Old taxicab owner rules (medallion owners)

Owner applicant lacked vehicle title and registration in own name

Under the old taxicab owner rules, a person applying for or renewing a medallion had to show the TLC the vehicle's certificate of title and registration, both in the applicant's name (unless a lender or leasing company held the title). This code points to that requirement. It was a licensing condition rather than a street violation, and it appears only once in OATH data (2006).

Replaced by §58-04

Former TLC Rule 1-02(c)(4)TLC Old Rules, Chapter 1 – Taxicab Owners (Dec. 2010 text)

Medallion license renewal not filed on time — another spelling of §1-04C (Medallion license renewal not filed on time).

Medallion license fee not paid

Old owner rule 1-04(a) set the yearly license fee for each taxicab medallion ($550 a year in the 2010 text, prorated for partial years). A charge under this code means the TLC said the owner had not paid the required license fee. Today the fee is in §58-07(a).

Replaced by §58-07(a)

Former TLC Rule 1-04(a)TLC Old Rules, Chapter 1 – Taxicab Owners (Dec. 2010 text)

Taxicab license used past its expiration date

Old owner rule 1-04(b) said a taxicab (medallion) license runs for two years and expires on May 31 of every other year, unless the Chairman extended it. A charge under this code usually means the cab was being run on a license that had expired. The current rule on license terms is §58-06.

Replaced by §58-06(b)

Former TLC Rule 1-04(b)TLC Old Rules, Chapter 1 – Taxicab Owners (Dec. 2010 text)

Medallion license renewal not filed on time

Old owner rule 1-04(c) made the medallion owner responsible for getting the renewal application and filing it, with the fee, by April 30 of the year the license expired (unless the Chairman extended the deadline). This code was used when an owner missed that renewal deadline. The penalty schedule allowed a fine and/or a suspension, and the owner had to appear at the hearing. Today it is §58-06(c).

Replaced by §58-06(C) — Medallion owner did not file the taxi license renewal on time

Fine (published)

$50–$350 and/or suspension up to 30 days (old owner penalty schedule, §1-86)

Former TLC Rule 1-04(c)TLC Old Rules, Chapter 1 – Taxicab Owners (Dec. 2010 text)

Taxicab inspection fees

Section 1-05 of the old owner rules set the fees owners paid the TLC for the required taxicab inspections ($50 per inspection and $35 per re-inspection in the 2010 text) and required owners to prepay them at renewal. A charge citing the whole section most likely means unpaid inspection fees. Today inspection fees are in §58-07(d)–(e).

Replaced by §58-07(d)

Former TLC Rule 1-05TLC Old Rules, Chapter 1 – Taxicab Owners (Dec. 2010 text)

Taxicab inspection fee not paid

Old owner rule 1-05(a) set the fee for the TLC inspection a taxicab needs before it gets its certificate of inspection ($50 in the 2010 text). This code means the TLC said the owner had not paid that inspection fee. It is a rare charge (1992–1996). The fee rule today is §58-07(d).

Replaced by §58-07(d)

Former TLC Rule 1-05(a)TLC Old Rules, Chapter 1 – Taxicab Owners (Dec. 2010 text)

Inspection fees not prepaid at license renewal

Old owner rule 1-05(b) required medallion owners to prepay, when renewing the license, the fees for all three inspections due each year. Prepayment was a condition of renewal. This code means the owner had not prepaid those inspection fees. Only one such charge appears (1992).

Replaced by §58-07(d)

Former TLC Rule 1-05(b)TLC Old Rules, Chapter 1 – Taxicab Owners (Dec. 2010 text)

Medallion moved to another vehicle without approval and fee

Old owner rule 1-06(a) allowed an owner to move a medallion to a different vehicle only after the Chairperson approved it and the owner paid a $50 transfer fee. A charge under this code means the TLC said that approval or fee was missing. Only one such charge appears (1998). Today see §58-07(h).

Replaced by §58-07(h)(1)

Former TLC Rule 1-06(a)TLC Old Rules, Chapter 1 – Taxicab Owners (Dec. 2010 text)

Taxicab operated without a current license or medallion attached

Old owner rule 1-07(a) said a taxicab working for hire must be currently licensed by the TLC and have a current medallion attached to it. This charge was written to the owner when a cab was out picking up passengers without a valid license or without its medallion on the hood. The penalty schedule allowed a fine and/or suspension, and the owner had to appear. Today this is §58-12(a).

Replaced by §58-12(A) — Taxi operated for hire without a valid TLC license or medallion

Fine (published)

$50–$350 and/or suspension up to 30 days (old owner penalty schedule, §1-86)

Former TLC Rule 1-07(a)TLC Old Rules, Chapter 1 – Taxicab Owners (Dec. 2010 text)

Unlicensed owner advertised as a taxi or hack service

Old owner rule 1-07(b) said an owner who is not currently licensed may not advertise or present themselves as doing business as a "taxi," "taxicab" or "hack" service. This charge covers using those words without a valid TLC license. The owner had to appear at the hearing. Today it is §58-12(b).

Replaced by §58-12(B) — Advertising as a 'taxi' without a valid TLC license

Fine (published)

$50–$350 and/or suspension up to 30 days (old owner penalty schedule, §1-86)

Former TLC Rule 1-07(b)TLC Old Rules, Chapter 1 – Taxicab Owners (Dec. 2010 text)

Taxicab operated without a valid vehicle registration

Old owner rule 1-07(c), added in the late 2000s, said a taxicab may run only while its DMV registration is valid. Driving with an expired or invalid registration counted as operating without a TLC license under Admin. Code §19-506, even if the cab once had a license. The owner faced a fine and/or suspension and a summary suspension until fixed. Today it is §58-12(c).

