Driver rules (all TLC-licensed drivers)

Too many passengers in a taxi or green cab

A taxi or green-cab driver must not allow more than four passengers in a four-passenger vehicle, or more than five in a five-passenger vehicle. One exception: an extra passenger under age 7 held on the lap of an adult in the back seat must be accepted.

Fine (published)

$100 if you plead guilty before a hearing; $150 if found guilty after a hearing. Appearance not required.

35 RCNY §80-15(e)(1)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 80 (updated June 6, 2025)

Overloading the vehicle beyond its registered seats

A TLC driver must not let the vehicle be overloaded or carry more passengers than it is equipped to seat under its New York DMV registration. This applies to all TLC vehicles, including FHVs and large SUVs.

Fine (published)

$100 if you plead guilty before a hearing; $150 if found guilty after a hearing. Appearance not required.

35 RCNY §80-15(e)(2)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 80 (updated June 6, 2025)

Refusing a party of four that needs the front seat

A driver must not refuse to carry a party of four when one passenger has to sit in the front seat. Locking the front doors to avoid such a party also counts as this violation.

Fine (published)

$75. Appearance not required.

35 RCNY §80-15(f)(1)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 80 (updated June 6, 2025)

Not letting a passenger who can't use the back seat sit in front

A passenger who is unable to get into or ride in the rear seat, for example because of a disability or injury, must be allowed to sit in the front passenger seat.

Fine (published)

$75. Appearance not required.

35 RCNY §80-15(f)(2)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 80 (updated June 6, 2025)

Not allowing front seat when luggage fills the back

When a passenger's luggage, wheelchair, crutches, other mobility aid or other belongings take up the rear seats, the passenger must be allowed to sit in the front passenger seat.

Fine (published)

$75. Appearance not required.

35 RCNY §80-15(f)(3)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 80 (updated June 6, 2025)

Subleasing a leased taxi

A driver who leases a taxicab must not sublease it to another driver. Only the medallion owner or agent may lease the cab out, under TLC's lease rules. You must appear at the hearing, and the penalty grows with repeat violations.

Fine (published)

First violation: $100. Second: $200. Third: $300 and/or a 5- to 30-day suspension. Appearance required.

35 RCNY §80-15(h)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 80 (updated June 6, 2025)

Being discourteous to a passenger

One sentence: 'A Driver must be courteous to Passengers.' Rudeness, yelling, insults or dismissive behavior reported by a passenger can lead to this charge. Most cases turn on what was actually said and done, so your own record of the trip (dashcam, app messages) matters.

Fine (published)

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

35 RCNY §80-15(i)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 80 (updated June 6, 2025) Full explanation

Not using the base's off-street parking (livery drivers)

While stopped at their affiliated base, a livery driver must use the off-street parking that the base owner provides and must obey traffic and parking rules. It aims to stop cars waiting for dispatch from crowding the street outside a base.

Fine (published)

$50. Appearance not required.

35 RCNY §80-15(j)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 80 (updated June 6, 2025)

Creating a nuisance while waiting at the base

A driver stopped at the base their vehicle is affiliated with, or dispatched from, must not create a nuisance, such as littering, playing loud audio, or honking the horn. Neighbor complaints about base areas often lead to this charge.

Fine (published)

$50. Appearance not required.

35 RCNY §80-15(k)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 80 (updated June 6, 2025)

Illegal horn honking

A driver must not honk the horn in a way that breaks traffic rules. In New York City, using the horn is generally allowed only as a warning of danger, so honking at traffic or to call passengers can lead to this charge.

Fine (published)

$50. Appearance not required.

35 RCNY §80-15(l)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 80 (updated June 6, 2025)

Unauthorized advertising inside an FHV

A driver must not display any advertising inside a for-hire vehicle unless TLC has authorized it. This covers signs, screens and flyers promoting businesses that TLC has not approved. Repeat violations cost more.

Fine (published)

First violation: $250 if you plead guilty before a hearing; $350 if found guilty after a hearing. Second and later: $350 / $450. Appearance not required.

