Old taxicab driver rules (yellow cab drivers)

Overcharging: charging more than the approved taxi fare

One of the most common old yellow-cab charges. A driver could not charge, or try to charge, more than the TLC-approved fare, and could not charge extra for a passenger with a disability, a service animal, or a wheelchair or other mobility aid. Under local law this carried mandatory penalties, and overcharging by $10 or more meant license revocation. The rule was carried into today's driver rules as §80-17(a)(1).

Replaced by §80-17(A)(1) — Overcharging a passenger (taxi or green cab)

Fine (published)

Mandatory penalties under §2-87 (2010 text): $200–$350 for a first violation; $350–$500 and up to a 30-day suspension for a second within 24 months; license revoked for a third within 36 months. Personal appearance required. Revocation if the overcharge was $10 or more above the approved fare.

Former TLC Rule 2-34(a)Former TLC Rules, Chapter 2 – Taxicab Drivers (Feb 2010 text)

Collecting separate fares from passengers sharing a cab

An old yellow-cab driver rule. A driver could not collect, or try to collect, a separate fare from each person who shared the cab for part or all of a trip, unless it was an official TLC group-ride program. The group shares the single metered fare. After April 2011 this became §54-17(a)(3) of the taxi-driver chapter, which was itself repealed in October 2016; Chapter 80 has no matching rule.

Replaced by §54-17(A)(3) — Collected separate fares from passengers sharing a cab

Fine (published)

2010 schedule: $50–$150; personal appearance required.

Points

2

Former TLC Rule 2-34(b)Former TLC Rules, Chapter 2 – Taxicab Drivers (Feb 2010 text)

Not giving a passenger the correct change

An old yellow-cab driver rule. After a passenger paid, the driver had to give back the correct change. Short-changing a passenger, on purpose or not, was a separate charge from overcharging. The rule was carried into today's driver rules as §80-17(a)(5).

Replaced by §80-17(A)(5) — Not giving correct change

Fine (published)

2010 schedule: $50–$150; personal appearance required.

Points

2

Former TLC Rule 2-34(c)Former TLC Rules, Chapter 2 – Taxicab Drivers (Feb 2010 text)

Asking a passenger for a tip

An old yellow-cab driver rule. A driver could not ask a passenger for a tip or suggest that a tip was expected or required. Tips are up to the passenger. The rule was carried into today's driver rules as §80-17(a)(6).

Replaced by §80-17(A)(6) — Asking a passenger for a tip

Fine (published)

2010 schedule: $50.

Former TLC Rule 2-34(d)Former TLC Rules, Chapter 2 – Taxicab Drivers (Feb 2010 text)

Rules for trips outside NYC (other than Westchester, Nassau or Newark)

This code cites §2-35(a) of the old taxi-driver rules without a paragraph number. It covered trips beyond New York City other than to Westchester, Nassau or Newark Airport: agree a flat rate before starting, keep the meter running, and record the destination and total charge on the trip record. The rule was carried into today's driver rules as §80-17(f)(1).

Replaced by §80-17(F)(1) — Out-of-city trip without a flat rate or running meter

Points

2

Former TLC Rule 2-35(a)Former TLC Rules, Chapter 2 – Taxicab Drivers (Feb 2010 text)

Starting an out-of-city trip without agreeing a flat rate first

An old yellow-cab driver rule. For a trip beyond NYC (other than to Westchester, Nassau or Newark Airport), the driver could not start until the driver and passenger had agreed on a flat rate, as set in the owners' rate rule (§1-73). The rule was carried into today's driver rules as §80-17(f)(1)(i).

Replaced by §80-17(F)(1)(I) — Not agreeing a flat fare before an out-of-city trip

Fine (published)

2010 schedule: $100.

Points

2

Former TLC Rule 2-35(a)(1)Former TLC Rules, Chapter 2 – Taxicab Drivers (Feb 2010 text)

Not keeping the meter running on an out-of-city trip

An old yellow-cab driver rule. On a trip beyond NYC (other than to Westchester, Nassau or Newark Airport), the driver had to start the meter at the beginning and keep it recording. In the 2004 text it had to run within city limits; by 2010 it had to run for the entire trip. The rule was carried into today's driver rules as §80-17(f)(1)(ii).

Replaced by §80-17(F)(1)(II) — Meter not running on an out-of-city trip

Fine (published)

2010 schedule: $100.

Points

2

Former TLC Rule 2-35(a)(2)Former TLC Rules, Chapter 2 – Taxicab Drivers (Feb 2010 text)

Not recording the out-of-city destination on the trip record

An old yellow-cab driver rule. For a trip beyond NYC (other than to Westchester, Nassau or Newark Airport), the out-of-city destination had to be entered on the trip record, either electronically through the cab's technology system or on the written trip sheet. The closest rule today is §80-17(f)(1) (trips beyond the city), which has no separate record-keeping paragraph; trip data now goes through the cab's technology system (§80-25).

