Charge codes 221
Chapter 58 holds the rules for owners of yellow medallion taxicabs (and their agents): licensing, insurance, inspections, vehicle condition and equipment, taximeters and TPEP, lease caps and owner conduct. It replaced old Chapter 1 in April 2011 and is still in force.
An owner must not make any structural change to a taxi that departs from the TLC taxicab specifications in Chapter 67 without the TLC's written approval.
35 RCNY §58-31(d)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 58 (Medallion Taxicab Owners), current
An owner must not attach, remove or transfer a medallion to a new or replacement vehicle without the TLC's prior authorization. Adding extra bolts to secure the medallion is allowed.
35 RCNY §58-31(e)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 58 (Medallion Taxicab Owners), current
The medallion number on the front and back of the roof light must be clean and unobstructed so it is plainly visible.
35 RCNY §58-31(f)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 58 (Medallion Taxicab Owners), current
When a taxi works after sunset, the face of the taximeter, the TLC Driver License and the Rate Card must be lit so they are clearly visible from the back seat.
35 RCNY §58-31(g)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 58 (Medallion Taxicab Owners), current
When a taxi works for hire after sunset, the face of the taximeter must be lit so passengers in the back seat can clearly see it.
35 RCNY §58-31(g)(1)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 58 (Medallion Taxicab Owners), current
When a taxi works for hire after sunset, the driver's TLC license in its frame must be lit so it is clearly visible from the rear seat. The charge goes to the medallion owner.
35 RCNY §58-31(g)(2)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 58 (Medallion Taxicab Owners), current
When a taxi works for hire after sunset, the Rate Card must be lit so it is clearly visible from the rear seat.
35 RCNY §58-31(g)(3)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 58 (Medallion Taxicab Owners), current
The dashboard dimmer switch or any other device must not control the brightness of the roof light, the meter light, the license-frame light or the interior lights.
35 RCNY §58-31(h)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 58 (Medallion Taxicab Owners), current
A medallion owner must apply the TLC-approved markings to the outside of the taxi, such as the taxi logo decals on the front doors and the medallion number decals on the rear quarter panels.
35 RCNY §58-32(a)(1)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 58 (Medallion Taxicab Owners), current
In the 2011 rule book, item (a)(1)(i) required two taxicab logo decals on the outside of the taxi. By 2013 the itemized list was gone: §58-32(a)(1) now simply requires all TLC-approved exterior markings, which include the logo decals on both front doors.
35 RCNY §58-32(a)(1)(i)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 58 as first published (2011), Wayback Machine copy
In the 2011 rule book, item (a)(1)(ii) required two rate-of-fare decals on the outside of the taxi. The rate-of-fare decal requirement was later dropped (the marking table now lists it as 'reserved').
35 RCNY §58-32(a)(1)(ii)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 58 as first published (2011), Wayback Machine copy
Owners must get the approved taxi markings from a person or company the TLC has authorized to print and distribute the decals (listed on the TLC website).
35 RCNY §58-32(a)(2)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 58 (Medallion Taxicab Owners), current
An owner must not display any lettering, emblem, advertising or marking on the outside of a taxi (including windows and accessories) unless the TLC permits it, such as permitted advertising with a TLC permit, accessible-taxi insignia or clean-air insignia.
35 RCNY §58-32(c)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 58 (Medallion Taxicab Owners), current
Paragraph (1) of the exterior-marking rule allows only markings, inscriptions or advertising specifically permitted or authorized by the TLC. Anything else on the outside of the cab breaks the rule.
35 RCNY §58-32(c)(1)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 58 (Medallion Taxicab Owners), current
Paragraph (2): outdoor advertising on a taxi is allowed only if the TLC has authorized it on the vehicle's Rate Card and the owner has a TLC advertising permit.
35 RCNY §58-32(c)(2)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 58 (Medallion Taxicab Owners), current
Item (4)(ii): clean-air vehicle insignia must be placed on the outside of the C-pillars of a sedan or SUV (D-pillars of a minivan), on both sides, where passengers getting in can see them.