35 RCNY §80-15(m)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 80 (updated June 6, 2025)

Not following the passenger's route or the shortest route

Section 80-16(a) has two parts: follow every reasonable and lawful route the passenger asks for, and, if they don't ask, take the shortest reasonable route to their destination. These charges usually start with a passenger complaint about a long or roundabout trip ('long-hauling'). Trip GPS data is the heart of any defense.

Fine (published)

$100 if you plead guilty before a hearing; $150 if found guilty after a hearing. Appearance not required.

35 RCNY §80-16(a)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 80 (updated June 6, 2025) Full explanation

Ignoring a passenger's reasonable route request

A driver must follow all reasonable and lawful routing requests from the passenger, such as 'take the FDR' or 'avoid the bridge.' This code (used since 2023) is for not following a requested route, as opposed to not taking the shortest route.

Fine (published)

$100 if you plead guilty before a hearing; $150 if found guilty after a hearing. Appearance not required.

35 RCNY §80-16(a)(1)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 80 (updated June 6, 2025)

Not taking the shortest reasonable route

When a passenger does not ask for a particular route, the driver must go to the destination by the shortest reasonable route. Taking a longer route, often called long-hauling, leads to this charge, which is usually based on a passenger complaint and the trip's GPS record. Traffic or road closures can explain a longer route.

Fine (published)

$100 if you plead guilty before a hearing; $150 if found guilty after a hearing. Appearance not required.

35 RCNY §80-16(a)(2)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 80 (updated June 6, 2025)

Not changing or ending the trip when the passenger asks

Passengers may change their destination or end the ride during the trip, and the driver must comply unless it is impossible or unsafe. On hail trips the passenger pays the meter amount when the trip ends; on prearranged or Flex Fare trips the fare can change. You must appear at the hearing.

Fine (published)

$50 if you plead guilty before a hearing; $100 if found guilty after a hearing. Appearance required.

35 RCNY §80-16(b)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 80 (updated June 6, 2025)

Not loading or unloading luggage when asked

When a passenger asks, the driver must load or unload the passenger's luggage, wheelchair, crutches or other belongings into or out of the car or trunk, and must close the door or trunk securely.

Fine (published)

$50. Appearance not required.

35 RCNY §80-16(c)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 80 (updated June 6, 2025)

Not offering or giving a fare receipt (taxi/green cab)

At the end of a taxi trip or a green-cab hail trip, the driver must offer a receipt, in person or through the Technology System, and must give one when asked. The receipt must show the date, time, medallion or SHL number, trip number, fare, tolls, surcharges, extras, card tip and last four card digits, the driver's license number and the 311 complaint number.

Fine (published)

$50 if you plead guilty before a hearing; $75 if found guilty after a hearing. Appearance not required.

Points

1

35 RCNY §80-16(d)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 80 (updated June 6, 2025)

Not adjusting the radio or audio when asked

All audio equipment the driver controls must be adjusted, turned on, or turned off when a passenger asks. Passengers who ask for the radio to be lowered or turned off and are ignored can file a complaint that leads to this charge.

Fine (published)

$25. Appearance not required.

35 RCNY §80-16(e)(1)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 80 (updated June 6, 2025)

Not letting the passenger choose what is played

The passenger has the right to choose what is played on the vehicle's audio equipment. A driver who refuses to change the station or content when asked can be charged under this paragraph.

Fine (published)

$25. Appearance not required.

35 RCNY §80-16(e)(2)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 80 (updated June 6, 2025)

Playing audio too loud

Whether or not a trip is in progress, any audio device must be played at normal volume only and must comply with noise laws. This covers loud music while cruising or waiting, not just during a ride.

Fine (published)

$25. Appearance not required.

35 RCNY §80-16(e)(3)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 80 (updated June 6, 2025)

Not adjusting air conditioning or heat when asked

When a passenger asks, the driver must turn the air conditioning or heat on or off. Refusing such a request can lead to this charge after a passenger complaint.

Fine (published)

$25. Appearance not required.

35 RCNY §80-16(f)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 80 (updated June 6, 2025)

Not giving your name and license number when asked

A driver must comply with a passenger's reasonable request for the driver's name, TLC Driver License number (or paratransit license number) and the medallion, FHV or SHL license number. Refusing makes complaints harder to file, so TLC treats it seriously, and you must appear.

Fine (published)

$100 if you plead guilty before a hearing; $200 if found guilty after a hearing. Appearance required.

