Charge codes 43
Chapter 56 holds the rules for drivers of paratransit vehicles, which carry people with disabilities, including licensing, safe driving, passenger assistance and required items in the vehicle. It replaced the driver sections of old Chapter 4 (§§4-06 to 4-08) in April 2011 and is still in force.
A paratransit driver must immediately report to TLC a suspension or revocation of his or her New York chauffeur's license or driving privileges, and then surrender the Paratransit Driver's License.
35 RCNY §56-10(b)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 56 (Paratransit Drivers)
A paratransit driver must not drive a paratransit vehicle for hire in New York City unless the vehicle is properly licensed by TLC. This is one of the violations with mandatory, escalating penalties.
35 RCNY §56-11(a)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 56 (Paratransit Drivers)
Anyone driving a New York City paratransit vehicle for hire must be licensed by TLC as a paratransit driver.
35 RCNY §56-11(b)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 56 (Paratransit Drivers)
A paratransit driver must not drive without a valid New York chauffeur-class driver's license, or while state driving privileges are suspended or revoked. The TLC license is summarily suspended until fixed.
35 RCNY §56-11(c)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 56 (Paratransit Drivers)
When these summonses were written (2013, by NYPD), §56-11(d)(1) said a driver must not operate a paratransit vehicle without a valid TLC Paratransit Driver's License. In the current rule book, (d)(1) instead says a driver must not let an unlicensed person drive the vehicle.
35 RCNY §56-11(d)(1)TLC Rule Book (2011), Chapter 56 (Paratransit Drivers), archive copy
While working, a paratransit driver must not deliberately fail to do something when that failure is against the best interests of the public, even if no specific rule mentions it.
35 RCNY §56-12(d)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 56 (Paratransit Drivers)
While working, a paratransit driver must not deliberately do, or try to do, anything against the best interests of the public, even if no specific rule mentions it. The summons narrative should describe the act.
35 RCNY §56-12(e)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 56 (Paratransit Drivers)
A TLC-licensed paratransit driver (who drives vehicles that carry people with disabilities) must answer all TLC questions and comply with all communications, directives and summonses from TLC or its representatives. These summonses (2018–2019) usually follow an ignored notice or order. The license can be suspended until the driver complies.
35 RCNY §56-12(g)(1)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 56 (Paratransit Drivers)
A paratransit driver must cooperate with law enforcement officers and TLC representatives, including giving his or her name, license number and required documents when asked.
35 RCNY §56-12(h)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 56 (Paratransit Drivers)
While working, a paratransit driver must not threaten, harass or abuse any person, or distract or try to distract a service animal.
35 RCNY §56-12(i)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 56 (Paratransit Drivers)
While working, a paratransit driver must not use or try to use physical force against a person or a service animal.
35 RCNY §56-12(j)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 56 (Paratransit Drivers)
A TLC-licensed paratransit driver (who drives vehicles that carry people with disabilities) must obey traffic laws. In the 2011 rule book, (a)(1) meant New York State and City traffic laws in general. In the current rule book, (a)(1) covers laws for stationary vehicles (parking, standing, stopping). TLC's fine is on top of any penalty under the traffic law itself.
35 RCNY §56-13(a)(1)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 56 (Paratransit Drivers)
A TLC-licensed paratransit driver (who drives vehicles that carry people with disabilities) must obey traffic laws. In the 2011 rule book, (a)(2) meant the rules of the Port Authority and the Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority (bridges, tunnels, airports); many of these summonses were written by Port Authority officers. In the current rule book, (a)(2) covers non-hazardous moving violations.
35 RCNY §56-13(a)(2)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 56 (Paratransit Drivers)
A TLC-licensed paratransit driver (who drives vehicles that carry people with disabilities) must obey traffic laws. In the current rule book, (a)(3) covers hazardous moving violations such as speeding, running a light or stop sign, tailgating, failing to yield, unsafe lane changes and leaving the scene of a crash. In the 2011 rule book, (a)(3) meant the rules of any other agency with authority over motor vehicles.
35 RCNY §56-13(a)(3)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 56 (Paratransit Drivers)
Under TLC's Persistent Violator Program, a paratransit driver who builds up at least six but fewer than ten TLC and/or DMV points within 15 months has the Paratransit Driver's License suspended for up to 30 days. When the rule began in 2011 it was the "Critical Driver's Program," counted DMV points only, and set a 30-day suspension. A point-reduction or defensive-driving course finished before the summons is decided can lower the count.
35 RCNY §56-13(b)(1)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 56 (Paratransit Drivers) Full explanation
Under TLC's Persistent Violator Program (called the Critical Driver's Program in the 2011 rule book, which counted DMV points only), a paratransit driver who builds up ten or more points within 15 months has the Paratransit Driver's License revoked. The 15 months are counted back from the most recent conviction cited in the summons.
35 RCNY §56-13(b)(2)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 56 (Paratransit Drivers)
A paratransit driver must not drive in a way or at a speed that endangers other drivers, pedestrians or passengers.
35 RCNY §56-14(b)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 56 (Paratransit Drivers)
A paratransit driver involved in a crash that injures someone or damages property must stop and, if the other party is there, show his or her licenses and give name, license numbers, vehicle owner, base, and insurance information.
35 RCNY §56-14(c)(1)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 56 (Paratransit Drivers)
Paratransit drivers must follow federal, state and city rules on handling passengers with infectious diseases, including giving passengers masks and gloves when required.
35 RCNY §56-14(g)(1)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 56 (Paratransit Drivers)
A paratransit driver must not use an electronic communication device (such as a cell phone) while driving; use is allowed only when the vehicle is lawfully stopped or parked. A driver convicted must also complete a distracted-driving course within 60 days or face suspension until it is done.