Replaced by §80-17(F)(1) — Out-of-city trip without a flat rate or running meter

Fine (published)

2010 schedule: $25.

Points

2

Former TLC Rule 2-35(a)(3)Former TLC Rules, Chapter 2 – Taxicab Drivers (Feb 2010 text)

Not recording the total charge for an out-of-city trip

An old yellow-cab driver rule. For a trip beyond NYC (other than to Westchester, Nassau or Newark Airport), the total amount charged had to be recorded on the trip record, electronically or on the written trip sheet. The closest rule today is §80-17(f)(1) (trips beyond the city), which has no separate record-keeping paragraph; trip data now goes through the cab's technology system (§80-25).

Replaced by §80-17(F)(1) — Out-of-city trip without a flat rate or running meter

Fine (published)

2010 schedule: $25.

Points

2

Former TLC Rule 2-35(a)(4)Former TLC Rules, Chapter 2 – Taxicab Drivers (Feb 2010 text)

Rules for trips to Westchester, Nassau or Newark Airport

This code cites §2-35(b) of the old taxi-driver rules without a paragraph number. For trips to Westchester, Nassau or Newark Airport, the driver had to keep the meter running, tell the passenger the fare rule before starting (and when crossing the city line), say that the passenger pays the tolls both ways, and record the total charge. Today these rules are §80-17(f)(2) (Westchester, Nassau) and §80-17(f)(3) (Newark Airport).

Replaced by §80-17(f)(2) — Westchester & Nassau Trip Rules

Former TLC Rule 2-35(b)Former TLC Rules, Chapter 2 – Taxicab Drivers (Feb 2010 text)

Not keeping the meter on for a trip to Westchester, Nassau or Newark

An old yellow-cab driver rule. For a trip to Westchester or Nassau County or Newark Airport, the driver had to start the meter at the beginning and keep it recording the whole time. The fare for these trips is based on the meter, not a flat rate. Today this is §80-17(f)(2)(i) for Westchester and Nassau and §80-17(f)(3)(i) for Newark Airport.

Replaced by §80-17(F)(2)(I) — Meter not running on a Westchester or Nassau trip

Fine (published)

2010 schedule: $100.

Former TLC Rule 2-35(b)(1)Former TLC Rules, Chapter 2 – Taxicab Drivers (Feb 2010 text)

Not telling the passenger the fare rule or when the cab crossed the city line

An old yellow-cab driver rule. Before a trip to Westchester, Nassau or Newark Airport, the driver had to tell the passenger how the fare would be figured (the owners' rate rule §1-73). For Westchester and Nassau, the driver also had to tell the passenger when the cab crossed the NYC line. Today this is §80-17(f)(2)(ii)–(iii) for Westchester and Nassau and §80-17(f)(3)(ii) for Newark Airport.

Replaced by §80-17(F)(2)(II) — Not explaining the Westchester/Nassau fare before the trip

Fine (published)

2010 schedule: $25.

Points

2

Former TLC Rule 2-35(b)(2)Former TLC Rules, Chapter 2 – Taxicab Drivers (Feb 2010 text)

Not telling the passenger that tolls both ways are theirs to pay

An old yellow-cab driver rule. Before starting a trip to Westchester, Nassau or Newark Airport, the driver had to tell the passenger that they would pay all necessary tolls, both going to the destination and for the return trip. Today this notice is part of §80-17(f)(2)(ii) (Westchester, Nassau) and §80-17(f)(3)(ii) (Newark Airport).

Replaced by §80-17(F)(2)(II) — Not explaining the Westchester/Nassau fare before the trip

Fine (published)

2010 schedule: $25.

Former TLC Rule 2-35(b)(3)Former TLC Rules, Chapter 2 – Taxicab Drivers (Feb 2010 text)

Not recording the total charge for a Westchester, Nassau or Newark trip

An old yellow-cab driver rule. For a trip to Westchester, Nassau or Newark Airport, the driver had to record the total amount charged on the trip record, electronically or on the written trip sheet. Today's rules for these trips (§80-17(f)(2) and (f)(3)) have no separate record-keeping paragraph; trip data now goes through the cab's technology system (§80-25).

Replaced by §80-17(f)(2) — Westchester & Nassau Trip Rules

Fine (published)

2010 schedule: $25.

