)
Civil penalty at OATH (Admin Code §19-506(e)(2)): $200–$1,500 per violation. For print or broadcast ads by an unlicensed person, §19-506(f) sets per-broadcast ($100–$550) or per-publication penalties instead.
Taxi or livery markings and advertising rules (paragraphs 1 and 2 cited together)
This summons cites both paragraphs of subdivision (c) of the City's TLC law at once. Paragraph (1) bans taxi- or livery-style markings and advertising unless the vehicles and drivers hold the right TLC licenses. Paragraph (2) requires licensed businesses to show their TLC license number and that they are TLC-licensed in print and broadcast ads. Check the officer's description to see which part applies.
Driving a TLC vehicle for hire without a TLC driver license
This City law covers a person who drives a TLC-licensed vehicle for hire without holding a valid TLC driver license and a valid New York chauffeur-class (Class A, B, C or E) license. In other words, the car is licensed but the driver is not, or the driver's license is suspended or revoked. It does not apply to commuter vans, which have their own rules. TLC rule 80-11 covers a similar charge with different penalties.
Fine (published)
Civil penalty at OATH (Admin Code §19-506(e)(1)): $1,500 for a first violation; $2,000 for a second violation within 36 months. In criminal court: $500–$1,000 and/or up to 30 days in jail.
Driving a TLC vehicle for hire without a TLC driver license — another spelling of §19-506(D) (Driving a TLC vehicle for hire without a TLC driver license).
Civil penalty for out-of-scope operation or illegal taxi markings
Subdivision (e)(2) of the City's TLC law is a penalty clause, not a separate act. It sets the civil penalty at OATH for using a licensed vehicle beyond its license (§19-506(b)(2)) and for taxi or livery markings or advertising without the right licenses (§19-506(c)). A summons citing it is most likely charging one of those two violations.
Fine (published)
Civil penalty at OATH (Admin Code §19-506(e)(2)): $200–$1,500 per violation.
Mistyped code, most likely the vehicle-license nonuse law (§19-504(g))
Subdivision (g) of §19-506 is not a rule a person can break: it only tells the TLC to run a public campaign urging riders to use licensed vehicles. The one 2014 summons with this code also lists §19-504(g) three times, so it was most likely a typo for §19-504(g), the law that lets the TLC revoke a vehicle license when the vehicle has not been used for 60 days in a row. Check the summons to confirm.
Subdivision (i)(1) of the City's TLC law sets civil penalties for breaking any law or TLC rule that applies to commuter van services, commuter vans or their drivers. It gives higher penalties for running a commuter van service without TLC authorization, or a van without a commuter van license. These summonses are usually given to dollar-van owners or services.
Green cab (street hail livery) pickup by hail in a zone where it is not allowed
This City law says a driver of a vehicle with a street hail livery license (a green "Boro Taxi") may not pick up a passenger by street hail in a place where those vehicles are not allowed to take hails, such as the main part of Manhattan and the airports. Fines rise for repeat violations, and the driver's license can be revoked after three convictions. A finding can also count against the green cab's license holder.
Operating a vehicle for hire without a TLC vehicle license — another spelling of §19-506(B)(1) (Operating a vehicle for hire without a TLC vehicle license).
Operating a vehicle for hire without a TLC vehicle license — another spelling of §19-506(B)(1) (Operating a vehicle for hire without a TLC vehicle license).
Taxi or livery markings or advertising without TLC licenses — another spelling of §19-506(C) (Taxi or livery markings or advertising without TLC licenses).
Taxi, livery or van signs or ads without the right TLC license — another spelling of §19-506(C)(1) (Taxi, livery or van signs or ads without the right TLC license).
Taxi, livery or van signs or ads without the right TLC license — another spelling of §19-506(C)(1) (Taxi, livery or van signs or ads without the right TLC license).
Taxi, livery or van signs or ads without the right TLC license — another spelling of §19-506(C)(1) (Taxi, livery or van signs or ads without the right TLC license).
Advertising a licensed for-hire service without the TLC license number
This code is §19-506(c)(2) written without parentheses. It requires anyone who must hold a TLC license to state clearly, in print and broadcast ads for that business, the vehicle or base license number and that the business is licensed by the TLC. Commuter van services must show their authorization number. Owners of five or more taxicabs are exempt from showing vehicle license numbers.
Fine (published)
Civil penalty at OATH (Admin Code §19-506(e)(2)): $200–$1,500 per violation.
Driving a TLC vehicle for hire without a TLC driver license — another spelling of §19-506(D) (Driving a TLC vehicle for hire without a TLC driver license).
For-hire vehicle picking up passengers without a prearranged trip
This City law says a driver of a for-hire vehicle (livery, black car, app car) may not pick up passengers unless the trip was booked ahead by phone, app or other prearrangement. Green cabs with a street hail license are the exception. It is the City-law version of the street-hail ban for FHVs; since about 2022 TLC charges the same conduct under rule 80-19(c). Penalties are set by law and rise for repeat offenses.
Fine (published)
Mandatory penalties (Admin Code §19-507(b)(1)(b)): first offense $200–$350; second within 24 months $350–$500 and possible suspension up to 30 days; three or more within 36 months: revocation. No new TLC license for one year after revocation (§19-507(c)).