Replaced by §58-12(c)

Fine (published)

$100–$350 and/or suspension up to 30 days; summary suspension until compliance (old owner penalty schedule, §1-86)

Former TLC Rule 1-07(c)TLC Old Rules, Chapter 1 – Taxicab Owners (Dec. 2010 text)

Independent medallion owner did not drive the required shifts — another spelling of §1-09B (Independent medallion owner did not drive the required shifts).

Fleet taxicab not run two shifts a day

Old owner rule 1-09(a) required fleet and mini-fleet medallion owners to run each taxicab (or its stand-by replacement) for at least two nine-hour shifts every day, including weekends and holidays. This code was used when a fleet cab sat idle instead of being double-shifted. The 2011 rule book moved this to §58-20(a)(1); the current Chapter 58 no longer has a double-shift rule.

Fine (published)

$75 (old owner penalty schedule, §1-86)

Former TLC Rule 1-09(a)TLC Old Rules, Chapter 1 – Taxicab Owners (Dec. 2010 text)

Independent medallion owner did not drive the required shifts

Old owner rule 1-09(b) required an independent (single-medallion) owner to give regular service: at least 210 nine-hour shifts a year. Owners who bought their medallion on or after January 7, 1990 had to drive those shifts themselves (for a corporation, one shareholder had to). The TLC could waive this for a limited time for good cause. The owner had to appear at the hearing.

Fine (published)

$100–$350 and/or suspension up to 30 days (old owner penalty schedule, §1-86)

Former TLC Rule 1-09(b)TLC Old Rules, Chapter 1 – Taxicab Owners (Dec. 2010 text)

Taxicab inspection rules (section not specified)

This code cites Section 1-10 of the old taxicab owner rules without a subsection. That section covered TLC inspections: no new cab could run before passing inspection, every cab had to be inspected every four months, owners had to fix defects when told to, and unsafe cabs had to be repaired or replaced. The summons itself should say which duty was involved. Today see §58-29 and §58-30.

Replaced by §58-29 — Taxi inspection rules (section not specified)

Former TLC Rule 1-10TLC Old Rules, Chapter 1 – Taxicab Owners (Dec. 2010 text)

New or replacement taxicab put in service before TLC inspection

Old owner rule 1-10(a) said no new or replacement taxicab may carry passengers for hire until the TLC has inspected and approved it. The inspection covered state safety and emissions checks plus a look at the inside and outside for TLC rule compliance. The penalty included possible seizure of the vehicle. Today this is §58-29(a).

Replaced by §58-29(A) — New or replacement taxi operated before passing TLC inspection

Fine (published)

$100 (2004 schedule); $100 and seizure of the vehicle (2010 schedule) (old owner penalty schedule, §1-86)

Former TLC Rule 1-10(a)TLC Old Rules, Chapter 1 – Taxicab Owners (Dec. 2010 text)

Missed the required every-four-months taxicab inspection

Old owner rule 1-10(b) required owners to bring each taxicab to the TLC for inspection every four months on the assigned date, and at any other time the TLC required. This was one of the most common owner charges. The fine went up the longer the cab stayed uninspected (31, 61 and 121+ days late), and the license was suspended until the cab passed. More than 120 days late could mean revocation. Today it is §58-29(b).

Replaced by §58-29(B) — Taxicab missed tri-annual inspection

Fine (published)

$100 and suspension until compliance; $100–$250 if 31+ days late; $250–$500 if 61+ days late; $500 and/or revocation if 121+ days late (old owner penalty schedule, §1-86)

Former TLC Rule 1-10(b)TLC Old Rules, Chapter 1 – Taxicab Owners (Dec. 2010 text)

Owner did not fix defects after a TLC notice to correct

Old owner rule 1-10(c) required medallion owners to follow every TLC notice or order to fix defects in a taxicab. Inspectors issued these notices for things like broken equipment; if the owner did not fix the problem, this charge followed. The penalty was a fine plus suspension after the hearing until the defect was corrected. Today it is §58-30(b).

Replaced by §58-30(B) — Taxicab owner: not correcting a defect after a TLC notice

Fine (published)

$50 and suspension after the hearing until the defect is corrected (old owner penalty schedule, §1-86)

Former TLC Rule 1-10(c)TLC Old Rules, Chapter 1 – Taxicab Owners (Dec. 2010 text)

Unsafe taxicab not repaired or replaced when TLC ordered it off the road

Old owner rule 1-10(d) applied when the TLC found a taxicab unsafe or unfit and ordered it out of service. The owner had to repair or replace the vehicle and turn in the medallion and rate card for storage (the 2004 version gave 10 days, then possible revocation after 120 days). The owner had to appear at the hearing. Today it is §58-30(c).

Replaced by §58-30(C) — Unsafe taxi not repaired or replaced after TLC order

Fine (published)

$100–$350 and/or suspension up to 30 days (old owner penalty schedule, §1-86)

Former TLC Rule 1-10(d)TLC Old Rules, Chapter 1 – Taxicab Owners (Dec. 2010 text)

Taxicab equipment not in good working order

Old owner rule 1-11(a) required that, whenever a taxicab is in operation, all equipment – brakes, tires, lights, signals and more – be in good working order and meet state traffic law and TLC vehicle specifications. This was the single most common old owner charge, written for things like a broken light or worn tire. Today the same duty is §58-30(a).