Former TLC Rule 2-35(b)(4)Former TLC Rules, Chapter 2 – Taxicab Drivers (Feb 2010 text)

Repealed taxi-driver rule (§2-37(a)) – text not available

This code cites old taxi-driver rule §2-37(a). By 2004, §2-37 was marked '[Reserved]', meaning its rule had been repealed. Summonses with this code date from 1995–1997, and the older rule text is not available online, so we can't tell you what it required. It was a taxi-driver conduct rule from the TLC's old Chapter 2.

Former TLC Rule 2-37(a)Former TLC Rules, Chapter 2 – Taxicab Drivers (2004 archive copy)

Repealed taxi-driver rule (§2-37(b)) – text not available

This code cites old taxi-driver rule §2-37(b). By 2004, §2-37 was marked '[Reserved]', meaning its rule had been repealed. Summonses with this code date from 1993–1994, and the older rule text is not available online, so we can't tell you what it required. It was a taxi-driver conduct rule from the TLC's old Chapter 2.

Former TLC Rule 2-37(b)Former TLC Rules, Chapter 2 – Taxicab Drivers (2004 archive copy)

Repealed taxi-driver rule (§2-38(a)) – text not available

This code cites old taxi-driver rule §2-38(a). By 2004, §2-38 was marked '[Reserved]', meaning its rule had been repealed. Summonses with this code date from 1995–1997, and the older rule text is not available online, so we can't tell you what it required. It was a taxi-driver conduct rule from the TLC's old Chapter 2.

Former TLC Rule 2-38(a)Former TLC Rules, Chapter 2 – Taxicab Drivers (2004 archive copy)

Repealed taxi-driver rule (§2-38(a)(1)) – text not available

This code cites old taxi-driver rule §2-38(a)(1). By 2004, §2-38 was marked '[Reserved]', meaning its rule had been repealed. Summonses with this code date from 1992–1994, and the older rule text is not available online, so we can't tell you what it required. It was a taxi-driver conduct rule from the TLC's old Chapter 2.

Former TLC Rule 2-38(a)(1)Former TLC Rules, Chapter 2 – Taxicab Drivers (2004 archive copy)

Repealed taxi-driver rule (§2-38(a)(2)) – text not available

This code cites old taxi-driver rule §2-38(a)(2). By 2004, §2-38 was marked '[Reserved]', meaning its rule had been repealed. Summonses with this code date from 1992–1995, and the older rule text is not available online, so we can't tell you what it required. It was a taxi-driver conduct rule from the TLC's old Chapter 2.

Former TLC Rule 2-38(a)(2)Former TLC Rules, Chapter 2 – Taxicab Drivers (2004 archive copy)

Repealed taxi-driver rule (§2-38(a)(3)) – text not available

This code cites old taxi-driver rule §2-38(a)(3). By 2004, §2-38 was marked '[Reserved]', meaning its rule had been repealed. The summons with this code dates from 1993, and the older rule text is not available online, so we can't tell you what it required. It was a taxi-driver conduct rule from the TLC's old Chapter 2.

Former TLC Rule 2-38(a)(3)Former TLC Rules, Chapter 2 – Taxicab Drivers (2004 archive copy)

Repealed taxi-driver rule (§2-38(b)) – text not available

This code cites old taxi-driver rule §2-38(b). By 2004, §2-38 was marked '[Reserved]', meaning its rule had been repealed. The summons with this code dates from 1993, and the older rule text is not available online, so we can't tell you what it required. It was a taxi-driver conduct rule from the TLC's old Chapter 2.

Former TLC Rule 2-38(b)Former TLC Rules, Chapter 2 – Taxicab Drivers (2004 archive copy)

Repealed taxi-driver rule (§2-38(b)(1)) – text not available

This code cites old taxi-driver rule §2-38(b)(1). By 2004, §2-38 was marked '[Reserved]', meaning its rule had been repealed. Summonses with this code date from 1992–1995, and the older rule text is not available online, so we can't tell you what it required. It was a taxi-driver conduct rule from the TLC's old Chapter 2.

Former TLC Rule 2-38(b)(1)Former TLC Rules, Chapter 2 – Taxicab Drivers (2004 archive copy)

Repealed taxi-driver rule (§2-38(b)(2)) – text not available

This code cites old taxi-driver rule §2-38(b)(2). By 2004, §2-38 was marked '[Reserved]', meaning its rule had been repealed. Summonses with this code date from 1992–1995, and the older rule text is not available online, so we can't tell you what it required. It was a taxi-driver conduct rule from the TLC's old Chapter 2.