35 RCNY §80-16(g)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 80 (updated June 6, 2025)

Not complying with another reasonable passenger request

A catch-all rule: a driver must comply with all other reasonable requests of a passenger that are not covered by a more specific rule, such as opening a window or waiting briefly. Whether the request was reasonable is usually the key question. You must appear at the hearing.

Fine (published)

$50. Appearance required.

35 RCNY §80-16(h)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 80 (updated June 6, 2025)

Overcharging a passenger (taxi or green cab)

A taxi or green-cab driver must not charge, or try to charge, more than the TLC-approved fare, including on e-hail and Flex Fare trips. These charges usually start with a passenger complaint. Overcharging carries TLC's mandatory penalties, and an overcharge of $10 or more leads to revocation. The trip record, meter data and receipt are the key evidence.

Fine (published)

Mandatory penalties (§80-02(e)): first violation $350 if you plead guilty before a hearing, $500 if found guilty after a hearing; second within 24 months $700 / $1,000 and possible suspension up to 30 days; third within 36 months $750 / $1,000 and revocation. An overcharge of $10 or more means revocation. Appearance not required.

35 RCNY §80-17(a)(1)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 80 (updated June 6, 2025) Full explanation

Charging more than the base's quoted fare (FHV or green cab)

On prearranged trips, an FHV or green-cab driver must not charge a passenger more than the rate, quote or estimate the base gave the passenger, unless the passenger changed the destination after the quote. This is the for-hire version of the overcharge rule and carries the same mandatory penalties.

Fine (published)

Mandatory penalties (§80-02(e)): first violation $350 if you plead guilty before a hearing, $500 if found guilty after a hearing; second within 24 months $700 / $1,000 and possible suspension up to 30 days; third within 36 months $750 / $1,000 and revocation. An overcharge of $10 or more means revocation. Appearance not required.

35 RCNY §80-17(a)(2)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 80 (updated June 6, 2025)

Extra charge for a passenger with a disability or mobility aid

A driver must not charge, or try to charge, anything extra for carrying a person with a disability, their service animal, or a wheelchair or other mobility aid. It is treated as an overcharge and carries TLC's mandatory penalties.

Fine (published)

Mandatory penalties (§80-02(e)): first violation $350 if you plead guilty before a hearing, $500 if found guilty after a hearing; second within 24 months $700 / $1,000 and possible suspension up to 30 days; third within 36 months $750 / $1,000 and revocation. Appearance not required.

35 RCNY §80-17(a)(3)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 80 (updated June 6, 2025)

Disability attendant charge or separate group fares (depends on date)

This paragraph changed meaning. In the rule book from 2016 until at least 2019, §80-17(a)(4) barred taxi and green-cab drivers from collecting separate fares from passengers sharing a ride outside an approved group-ride program ($50 / $100 and 2 points, appearance required). In the current rule book, (a)(4) says a driver must not require a person with a disability to have an attendant, or charge extra for one, under TLC's mandatory penalties. Check the date and description on your summons.

35 RCNY §80-17(a)(4)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 80 (updated June 6, 2025)

Not giving correct change

A driver must give the correct change to a passenger who has paid the fare. Short-changing a passenger, even by a small amount, can lead to this charge. You must appear at the hearing, and it carries 2 points.

Fine (published)

$50 if you plead guilty before a hearing; $100 if found guilty after a hearing. Appearance required.

Points

2

35 RCNY §80-17(a)(5)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 80 (updated June 6, 2025)

Asking a passenger for a tip

A driver must not ask a passenger for a tip or suggest that a tip is expected or required. Tipping is up to the passenger. Comments or gestures demanding a tip at the end of a ride can lead to this charge.

Fine (published)

$50. Appearance not required.

35 RCNY §80-17(a)(6)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 80 (updated June 6, 2025)

Refusing cash (U.S. currency) as payment

A taxi or green-cab driver must accept U.S. currency as payment of the fare. Saying 'card only' or refusing a passenger's cash can lead to this charge.

Fine (published)

$50. Appearance not required.