Replaced by §58-30(A) — Taxi equipment defective (brakes, tires, lights, signals)

Fine (published)

$100 (old owner penalty schedule, §1-86)

Former TLC Rule 1-11(a)TLC Old Rules, Chapter 1 – Taxicab Owners (Dec. 2010 text)

Taxicab not clean inside or outside

Old owner rule 1-11(b) said a taxicab's exterior and interior must be clean. Inspectors wrote this charge to the medallion owner for a dirty passenger area, trash, or a very dirty body. It is one of the most common old owner charges. Today the same rule is §58-31(a).

Replaced by §58-31(A) — Dirty taxi (inside or outside)

Fine (published)

$25 (old owner penalty schedule, §1-86)

Former TLC Rule 1-11(b)TLC Old Rules, Chapter 1 – Taxicab Owners (Dec. 2010 text)

Medallion number on roof light dirty or blocked

Old owner rule 1-11(c) required the medallion number on the front and rear of the roof light to be clean and unblocked so it is plainly visible. A charge means an inspector or officer could not clearly read the number on the roof light. Today the rule is §58-31(f).

Replaced by §58-31(F) — Medallion number on the roof light dirty or blocked

Fine (published)

$50 (old owner penalty schedule, §1-86)

Former TLC Rule 1-11(c)TLC Old Rules, Chapter 1 – Taxicab Owners (Dec. 2010 text)

Trunk could not securely hold passengers' bags

Old owner rule 1-11(d) said the taxicab's trunk must be able to hold passengers' baggage securely. Typical problems were a trunk that would not close or lock, or one so full of the driver's things that bags would not fit. Today the rule is §58-31(b).

Replaced by §58-31(B) — Taxi trunk can't securely hold passenger baggage

Fine (published)

$75 (old owner penalty schedule, §1-86)

Former TLC Rule 1-11(d)TLC Old Rules, Chapter 1 – Taxicab Owners (Dec. 2010 text)

Taxicab technology system (credit card screen, GPS) not working

Old owner rule 1-11(e)(i) required that, in every taxicab required to have the taxicab technology system (the back-seat screen, credit card reader, GPS trip data and text messaging, called the four core services), the equipment be in good working order with all four services working at all times. The penalty included suspension until fixed. Today it is §58-41(a).

Replaced by §58-41(A) — Taxi technology system (credit card screen, T-PEP) not working

Fine (published)

$250 and suspension until compliance (old owner penalty schedule, §1-86)

Former TLC Rule 1-11(e)(i)TLC Old Rules, Chapter 1 – Taxicab Owners (Dec. 2010 text)

Technology system breakdown not reported or cab ran 48+ hours unrepaired

Old owner rule 1-11(e)(ii) said that when the taxicab technology system broke down, the owner had to file an incident report with the provider within two hours, keep the repair appointment, and not run the cab more than 48 hours after the report while any core service was down. The penalty included suspension until fixed. Today see §58-41(b)–(c).

Replaced by §58-41(C) — Taxi operated over 48 hours with a broken technology system

Fine (published)

$250 and suspension until compliance (old owner penalty schedule, §1-86)

Former TLC Rule 1-11(e)(ii)TLC Old Rules, Chapter 1 – Taxicab Owners (Dec. 2010 text)

Taxicab not equipped with the required technology system

Old owner rule 1-11(f) required the owner of every taxicab covered by the 2007 technology rules to install the taxicab technology system (credit card reader, passenger screen, GPS trip records). Charges (2007–2009) were written to owners whose cabs did not have the system by their deadline. The fine was high and the license was suspended until the system was installed. Today it is §58-40(a).

Replaced by §58-40(a)

Fine (published)

$1,000 and suspension until compliance (old owner penalty schedule, §1-86)

Former TLC Rule 1-11(f)TLC Old Rules, Chapter 1 – Taxicab Owners (Dec. 2010 text)

No contract for the taxicab technology system by the 2007 deadline

Old owner rule 1-11(g) required owners to sign a contract to buy the taxicab technology system by August 1, 2007, and install it by their assigned compliance date. All charges under this code are dated August 22, 2007, just after that deadline, which fits owners who had not signed up. The penalty included suspension until compliance.

Replaced by §58-40(a)

Fine (published)

$250 and suspension until compliance (old owner penalty schedule, §1-86)

Former TLC Rule 1-11(g)TLC Old Rules, Chapter 1 – Taxicab Owners (Dec. 2010 text)

Meter, driver license or rate card not lit after sunset

Old owner rule 1-12(a) said that when a taxicab works for hire after sunset, three things must be lit so a back-seat passenger can see them clearly: the meter face, the driver's TLC license, and the rate card. This code cites the rule without saying which item was dark. Today it is §58-31(g).

Replaced by §58-31(G) — Meter, license or Rate Card not lit after sunset

Former TLC Rule 1-12(a)TLC Old Rules, Chapter 1 – Taxicab Owners (Dec. 2010 text)

Taximeter face not lit after sunset

Old owner rule 1-12(a)(1) required the face of the taximeter to be lit after sunset so a back-seat passenger can clearly read the fare. This charge means the meter display was dark or hard to see at night. Today the rule is §58-31(g)(1).

