Commuter van drivers

Commuter van unlicensed activity (penalties section)

Section 57-02 is the penalties section of the commuter van driver chapter. Its subdivision (a) defines unlicensed activity: providing or advertising TLC-regulated for-hire service with a suspended, revoked or expired license, or with no license at all, which can also lead to seizure of the vehicle under Admin Code §19-506 and §19-528.

35 RCNY §57-02TLC Rule Book, Chapter 57 (Commuter Van Drivers)

Commuter van service provided by someone with no TLC license

Section 57-02(a)(1)(ii) defines unlicensed activity as providing or advertising TLC-regulated for-hire service by a person who has no valid TLC license or authorization at all (as a driver, for the vehicle or for the service). It is cited as the charge itself; the vehicle can also be seized under the Admin Code.

35 RCNY §57-02(a)(1)(ii)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 57 (Commuter Van Drivers)

Commuter van unlicensed activity (no TLC license)

This appears to be §57-02(a)(1)(ii) written without the paragraph number: providing or advertising commuter van service by a person who holds no valid TLC license or authorization.

35 RCNY §57-02(a)(1)(ii)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 57 (Commuter Van Drivers)

Commuter van driver did not update license photo

When a commuter van driver's appearance changes significantly, the driver must arrange with TLC to have a new license photo taken. (Section 57-10 was "reserved" in the first 2011 rule book; the summonses here are from 2013.)

Fine (published)

$50. Appearance not required.

35 RCNY §57-10(d)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 57 (Commuter Van Drivers), May 2016 archive copy

Driving a commuter van without a TLC commuter van driver license

A person must not drive a for-hire commuter van without a valid TLC Commuter Van Driver's License. Driving after the license expires and before renewal counts the same way.

Fine (published)

$400 (2016 and current rule books; $300 in the 2011 rule book). Appearance not required.

35 RCNY §57-11(a)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 57 (Commuter Van Drivers)

Commuter van driver without a valid chauffeur's license

A commuter van driver must not drive without a valid New York chauffeur-class driver's license (or while driving privileges are suspended or revoked). The TLC license is summarily suspended.

Fine (published)

2016 rule book: $400 and suspension until compliance. Current: $350 and suspension (first), $500 and suspension (second in 24 months), revocation (third in 36 months). 2011: $300. Appearance not required.

35 RCNY §57-11(b)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 57 (Commuter Van Drivers)

Commuter van driver not in compliance with NYS bus-driver rules

A commuter van driver must comply with Article 19-A of the NYS Vehicle and Traffic Law (bus-driver qualification rules such as medical checks and record reviews). Driving out of compliance counts as driving without a license, and the TLC license is summarily suspended.

Fine (published)

$400 and suspension until compliance (2016 and current; $300 in 2011). Appearance not required.

35 RCNY §57-11(c)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 57 (Commuter Van Drivers)

Commuter van driver drove an unlicensed or unauthorized van

In the 2011–2016 rule books, §57-11(d) said a commuter van ("dollar van") driver must not drive a van unless it is licensed by TLC and operating under an authorized commuter van service. That rule is now §57-11(e); current §57-11(d) is about reporting a suspended chauffeur's license.

Replaced by §57-11(e)

Fine (published)

$300 (2011–2016 rule books). Appearance not required.

35 RCNY §57-11(d)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 57 (Commuter Van Drivers), May 2016 archive copy

Commuter van driver drove a van not licensed by TLC

A commuter van ("dollar van") driver must not drive a commuter van unless the van is licensed by TLC. When most of these summonses were written (2013–2018) this was §57-11(d)(1); it is now §57-11(e)(1). In today's rule book, §57-11(d) is a different rule (reporting a suspended chauffeur's license).

Replaced by §57-11(e)(1)

Fine (published)

$300 (for 57-11(d), 2011–2016 rule books). Appearance not required.

35 RCNY §57-11(d)(1)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 57 (Commuter Van Drivers), May 2016 archive copy

Van marked "van service" not licensed as a commuter van

No one may operate a vehicle marked "Commuter Van Service," "van service," "van" or similar unless the driver is licensed and the vehicle is licensed as a commuter van (item A) and operating under an authorized service (item B). In the 2011–2016 rule books this was §57-11(e); it is now §57-11(f).