35 RCNY §80-17(c)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 80 (updated June 6, 2025)

Not able to make change for a $20 bill

A taxi or green-cab driver must always be able to make change for a $20 bill during the shift. If they can't, then with the passenger's consent they must log off the Technology System, record the trip, and drive to the nearest place where change can be found.

Fine (published)

$25. Appearance not required.

35 RCNY §80-17(d)(1)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 80 (updated June 6, 2025)

Not accepting a credit or debit card (taxi or green cab)

Section 80-17(e)(1) requires every taxi, and every green cab on a hail trip, to take a passenger's credit or debit card through the vehicle's Technology System or an approved e-hail app. It also covers warning passengers before the trip when cards can't be taken, not using other card readers, offering options when the network fails, and not adding a card mark-up.

Fine (published)

Paragraphs (i)–(v): $100, appearance not required. Card mark-up ban (paragraph (vi) today; (vii) in the October 2016 text, when (vi) was also a $100 item): $200 first, $300 second, $500 third, possible restitution, appearance required.

35 RCNY §80-17(e)(1)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 80 (updated June 6, 2025) Full explanation

Taxi driver refusing a credit or debit card

Every taxi must have a Technology System (the in-car payment and trip system), and the driver must accept a passenger's choice to pay by credit or debit card. Saying 'cash only' or claiming the machine is broken when it isn't can lead to this charge.

Fine (published)

$100. Appearance not required.

35 RCNY §80-17(e)(1)(i)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 80 (updated June 6, 2025)

Credit/debit card payment rules (several paragraphs cited) — another spelling of §80-17(E)(1)(I-VI) (Credit/debit card payment rules (several paragraphs cited)).

Credit/debit card payment rules (several paragraphs cited) — another spelling of §80-17(E)(1)(I-VI) (Credit/debit card payment rules (several paragraphs cited)).

Credit/debit card payment rules (several paragraphs cited)

This code cites paragraphs (i) through (vi) of §80-17(e)(1) together, the taxi and green-cab card-payment rules. It matches the penalty line of the first (October 2016) Chapter 80, where (i)–(vi) covered: accept cards, the one-device green-cab card rule, warn passengers before the trip if cards can't be taken, no other card readers, and offer options when the network is down. The card mark-up ban was a separate paragraph (vii) then. The summons description should say which duty was broken.

Fine (published)

In the October 2016 text this code matches, paragraphs (i)–(vi) all carry a $100 fine, appearance not required. (In the rule book since at least January 2019, paragraph (vi) is instead the card mark-up ban: $200 first, $300 second, $500 third, appearance required.)

35 RCNY §80-17(e)(1)(i)–(vi)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 80 (updated June 6, 2025)

Green-cab driver refusing a card on a hail trip

Every Street Hail Livery (green cab) must have a Technology System, and on hail trips the driver must accept a passenger's choice to pay by credit or debit card. It is the green-cab version of §80-17(e)(1)(i).

Fine (published)

$100. Appearance not required.

35 RCNY §80-17(e)(1)(ii)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 80 (updated June 6, 2025)

Not warning the passenger that cards can't be taken

A taxi or green-cab driver must not pick up or carry a passenger when the card system can't accept or process cards, unless the driver tells the passenger before starting the meter that card payment won't be possible. (In the first 2016 text this was paragraph (iv).)

Fine (published)

$100. Appearance not required.

35 RCNY §80-17(e)(1)(iii)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 80 (updated June 6, 2025)

Taking card payment on a device other than the vehicle's system

A taxi or green-cab driver must not accept card payments through any device other than the vehicle's Technology System or an approved e-hail app, for example a personal card reader or payment app. In the first (October 2016) text, paragraph (iv) was instead the rule about warning passengers that cards couldn't be taken, and the paragraphs were re-lettered by January 2019. Charges from 2019 on fit the current meaning; for a 2017–2018 summons, check the description.

Fine (published)

$100. Appearance not required.

35 RCNY §80-17(e)(1)(iv)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 80 (updated June 6, 2025)

Not offering options when the card network is down

If a passenger can't pay by card at the end of a trip because the wireless network can't process it (not because the vehicle's system failed), the driver must offer to take cash or to drive on to a spot where the payment system can connect. In the first 2016 text, paragraph (v) was the ban on other card devices.

Fine (published)

$100. Appearance not required.