Replaced by §58-31(G)(1) — Taximeter face not lit after sunset

Fine (published)

$25 (old owner penalty schedule, §1-86)

Former TLC Rule 1-12(a)(1)TLC Old Rules, Chapter 1 – Taxicab Owners (Dec. 2010 text)

Driver's license display not lit after sunset

Old owner rule 1-12(a)(2) required the taxicab driver's license, shown in its frame, to be lit after sunset so passengers in the back can clearly see it. The old penalty schedule treated this as a notice to correct within 10 days; not fixing it became a violation of rule 1-68(a). Today the rule is §58-31(g)(2).

Replaced by §58-31(G)(2) — TLC driver license not lit after sunset

Former TLC Rule 1-12(a)(2)TLC Old Rules, Chapter 1 – Taxicab Owners (Dec. 2010 text)

Rate card not lit after sunset

Old owner rule 1-12(a)(3) required the rate card (the TLC card showing the cab's fare and meter information) to be lit after sunset so back-seat passengers can read it. The old penalty schedule treated this as a notice to correct within 10 days; failing to fix it became a violation of rule 1-68(a). Today the rule is §58-31(g)(3).

Replaced by §58-31(G)(3) — Rate Card not lit after sunset

Former TLC Rule 1-12(a)(3)TLC Old Rules, Chapter 1 – Taxicab Owners (Dec. 2010 text)

Dimmer switch controlled the roof light or meter light

Old owner rule 1-12(b) said the dashboard dimmer switch, or any other device, may not control the brightness of the roof light, the taximeter light, the card-frame light or the interior lights. The aim was to stop drivers from dimming the roof light or hiding the meter and license. The owner had to appear at the hearing. Today it is §58-31(h).

Replaced by §58-31(H) — Dashboard dimmer controls roof light or meter lighting

Fine (published)

$50–$350 and/or suspension up to 30 days (old owner penalty schedule, §1-86)

Former TLC Rule 1-12(b)TLC Old Rules, Chapter 1 – Taxicab Owners (Dec. 2010 text)

Improper two-way radio in a taxicab

Old owner rule 1-13(a) allowed a taxicab to carry a two-way radio only on the 40 Citizens Band frequencies the FCC allows, within FCC power and antenna limits, and never for dispatching or taking passenger reservations (yellow cabs had to take street hails). A charge means a non-allowed radio or radio dispatching. The penalty could include permanent removal of the radio.

Fine (published)

$100–$350 and/or permanent removal of the radio (old owner penalty schedule, §1-86)

Former TLC Rule 1-13(a)TLC Old Rules, Chapter 1 – Taxicab Owners (Dec. 2010 text)

Taxicab cellular telephone rules broken

Old owner rule 1-13(b) allowed a taxicab to carry a TLC-approved cellular phone for passenger and driver use by credit or calling card, with free 911 and no incoming calls. The phone could not be used to dispatch the cab, owners could not charge a fee to use it, and a price sign had to be posted. This code cites the subdivision without the paragraph.

Former TLC Rule 1-13(b)TLC Old Rules, Chapter 1 – Taxicab Owners (Dec. 2010 text)

Taxicab phone not an approved type or not installed properly

Old owner rule 1-13(b)(1) said any cellular phone in a taxicab must be a make and type the TLC accepts, installed the way the TLC approves, usable with a credit or calling card, have a 911 feature that works without a card, and not receive incoming calls. A charge means the phone in the cab did not meet these conditions. The penalty could include permanent removal of the phone.

Fine (published)

$100–$350 and/or permanent removal of the telephone (old owner penalty schedule, §1-86)

Former TLC Rule 1-13(b)(1)TLC Old Rules, Chapter 1 – Taxicab Owners (Dec. 2010 text)

Taxicab cell phone used for dispatch or reservations

Old owner rule 1-13(b)(2) said a cellular phone installed in a taxicab must not be used to dispatch the cab or take passenger reservations. Yellow cabs had to serve street hails, not pre-arranged calls. A charge means the in-cab phone was used to line up rides. The penalty could include permanent removal of the phone.

Fine (published)

$100–$350 and/or permanent removal of the telephone (old owner penalty schedule, §1-86)

Former TLC Rule 1-13(b)(2)TLC Old Rules, Chapter 1 – Taxicab Owners (Dec. 2010 text)

Taxicab air conditioning missing or not working — another spelling of §1-14A (Taxicab air conditioning missing or not working).

Taxicab air conditioning missing or not working

Old owner rule 1-14(a) required every taxicab from model year 1990 on to have working air conditioning, and, if the cab had a partition, the system had to send cool air to the back seat. If the A/C was installed but broken, a 10-day notice to correct was issued instead of the per-day fine. Today the rule is §58-34(b).

Replaced by §58-34(b)

Fine (published)

$50 per day (notice to correct within 10 days if installed but malfunctioning) (old owner penalty schedule, §1-86)

Former TLC Rule 1-14(a)TLC Old Rules, Chapter 1 – Taxicab Owners (Dec. 2010 text)

Seat belts or shoulder belts not visible, reachable or working

Old owner rule 1-15(a) required all seat belts and shoulder belts in a taxicab to be clearly visible, easy to reach and in good working order – for example, not tucked under the seat or broken. This code cites the subdivision without a paragraph (used 1992–1999). Today it is §58-31(c)(2).

Replaced by §58-31(C)(2) — Taxi seat belts hidden, out of reach or broken

Former TLC Rule 1-15(a)TLC Old Rules, Chapter 1 – Taxicab Owners (Dec. 2010 text)

Seat belts not visible, accessible or in working order (part 1)

This code cites paragraph (1) of old owner rule 1-15(a), the seat-belt rule: all seat belts and shoulder belts must be clearly visible, accessible and in good working order. The penalty schedule split 1-15(a) into paragraphs (1) and (2), but the published rule text does not print them separately, so the exact split is not known. Typical cases were belts buried in the seat or broken buckles.

