For-hire vehicle owners

FHV operating rules: trips by pre-arrangement only — another spelling of §59A-25 (FHV operating rules: trips by pre-arrangement only).

Unlicensed for-hire activity (definition in the FHV owner penalties section)

This part of the FHV owner rules defines unlicensed activity: offering or advertising TLC-regulated for-hire rides while your license is suspended, revoked or expired, or without any valid TLC license for the driver, vehicle or service. It points to Admin Code §19-506 and §19-528 and warns that the vehicle can be seized. The section itself has no penalty box; the penalty depends on the specific rule or law the conduct breaks.

35 RCNY §59A-02(a)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 59 (Sub-chapter 59A: For-Hire Vehicle Owners)

Black car definition cited as a charge (likely a miswritten code)

Section 59A-03(b) is only a definition: a Black Car is a vehicle affiliated with a Black Car Base or a High-Volume For-Hire Service (an app company). A definition cannot be broken by itself, so this code was most likely written in place of another 59A rule, for example one about base affiliation (59A-11(e)) or black-car-only requirements. Check the summons narrative to see what conduct was described.

35 RCNY §59A-03(b)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 59 (Sub-chapter 59A: For-Hire Vehicle Owners)

One TLC license per vehicle

Only one For-Hire Vehicle License can be issued and in effect for any vehicle at a time, as identified by its VIN. A charge under this rule usually means TLC found the same vehicle (same VIN) tied to more than one FHV license, for example after a new license was issued without the old one being transferred or surrendered.

35 RCNY §59A-04(j)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 59 (Sub-chapter 59A: For-Hire Vehicle Owners)

Existing FHV license revoked when another owner licenses the same vehicle

Under the 2011–2017 version of the rule, if someone applied to license a vehicle (by VIN) that already had a valid FHV license held by a different person, TLC would hold a hearing, and paragraph (j)(2)(ii) said TLC would revoke the existing license unless its holder showed the license had been moved to a new vehicle. The current rule book dropped this paragraph and keeps only the one-license-per-vehicle rule in §59A-04(j).

Former 35 RCNY §59A-04(j)(2)(ii)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 59 (archived July 2017 copy)

Out-of-area vehicle not meeting reciprocity requirements in NYC

Section 59A-05(a) lists what a for-hire vehicle licensed by another qualified New York county (not by TLC) must meet to pick up or drop off in NYC under reciprocity: its local license shown on the windshield, a driver with a valid chauffeur's license and local driver license, a valid registration, a trip record showing the ride was pre-arranged and starts or ends outside NYC, and a valid inspection sticker. Each paragraph has its own fine.

35 RCNY §59A-05(a)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 59 (Sub-chapter 59A: For-Hire Vehicle Owners)

Reciprocity vehicle: driver without a valid chauffeur's license

A for-hire vehicle from a qualified outside jurisdiction working in NYC under reciprocity must be driven by someone with a valid chauffeur's license (class E or similar state license). This summons says the driver did not have one.

Fine (published)

$100. Appearance not required.

35 RCNY §59A-05(a)(2)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 59 (Sub-chapter 59A: For-Hire Vehicle Owners)

Reciprocity driver not carrying or showing their home-county driver license

A driver working in NYC under reciprocity must hold a valid for-hire driver license (QDL) from the qualified jurisdiction, carry proof of it in NYC, and show it on request or post it in the vehicle. This subparagraph covers carrying and displaying that proof.

Fine (published)

$350 (penalty for §59A-05(a)(3)). Appearance not required.

35 RCNY §59A-05(a)(3)(ii)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 59 (Sub-chapter 59A: For-Hire Vehicle Owners)

Reciprocity vehicle without valid registration or copy in the car

A for-hire vehicle working in NYC under reciprocity must have a valid state registration, and the registration certificate (or a legible copy) must be in the vehicle. This summons says it was missing or not valid.

Fine (published)

$100. Appearance not required.

35 RCNY §59A-05(a)(4)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 59 (Sub-chapter 59A: For-Hire Vehicle Owners)

FHV license revoked for non-use (no base, insurance or inspections for 60+ days)

TLC must revoke a For-Hire Vehicle License for 'non-use' if, for 60 or more days, the owner fails to keep a base affiliation, fails to keep the required insurance, or fails to meet inspection requirements. A case under this code is a revocation proceeding against the vehicle license rather than an ordinary fine.