Replaced by §57-11(f)(2)(A)

Fine (published)

$500 first violation; $1,000 for subsequent violations within 24 months (for 57-11(e), 2016 rule book). Appearance required.

35 RCNY §57-11(e)(2)(A)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 57 (Commuter Van Drivers), May 2016 archive copy

Commuter van driver used or threatened physical force

While working, a commuter van driver must not use or attempt to use physical force against anyone, or harm or distract a service animal. Three violations within six months lead to mandatory revocation.

Fine (published)

$500–$1,500 and/or suspension up to 60 days or revocation (2016 and current; $50–$350 and/or suspension or revocation in 2011). Appearance required.

35 RCNY §57-12(c)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 57 (Commuter Van Drivers)

Commuter van driver did not answer or obey a TLC directive

A commuter van ("dollar van") driver must truthfully answer all questions and follow all communications, directives and summonses from TLC or anyone authorized to enforce the commuter van laws. The license can be suspended until the driver complies.

Fine (published)

$300 and suspension until compliance (2016 and current; $200 in 2011). Appearance required.

35 RCNY §57-12(e)(1)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 57 (Commuter Van Drivers)

Commuter van driver deliberately failed to do something required

While working, a commuter van driver must not deliberately fail to do something when that failure is against the best interests of the public. (This subdivision was "reserved" in the 2011 rule book.)

Fine (published)

$150–$350 and/or suspension up to 30 days or revocation. Appearance required.

35 RCNY §57-12(f)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 57 (Commuter Van Drivers)

Commuter van driver deliberately acted against the public interest

While working, a commuter van driver must not deliberately do, or try to do, anything against the best interests of the public, even if no specific rule names it.

Fine (published)

$150–$350 and/or suspension up to 30 days or revocation. Appearance required.

35 RCNY §57-12(g)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 57 (Commuter Van Drivers)

Commuter van driver was not courteous to passengers

A commuter van driver must be courteous to passengers. This summons usually follows a complaint about rude behavior or language.

Fine (published)

$200 if you plead guilty before a hearing; $300 if found guilty following a hearing (2016 and current; $25 in 2011). Appearance not required.

35 RCNY §57-12(h)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 57 (Commuter Van Drivers)

Commuter van driver threatened, harassed or abused someone

While working, a commuter van driver must not threaten, harass or abuse any person, or distract or try to distract a service animal.

Fine (published)

$350–$1,000 and/or suspension up to 30 days or revocation. Appearance required.

35 RCNY §57-12(i)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 57 (Commuter Van Drivers)

Commuter van driver points program (suspension or revocation)

Subdivision 57-13(a) is the points program for commuter van drivers (Critical Driver's Program until about 2016, Persistent Violator Program now): 6–9 points in 15 months leads to suspension and 10 or more to revocation. This summons cites the subdivision without a paragraph.

Fine (published)

Suspension (6–9 points) or revocation (10+ points).

35 RCNY §57-13(a)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 57 (Commuter Van Drivers)

Commuter van driver license suspended for driving points

A commuter van ("dollar van") driver who builds up too many points within 15 months has the TLC Commuter Van Driver's License suspended. Until about 2016–2017 this was the "Critical Driver's Program": six or more DMV points meant a 30-day suspension. The current Persistent Violator Program counts TLC and DMV points together: six to nine points means suspension for up to 30 days. A defensive-driving or point-reduction course finished in time can lower the count.

Fine (published)

Suspension: 30 days for 6+ DMV points (2011–2016 rule books); up to 30 days for 6–9 TLC/DMV points (current).

35 RCNY §57-13(a)(1)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 57 (Commuter Van Drivers)

Commuter van driver license revoked for 10+ points in 15 months

A commuter van ("dollar van") driver who builds up 10 or more points within 15 months (DMV points under the older Critical Driver's Program; TLC and DMV points combined under today's Persistent Violator Program) has the Commuter Van Driver's License revoked.

Fine (published)

Revocation.

35 RCNY §57-13(a)(2)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 57 (Commuter Van Drivers)

Commuter van driver traffic law violation

A commuter van ("dollar van") driver must comply with all traffic laws, and TLC imposes its own fine on top. In the 2011 rule book this was one subdivision with a single penalty range; from about 2015 it was split into stationary, moving and hazardous-moving violations. It is now §57-13(b).