Replaced by §58-31(C)(2) — Taxi seat belts hidden, out of reach or broken

Fine (published)

$100–$250 (old owner penalty schedule, §1-86)

Former TLC Rule 1-15(a)(1)TLC Old Rules, Chapter 1 – Taxicab Owners (Dec. 2010 text)

Seat belts not visible, accessible or in working order (part 2)

This code cites paragraph (2) of old owner rule 1-15(a), which required every seat belt and shoulder belt in the taxicab to be clearly visible, easy to reach and working. The penalty schedule lists (a)(1) and (a)(2) separately with the same fine, but the rule text does not say what each paragraph covers. Charges run 1999–2009.

Replaced by §58-31(C)(2) — Taxi seat belts hidden, out of reach or broken

Fine (published)

$100–$250 (old owner penalty schedule, §1-86)

Former TLC Rule 1-15(a)(2)TLC Old Rules, Chapter 1 – Taxicab Owners (Dec. 2010 text)

Rear shoulder belts missing in a 1990-or-newer taxicab

Old owner rule 1-15(b) required taxicabs from model year 1990 on to have, besides a seat belt for every seat and shoulder belts for both outer front seats, shoulder belts for both outer rear passenger seats. A charge means a rear shoulder belt was missing. Today the rule is §58-31(c)(1).

Replaced by §58-31(C)(1) — Taxi missing required shoulder belts

Former TLC Rule 1-15(b)TLC Old Rules, Chapter 1 – Taxicab Owners (Dec. 2010 text)

Unknown safety-belt subsection

This code points to subsection (c) of old owner rule 1-15 (safety belts), but neither the 2004 nor the 2010 text has a subsection (c); the section only had (a) visible and working belts and (b) rear shoulder belts. It may be a mistyped 1-15(a) or a different rule. Treat it as a safety-belt charge and check the summons for the officer's description.

Former TLC Rule 1-15 (no subsection (c) in the published text)TLC Old Rules, Chapter 1 – Taxicab Owners (Dec. 2010 text)

Unapproved structural change to a taxicab

Old owner rule 1-16(a) said an owner may not make any structural change to a taxicab that departs from the TLC's taxicab specifications without the TLC's written approval. Examples are body or seating changes the TLC never approved. Today the rule is §58-31(d).

Replaced by §58-31(D) — Unapproved structural change to the taxi

Fine (published)

$100 (old owner penalty schedule, §1-86)

Former TLC Rule 1-16(a)TLC Old Rules, Chapter 1 – Taxicab Owners (Dec. 2010 text)

Partition or in-vehicle camera rules (section not specified)

This code cites Section 1-17 of the old owner rules without a subsection. That section required a safety partition between driver and passengers (with rear air conditioning), set the limited exemption for owner-driven cabs, and later covered in-vehicle security cameras and their warning decals. The summons should say which requirement was involved. Today see §58-35 and §58-36.

Replaced by §58-35

Former TLC Rule 1-17TLC Old Rules, Chapter 1 – Taxicab Owners (Dec. 2010 text)

Taxicab without the required safety partition

Old owner rule 1-17(a) required every taxicab, unless exempt, to have a TLC-approved partition separating the driver from back-seat passengers and a way to get air conditioning to the rear seat. The penalty was a fine and suspension until the partition was installed, and the owner had to appear. Today it is §58-35(a).

Replaced by §58-35(a)

Fine (published)

$300 and suspension until the condition is corrected (old owner penalty schedule, §1-86)

Former TLC Rule 1-17(a)TLC Old Rules, Chapter 1 – Taxicab Owners (Dec. 2010 text)

Partition exemption claimed but rate card listed other drivers

Old owner rule 1-17(b) let an owner-driven taxicab skip the partition only if every condition was met. Condition (2) said the rate card must list only the owner or corporate shareholders as drivers. A charge under this code suggests the cab used the exemption while other drivers were listed or driving. Without the exemption, the cab needed a partition.

Replaced by §58-35(b)

Former TLC Rule 1-17(b)(2)TLC Old Rules, Chapter 1 – Taxicab Owners (Dec. 2010 text)

Partition exemption claimed without required phone and safety device

Old owner rule 1-17(b)(3) was one of the conditions for skipping the partition in an owner-driven cab: the taxicab had to have a cellular phone with emergency dialing plus another TLC-approved safety device, in addition to the trouble light. A charge means the cab claimed the exemption without that equipment. Only one such charge appears (2006).

Replaced by §58-35(b)

Former TLC Rule 1-17(b)(3)TLC Old Rules, Chapter 1 – Taxicab Owners (Dec. 2010 text)

Taxicab without working trouble (distress) lights

Old owner rule 1-18(a) required every taxicab to have a help or distress signal light system built to the TLC taxicab specifications – the lights a driver can switch on to signal police that there is trouble in the cab. Missing or broken trouble lights led to a fine and suspension until fixed. Today it is §58-34(c).