Former TLC Rule 2-38(b)(2)Former TLC Rules, Chapter 2 – Taxicab Drivers (2004 archive copy)

Repealed taxi-driver rule (§2-38(b)(3)) – text not available

This code cites old taxi-driver rule §2-38(b)(3). By 2004, §2-38 was marked '[Reserved]', meaning its rule had been repealed. Summonses with this code date from 1992–1994, and the older rule text is not available online, so we can't tell you what it required. It was a taxi-driver conduct rule from the TLC's old Chapter 2.

Former TLC Rule 2-38(b)(3)Former TLC Rules, Chapter 2 – Taxicab Drivers (2004 archive copy)

Repealed taxi-driver rule (§2-38(b)(4)) – text not available

This code cites old taxi-driver rule §2-38(b)(4). By 2004, §2-38 was marked '[Reserved]', meaning its rule had been repealed. Summonses with this code date from 1992–1994, and the older rule text is not available online, so we can't tell you what it required. It was a taxi-driver conduct rule from the TLC's old Chapter 2.

Former TLC Rule 2-38(b)(4)Former TLC Rules, Chapter 2 – Taxicab Drivers (2004 archive copy)

Repealed taxi-driver rule (§2-38(b)(5)) – text not available

This code cites old taxi-driver rule §2-38(b)(5). By 2004, §2-38 was marked '[Reserved]', meaning its rule had been repealed. The summons with this code dates from 1994, and the older rule text is not available online, so we can't tell you what it required. It was a taxi-driver conduct rule from the TLC's old Chapter 2.

Former TLC Rule 2-38(b)(5)Former TLC Rules, Chapter 2 – Taxicab Drivers (2004 archive copy)

Repealed taxi-driver rule (§2-38(b)(6)) – text not available

This code cites old taxi-driver rule §2-38(b)(6). By 2004, §2-38 was marked '[Reserved]', meaning its rule had been repealed. The summons with this code dates from 1994, and the older rule text is not available online, so we can't tell you what it required. It was a taxi-driver conduct rule from the TLC's old Chapter 2.

Former TLC Rule 2-38(b)(6)Former TLC Rules, Chapter 2 – Taxicab Drivers (2004 archive copy)

Not following the procedure when a passenger refuses to pay

An old yellow-cab driver rule. If a passenger refused to pay the metered fare, the driver had to set the meter to 'Vacant', turn on the 'Off Duty' light, record 'Off Duty' and the fare on the trip record, then drive directly to the nearest police precinct and follow police instructions. The rule was carried into today's driver rules as §80-17(b).

Replaced by §80-17(b)

Former TLC Rule 2-39(a)Former TLC Rules, Chapter 2 – Taxicab Drivers (Feb 2010 text)

Discourtesy to a passenger

One of the most common old yellow-cab charges. The rule said simply: a driver shall be courteous to passengers. It was usually written after a passenger complaint about rude words, yelling, or disrespectful behavior during a trip. The rule was carried into today's driver rules as §80-15(i).

Replaced by §80-15(I) — Being discourteous to a passenger

Fine (published)

2010 schedule: $150.

Points

2

Former TLC Rule 2-42(a)Former TLC Rules, Chapter 2 – Taxicab Drivers (Feb 2010 text)

Carrying too many passengers

An old yellow-cab driver rule. A driver could not let more than four passengers ride in a four-passenger cab, or more than five in a five-passenger cab. One extra passenger had to be accepted if they were under 7 and held on an adult's lap in the back. The rule was carried into today's driver rules as §80-15(e).

Replaced by §80-15(E) — Carrying too many passengers

Fine (published)

2010 schedule: $50.

Former TLC Rule 2-43(a)Former TLC Rules, Chapter 2 – Taxicab Drivers (Feb 2010 text)

Not letting a passenger sit in the front seat when required

An old yellow-cab driver rule. A passenger who could not get into or ride in the back had to be allowed to sit in front. The same applied if luggage, a wheelchair, crutches or other property filled the back seat. The rule was carried into today's driver rules as §80-15(f).

Replaced by §80-15(f)

Fine (published)

2010 schedule: $75 for a violation involving a person; $25 for one involving luggage.

Former TLC Rule 2-43(b)Former TLC Rules, Chapter 2 – Taxicab Drivers (Feb 2010 text)

Picking up extra passengers without the hiring passenger's request

An old yellow-cab driver rule. Once a cab was hired, the driver could not pick up more passengers unless the passenger who hired the cab asked the driver to. The rule was carried into today's driver rules as §80-19(a)(2).

Replaced by §80-19(A)(2) — Taxi picking up extra passengers during a trip

Fine (published)

2010 schedule: $100.