35 RCNY §58-32(c)(4)(ii)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 58 (Medallion Taxicab Owners), current
Required inscriptions and markings on a taxi (decals, medallion numbers and the like) must be kept in good condition, not peeling, faded or damaged.
35 RCNY §58-32(d)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 58 (Medallion Taxicab Owners), current
An owner must put a current New York City commercial motor vehicle tax stamp on the lower right side of the taxi windshield, where it is plainly visible.
35 RCNY §58-32(e)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 58 (updated Sept. 19, 2013), Wayback Machine copy
An owner must not display ads or notices inside a taxi unless the rules or the TLC allow them. Paragraph (2) permits advertising only on the Technology System screen as set out in the TLC marking table and §67-15(d).
35 RCNY §58-32(f)(2)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 58 (Medallion Taxicab Owners), current
Every taxi needs a raised-lettering identification plaque. Item (i): it must be 1/8-inch thick black acrylic, 11 by 5 inches, with rounded corners and four screw holes.
35 RCNY §58-32(g)(2)(i)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 58 (Medallion Taxicab Owners), current
Item (ii): the taxi's raised-lettering plaque must show, in 1-inch white Helvetica letters, the medallion number, the word 'COMPLAINTS' and the phone number '212 NYC TAXI' on three lines.
35 RCNY §58-32(g)(2)(ii)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 58 (Medallion Taxicab Owners), current
Item (ii)(A): the first line of the taxi's raised-lettering identification plaque must show the medallion number, centered.
35 RCNY §58-32(g)(2)(ii)(A)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 58 (Medallion Taxicab Owners), current
Subdivision (i) is the TLC's table of taxi markings: what must or may appear on the cab, where and how big (logo decals, roof-light medallion number, interior medallion number, passenger information sign, camera notice, cyclist and safety stickers, and so on).
35 RCNY §58-32(i)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 58 (Medallion Taxicab Owners), current
Required item missing from the taxi — another spelling of §58-33(A)(1) (Driver's TLC license not displayed in the license frame).
While a taxi is working for hire, the driver's TLC license must be in the driver's license frame. This charge goes to the medallion owner when the frame is empty.
35 RCNY §58-33(a)(1)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 58 (Medallion Taxicab Owners), current
Item (2) of the list of things that must be in a working taxi changed over time. Until about 2016 it was the Rate Card in the license frame; since then it is an insurance card or copy (unless the owner is self-insured and it is noted on the Rate Card).
35 RCNY §58-33(a)(2)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 58 (Medallion Taxicab Owners), current
Item (3) of the required-items list was the insurance card or copy until about 2016; since then it is all other notices that must be posted in the taxi.
35 RCNY §58-33(a)(3)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 58 (Medallion Taxicab Owners), current
Item (4) of the required-items list was 'all other notices required to be posted' until about 2016; since then it is a means of collecting and recording all trip sheet data.
35 RCNY §58-33(a)(4)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 58 (Medallion Taxicab Owners), current
In the 2011–2015 rule books, item (5) required a working taxi to carry a means of collecting and recording all trip sheet data. When the Rate Card was dropped from the list (about 2016), this requirement moved up to item (4).
35 RCNY §58-33(a)(5)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 58 (updated Sept. 17, 2015), Wayback Machine copy
The taxi's roof light must be automatically controlled by the meter: lit only when the meter is off (cab available) and dark when the meter is recording a fare. The owner must not tamper with how the roof light works.
35 RCNY §58-34(a)(1)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 58 (Medallion Taxicab Owners), current
In the 2011–2016 rule books, the penalty for the roof-light rule (the light must be on only when the meter is off and must not be tampered with) was printed under the label §58-34(a)(2), so summonses from that period cite (a)(2).