Replaced by §58-34(C) — Taxi air conditioning not working (2011–2022 numbering)

Fine (published)

$100 and suspension until the condition is corrected (old owner penalty schedule, §1-86)

Former TLC Rule 1-18(a)TLC Old Rules, Chapter 1 – Taxicab Owners (Dec. 2010 text)

Taxicab missing the reminder voice device (repealed rule)

Old owner rule 1-19(a), in force about 1997–2002, required every taxicab to have an electrical dual-message "taxi reminder voice" device (a recorded message, for example to remind riders about seat belts and belongings) built to the TLC specifications. The penalty was $100 if there was no device, or a 10-day notice to correct if it did not work. The rule was later repealed and has no current version.

Fine (published)

$100 if no device; notice to correct within 10 days if not working (old owner penalty schedule, §1-86)

Former TLC Rule 1-19(a)TLC Owner Rules, Chapter 1 (2004 copy, Wayback Machine)

Taximeter did not meet TLC equipment conditions

Old owner rule 1-20(a) required the owner to equip the taxicab with a taximeter that is a TLC-accepted make and type, mounted on the dashboard where all passengers can read it, whose serial number matches the rate card, and calibrated for the cab's tire size. This code cites the subdivision without a paragraph (1992–1999). Today see §58-37(a).

Replaced by §58-37(a)

Former TLC Rule 1-20(a)TLC Old Rules, Chapter 1 – Taxicab Owners (Dec. 2010 text)

Taximeter not an approved make and type

Old owner rule 1-20(a)(1) required the taximeter in a taxicab to be of a make and type the TLC accepts. A charge means the meter installed was not an approved model. Today the rule is §58-37(a)(1).

Replaced by §58-37(a)(1)

Fine (published)

$50 (old owner penalty schedule, §1-86)

Former TLC Rule 1-20(a)(1)TLC Old Rules, Chapter 1 – Taxicab Owners (Dec. 2010 text)

Meter requirement whose wording was later removed from the rules

This code cites paragraph (2) of old owner rule 1-20(a), the list of conditions a taxicab's meter had to meet. It was used often from 1992 to 2009, but in both rule copies we have (2004 and 2010), paragraph (2) reads only "Reserved," so its earlier wording is not available online. It was one of the meter-equipment requirements; check the summons for the officer's description.

Replaced by §58-37(a)

Former TLC Rule 1-20(a)(2)TLC Old Rules, Chapter 1 – Taxicab Owners (Dec. 2010 text)

Taximeter not mounted where passengers can read it

Old owner rule 1-20(a)(3) required the taximeter to be fixed to the dashboard so it is clearly readable and visible to every passenger in the cab. A charge means the meter was mounted, blocked or angled so riders could not see the fare. Today the rule is §58-37(a)(2).

Replaced by §58-37(A)(2) — Taximeter not mounted where all passengers can read it

Fine (published)

$50 (old owner penalty schedule, §1-86)

Former TLC Rule 1-20(a)(3)TLC Old Rules, Chapter 1 – Taxicab Owners (Dec. 2010 text)

Taximeter serial number does not match the rate card

Old owner rule 1-20(a)(4) required the taximeter's serial number to match the one on the cab's rate card (or be entered on it by an authorized meter shop). A mismatch can mean an unapproved meter swap, so the fine was high. Today the rule is §58-37(a)(3).

Replaced by §58-37(A)(3) — Taximeter serial number doesn't match the Rate Card

Fine (published)

$500 (old owner penalty schedule, §1-86)

Former TLC Rule 1-20(a)(4)TLC Old Rules, Chapter 1 – Taxicab Owners (Dec. 2010 text)

Tire size does not match taximeter calibration

Old owner rule 1-20(a)(5) required the taxicab's tires to be the size the taximeter was calibrated for, as shown on the rate card. Different tires change how the meter measures distance, so the fare can be wrong. Today the rule is §58-37(a)(4).

Replaced by §58-37(a)(4)

Fine (published)

$50 (old owner penalty schedule, §1-86)

Former TLC Rule 1-20(a)(5)TLC Old Rules, Chapter 1 – Taxicab Owners (Dec. 2010 text)

Taximeter inaccurate by 1% to under 5%

Old owner rule 1-20(b) required the taximeter to work properly and compute the TLC fare accurately. Paragraph (1) covered a meter found off by at least 1% (52.8 feet per mile) but less than 5% in distance, or between 1% and 5% in time. Today the meter must be repaired and certified under §58-38.

Replaced by §58-38(A) — Taxi in service with a defective or badly installed meter

Fine (published)

$50 (old owner penalty schedule, §1-86)

Former TLC Rule 1-20(b)(1)TLC Old Rules, Chapter 1 – Taxicab Owners (Dec. 2010 text)

Taximeter inaccurate by 5% to under 10%

Old owner rule 1-20(b)(2) set the penalty when a taxicab meter was found off by at least 5% (264 feet per mile) but less than 10% in distance, or between 5% and 10% in time. A meter that far off can overcharge riders noticeably. Today a faulty meter must be repaired and certified under §58-38.

Replaced by §58-38(A) — Taxi in service with a defective or badly installed meter

Fine (published)

$200 (old owner penalty schedule, §1-86)

Former TLC Rule 1-20(b)(2)TLC Old Rules, Chapter 1 – Taxicab Owners (Dec. 2010 text)

Taximeter inaccurate by 10% or more (first offense)

Old owner rule 1-20(b)(3) covered a taxicab meter found off by 10% or more (528 feet per mile) in distance or time, for a first violation. The owner had to appear at the hearing. A repeat within 36 months fell under (b)(4) with a higher fine. Today see §58-38.