35 RCNY §59A-08(c)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 59 (Sub-chapter 59A: For-Hire Vehicle Owners)

FHV license revoked after 60+ days without insurance

TLC must revoke a For-Hire Vehicle License for non-use if the owner goes 60 or more days without the insurance required by §59A-12. This is one of the most common FHV cases. It is a revocation case against the vehicle license, not a fine; the rule book lists no dollar penalty. Proof of continuous coverage is the key document.

35 RCNY §59A-08(c)(2)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 59 (Sub-chapter 59A: For-Hire Vehicle Owners) Full explanation

FHV license revoked after 60+ days without insurance — another spelling of §59A-08(C)(2) (FHV license revoked after 60+ days without insurance).

Changed or defaced FHV license or decal

No one may make an unauthorized entry on a For-Hire Vehicle License or its TLC decals, or change or deface anything written on them. This summons goes to the vehicle owner, and fines rise for repeat violations, with revocation on a third offense.

Fine (published)

$350 for first violation; $500 for second violation in 24 months; revocation for third violation in 36 months. Appearance required.

35 RCNY §59A-10(a)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 59 (Sub-chapter 59A: For-Hire Vehicle Owners)

Unreadable FHV license or decal not turned in for replacement

If a For-Hire Vehicle License or TLC decal becomes unreadable, the owner must immediately surrender it to TLC and get a replacement. This summons says a worn or damaged license or decal was still in use.

Fine (published)

$25. Appearance not required.

35 RCNY §59A-10(b)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 59 (Sub-chapter 59A: For-Hire Vehicle Owners)

Lost or stolen FHV license or decal not reported

When a For-Hire Vehicle License or decal is lost, stolen or destroyed, the owner must notify TLC right away, give an affidavit or other information TLC asks for, and replace it. This summons says the owner did not report or replace it.

Fine (published)

$50. Appearance not required.

35 RCNY §59A-10(c)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 59 (Sub-chapter 59A: For-Hire Vehicle Owners)

Replacement license plates not reported to TLC within 48 hours

If an FHV's New York plates are lost or stolen and replaced, the owner must tell TLC in writing within 48 hours (not counting weekends and holidays) after getting the new plates. This summons says the plate change was not reported in time.

Fine (published)

$50. Appearance not required.

35 RCNY §59A-10(d)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 59 (Sub-chapter 59A: For-Hire Vehicle Owners)

FHV owner unlicensed-activity rules (section not specified)

Section 59A-11 is the FHV owner's 'no unlicensed activity' section. It bars an owner from letting the car be dispatched without T&LC plates and a valid FHV license, without a driver holding a valid TLC license and chauffeur's license, without valid state registration, or through an unlicensed or unaffiliated base. The summons did not say which subsection, so the exact charge and fine depend on the facts written on it.

35 RCNY §59A-11TLC Rule Book, Chapter 59 (Sub-chapter 59A: For-Hire Vehicle Owners)

FHV dispatched without TLC plates or a valid FHV license

An FHV owner must not let the vehicle be dispatched unless it has T&LC plates (if registered in New York), meets plate rules of its home state (if registered elsewhere), and holds a valid For-Hire Vehicle License. Each item has its own penalty, and the plate and license items add a penalty point.

35 RCNY §59A-11(a)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 59 (Sub-chapter 59A: For-Hire Vehicle Owners)

FHV dispatched without TLC plates or a valid FHV license

Paragraph (a)(1) says the owner must not allow dispatch unless the car has T&LC plates (New York cars), complies with its own state's plate rules (out-of-state cars), and has a valid For-Hire Vehicle License. A charge citing only (a)(1) did not say which item was missing.

35 RCNY §59A-11(a)(1)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 59 (Sub-chapter 59A: For-Hire Vehicle Owners)

FHV dispatched without 'T & LC' license plates

A for-hire vehicle registered in New York must carry state plates embossed 'T & LC' before it can be dispatched. This summons to the owner says the car was working with regular (non-TLC) plates. It carries a penalty point toward the four-point revocation limit.