Points

2

Former TLC Rule 2-43(c)Former TLC Rules, Chapter 2 – Taxicab Drivers (Feb 2010 text)

Luggage and property rule (section cited without a subsection)

This code cites §2-44 of the old taxi-driver rules, 'Luggage and Property', without saying which part. Subsection (a) required the driver to load and unload a passenger's luggage, wheelchair or other property when asked; (b) banned carrying property for hire without a passenger, except blood or organs. Today (a) is §80-16(c); (b) has no Chapter 80 match.

Replaced by §80-16(C) — Not loading or unloading luggage when asked

Former TLC Rule 2-44Former TLC Rules, Chapter 2 – Taxicab Drivers (Feb 2010 text)

Not loading or unloading a passenger's luggage when asked

An old yellow-cab driver rule. When a passenger asked, the driver had to load or unload their luggage, wheelchair, crutches or other property, in the cab or the trunk, and secure the trunk. The rule was carried into today's driver rules as §80-16(c).

Replaced by §80-16(C) — Not loading or unloading luggage when asked

Fine (published)

2010 schedule: $50.

Former TLC Rule 2-44(a)Former TLC Rules, Chapter 2 – Taxicab Drivers (Feb 2010 text)

Carrying property for hire without a passenger

An old yellow-cab driver rule. A driver could not carry packages or other property for pay unless the property was with a passenger. The only exceptions were blood and vital human organs. In other words, a yellow cab was not a delivery service. After April 2011 this became §54-15(i) of the taxi-driver chapter, which was itself repealed in October 2016; Chapter 80 has no matching rule.

Replaced by §54-15(I) — Carried packages with no passenger

Fine (published)

2010 schedule: $100.

Former TLC Rule 2-44(b)Former TLC Rules, Chapter 2 – Taxicab Drivers (Feb 2010 text)

Not taking the shortest route, or ignoring the passenger's route request

A common old yellow-cab charge. The driver had to take the passenger by the shortest reasonable route unless the passenger asked for a different one, or agreed to a faster route the driver suggested. The driver also had to follow any reasonable, lawful route request. Often written after 'long-hauling' complaints. The rule was carried into today's driver rules as §80-16(a).

Replaced by §80-16(A) — Not following the passenger's route or the shortest route

Fine (published)

2010 schedule: $50–$150; personal appearance required.

Points

2

Former TLC Rule 2-45(a)Former TLC Rules, Chapter 2 – Taxicab Drivers (Feb 2010 text)

Not changing destination or ending the trip when the passenger asked

An old yellow-cab driver rule. During a trip, the driver had to follow a passenger's request to change the destination or end the trip, unless doing so was impossible or unsafe. The passenger then paid the amount shown on the meter (or later the passenger screen). The rule was carried into today's driver rules as §80-16(b).

Replaced by §80-16(B) — Not changing or ending the trip when the passenger asks

Fine (published)

2010 schedule: $50–$200; personal appearance required.

Points

2

Former TLC Rule 2-45(b)Former TLC Rules, Chapter 2 – Taxicab Drivers (Feb 2010 text)

Refusing a passenger's choice to pay by card or cash

An old yellow-cab driver rule added with in-cab card readers (about 2008). In a cab equipped to take credit and debit cards, the driver had to accept the passenger's choice to pay by card or cash. The driver did not have to take cards only if the system was down and an incident report had been filed within the last 48 hours. The rule was carried into today's driver rules as §80-17(e)(1).

Replaced by §80-17(E)(1) — Not accepting a credit or debit card (taxi or green cab)

Fine (published)

2010 schedule: $150–$350; personal appearance required.

Former TLC Rule 2-45(c)Former TLC Rules, Chapter 2 – Taxicab Drivers (Feb 2010 text)

Not complying with a passenger's reasonable request (such as name or license number)

A very common old yellow-cab charge. The driver had to comply with all reasonable requests of a passenger, including giving their name, taxi driver's license number and the medallion number when asked. It was often written after complaints that a driver refused to identify themselves. The rule was carried into today's driver rules as §80-16(g).

Replaced by §80-16(G) — Not giving your name and license number when asked

Fine (published)

2010 schedule: $50–$100; personal appearance required.

Points

1

Former TLC Rule 2-46(a)Former TLC Rules, Chapter 2 – Taxicab Drivers (Feb 2010 text)

Not giving the passenger a receipt

An old yellow-cab driver rule. At the end of the trip, the driver had to give the passenger a receipt showing the date, time, medallion number, fare, extras and the TLC complaint phone number. The rule was carried into today's driver rules as §80-16(d).

Replaced by §80-16(D) — Not offering or giving a fare receipt (taxi/green cab)

Fine (published)

2010 schedule: $25.