Replaced by §58-38(A) — Taxi in service with a defective or badly installed meter

Fine (published)

$300 for a first violation (old owner penalty schedule, §1-86)

Former TLC Rule 1-20(b)(3)TLC Old Rules, Chapter 1 – Taxicab Owners (Dec. 2010 text)

Taximeter inaccurate by 10% or more (repeat within 36 months)

Old owner rule 1-20(b)(4) covered a second or later finding, within 36 months, that a taxicab meter was off by 10% or more in distance or time. It carried double the first-offense fine. Today a faulty meter must be repaired and certified under §58-38.

Replaced by §58-38(A) — Taxi in service with a defective or badly installed meter

Fine (published)

$600 for a second or later violation within 36 months (old owner penalty schedule, §1-86)

Former TLC Rule 1-20(b)(4)TLC Old Rules, Chapter 1 – Taxicab Owners (Dec. 2010 text)

Taximeter seals not installed by a licensed meter shop

Old owner rule 1-21(a) required all taximeter seals to be put on by a licensed taximeter repair shop or a TLC agent. Seals show the meter has not been opened or altered. The owner had to appear at the hearing. Today the rule is §58-37(a)(5).

Replaced by §58-37(a)(5)

Fine (published)

$500 (old owner penalty schedule, §1-86)

Former TLC Rule 1-21(a)TLC Old Rules, Chapter 1 – Taxicab Owners (Dec. 2010 text)

Pinion gear not properly sealed

Old owner rule 1-21(b) required the taximeter's pinion gear (the part that measures distance from the transmission) to be sealed with a cap seal or other approved seal, so it cannot be removed or changed without breaking the seal. An unsealed gear makes meter tampering possible. The owner had to appear at the hearing.

Replaced by §58-37(a)(5)

Fine (published)

$500 (old owner penalty schedule, §1-86)

Former TLC Rule 1-21(b)TLC Old Rules, Chapter 1 – Taxicab Owners (Dec. 2010 text)

Meter wiring harness spliced or had extra connections

Old owner rule 1-21(c) required the wire harness from the taximeter to the speed sensor to be one piece, with no connectors, splices, "Y" connections or other interruptions. Extra connections are a common way to tamper with a meter. The owner had to appear at the hearing. Today the rule is §58-37(a)(6).

Replaced by §58-37(A)(6) — Unapproved splices or connections in the meter wiring

Fine (published)

$500 (old owner penalty schedule, §1-86)

Former TLC Rule 1-21(c)TLC Old Rules, Chapter 1 – Taxicab Owners (Dec. 2010 text)

Early-1990s meter installation rule (wording not available)

This code cites subsection (d) of old owner rule 1-21 (taximeter installation). The 2004 and 2010 texts only have (a) to (c), and all charges are from 1992 to 1998, so it likely belongs to an earlier version that is not online. It was a meter-installation requirement; the summons should describe what was found.

Replaced by §58-37(a)

Former TLC Rule 1-21(d)TLC Old Rules, Chapter 1 – Taxicab Owners (Dec. 2010 text)

Taxicab in service with a defective taximeter

Old owner rule 1-22(a) said a taxicab may not carry passengers with a defective taximeter or a faulty meter installation. When the meter was broken or computed a wrong fare, the owner had to have it repaired, tested and certified by a licensed meter shop (or replaced with an approved, sealed meter). Today see §58-38(a)–(c).

Replaced by §58-38(A) — Taxi in service with a defective or badly installed meter

Fine (published)

$100 (old owner penalty schedule, §1-86)

Former TLC Rule 1-22(a)TLC Old Rules, Chapter 1 – Taxicab Owners (Dec. 2010 text)

Taximeter repaired outside a licensed shop

Old owner rule 1-22(b) said no adjusted, repaired or recalibrated taximeter or meter part may be installed unless the work was done at a licensed taximeter repair shop or other authorized place. The owner is responsible for any installation that breaks this rule. Today the rule is §58-38(d).

Replaced by §58-38(d)

Fine (published)

$75 (old owner penalty schedule, §1-86)

Former TLC Rule 1-22(b)TLC Old Rules, Chapter 1 – Taxicab Owners (Dec. 2010 text)

Taximeter or technology system tampered with

Old owner rule 1-23(a) barred anyone, without TLC permission, from tampering with, altering or repairing the taximeter, the technology system, their seals or wiring, or changing the car or its tires in a way that affects the meter. The owner is responsible, but has a defense if they did not know and used due diligence (warning drivers, spot checks, meter-shop inspections). Today see §58-39.

Replaced by §58-39(A) — Taximeter or technology system tampered with

Fine (published)

$250–$1,500 and/or suspension up to 30 days (old owner penalty schedule, §1-86)

Former TLC Rule 1-23(a)TLC Old Rules, Chapter 1 – Taxicab Owners (Dec. 2010 text)

"Off Duty" light not controlled by a manual dashboard switch

Old owner rule 1-24(a) said that while a taxicab is working for hire, the "Off Duty" sign on the roof light may only be lit by a manual switch on the dashboard. Any other control could let a driver show "Off Duty" in ways passengers could not trust.

Fine (published)

$75 (old owner penalty schedule, §1-86)

Former TLC Rule 1-24(a)TLC Old Rules, Chapter 1 – Taxicab Owners (Dec. 2010 text)

Roof light not controlled by the taximeter or tampered with

Old owner rule 1-24(b) required the taxicab roof light to be wired to the taximeter so it is lit only when the meter is off (cab available) and dark when the meter is running. Owners may not tamper with the roof light. The owner had to appear at the hearing. Today the rule is §58-34(a)(1).