Fine (published)

Vehicle fine: $350. Appearance not required. 2011 rule book: vehicle fine $350 and summary suspension until compliance; 1 penalty point.

Points

1 penalty point

35 RCNY §59A-11(a)(1)(i)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 59 (Sub-chapter 59A: For-Hire Vehicle Owners)

Out-of-state FHV dispatched without meeting its plate requirements

A for-hire vehicle registered outside New York must comply with the license-plate rules that apply to it before it can be dispatched in NYC. This summons says it did not. The rule book has no separate penalty box for this item.

35 RCNY §59A-11(a)(1)(ii)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 59 (Sub-chapter 59A: For-Hire Vehicle Owners)

FHV dispatched without a valid For-Hire Vehicle License

An owner must not let the vehicle be dispatched unless it has a valid For-Hire Vehicle License from TLC, meaning it is not expired, suspended or revoked. This is the main 'unlicensed vehicle' charge against the owner, with a higher fine for a repeat within 12 months and a penalty point.

Fine (published)

Vehicle fine: $500 for the first offense in 12 months; $1,000 for the second and subsequent offenses within a 12-month period. Appearance not required.

Points

1 penalty point

35 RCNY §59A-11(a)(1)(iii)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 59 (Sub-chapter 59A: For-Hire Vehicle Owners)

List of licensed for-hire vehicles on TLC's website (cited as a charge)

Paragraph (a)(2) only says TLC will post a list of validly licensed for-hire vehicles on its website. It sets no duty for the owner, so a charge citing it most likely means the officer meant the plate or license requirement in (a)(1). Read the summons narrative for the actual conduct.

35 RCNY §59A-11(a)(2)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 59 (Sub-chapter 59A: For-Hire Vehicle Owners)

FHV dispatched with a driver who has no valid TLC license

An FHV owner must not let the car be dispatched unless the driver holds a valid TLC Driver License. Owners are expected to check; TLC posts the list of valid licenses online. This summons goes to the owner and carries a penalty point.

Fine (published)

Vehicle fine: $350. Appearance not required.

Points

1 penalty point

35 RCNY §59A-11(b)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 59 (Sub-chapter 59A: For-Hire Vehicle Owners)

FHV dispatched with a driver who has no valid TLC license

The owner must not allow the vehicle to be dispatched unless its driver has a valid TLC Driver License (not expired, suspended or revoked). This is a common owner summons when a TLC check finds an unlicensed driver in the car. It carries a $350 fine and a penalty point.

Fine (published)

Vehicle fine: $350. Appearance not required.

Points

1 penalty point

35 RCNY §59A-11(b)(1)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 59 (Sub-chapter 59A: For-Hire Vehicle Owners) Full explanation

TLC list of licensed drivers (cited as part of the TLC-license rule)

Paragraph (b)(2) says TLC posts the list of drivers with valid TLC licenses on its website, so owners can check before letting someone drive. Charges citing (b)(2) are treated as part of the owner's duty in §59A-11(b) not to dispatch a driver without a valid TLC license.

Fine (published)

Vehicle fine: $350 (penalty for §59A-11(b)). Appearance not required.

Points

1 penalty point

35 RCNY §59A-11(b)(2)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 59 (Sub-chapter 59A: For-Hire Vehicle Owners)

FHV driven by someone without a valid chauffeur's license

An owner must not let the vehicle be dispatched unless the driver has a valid state chauffeur's license, and the owner is responsible for knowing the status of that license. This summons goes to the owner and carries a penalty point.

Fine (published)

Vehicle fine: $100. Appearance not required.

Points

1 penalty point

35 RCNY §59A-11(c)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 59 (Sub-chapter 59A: For-Hire Vehicle Owners)

FHV driven by someone without a valid chauffeur's license

The owner must not let the car be dispatched unless it is driven by someone holding a valid chauffeur's license (the state license class needed to drive for hire). A suspended or wrong-class DMV license leads to this owner summons.

Fine (published)

Vehicle fine: $100. Appearance not required.