Penalty clause for FHV street-hail pickups (repeat offense)
This code points to the penalty part of §19-507, at (b)(1)(b), which sets the fines for for-hire vehicle drivers who pick up passengers without a prearranged trip. The extra "(2)" most likely marks a second offense within 24 months, which carries a higher fine and a possible suspension. It was used in 2016–2017, mainly together with §19-507(a)(4).
Paragraph (b)(2) of §19-507 says the TLC must revoke the driver's license of a driver found to have charged, or tried to charge, a passenger $10 or more above the approved taxi fare. It overrides the normal step-by-step fines for overcharging. It was cited on two charges in 2016.
Persistent violator suspension (6 to 9 points in 15 months)
This City law suspends a taxi or for-hire driver's TLC license when the driver has six or more, but fewer than ten, points within any 15-month period, counting TLC points and DMV (or home-state) points together. The suspension can be up to 30 days. Only the highest-point violation from a single stop counts, and an approved course can remove points if finished in time. Newer summonses cite TLC rule 80-27 instead.
Fine (published)
Suspension of the TLC driver license for up to 30 days when a driver has 6 or more but fewer than 10 TLC and/or DMV points within any 15-month period (Admin Code §19-507.1(b)).
Persistent violator revocation (10 or more points in 15 months)
This City law requires the TLC to revoke a taxi or for-hire driver's TLC license when the driver has 10 or more points within any 15-month period, counting TLC points and DMV (or home-state) points together. TLC still has to prove the points and the dates. A point-reduction course only helps if finished before the case is decided. Newer summonses cite TLC rule 80-27 instead.
Fine (published)
Revocation of the TLC driver license when a driver has 10 or more TLC and/or DMV points within any 15-month period (Admin Code §19-507.1(c)).
Required radios and safety equipment in licensed vehicles
Subdivision (b) of §19-508 lets the TLC allow or require radios and other equipment in licensed vehicles. It requires wheelchair-accessible vans to carry two-way radios when a dispatcher is used, enough seat belts for every seat, wheelchair tie-downs, and other safety equipment the TLC sets. A summons citing it means required equipment was missing or not in order.
City law on licensing for-hire bases and dispatch systems
§19-511 of the City's TLC law requires licenses for for-hire base stations and the radio or other systems used to dispatch licensed vehicles. It also requires bases to provide off-street parking for their vehicles. A summons citing it usually concerns a base or dispatch operation without the needed license or not meeting its conditions.
Subdivision (a) of §19-514 requires the outside of every medallion taxicab to be painted yellow or a shade of yellow. A summons citing it means the cab's color did not meet this rule. Charges with this code were written in 2003.
For-hire vehicle without proof of insurance on board
This City law requires every for-hire vehicle to carry in the glove compartment, and show on demand to police or TLC inspectors, the vehicle's TLC license, the driver's TLC license and proof of current liability insurance. Paragraph (3) is the insurance part: the summons means proof of insurance could not be shown.
Exterior advertising on a TLC vehicle without a permit
This City law says a TLC-licensed vehicle may not carry advertising on its outside, including the roof and trunk, unless the owner first got a TLC exterior-advertising permit. It is charged to the vehicle owner. The TLC also sets rules on the type and size of the ads.
§19-526DCode we couldn't match exactly2 charges · 2014
Unclear City law code (there is no §19-526)
The City's TLC law has no §19-526 in the text we could read, so this code is most likely a typo. A likely reading is §19-506(d), driving a TLC vehicle for hire without a TLC driver license, but that is a guess. It appeared on two charges in one 2014 hearing. Check the officer's written description on the summons.
City law on unlicensed TLC businesses (stop orders and sealing)
§19-528 of the City's TLC law gives the TLC extra powers against people who run a TLC-licensed business, such as a car service base, without a license. Subdivision (a) makes that illegal; the rest lets the TLC fine per day, order the activity stopped, and seal the premises. This summons did not record a subdivision, but it most likely means (a).
Running a TLC-licensed business without the license
This City law makes it illegal to run any business or activity that needs a TLC license, such as a for-hire base, taxi agent or meter shop, without holding that license. After a hearing, the TLC can fine the person for each day the activity went on, order it to stop, and seal the premises if they are mainly used for the unlicensed business.
Fine (published)
After notice and hearing (Admin Code §19-528(b)): $100 per violation per day for each day of unlicensed activity; an order to stop the activity at the premises; and sealing of premises primarily used for the activity.
§19-530 of the City's TLC law makes it illegal to act as an agent (a business that manages medallion taxicabs for their owners) without a TLC agent license. Agent licenses run for up to one year and end on December 31. Breaking this rule is both a misdemeanor and grounds for a civil penalty.
Operating a vehicle for hire without a TLC vehicle license — another spelling of §19-506(B)(1) (Operating a vehicle for hire without a TLC vehicle license).
§19-50661
§19-50661Code we couldn't match exactly2 charges · 2013
Garbled City unlicensed-activity code (probably §19-506)
This code is not a real section number. It starts with 19-506, the City law on unlicensed for-hire activity, followed by "61", which may be a mistyped (b)(1) (a handwritten "b" can look like a "6"). That would be the charge for driving a vehicle for hire with no TLC vehicle license. The exact subdivision cannot be read from the code. It was used on two charges in 2013.
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