Points

1

Former TLC Rule 2-46(b)Former TLC Rules, Chapter 2 – Taxicab Drivers (Feb 2010 text)

Not adjusting the radio/audio as the passenger asked, or playing it too loud

An old yellow-cab driver rule. Any audio the driver controlled had to be turned on or off when the passenger asked, and the passenger could choose what was played. Whether or not the cab was hired, audio could only be played at normal volume and within noise laws. The rule was carried into today's driver rules as §80-16(e).

Replaced by §80-16(e)

Fine (published)

2010 schedule: $25.

Former TLC Rule 2-46(c)Former TLC Rules, Chapter 2 – Taxicab Drivers (Feb 2010 text)

Not turning the air conditioning on or off when asked

An old yellow-cab driver rule. The driver had to turn the cab's air conditioning on or off when the passenger asked. The rule was carried into today's driver rules as §80-16(f).

Replaced by §80-16(F) — Not adjusting air conditioning or heat when asked

Fine (published)

2010 schedule: $25.

Former TLC Rule 2-46(d)Former TLC Rules, Chapter 2 – Taxicab Drivers (Feb 2010 text)

Refusing to accept U.S. cash

An old yellow-cab driver rule. A driver had to accept United States currency as payment for the fare. The rule was carried into today's driver rules as §80-17(c).

Replaced by §80-17(C) — Refusing cash (U.S. currency) as payment

Fine (published)

2010 schedule: $100.

Former TLC Rule 2-47(a)Former TLC Rules, Chapter 2 – Taxicab Drivers (Feb 2010 text)

Not able to make change for a $20 bill

An old yellow-cab driver rule. A driver always had to be able to make change for a $20 bill. If the driver ran out, they could, with the passenger's consent, stop the meter, go 'Off Duty', note it on the trip record, and drive to the nearest place to get change. The rule was carried into today's driver rules as §80-17(d).

Replaced by §80-17(d)

Fine (published)

2010 schedule: $25.

Former TLC Rule 2-47(b)Former TLC Rules, Chapter 2 – Taxicab Drivers (Feb 2010 text)

Refusals (section cited without a subsection)

This code cites §2-50 of the old taxi-driver rules, 'Refusals', without saying which part. The section banned asking a passenger's destination before they were seated (a), refusing to take a passenger anywhere in NYC, Westchester, Nassau or Newark Airport (b), requiring a disabled passenger to bring an attendant (c), and refusing luggage or mobility aids (d). Subsection (e) listed the allowed reasons to refuse. The rule was carried into today's driver rules as §80-20(a).

Replaced by §80-20(a)

Former TLC Rule 2-50Former TLC Rules, Chapter 2 – Taxicab Drivers (Feb 2010 text)

Asking the destination before the passenger is seated (written with parentheses) — another spelling of §2-50A (Asking a passenger's destination before they were seated).

Refusing to take a passenger (written with parentheses) — another spelling of §2-50B (Refusing to take a passenger to a destination (service refusal)).

Refusing a passenger's luggage or mobility aid (written with parentheses) — another spelling of §2-50D (Refusing to carry a passenger's luggage, wheelchair or other property).

Asking a passenger's destination before they were seated

An old yellow-cab driver rule. A driver could not try to find out where a passenger was going before the passenger was seated in the cab. Asking first is how drivers screen out trips they don't want, so it counted as a refusal-type violation with mandatory penalties. The rule was carried into today's driver rules as §80-20(a)(4).

Replaced by §80-20(A)(4) — Asking a passenger's destination before they are seated

Fine (published)

Mandatory penalties under §2-87 (2010 text): $200–$350 for a first violation; $350–$500 and up to a 30-day suspension for a second within 24 months; license revoked for a third within 36 months. Personal appearance required.

Former TLC Rule 2-50(a)Former TLC Rules, Chapter 2 – Taxicab Drivers (Feb 2010 text)

Refusing to take a passenger to a destination (service refusal)

The most common old refusal charge. A driver could not refuse, by words, gestures or any other means, to take a passenger to any destination in New York City, Westchester, Nassau or Newark Airport, including a person with a disability and their service animal. Only the reasons listed in §2-50(e) (for example, already off duty with the light on, or a disorderly passenger) justified a refusal. The rule was carried into today's driver rules as §80-20(a)(1).

Replaced by §80-20(A)(1) — Refusing to take a passenger to a destination

Fine (published)

Mandatory penalties under §2-87 (2010 text): $200–$350 for a first violation; $350–$500 and up to a 30-day suspension for a second within 24 months; license revoked for a third within 36 months. Personal appearance required.

Former TLC Rule 2-50(b)Former TLC Rules, Chapter 2 – Taxicab Drivers (Feb 2010 text)

Requiring a disabled passenger to bring an attendant, or charging for one

An old yellow-cab driver rule. A driver could not require a person with a disability to be accompanied by an attendant. If an attendant did come along, the driver could not charge extra for them. The rule was carried into today's driver rules as §80-20(a)(2).