Replaced by §58-34(A)(1) — Roof light not controlled by the meter, or tampered with

Fine (published)

$50–$350 and/or suspension up to 30 days (old owner penalty schedule, §1-86)

Former TLC Rule 1-24(b)TLC Old Rules, Chapter 1 – Taxicab Owners (Dec. 2010 text)

Early-1990s roof light rule (wording not available)

This code cites subsection (c) of old owner rule 1-24 (operation of the roof light). The 2004 and 2010 texts only have (a) and (b), and all charges are dated 1992–1998, so it probably comes from an earlier version that is not online. It was a roof-light requirement; check the summons for what the officer saw.

Replaced by §58-34(a)

Former TLC Rule 1-24(c)TLC Old Rules, Chapter 1 – Taxicab Owners (Dec. 2010 text)

Taximeter not tested and certified when required

Old owner rule 1-25(a) required a taxicab's meter to be tested by TLC-authorized staff on a measured mile, with the result marked on the rate card: yearly, when a meter is installed, when drive parts are changed, after other changes that affect the meter, and when the TLC orders it. This code cites the subdivision without a paragraph (1992–1999). Today see §58-39(e).

Replaced by §58-39(e)

Former TLC Rule 1-25(a)TLC Old Rules, Chapter 1 – Taxicab Owners (Dec. 2010 text)

Taximeter not tested within a year of the last test

Old owner rule 1-25(a)(1) required the taximeter to be tested for accuracy over a measured mile, and the result noted on the rate card, within one year of its last test. This is the most common meter-inspection charge: the rate card showed the yearly meter test was overdue. Today the rule is §58-39(e)(3)(i).

Replaced by §58-39(E)(3)(I) — Taximeter not tested within 12 months

Fine (published)

$100 (old owner penalty schedule, §1-86)

Former TLC Rule 1-25(a)(1)TLC Old Rules, Chapter 1 – Taxicab Owners (Dec. 2010 text)

New taximeter installed without a TLC test

Old owner rule 1-25(a)(2) required a taximeter to be tested by TLC-authorized staff, with the result recorded on the rate card, whenever a meter is installed in a vehicle. A charge means a meter was put in without that test. Today the rule is §58-39(e)(3)(ii).

Replaced by §58-39(E)(3)(II) — Taximeter not tested after installation or software update

Fine (published)

$100 (old owner penalty schedule, §1-86)

Former TLC Rule 1-25(a)(2)TLC Old Rules, Chapter 1 – Taxicab Owners (Dec. 2010 text)

Meter not retested after transmission or gear work

Old owner rule 1-25(a)(3) required a new taximeter test when the transmission, pinion gear or differential was altered, repaired or replaced, because those parts affect how the meter measures distance. Today the rule is §58-39(e)(3)(iii).

Replaced by §58-39(e)(3)(iii)

Fine (published)

$50 (old owner penalty schedule, §1-86)

Former TLC Rule 1-25(a)(3)TLC Old Rules, Chapter 1 – Taxicab Owners (Dec. 2010 text)

Meter not retested after a change that affects its reading

Old owner rule 1-25(a)(4) required a new taximeter test whenever any other part of the taxicab was changed in a way that may affect the meter reading. A charge means such a change was made without the retest marked on the rate card. Today the rule is §58-39(e)(3)(iv).

Replaced by §58-39(e)(3)(iv)

Fine (published)

$50 (old owner penalty schedule, §1-86)

Former TLC Rule 1-25(a)(4)TLC Old Rules, Chapter 1 – Taxicab Owners (Dec. 2010 text)

Meter not tested when the TLC required it

Old owner rule 1-25(a)(5) required the taximeter to be tested and certified at any other time the TLC ordered. A charge means the owner did not bring the cab in for a meter test the TLC demanded. Today the rule is §58-39(e)(3)(v).

Replaced by §58-39(E)(3)(V) — Taximeter not tested when TLC required it

Fine (published)

$100 (old owner penalty schedule, §1-86)

Former TLC Rule 1-25(a)(5)TLC Old Rules, Chapter 1 – Taxicab Owners (Dec. 2010 text)

Unknown taximeter-inspection subsection

This code points to subsection (b)(1) of old owner rule 1-25 (taximeter inspection), but in the 2004 and 2010 texts that section only has subdivision (a). It is most likely a mistyped 1-25(a)(1), the overdue yearly meter test, but that cannot be confirmed. Check the summons for the officer's description.

Replaced by §58-39(E)(3)(I) — Taximeter not tested within 12 months

Former TLC Rule 1-25 (no subdivision (b) in the published text)TLC Old Rules, Chapter 1 – Taxicab Owners (Dec. 2010 text)

Braille or raised-letter ID plaque missing — another spelling of §1-26A (Braille or raised-letter ID plaque missing).

Braille or raised-letter ID plaque missing

Old owner rule 1-26(a), in force from October 1, 1997, required every taxicab to have two ID plaques for riders who are blind or have low vision: a Braille plaque on the right rear door armrest and a raised-letter plaque on the back of the front seat or partition, each showing the medallion number, "COMPLAINTS" and "212 NYC TAXI." No fine applied if a missing plaque was replaced within 48 hours. Today see §58-32(g).

Replaced by §58-32(g)

Fine (published)

$100 (no penalty if a missing plaque is replaced within 48 hours) (old owner penalty schedule, §1-86)

Former TLC Rule 1-26(a)TLC Old Rules, Chapter 1 – Taxicab Owners (Dec. 2010 text)