35 RCNY §80-17(e)(1)(v)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 80 (updated June 6, 2025)

Card payment mark-up, or network-failure rule (depends on date)

In the rule book since at least January 2019, §80-17(e)(1)(vi) bars taxi and green-cab drivers from charging any extra fee (mark-up) for paying by card ($200, $300, then $500, possible restitution, appearance required). In the first 2016 text, (vi) was instead the rule requiring the driver to offer cash or drive on when the card network is down ($100). Check the date and description on your summons.

35 RCNY §80-17(e)(1)(vi)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 80 (updated June 6, 2025)

Charging a mark-up for card payment (2016–2018 numbering)

In the first version of Chapter 80 (October 2016), paragraph (vii) of §80-17(e)(1) barred taxi and green-cab drivers from charging any extra fee for credit or debit card payment. The paragraph was later re-lettered (vi). Charges under this code were heard in 2017–2018.

Replaced by §80-17(E)(1)(VI) — Card payment mark-up, or network-failure rule (depends on date)

Fine (published)

First violation: $200. Second violation: $300. Third violation: $500. The judge may also order restitution of the excess charged to the passenger. Appearance required.

Former 35 RCNY §80-17(e)(1)(vii) (earlier numbering)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 80 as first published (effective Oct. 26, 2016), Wayback Machine copy

FHV driver refusing card payment when available

A for-hire vehicle driver must accept a passenger's choice to pay by credit or debit card if card payment is available for that trip. Insisting on cash when the base or app supports card payment can lead to this charge.

Fine (published)

$100. Appearance not required.

35 RCNY §80-17(e)(2)(i)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 80 (updated June 6, 2025)

Out-of-city trip without a flat rate or running meter

For a taxi or green-cab trip beyond New York City (other than Westchester, Nassau or Newark Airport), the driver must agree a flat dollar rate with the passenger before the trip ('double the meter' is not a flat rate), and must keep the meter recording the whole way.

Fine (published)

$100. Appearance not required.

35 RCNY §80-17(f)(1)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 80 (updated June 6, 2025) Full explanation

Not agreeing a flat fare before an out-of-city trip

For a taxi or green-cab trip outside the city (other than to Westchester, Nassau or Newark Airport), the driver must negotiate a flat-rate charge in dollars with the passenger before starting. 'Double the meter' does not count as a flat rate.

Fine (published)

$100. Appearance not required.

35 RCNY §80-17(f)(1)(i)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 80 (updated June 6, 2025)

Meter not running on an out-of-city trip

On a taxi or green-cab trip outside the city (other than to Westchester, Nassau or Newark Airport), the driver must start the taximeter at the beginning of the trip and leave it recording, even though the fare is a negotiated flat rate.

Fine (published)

$100. Appearance not required.

35 RCNY §80-17(f)(1)(ii)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 80 (updated June 6, 2025)

Meter not running on a Westchester or Nassau trip

On a taxi or green-cab trip to Westchester or Nassau County, the driver must start the taximeter at the beginning and keep it recording the whole time. The fare is the meter for the in-city part plus twice the meter for the part outside the city.

Fine (published)

$100. Appearance not required.

35 RCNY §80-17(f)(2)(i)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 80 (updated June 6, 2025)

Westchester/Nassau trip fare rules (several paragraphs cited)

This code cites all of §80-17(f)(2), the rules for taxi and green-cab trips to Westchester or Nassau: keep the meter running, explain before the trip that the fare is meter in the city plus double outside it, announce when crossing the city line, and note that the passenger pays tolls both ways.

Fine (published)

Paragraph (i): $100. Paragraphs (ii)–(iii): $25. Appearance not required.

35 RCNY §80-17(f)(2)(i)–(iv)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 80 (updated June 6, 2025)

Not explaining the Westchester/Nassau fare before the trip

Before a taxi or green-cab trip to Westchester or Nassau, the driver must tell the passenger how the fare is figured: meter inside the city plus double the meter outside it, plus tolls both ways.

Fine (published)

$25. Appearance not required.

35 RCNY §80-17(f)(2)(ii)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 80 (updated June 6, 2025)

Not telling the passenger when crossing the city line

On a taxi or green-cab trip to Westchester or Nassau, the driver must tell the passenger when the vehicle crosses the city limits, so the passenger can check the meter reading at that point (the fare doubles beyond it).