Points

1 penalty point

35 RCNY §59A-11(c)(1)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 59 (Sub-chapter 59A: For-Hire Vehicle Owners)

Owner did not know their driver's state license was invalid

Paragraph (c)(2) makes the owner responsible for knowing the status of the state driver's license of anyone dispatched in the owner's car. 'I didn't know' is not a defense under this paragraph. The penalty is the one for §59A-11(c).

Fine (published)

Vehicle fine: $100 (penalty for §59A-11(c)). Appearance not required.

Points

1 penalty point

35 RCNY §59A-11(c)(2)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 59 (Sub-chapter 59A: For-Hire Vehicle Owners)

FHV operated without valid state registration

A For-Hire Vehicle License is valid only while the car's state registration is valid. If the registration expires or is suspended, the owner must surrender the TLC license right away; operating anyway leads to a summary suspension.

Fine (published)

$400 and suspension until compliance. Appearance required. 2011 rule book: $100-$350 and/or suspension up to 30 days; summary suspension until compliance.

35 RCNY §59A-11(d)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 59 (Sub-chapter 59A: For-Hire Vehicle Owners)

FHV operated while its state registration was not valid

The TLC license only counts while the vehicle's DMV registration is valid. This summons says the car was operated as an FHV with an expired, suspended or otherwise invalid registration; the owner's license is summarily suspended.

Fine (published)

$400 and suspension until compliance. Appearance required. 2011 rule book: $100-$350 and/or suspension up to 30 days; summary suspension until compliance.

35 RCNY §59A-11(d)(1)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 59 (Sub-chapter 59A: For-Hire Vehicle Owners)

FHV license not surrendered after the registration ended

When a vehicle's state registration expires, is restricted, suspended or revoked, the owner must immediately surrender the For-Hire Vehicle License to TLC. This summons says the owner kept it.

Fine (published)

$400 and suspension until compliance. Appearance required. 2011 rule book: $100-$350 and/or suspension up to 30 days; summary suspension until compliance.

35 RCNY §59A-11(d)(2)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 59 (Sub-chapter 59A: For-Hire Vehicle Owners)

FHV dispatched through an unlicensed or non-affiliated base

An owner may only let the car be dispatched if it is affiliated with a validly licensed base, the dispatching base is licensed, and the trip comes from the car's own base (or one of the allowed exceptions, such as an accessible vehicle or a base that tells the customer which base the car belongs to).

Fine (published)

$400. Appearance not required. 2011 rule book: $150 plus penalties applicable for unlicensed operation.

35 RCNY §59A-11(e)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 59 (Sub-chapter 59A: For-Hire Vehicle Owners)

FHV not affiliated with a validly licensed base

Every for-hire vehicle must be affiliated with a TLC-licensed base that is currently valid. This summons says the car was being dispatched while its base affiliation was missing, or while its base's license was not valid.

Fine (published)

$400. Appearance not required. 2011 rule book: $150 plus penalties applicable for unlicensed operation.

35 RCNY §59A-11(e)(1)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 59 (Sub-chapter 59A: For-Hire Vehicle Owners)

FHV dispatched by a base that was not validly licensed

The base that sends the car on a trip must hold a valid TLC base license. These charges date from 2013–2016, when paragraph (e)(2) said only that; the rule about dispatch from another base was then in (e)(3). Today's (e)(2) combines both: a licensed dispatching base, plus dispatch from the car's own base unless an exception applies.

Fine (published)

$400. Appearance not required. 2011 rule book: $150 plus penalties applicable for unlicensed operation.

35 RCNY §59A-11(e)(2)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 59 (Sub-chapter 59A: For-Hire Vehicle Owners)

FHV dispatched by a base other than its own (former rule)

From 2011 until about 2018, paragraph (e)(3) said the vehicle had to be dispatched from its affiliated base unless it was an accessible vehicle on a contract trip or the dispatching base told the customer which base the car came from. These conditions now sit in §59A-11(e)(2).

Replaced by §59A-11(E)(2) — FHV dispatched by a base that was not validly licensed

Former 35 RCNY §59A-11(e)(3)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 59 (archived July 2017 copy)

FHV dispatched by another base: accessible-vehicle exception (former rule)

Under the former paragraph (e)(3)(i), a car could be dispatched by a base other than its own if it was an accessible vehicle carrying a person with a disability (by 2017, under a contract approved under §59B-17(c)). A charge citing it means the officer found the car dispatched by another base and that this exception did not apply. The rule now sits in §59A-11(e)(2)(ii).