Replaced by §57-13(b)

Fine (published)

2011 rule book: $25–$250 and/or suspension up to 30 days; revocation if found guilty more than 3 times in 12 months. Appearance required.

35 RCNY §57-13(c)TLC Rule Book (2011), Chapter 57 (Commuter Van Drivers), archive copy

Commuter van driver stationary traffic violation (parking/standing)

A commuter van ("dollar van") driver must obey all traffic laws, and TLC adds its own fine. Paragraph (c)(1) covered laws for stationary vehicles, such as parking, standing and stopping rules. Many of these summonses were written by Port Authority officers. The rule is now numbered §57-13(b)(1).

Replaced by §57-13(b)(1)

Fine (published)

$100 if you plead guilty before a hearing; $200 if found guilty following a hearing. Appearance not required.

35 RCNY §57-13(c)(1)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 57 (Commuter Van Drivers), May 2016 archive copy

Commuter van driver moving traffic violation (non-hazardous)

A commuter van ("dollar van") driver must obey all traffic laws, and TLC adds its own fine. Paragraph (c)(2) covered moving violations that are not on the hazardous list. The rule is now numbered §57-13(b)(2).

Replaced by §57-13(b)(2)

Fine (published)

$200 if you plead guilty before a hearing; $300 if found guilty following a hearing. Appearance not required.

35 RCNY §57-13(c)(2)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 57 (Commuter Van Drivers), May 2016 archive copy

Commuter van driver hazardous moving violation

A commuter van ("dollar van") driver must obey all traffic laws, and TLC adds its own fine. Paragraph (c)(3) covered hazardous moving violations such as speeding, running a light or stop sign, failing to yield, unsafe lane changes and similar. The rule is now numbered §57-13(b)(3).

Replaced by §57-13(b)(3)

Fine (published)

$300 if you plead guilty before a hearing; $400 if found guilty following a hearing, for each violation. Appearance not required.

35 RCNY §57-13(c)(3)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 57 (Commuter Van Drivers), May 2016 archive copy

Commuter van driver reckless driving (or unsafe driving behavior)

In the 2016 and current rule books, §57-14(a) is the reckless driving rule: a driver must not operate a commuter van in a way or at a speed that unreasonably endangers others. In the 2011 rule book, (a) said applicants must maintain safe and lawful driving behavior, with no separate fine.

Fine (published)

2016 and current rule books: $350–$1,000 and/or suspension up to 30 days, or revocation if found guilty of violating this rule more than three times within 18 months. Appearance required. (The 2011 rule book had no fine for (a).)

35 RCNY §57-14(a)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 57 (Commuter Van Drivers)

Commuter van driver must maintain safe and lawful driving (2011 rule)

In the 2011 rule book, §57-14(a)(1) said commuter van drivers and applicants must maintain safe and lawful driving behavior, and the TLC would not issue or renew a license after conduct that could justify suspension or revocation. No fine box was attached. That paragraph no longer exists; today §57-14(a) is a different rule (reckless driving).

35 RCNY §57-14(a)(1)TLC Rule Book (2011), Chapter 57 (Commuter Van Drivers), archive copy

Commuter van driver used a phone or electronic device while driving

A commuter van driver must not use an electronic communication device (such as a cell phone) while driving; it is allowed only when the van is lawfully stopped or parked. A convicted driver must also finish a distracted-driving course within 60 days or be suspended until it is done.

Fine (published)

Current rule book: $250 if you plead guilty before a hearing; $350 if found guilty following a hearing. 2016 rule book: the same amounts plus a suspension deferred 60 days (dropped if the distracted-driving course is completed in time). 2011 rule book: $200 and a suspension deferred 60 days pending the course. Appearance not required.

35 RCNY §57-14(b)(1)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 57 (Commuter Van Drivers)

Commuter van driver honked the horn unlawfully

A commuter van driver must not honk the horn in a way that violates traffic rules (for example, to attract passengers).

Fine (published)

$50. Appearance not required.

35 RCNY §57-15(o)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 57 (Commuter Van Drivers), May 2016 archive copy

Commuter van driver did not turn heat or A/C on or off when asked

A commuter van driver must turn the heating or air conditioning on or off when passengers ask.

Fine (published)

$25. Appearance not required.