35 RCNY §58-34(a)(2)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 58 (updated Sept. 17, 2015), Wayback Machine copy
From 2011 to about 2023, subdivision (c) required every taxi to have working air conditioning that, with a partition, cools the rear seat. (Today (c) is the trouble-light rule; air conditioning moved to (b).)
35 RCNY §58-34(c)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 58 (updated July 5, 2018), Wayback Machine copy
From 2011 to about 2023, subdivision (d) required every taxi to have a working help or distress signal light system meeting §67-11 (the 'trouble lights' a driver can switch on in an emergency). Today the trouble-light rule is §58-34(c), and (d) covers optional rooftop advertising fixtures, which need a TLC permit.
35 RCNY §58-34(d)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 58 (updated July 5, 2018), Wayback Machine copy
Each taxi with an in-vehicle camera system must show decals on each rear passenger window, visible from outside, reading: 'This vehicle is equipped with camera security. YOU WILL BE PHOTOGRAPHED.'
35 RCNY §58-36(c)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 58 (Medallion Taxicab Owners), current
The taxi's meter (its fare display) must be fixed to the dashboard so it is clearly readable and visible to every passenger.
35 RCNY §58-37(a)(2)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 58 (Medallion Taxicab Owners), current
The meter's serial number (or software version) must match the one shown on the taxi's Rate Card, or be entered on the Rate Card by a licensed meter shop.
35 RCNY §58-37(a)(3)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 58 (Medallion Taxicab Owners), current
The wiring harness from the meter to the speed sensor must have no unapproved connectors, splices, 'Y' connections or other interruptions, which could be used to manipulate fares.
35 RCNY §58-37(a)(6)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 58 (Medallion Taxicab Owners), current
In the 2011–2022 rule books, subdivision (b) required every taxi to have a meter in good working order that accurately computes the TLC fare, with penalties scaled by how far off it was over a measured mile or in timing.
35 RCNY §58-37(b)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 58 (updated Sept. 17, 2015), Wayback Machine copy
Paragraph (1) of the old meter-accuracy rule: the penalty applies when the meter is at least 1% (52.8 feet per mile) but less than 5% off in measuring distance, or 1–5% off in timing.
35 RCNY §58-37(b)(1)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 58 (updated Sept. 17, 2015), Wayback Machine copy
Paragraph (2) of the old meter-accuracy rule: the penalty applies when the meter is at least 5% (264 feet per mile) but less than 10% off in measuring distance, or 5–10% off in timing.
35 RCNY §58-37(b)(2)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 58 (updated Sept. 17, 2015), Wayback Machine copy
Paragraph (3) of the old meter-accuracy rule: the penalty applies to a first violation where the meter is at least 10% (528 feet per mile) off in measuring distance, or 10% off in timing.
35 RCNY §58-37(b)(3)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 58 (updated Sept. 17, 2015), Wayback Machine copy
A taxi must not be in service for hire with a defective taximeter or one that has been installed improperly.
35 RCNY §58-38(a)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 58 (Medallion Taxicab Owners), current
When a meter or its installation is defective, or it computes the fare wrong, the owner must have it repaired, tested and certified at a TLC-licensed taximeter business (or replaced there with an approved, sealed meter).
35 RCNY §58-38(b)(1)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 58 (Medallion Taxicab Owners), current
Unless the TLC allows it, no one may tamper with, alter or try to repair any part of the meter system that affects the meter or the taxi's Technology System: the meter itself, the system, the seals, the wiring or wireless connections, or the vehicle mechanism and tires.
35 RCNY §58-39(a)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 58 (Medallion Taxicab Owners), current
Item (1) of the tampering rule: no one may tamper with, alter, repair or try to repair the taximeter itself without TLC authorization. The owner is responsible even if someone else did it, unless the owner shows it didn't know and used due diligence.
35 RCNY §58-39(a)(1)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 58 (Medallion Taxicab Owners), current
Item (3) of the tampering rule: no one may tamper with or alter any seal put on the taxi by a licensed meter shop or other authorized facility.