Replaced by §59A-11(E)(2) — FHV dispatched by a base that was not validly licensed

Former 35 RCNY §59A-11(e)(3)(i)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 59 (archived July 2017 copy)

FHV dispatched by another base without telling the customer (former rule)

Under the former paragraph (e)(3)(ii), a car could take a trip from a base other than its own only if the dispatching base told the customer the names and license numbers of both bases, and the bases were of the same type (livery with livery; black car or limo with black car or limo). This summons says that disclosure or match was missing. The rule now sits in §59A-11(e)(2)(iii).

Replaced by §59A-11(E)(2) — FHV dispatched by a base that was not validly licensed

Former 35 RCNY §59A-11(e)(3)(ii)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 59 (archived July 2017 copy)

FHV dispatched with a driver who has no valid TLC license — another spelling of §59A-11(B)(1) (FHV dispatched with a driver who has no valid TLC license).

FHV dispatched with a driver who has no valid TLC license — another spelling of §59A-11(B)(1) (FHV dispatched with a driver who has no valid TLC license).

FHV insurance rules (section not specified)

Section 59A-12 covers FHV insurance: keeping required liability coverage at all times, telling TLC about carrier changes within seven business days, minimum coverage amounts by seating capacity, and reporting crashes to the insurer and TLC. The summons did not name a subsection.

35 RCNY §59A-12TLC Rule Book, Chapter 59 (Sub-chapter 59A: For-Hire Vehicle Owners)

FHV insurance not maintained

An FHV owner must keep TLC-required insurance on the vehicle at all times. If the insurer says the policy will end, the owner must surrender the FHV license and decals by the end date unless proof of new coverage starting that day is filed first. A lapse can also lead to revocation for non-use after 60 days (59A-08(c)(2)).

Fine (published)

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

35 RCNY §59A-12(a)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 59 (Sub-chapter 59A: For-Hire Vehicle Owners) Full explanation

FHV insurance coverage lapsed

Paragraph (a)(1) is the core duty: the owner must keep the required insurance on every FHV at all times. This summons usually follows TLC learning that a policy was cancelled or lapsed.

Fine (published)

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

35 RCNY §59A-12(a)(1)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 59 (Sub-chapter 59A: For-Hire Vehicle Owners)

FHV license not surrendered when insurance was ending

When an owner is notified that the liability policy will be terminated, the owner must surrender the For-Hire Vehicle License and decals to TLC on or before the termination date. This summons says that did not happen.

Fine (published)

$150–$350 and/or suspension up to 30 days (penalty for §59A-12(a)). Appearance required.

35 RCNY §59A-12(a)(2)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 59 (Sub-chapter 59A: For-Hire Vehicle Owners)

Replacement insurance proof not filed before the old policy ended

Paragraph (a)(3) is the exception to surrendering the license: it does not apply if the owner files proof, before the old policy ends, of new insurance starting on that date. A charge citing it generally means no timely proof of replacement coverage was on file.

Fine (published)

$150–$350 and/or suspension up to 30 days (penalty for §59A-12(a)). Appearance required.

35 RCNY §59A-12(a)(3)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 59 (Sub-chapter 59A: For-Hire Vehicle Owners)

FHV insurance below the required no-fault (personal injury) amount

For FHVs seating fewer than eight passengers, the owner must carry at least $100,000 per person in no-fault (basic economic loss) coverage under NY Insurance Law §5102. This summons says the policy did not meet that minimum.

Fine (published)

$350 and suspension until compliance. Appearance required.

35 RCNY §59A-12(c)(1)(i)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 59 (Sub-chapter 59A: For-Hire Vehicle Owners)

Crash not reported to the insurance company

An FHV owner must immediately report in writing to the insurance carrier every collision that must be reported to the carrier. This summons says a crash involving the owner's vehicle was not reported.

Fine (published)

$500–$1,000. Appearance required.