Fine (published)

$25. Appearance not required.

35 RCNY §80-17(f)(2)(iii)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 80 (updated June 6, 2025)

Meter not running on a Newark Airport trip

On a taxi or green-cab trip to Newark Airport, the driver must start the taximeter at the beginning and keep it recording the whole time. The fare is the meter plus a set Newark surcharge plus tolls.

Fine (published)

$100. Appearance not required.

35 RCNY §80-17(f)(3)(i)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 80 (updated June 6, 2025)

Not explaining the Newark Airport fare before the trip

Before a taxi or green-cab trip to Newark Airport, the driver must tell the passenger how the fare is figured: the meter plus the Newark surcharge (now $20) plus tolls out of and back into the city.

Fine (published)

$25. Appearance not required.

35 RCNY §80-17(f)(3)(ii)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 80 (updated June 6, 2025)

Taxi and green-cab e-payment rules

In the current rule book, §80-17(j) covers e-payments in taxis and green cabs: let passengers pay by approved e-payment, don't exceed approved rates, calculate fares on the meter (except Flex Fare), let the system send the fare to the app automatically, and don't take card payment through apps that don't link to the Technology System. In the 2016–2019 versions of the rule book, this letter was the green-cab improvement surcharge rule instead.

Fine (published)

Paragraph (1): $100. Paragraph (2): mandatory penalties under §80-02(e). Paragraph (5): $200. Appearance not required.

35 RCNY §80-17(j)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 80 (updated June 6, 2025)

Not letting the passenger pay by e-payment

A taxi or green-cab driver must let a passenger pay by e-payment (such as an approved e-hail app) as long as the method follows TLC rules. In older versions of the rule book this was §80-17(k)(1).

Fine (published)

$100. Appearance not required.

35 RCNY §80-17(j)(1)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 80 (updated June 6, 2025)

Not letting the passenger pay by e-payment (2016–2019 numbering)

In the 2016–2019 versions of Chapter 80, §80-17(k)(1) required taxi and green-cab drivers to let passengers pay by e-payment when the method follows TLC rules. The rule is now §80-17(j)(1). The current §80-17(k) is a different rule about tablets collecting payment.

Replaced by §80-17(J)(1) — Not letting the passenger pay by e-payment

Fine (published)

$100. Appearance not required.

Former 35 RCNY §80-17(k)(1) (earlier numbering)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 80 (updated Sept. 11, 2019), Wayback Machine copy

Not checking the car for left items after an airport trip

Right after a trip to JFK, LaGuardia or Newark airport, the driver must check the passenger area and the trunk (if used) to make sure passengers took all their belongings.

Fine (published)

$25. Appearance not required.

35 RCNY §80-18(a)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 80 (updated June 6, 2025) Full explanation

Not returning lost property or taking it to police

Property left in a taxi must be returned to the passenger if possible, or otherwise taken without delay to a police precinct as NYPD directs. In an FHV or green cab it may also go to the vehicle's base. Keeping a passenger's phone, bag or other items leads to this charge, and you must appear.

Fine (published)

$100. Appearance required.

35 RCNY §80-18(b)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 80 (updated June 6, 2025)

Demanding payment to return lost property

A driver must not demand or ask for payment to return a passenger's lost property. Asking for a 'reward' or a fee before handing back a phone or bag leads to this charge. You must appear at the hearing.

Fine (published)

$100. Appearance required.

35 RCNY §80-18(c)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 80 (updated June 6, 2025)

Not reporting found property to TLC

If found property is not returned to the passenger, the driver must promptly tell TLC what was found and where it is being held (for example which precinct or base).

Fine (published)

$25. Appearance not required.

35 RCNY §80-18(d)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 80 (updated June 6, 2025)

Taxi driver using someone to solicit passengers

A taxi driver must not use any person to find or steer passengers to the cab, other than a dispatcher at a public transportation terminal, a licensed e-hail app or an accessible-vehicle dispatcher. It targets 'hustlers' who round up fares at airports and stations.

Fine (published)

$50. Appearance not required.