35 RCNY §57-16(f)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 57 (Commuter Van Drivers)

Commuter van driver picked up passengers who had not prearranged

A commuter van driver must only transport passengers on a prearranged basis. Picking up people who flag the van on the street is the typical violation.

Fine (published)

$50. Appearance not required.

35 RCNY §57-19(a)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 57 (Commuter Van Drivers)

Commuter van driver carried passengers not prearranged or on manifest

A commuter van driver may carry only passengers on a prearranged basis whose names are on the passenger manifest (the current rule says prearranged only). This summons is usually for picking up people on the street.

Fine (published)

$50 (for 57-19(a)). Appearance not required.

35 RCNY §57-19(a)(1)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 57 (Commuter Van Drivers), May 2016 archive copy

Commuter van trip requests not logged at the service's office

Requests for service and prearranged trips must be logged, and those records kept at the commuter van service's business premises for checking. This paragraph appears in the 2011–2016 rule books.

Fine (published)

$50 (for 57-19(a)). Appearance not required.

35 RCNY §57-19(a)(2)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 57 (Commuter Van Drivers), May 2016 archive copy

Commuter van picked up or dropped off outside its authorized area

A commuter van driver must not pick up or drop off passengers outside the geographic area in the van service's TLC authorization. Three violations within six months lead to mandatory revocation.

Fine (published)

$75 for the first and second violation; revocation for a third within six months (for 57-19(b)). Appearance not required.

35 RCNY §57-19(b)(1)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 57 (Commuter Van Drivers)

Commuter van picked up or dropped off along a bus route

A commuter van driver must not pick up or drop off passengers along any New York City or private bus route (except certain services grandfathered in Manhattan south of Chambers Street). Three violations within six months lead to mandatory revocation.

Fine (published)

$75 for the first and second violation; revocation for a third within six months (for 57-19(b)). Appearance not required.

35 RCNY §57-19(b)(2)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 57 (Commuter Van Drivers)

Commuter van driver refused a prearranged passenger

A dispatched commuter van driver must not refuse, by words, gestures or other means, to carry a person who prearranged a trip within the service's area, including someone with a service animal, unless a listed justification applies.

Fine (published)

$200–$350 for the first violation; $350–$500 for each subsequent violation within 36 months. Appearance required.

35 RCNY §57-20(a)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 57 (Commuter Van Drivers), May 2016 archive copy

Commuter van license not in the van

A commuter van driver must not drive unless the van's Commuter Van License is inside the vehicle.

Fine (published)

$25 per missing item; maximum $50 (for 57-23(a)). Appearance not required.

35 RCNY §57-23(a)(1)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 57 (Commuter Van Drivers)

Driver's commuter van license not posted behind driver's seat

A commuter van driver must not drive unless his or her Commuter Van Driver's License is in the van, mounted in a protective holder behind the driver's seat.

Fine (published)

$25 per missing item; maximum $50 (for 57-23(a)). Appearance not required.

35 RCNY §57-23(a)(2)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 57 (Commuter Van Drivers)

Commuter van service authorization not in the van

A commuter van driver must not drive unless the commuter van service's TLC authorization (or a legible copy) is in the van.

Fine (published)

$25 per missing item; maximum $50 (for 57-23(a)). Appearance not required.

35 RCNY §57-23(a)(3)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 57 (Commuter Van Drivers)

Passenger manifest not in the commuter van (former rule)

In the 2011–2016 rule books, the passenger manifest was item (5) of the documents a commuter van driver must have in the van. The current rule book lists only items (1)–(4).

Fine (published)

$25 per missing item; maximum $50 (for 57-23(a)(1)–(5), 2016 rule book). Appearance not required.

35 RCNY §57-23(a)(5)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 57 (Commuter Van Drivers), May 2016 archive copy

Commuter van license not in the van (typed without parentheses) — another spelling of §57-23(A)(1) (Commuter van license not in the van).

Commuter van driver did not keep a passenger manifest (former rule)

In the 2011–2016 rule books, a commuter van driver had to keep a passenger manifest and write each passenger's name legibly in ink before the passenger boarded. Section 57-24 is now reserved (empty).

Fine (published)

$25 (2016 rule book). Appearance not required.

35 RCNY §57-24(a)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 57 (Commuter Van Drivers), May 2016 archive copy