35 RCNY §59A-12(d)(1)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 59 (Sub-chapter 59A: For-Hire Vehicle Owners)

FHV owner personal-conduct rules (section not specified)

Section 59A-13 holds the FHV owner's conduct rules: no bribery, fraud or theft, no harmful acts or omissions, no threats or force, protecting service animals, reporting felony convictions, cooperating with police and TLC, courtesy, and no retaliation against drivers. The summons did not say which one.

35 RCNY §59A-13TLC Rule Book, Chapter 59 (Sub-chapter 59A: For-Hire Vehicle Owners)

Offering a gift or bribe to a TLC employee or public servant

A TLC applicant or licensee must not offer or give any gift, tip or thing of value to any TLC employee, representative or member, or any other public servant. This is one of the most serious owner charges.

Fine (published)

Revocation and $10,000. Appearance required.

35 RCNY §59A-13(a)(1)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 59 (Sub-chapter 59A: For-Hire Vehicle Owners)

Not reporting a request for a bribe or gift

If a TLC employee or any other public servant asks a licensee for a gift, tip or anything of value, the licensee must report it to TLC immediately. This summons says the request was not reported.

Fine (published)

$1,000 up to revocation. Appearance required.

35 RCNY §59A-13(a)(2)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 59 (Sub-chapter 59A: For-Hire Vehicle Owners)

Fraud, misrepresentation or theft by an FHV licensee

While acting as a licensee, an FHV owner must not commit or try to commit fraud, misrepresentation or theft, alone or with others. Examples include false documents given to TLC or taking money that is not owed.

Fine (published)

$350–$1,000 and/or suspension up to 60 days or revocation. Appearance required.

35 RCNY §59A-13(b)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 59 (Sub-chapter 59A: For-Hire Vehicle Owners)

Deliberately failing to act, against the public interest

A 'willful act of omission': while acting as a licensee, the owner deliberately failed to do something, and that failure was against the best interests of the public, even though no other rule names it. It is a catch-all charge.

Fine (published)

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

35 RCNY §59A-13(c)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 59 (Sub-chapter 59A: For-Hire Vehicle Owners)

Deliberately doing something against the public interest

A 'willful act of commission': while acting as a licensee, the owner deliberately did or tried to do something against the best interests of the public, even though no other rule names it. Like (c), it is a catch-all for misconduct.

Fine (published)

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

35 RCNY §59A-13(d)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 59 (Sub-chapter 59A: For-Hire Vehicle Owners)

Threatening, harassing or abusing someone

While acting as a licensee, an FHV owner must not threaten, harass or abuse any person, such as a passenger, driver, TLC inspector or airport staff member.

Fine (published)

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

35 RCNY §59A-13(e)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 59 (Sub-chapter 59A: For-Hire Vehicle Owners)

Using or trying to use physical force against a person

While acting as a licensee, or doing anything connected with those duties, an FHV owner must not use or try to use physical force against anyone. This is a serious conduct charge that can lead to suspension or revocation.

Fine (published)

$500–$1,500 and/or suspension up to 60 days or revocation. Appearance required.

35 RCNY §59A-13(f)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 59 (Sub-chapter 59A: For-Hire Vehicle Owners)

Harming or distracting a service animal

A licensee must not distract, harm or use force against, or try to, a service animal accompanying a person with a disability.

Fine (published)

$500–$1,500 and/or suspension up to 60 days or revocation. Appearance required.

35 RCNY §59A-13(g)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 59 (Sub-chapter 59A: For-Hire Vehicle Owners)

Felony conviction not reported to TLC

An FHV licensee must notify TLC in writing within 15 calendar days of any felony conviction of the licensee or of its officers or members, with a certified copy of the court's certificate of disposition.

Fine (published)

$50. Appearance not required.

35 RCNY §59A-13(h)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 59 (Sub-chapter 59A: For-Hire Vehicle Owners)

Felony conviction not reported to TLC within 15 days

Paragraph (h)(1) sets the deadline: the licensee must tell TLC within 15 calendar days after a felony conviction of the licensee or of any of its officers or members.

Fine (published)

$50 (penalty for §59A-13(h)). Appearance not required.

35 RCNY §59A-13(h)(1)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 59 (Sub-chapter 59A: For-Hire Vehicle Owners)

Not cooperating with police or TLC officers

A licensee must cooperate with all law enforcement officers and authorized TLC representatives. Cooperation includes giving your name, license number and any documents you must carry when asked.