Replaced by §80-20(A)(2) — Requiring a passenger with a disability to bring an attendant

Fine (published)

Mandatory penalties under §2-87 (2010 text): $200–$350 for a first violation; $350–$500 and up to a 30-day suspension for a second within 24 months; license revoked for a third within 36 months. Personal appearance required.

Former TLC Rule 2-50(c)Former TLC Rules, Chapter 2 – Taxicab Drivers (Feb 2010 text)

Refusing to carry a passenger's luggage, wheelchair or other property

An old yellow-cab driver rule. A driver could not refuse to transport a passenger's luggage, wheelchair, crutches, other mobility aid or other property. Like other refusals, it carried the mandatory penalties set by local law. The rule was carried into today's driver rules as §80-20(a)(3).

Replaced by §80-20(A)(3) — Refusing to carry luggage, a wheelchair or other mobility aid

Fine (published)

Mandatory penalties under §2-87 (2010 text): $200–$350 for a first violation; $350–$500 and up to a 30-day suspension for a second within 24 months; license revoked for a third within 36 months. Personal appearance required.

Former TLC Rule 2-50(d)Former TLC Rules, Chapter 2 – Taxicab Drivers (Feb 2010 text)

Refusal rule – paragraph (d)(4) (exact meaning unclear)

This code points to the old taxi-driver refusal rule, §2-50. In the 2004 and 2010 texts, subsection (d) (refusing luggage or mobility aids) has no numbered paragraphs, so '(d)(4)' may come from an older 1990s version or be a mistype of (e)(4), the allowed refusal when a driver is ending the shift with the 'Off Duty' light on. We can't confirm which. The rule was carried into today's driver rules as §80-20(a).

Replaced by §80-20(a)

Former TLC Rule 2-50(d)(4)Former TLC Rules, Chapter 2 – Taxicab Drivers (Feb 2010 text)

Refusal rule – paragraph (d)(6) (exact meaning unclear)

This code points to the old taxi-driver refusal rule, §2-50. Subsection (d) has no numbered paragraphs in the 2004 or 2010 texts, so '(d)(6)' may come from an older 1990s version or be a mistype of (e)(6), the allowed refusal when the driver is dropping off the last passenger before going off duty. We can't confirm which. The rule was carried into today's driver rules as §80-20(a).

Replaced by §80-20(a)

Former TLC Rule 2-50(d)(6)Former TLC Rules, Chapter 2 – Taxicab Drivers (Feb 2010 text)

Refusal rule – paragraph (d)(7) (exact meaning unclear)

This code points to the old taxi-driver refusal rule, §2-50. Subsection (d) has no numbered paragraphs in the 2004 or 2010 texts, so '(d)(7)' may come from an older version or be a mistype of (e)(7), the allowed refusal of a passenger whose animal (other than a service animal) is not in a carrier. We can't confirm which. The rule was carried into today's driver rules as §80-20(a).

Replaced by §80-20(a)

Former TLC Rule 2-50(d)(7)Former TLC Rules, Chapter 2 – Taxicab Drivers (Feb 2010 text)

Refusal rule – the list of allowed reasons to refuse

This code cites §2-50(e) of the old taxi-driver rules, which is the list of justifiable grounds for refusing a passenger, not a ban by itself. Examples: another passenger already seated, already off duty with the light on and doors locked, a disorderly or intoxicated passenger, an unsecured animal, or a passenger who won't stop smoking. A charge under (e) usually means the driver's refusal did not fit any of these reasons. The rule was carried into today's driver rules as §80-20(b).

Replaced by §80-20(b)

Former TLC Rule 2-50(e)Former TLC Rules, Chapter 2 – Taxicab Drivers (Feb 2010 text)

Code for an empty (reserved) taxi-driver section – likely a typo

This code cites §2-51(a) of the old taxi-driver rules, but §2-51 was '[Reserved]' (empty) in both the 2004 and 2010 texts, so no such rule existed when these summonses were written (2007–2010). It is most likely a mistyped code, possibly for the neighboring refusal rule (§2-50) or off-duty rule (§2-52). Check the summons narrative to see what the driver was actually charged with.

Former TLC Rule 2-51(a)Former TLC Rules, Chapter 2 – Taxicab Drivers (Feb 2010 text)

Code for an empty (reserved) taxi-driver section – likely a typo

This code cites §2-51(b)(2) of the old taxi-driver rules, but §2-51 was '[Reserved]' (empty) in both the 2004 and 2010 texts, so no such rule existed when this summons was written (2005). It is most likely a mistyped code, possibly for the neighboring refusal rule (§2-50) or off-duty rule (§2-52). Check the summons narrative to see what the driver was actually charged with.