35 RCNY §56-14(i)(1)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 56 (Paratransit Drivers)
A paratransit driver must be clean and neat in dress and person and present a professional appearance.
35 RCNY §56-15(b)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 56 (Paratransit Drivers)
A paratransit driver must not smoke while transporting a passenger or while helping a passenger in or out of the vehicle. The rule book lists "No Penalty Noted" for this subdivision.
35 RCNY §56-15(c)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 56 (Paratransit Drivers)
A paratransit driver must not ask for a tip or in any way suggest to a passenger that a tip is expected or required.
35 RCNY §56-15(g)(4)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 56 (Paratransit Drivers)
When needed or when the passenger asks, a paratransit driver must load or unload the passenger's luggage and other property, within reason.
35 RCNY §56-15(k)(2)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 56 (Paratransit Drivers)
A paratransit driver must give passengers all necessary and reasonable help to board, be secured inside, reach their destination and leave the vehicle, whether they walk or use a wheelchair or other mobility aid. Drivers are not required to help passengers up or down steps.
35 RCNY §56-15(n)(1)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 56 (Paratransit Drivers)
Paragraph (2) of the boarding-assistance rule says a paratransit driver must help every passenger, whether the passenger walks or uses a wheelchair or other mobility aid.
35 RCNY §56-15(n)(2)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 56 (Paratransit Drivers)
A paratransit driver must be diligent and on time in picking up and transporting passengers.
35 RCNY §56-15(o)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 56 (Paratransit Drivers)
A paratransit driver must be courteous to passengers. This summons usually follows a passenger complaint about rude behavior or language.
35 RCNY §56-15(q)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 56 (Paratransit Drivers)
A paratransit driver must take passengers to their destination by the shortest, most reasonable route, unless the driver or passenger asks for a different route and all other passengers agree.
35 RCNY §56-16(a)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 56 (Paratransit Drivers)
A paratransit driver must honor a passenger's request to change the destination or end the trip unless it is impossible or unsafe, and the change must be in the interest of the other passengers.
35 RCNY §56-16(b)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 56 (Paratransit Drivers)
A paratransit driver must comply with lawful, reasonable passenger requests, including giving his or her name, Paratransit Driver's License number and the vehicle's license number.
35 RCNY §56-16(c)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 56 (Paratransit Drivers)
When a passenger asks, a paratransit driver must give a receipt for the fare showing the date, time, plate number, base name, fare, extras and TLC complaint number.
35 RCNY §56-16(d)(1)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 56 (Paratransit Drivers)
A paratransit driver must turn the radio on or off at a passenger's request; passengers may choose the station and the volume must stay reasonable.
35 RCNY §56-16(e)(1)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 56 (Paratransit Drivers)
A paratransit driver must turn the air conditioning or heat on or off at a passenger's request.
35 RCNY §56-16(f)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 56 (Paratransit Drivers)
Paratransit drivers may pick up passengers only on a prearranged basis; they must not solicit or respond to street hails. This is one of the violations with mandatory, escalating penalties.
35 RCNY §56-19(a)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 56 (Paratransit Drivers)
A dispatched paratransit driver must not refuse, by words, gestures or other means, to transport a person who prearranged a trip within New York City, including a passenger with a service animal, unless a listed justification applies (weapon, dangerous package, intoxicated or disorderly passenger not due to disability, unsecured non-service animal, or medical emergency).
35 RCNY §56-20(a)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 56 (Paratransit Drivers)
Before driving, a paratransit driver must personally inspect and reasonably determine that brakes, tires, lights, signals, wheelchair ramps and fastening devices are in good working order.
35 RCNY §56-22(b)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 56 (Paratransit Drivers)
Before a paratransit vehicle goes out, §56-23(a) lists seven items that must be inside it. Item (1) is the driver's own TLC Paratransit Driver's License. This summons goes to the driver when the license was not in the vehicle during operation; it is a paperwork charge, separate from driving without a license.
35 RCNY §56-23(a)(1)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 56 (Paratransit Drivers)
Before a paratransit vehicle goes out, §56-23(a) lists seven items that must be inside it. Item (2) is the vehicle's state registration certificate, and a photocopy is enough. This summons goes to the driver when no registration (or copy) was in the vehicle.
35 RCNY §56-23(a)(2)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 56 (Paratransit Drivers)
Before a paratransit vehicle goes out, §56-23(a) lists seven items that must be inside it. Item (4) is the vehicle's insurance card, and a photocopy is enough. This summons is for not having the card on board; it is not a charge that the vehicle was uninsured.
35 RCNY §56-23(a)(4)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 56 (Paratransit Drivers)
Before a paratransit vehicle goes out, §56-23(a) lists seven items that must be inside it. Item (5) is the lease card (or a photocopy), which is needed only if the vehicle is leased. This summons is for a leased vehicle operating without its lease card on board.
35 RCNY §56-23(a)(5)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 56 (Paratransit Drivers)
Before a paratransit vehicle goes out, §56-23(a) lists seven items that must be inside it. Item (6) is the Trip Record, the driver's log of the trips being made. This summons goes to the driver when the trip record was not in the vehicle during operation.
35 RCNY §56-23(a)(6)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 56 (Paratransit Drivers)
A paratransit driver may use only wheelchair ramps and fastening (securement) devices that work properly and are secure.
35 RCNY §56-26(a)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 56 (Paratransit Drivers)
Fines and points are shown only where they were checked against the official penalty text. Counts come from NYC Open Data — OATH Hearings Division Case Status; some dates in that data are entry errors. Look up your summons to see the charges on it, or scan it for a plain-English explanation.
TLC Help is not a law firm and is not affiliated with the NYC Taxi & Limousine Commission or OATH. Explanations on this site are general information, not legal advice. Legal representation is provided by independent attorneys and OATH-registered representatives in our network.