Fine (published)

$15–$150. Appearance required.

35 RCNY §59A-13(i)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 59 (Sub-chapter 59A: For-Hire Vehicle Owners)

Not cooperating with police or TLC officers

Paragraph (i)(1) requires every licensee to cooperate with law enforcement officers and authorized TLC representatives, for example during a street or airport inspection. This summons says the licensee did not.

Fine (published)

$15–$150. Appearance required.

35 RCNY §59A-13(i)(1)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 59 (Sub-chapter 59A: For-Hire Vehicle Owners)

Not giving name, license number or documents to an officer

Paragraph (i)(2) spells out that cooperation includes answering an officer's request for the licensee's name and license number and showing any documents the licensee must have. This summons says that information or paperwork was refused.

Fine (published)

$15–$150 (penalty for §59A-13(i)). Appearance required.

35 RCNY §59A-13(i)(2)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 59 (Sub-chapter 59A: For-Hire Vehicle Owners)

Not cooperating with TLC (directives, documents or contact)

Subdivision (j) requires FHV licensees to answer TLC truthfully and follow its communications, directives and summonses, produce required documents within five business days of a request, and respond to TLC contact within 48 hours.

35 RCNY §59A-13(j)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 59 (Sub-chapter 59A: For-Hire Vehicle Owners)

Not complying with TLC directives or summonses

The most common FHV owner summons. The owner must answer TLC's questions truthfully and comply with all TLC communications, directives and summonses. A typical case is a directive to send proof of insurance, fix a problem or bring the car in that was ignored. The vehicle license stays suspended until the owner complies.

Fine (published)

$300 and suspension until compliance. Appearance required. 2011 rule book: $200 and suspension until compliance.

35 RCNY §59A-13(j)(1)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 59 (Sub-chapter 59A: For-Hire Vehicle Owners) Full explanation

Not producing licenses or documents TLC asked for

Within five business days of a TLC request, the licensee must produce any licenses or other documents it is required to have. This summons says the documents were not provided in time. (The 2011 edition allowed ten days.)

Fine (published)

$300 and suspension until compliance. Appearance required. 2011 rule book: $200 and suspension until compliance.

35 RCNY §59A-13(j)(2)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 59 (Sub-chapter 59A: For-Hire Vehicle Owners)

Not responding to TLC contact within 48 hours

A licensee must respond to any contact from TLC within 48 hours, seven days a week. This summons says a call, email or letter from TLC went unanswered.

Fine (published)

$500. Appearance not required.

35 RCNY §59A-13(j)(3)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 59 (Sub-chapter 59A: For-Hire Vehicle Owners)

Not complying with TLC directives and not producing documents

This summons cites both §59A-13(j)(1) (answer TLC truthfully and comply with its directives and summonses) and (j)(2) (produce required licenses or documents after a TLC request). The rule book gives these two paragraphs one shared penalty. '(I)' here is the number 1 written as a Roman numeral.

Fine (published)

$300 and suspension until compliance. Appearance required. 2011 rule book: $200 and suspension until compliance.

35 RCNY §59A-13(j)(1)–(2)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 59 (Sub-chapter 59A: For-Hire Vehicle Owners)

Discourtesy to passengers

A licensee must be courteous to passengers. This owner-level charge is less common than the driver courtesy rule and usually follows a passenger complaint.

Fine (published)

$150. Appearance not required.

35 RCNY §59A-13(k)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 59 (Sub-chapter 59A: For-Hire Vehicle Owners)

FHV owner retaliated against a driver for complaining

An FHV owner must not retaliate against a driver for making a good-faith complaint against an owner. Retaliation is read broadly: any adverse condition, or taking away any benefit, counts. A violation also requires paying the driver back for losses.

Fine (published)

$1,000 plus restitution to the driver for losses for the first violation; $10,000 plus restitution for a second violation within five years. Appearance not required.

35 RCNY §59A-13(m)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 59 (Sub-chapter 59A: For-Hire Vehicle Owners)

Owner knowingly let an impaired driver operate the FHV

An FHV owner must not knowingly allow an affiliated vehicle to be driven by someone under the influence of drugs or alcohol or whose driving is impaired in any way. This carries the maximum fine and revocation.