35 RCNY §80-19(a)(1)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 80 (updated June 6, 2025) Full explanation

Taxi picking up extra passengers during a trip

A taxi driver must not pick up additional passengers during a trip unless the passenger already in the cab asks for it.

Fine (published)

$100. Appearance not required.

35 RCNY §80-19(a)(2)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 80 (updated June 6, 2025) Full explanation

Suggesting the passenger share the taxi with someone else

A taxi driver must not suggest to a current passenger that another person be taken on as a passenger. The choice to share a ride belongs to the passenger.

Fine (published)

$50. Appearance not required.

35 RCNY §80-19(a)(3)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 80 (updated June 6, 2025) Full explanation

Taxi soliciting at airports, near stands or in no-cruise areas

A taxi driver must not solicit passengers, or cruise to look for them, at JFK, LaGuardia or Newark airports, within 100 feet of an authorized taxi stand, on Lincoln Center's private streets, or anywhere cruising is banned. At airports, taxis must use the official taxi lines.

Fine (published)

$100 if you plead guilty before a hearing; $150 if found guilty after a hearing. Appearance not required.

35 RCNY §80-19(a)(4)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 80 (updated June 6, 2025)

Taxi soliciting passengers at an airport

A taxi driver must not solicit passengers or cruise for them at Kennedy, LaGuardia or Newark airports. Passengers must be picked up through the official taxi dispatch lines. Port Authority officers write most of these charges at the terminals.

Fine (published)

$100 if you plead guilty before a hearing; $150 if found guilty after a hearing. Appearance not required.

35 RCNY §80-19(a)(4)(i)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 80 (updated June 6, 2025) Full explanation

Taxi soliciting within 100 feet of a taxi stand

A taxi driver must not solicit or cruise for passengers within 100 feet of an authorized taxi stand. Passengers near a stand should be served from the stand line, in order.

Fine (published)

$100 if you plead guilty before a hearing; $150 if found guilty after a hearing. Appearance not required.

35 RCNY §80-19(a)(4)(ii)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 80 (updated June 6, 2025) Full explanation

Taxi soliciting on Lincoln Center's private streets

A taxi driver must not solicit or cruise for passengers on the private streets of Lincoln Center.

Fine (published)

$100 if you plead guilty before a hearing; $150 if found guilty after a hearing. Appearance not required.

35 RCNY §80-19(a)(4)(iii)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 80 (updated June 6, 2025)

Taxi cruising where cruising is prohibited

A taxi driver must not solicit or cruise for passengers in any area of New York City where taxi cruising is prohibited, such as streets or zones posted as no-cruising areas.

Fine (published)

$100 if you plead guilty before a hearing; $150 if found guilty after a hearing. Appearance not required.

35 RCNY §80-19(a)(4)(iv)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 80 (updated June 6, 2025) Full explanation

Picking up while logged off without the going-home exception

A taxi driver who is logged off the Technology System must not pick up or solicit a passenger unless all of these are true: the driver is heading to their garage or home, has recorded 'returning to garage (or home)', and the passenger's destination is directly on the way.

Fine (published)

$75 if you plead guilty before a hearing; $100 if found guilty after a hearing. Appearance not required.

35 RCNY §80-19(a)(5)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 80 (updated June 6, 2025) Full explanation

Logged-off pickup when not returning home or to garage

One condition for a logged-off taxi driver to pick up a passenger is that the driver really is returning the cab to their garage or home. This code says that condition was not met, so the logged-off pickup broke §80-19(a)(5).

Fine (published)

$75 if you plead guilty before a hearing; $100 if found guilty after a hearing. Appearance not required.

35 RCNY §80-19(a)(5)(i)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 80 (updated June 6, 2025)

Logged-off taxi pickup without meeting all going-home conditions

This code cites all three conditions a logged-off taxi driver must meet before picking up: heading to garage or home, having recorded 'returning to garage (or home)' in the system or trip record, and the passenger's destination being directly on the route.

Fine (published)

$75 if you plead guilty before a hearing; $100 if found guilty after a hearing. Appearance not required.

35 RCNY §80-19(a)(5)(i)–(iii)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 80 (updated June 6, 2025)

Green cab picking up hails in the exclusionary zone

A Street Hail Livery (green cab) driver must not accept street hails in the Hail Exclusionary Zone: Manhattan south of West 110th and East 96th Streets, and the airports. Penalties are heavy and include suspension, and you must appear.