35 RCNY §58-39(a)(3)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 58 (Medallion Taxicab Owners), current
Item (4) of the tampering rule: no one may tamper with any cable connection, electrical wiring or (in the current text) wireless connection that affects the meter or Technology System.
35 RCNY §58-39(a)(4)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 58 (Medallion Taxicab Owners), current
Item (5) of the tampering rule: no one may alter the vehicle's mechanism or its tires in a way that would affect how the meter measures distance and fare.
35 RCNY §58-39(a)(5)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 58 (Medallion Taxicab Owners), current
The medallion owner is responsible for any tampering, alteration or unauthorized repair of the meter or Technology System. The owner has a defense only if it didn't know of the tampering and used due diligence (warning drivers, lease clauses, random checks, inspections).
35 RCNY §58-39(b)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 58 (Medallion Taxicab Owners), current
An owner who discovers that a meter other than the one approved on the Rate Card was installed in the taxi must notify the TLC by phone immediately and in writing within 24 hours.
35 RCNY §58-39(d)(1)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 58 (Medallion Taxicab Owners), current
An owner who discovers that a meter seal in the taxi was removed or tampered with must notify the TLC by phone immediately and in writing within 24 hours.
35 RCNY §58-39(d)(2)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 58 (Medallion Taxicab Owners), current
A taxi's meter must be tested for accuracy over a measured-mile course, and its installation checked, by TLC-authorized personnel, with results recorded on the Rate Card at the times listed in paragraph (3).
35 RCNY §58-39(e)(1)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 58 (Medallion Taxicab Owners), current
A taxicab's taximeter must be tested for accuracy (over a measured mile) and for proper installation at least once every 12 months, by TLC-authorized personnel, with the results shown on the Rate Card.
35 RCNY §58-39(e)(3)(i)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 58 (Medallion Taxicab Owners), current Full explanation
The meter must be tested and the results recorded on the Rate Card whenever a meter is installed in a vehicle or (current text) its measuring software is updated.
35 RCNY §58-39(e)(3)(ii)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 58 (Medallion Taxicab Owners), current
Besides the yearly and other set tests, the meter must be tested and the results recorded on the Rate Card at any other time the TLC requires.
35 RCNY §58-39(e)(3)(v)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 58 (Medallion Taxicab Owners), current
This code points to the taximeter testing rule but is missing a level: it most likely means §58-39(e)(1) (meter must be tested over a measured mile) or §58-39(e)(3)(i) (meter must be tested at least once every 12 months).
35 RCNY §58-39(e)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 58 (Medallion Taxicab Owners), current
Owners must make sure the taxi's Technology System (the T-PEP: card reader, passenger screen, trip-data and messaging equipment) is constantly maintained and in good working order.
35 RCNY §58-41(a)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 58 (Medallion Taxicab Owners), current
If any material feature of the taxi's Technology System stops working, the cab may operate for no more than 48 hours after the incident report is filed with the system provider.
35 RCNY §58-41(c)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 58 (Medallion Taxicab Owners), current
Only fleets may use stand-by vehicles (spare cabs), up to 10% of their medallions, and only while the regular taxi is being repaired or inspected, or for up to 30 days after it is stolen or retired. The medallion must be moved to the stand-by vehicle, and its transfer form and Rate Card must be in it.
35 RCNY §58-42TLC Rule Book, Chapter 58 (Medallion Taxicab Owners), current
A fleet's stand-by vehicle must not be sent out unless the stand-by transfer form and the stand-by vehicle's Rate Card are in the car.
35 RCNY §58-42(e)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 58 (Medallion Taxicab Owners), current
After the TLC approves a medallion transfer (sale, gift or inheritance), the new owner, or an estate administrator who will run it, must put the medallion into service on a hacked-up taxi within seven days of approval.
35 RCNY §58-43(b)(7)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 58 (Medallion Taxicab Owners), current
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.
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