Fine (published)

$10,000 and revocation. Appearance required.

35 RCNY §59A-14(a)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 59 (Sub-chapter 59A: For-Hire Vehicle Owners)

Owner required passengers to share a ride

The owner of a for-hire vehicle must not require a prospective passenger to share the ride with another passenger. (Shared rides are allowed only when the passenger chooses them.)

Fine (published)

Vehicle fine: $50. Appearance not required.

35 RCNY §59A-17(a)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 59 (Sub-chapter 59A: For-Hire Vehicle Owners)

Traffic or parking violations near the FHV's base

The FHV owner must make sure the driver and vehicle obey traffic and parking rules in the 'restricted area' around the affiliated base (the street the base is on and its block front). This summons usually follows double-parking or blocking near a base.

Fine (published)

Vehicle owner fine: $50. Appearance not required.

35 RCNY §59A-18(b)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 59 (Sub-chapter 59A: For-Hire Vehicle Owners)

Noise, littering or nuisance by an FHV near its base

The owner must make sure the driver and vehicle do not create a nuisance while stopped at the base, such as honking, littering or playing loud audio, within the restricted area around the base.

Fine (published)

Vehicle owner fine: $50. Appearance not required.

35 RCNY §59A-18(c)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 59 (Sub-chapter 59A: For-Hire Vehicle Owners)

Trip record for rides to or from other NY counties (section not specified)

Section 59A-19 requires a written trip record for every for-hire trip between NYC and an 'issuing jurisdiction' (a nearby New York county that licenses its own for-hire cars). The record is made before the trip, kept one year, and lists passenger, pick-up time and place, stops, destination and finish time.

35 RCNY §59A-19TLC Rule Book, Chapter 59 (Sub-chapter 59A: For-Hire Vehicle Owners)

TLC-licensed FHV owner without a trip record for an out-of-city trip

Paragraph (a)(1) makes the holder of a TLC For-Hire Vehicle License, when the car is used for trips between NYC and another licensing county, responsible for making sure a proper trip record is kept (as described in §59A-19(b)). This summons says that record was missing or incomplete.

35 RCNY §59A-19(a)(1)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 59 (Sub-chapter 59A: For-Hire Vehicle Owners)

Trip record not kept for one year

Records of trips between NYC and another licensing county must be kept for at least one year after the trip. This summons says the owner could not produce older trip records.

Fine (published)

$300 (penalty for §59A-19(b)). Appearance not required.

35 RCNY §59A-19(b)(2)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 59 (Sub-chapter 59A: For-Hire Vehicle Owners)

Change of mailing or email address not reported to TLC

An FHV owner must report any change of mailing address or email address to TLC within ten days. TLC sends notices to the last address on file, so missing this can mean missing hearings.

Fine (published)

Vehicle owner fine: $100. Appearance not required.

35 RCNY §59A-20(a)(1)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 59 (Sub-chapter 59A: For-Hire Vehicle Owners)

TLC notices sent to the last address on file (cited as a charge)

Paragraph (a)(2) only says TLC notices count as delivered if sent to the last mailing address the owner gave. It sets no separate duty, so a charge citing it most likely concerns failing to keep the address current under (a)(1).

35 RCNY §59A-20(a)(2)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 59 (Sub-chapter 59A: For-Hire Vehicle Owners)

No current phone number on file with TLC

An FHV owner must keep a current telephone number on file with TLC, so TLC can reach the owner around the clock.

Fine (published)

Vehicle owner fine: $100 (penalty for §59A-20(b)). Appearance not required.

35 RCNY §59A-20(b)(1)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 59 (Sub-chapter 59A: For-Hire Vehicle Owners)

Owner's phone number not reachable 24 hours a day

The owner's phone number on file must have an answering machine or be a pager, answering service or similar so TLC can reach the owner 24 hours a day. This summons says TLC could not reach the owner that way.

Fine (published)

Vehicle owner fine: $100 (penalty for §59A-20(b)). Appearance not required.

35 RCNY §59A-20(b)(2)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 59 (Sub-chapter 59A: For-Hire Vehicle Owners)