Fine (published)

First violation: $500 and suspension. Second within 24 months: $750 and suspension. Third within 120 months: revocation. Appearance required.

35 RCNY §80-19(b)(1)(i)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 80 (updated June 6, 2025)

Green cab taking a prearranged trip from the exclusionary zone

A green-cab driver must not accept a prearranged (base-dispatched) trip that starts in the Pre-Arranged Exclusionary Zone, which is Manhattan south of East 96th and West 110th Streets (TLC Rule 51-03). It carries the same heavy penalties as taking hails in the exclusionary zone, and you must appear.

Fine (published)

First violation: $500 and suspension. Second within 24 months: $750 and suspension. Third within 120 months: revocation. Appearance required.

35 RCNY §80-19(b)(1)(ii)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 80 (updated June 6, 2025)

Green-cab rules inside the Hail Zone

Section 80-19(b)(2) sets the rules for green cabs in the Hail Zone (outside the exclusionary zone): they may take street hails or base trips, but must not solicit within 100 feet of a taxi stand, and must not use people other than approved dispatchers, apps or their base to find passengers.

Fine (published)

Paragraph (ii): $100 if you plead guilty before a hearing; $150 if found guilty after a hearing. Paragraph (iii): $50. Appearance not required.

35 RCNY §80-19(b)(2)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 80 (updated June 6, 2025)

Green-cab Hail Zone and taxi-stand rules (several paragraphs)

This code cites the first two paragraphs of the green-cab Hail Zone rule: (i) inside the Hail Zone, green cabs may accept street hails or base trips, and (ii) they must not solicit or cruise for passengers within 100 feet of a taxi stand. The penalty applies to paragraph (ii).

Fine (published)

Paragraph (ii): $100 if you plead guilty before a hearing; $150 if found guilty after a hearing. Appearance not required.

35 RCNY §80-19(b)(2)(i)–(ii)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 80 (updated June 6, 2025)

Green cab soliciting within 100 feet of a taxi stand

Even inside the Hail Zone, a green-cab driver must not solicit or cruise for passengers within 100 feet of an authorized taxi stand.

Fine (published)

$100 if you plead guilty before a hearing; $150 if found guilty after a hearing. Appearance not required.

35 RCNY §80-19(b)(2)(ii)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 80 (updated June 6, 2025)

Green cab using an unauthorized person to solicit

A green-cab driver must not use any person to solicit passengers, other than a dispatcher at an authorized terminal, a licensed e-hail app, an accessible-vehicle dispatcher, or the green cab's own base.

Fine (published)

$50. Appearance not required.

35 RCNY §80-19(b)(2)(iii)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 80 (updated June 6, 2025)

Green cab picking up extra passengers during a trip

A green-cab driver must not pick up additional passengers during a trip unless the passenger already in the car asks for it.

Fine (published)

$100. Appearance not required.

35 RCNY §80-19(b)(3)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 80 (updated June 6, 2025)

Green-cab driver suggesting a shared ride

A green-cab driver must not suggest to a current passenger that another person be taken on as a passenger.

Fine (published)

$50. Appearance not required.

35 RCNY §80-19(b)(4)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 80 (updated June 6, 2025)

Green cab taking a hail while marked unavailable

A green-cab driver who has set the Technology System to on-duty but unavailable (to take a prearranged trip) must not solicit or accept a street-hail passenger.

Fine (published)

$75 if you plead guilty before a hearing; $100 if found guilty after a hearing. Appearance not required.

35 RCNY §80-19(b)(5)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 80 (updated June 6, 2025)

Green cab picking up while off duty

A green-cab driver who shows off duty on the meter or Technology System must not pick up or solicit a passenger unless all of these are true: the driver is in the Hail Zone, is returning to their base or home, has recorded the trip entry, and the passenger's destination is directly on the way.

Fine (published)

$75 if you plead guilty before a hearing; $100 if found guilty after a hearing. Appearance not required.

35 RCNY §80-19(b)(6)TLC Rule Book, Chapter 80 (updated June 6, 2025) Full explanation