Former TLC Rule 2-51(b)(2)Former TLC Rules, Chapter 2 – Taxicab Drivers (Feb 2010 text)

Code for an empty (reserved) taxi-driver section – likely a typo

This code cites §2-51(c) of the old taxi-driver rules, but §2-51 was '[Reserved]' (empty) in both the 2004 and 2010 texts, so no such rule existed when this summons was written (2007). It is most likely a mistyped code, possibly for the neighboring refusal rule (§2-50) or off-duty rule (§2-52). Check the summons narrative to see what the driver was actually charged with.

Former TLC Rule 2-51(c)Former TLC Rules, Chapter 2 – Taxicab Drivers (Feb 2010 text)

Going off duty without the required trip-record entry, light and locked doors

A common old yellow-cab charge. Before going off duty, the driver had to record the time, place and reason on the trip record (later through the cab's technology system), turn on the 'Off Duty' light or show a 'Relief Time' sign in the windshield, and lock the rear doors. Drivers were charged when they went off duty without following these steps. The rule was carried into today's driver rules as §80-25(b).

Replaced by §80-25(B) — Off-duty code, or green-cab system log-in (depends on date)

Fine (published)

2010 schedule: $25.

Points

1

Former TLC Rule 2-52(a)Former TLC Rules, Chapter 2 – Taxicab Drivers (Feb 2010 text)

Not logging the end of off-duty time and returning to service

An old yellow-cab driver rule. When the off-duty break ended, the driver had to record the time on the trip record right away, turn off the 'Off Duty' light or remove the 'Relief Time' sign, and go back into service. The rule was carried into today's driver rules as §80-25(b).

Replaced by §80-25(B) — Off-duty code, or green-cab system log-in (depends on date)

Fine (published)

2010 schedule: $25.

Points

1

Former TLC Rule 2-52(b)Former TLC Rules, Chapter 2 – Taxicab Drivers (Feb 2010 text)

Using the cab personally without a 'Personal Use – Off Duty' entry

An old yellow-cab driver rule. When the driver used the taxi for personal reasons, a 'Personal Use – Off Duty' entry had to be made on the trip record (or sent through the technology system), and the 'Off Duty' light had to be on. After April 2011 this became §54-15(m)(1) of the taxi-driver chapter, which was itself repealed in October 2016; Chapter 80 has no matching rule.

Replaced by §54-15(M)(1) — Used the taxi off duty without logging "Personal Use–Off Duty"

Fine (published)

2010 schedule: $25.

Former TLC Rule 2-52(c)Former TLC Rules, Chapter 2 – Taxicab Drivers (Feb 2010 text)

Turning on the 'Off Duty' light other than by the dashboard switch

An old yellow-cab driver rule. The 'Off Duty' light could only be turned on with the manual switch on the dashboard. Rigging another way to control it was not allowed. After April 2011 this became §54-15(m)(2) of the taxi-driver chapter, which was itself repealed in October 2016; Chapter 80 has no matching rule.

Replaced by §54-15(M)(2) — Off-duty light or code used improperly

Fine (published)

2010 schedule: $75.

Former TLC Rule 2-52(d)Former TLC Rules, Chapter 2 – Taxicab Drivers (Feb 2010 text)

Off-duty procedure rule – subsection (e) (not in the available text)

This code points to §2-52 of the old taxi-driver rules, 'Off-Duty Procedure', which set the steps for going off duty (trip-record entry, 'Off Duty' light or 'Relief Time' sign, locked doors). The 2004 and 2010 texts have no subsection (e), so it may come from an older version or be a mistype. We can't confirm what it covered. The rule was carried into today's driver rules as §80-25(b).

Replaced by §80-25(B) — Off-duty code, or green-cab system log-in (depends on date)

Former TLC Rule 2-52(e)Former TLC Rules, Chapter 2 – Taxicab Drivers (Feb 2010 text)

Off-duty procedure rule – subsection (f) (not in the available text)

This code points to §2-52 of the old taxi-driver rules, 'Off-Duty Procedure'. The 2004 and 2010 texts have only subsections (a)–(d); summonses with '(f)' date from 1992–1995, so it likely comes from an older version of the section whose text is not available online. The rule was carried into today's driver rules as §80-25(b).

Replaced by §80-25(B) — Off-duty code, or green-cab system log-in (depends on date)

Former TLC Rule 2-52(f)Former TLC Rules, Chapter 2 – Taxicab Drivers (Feb 2010 text)

Picking up passengers while off duty (written with parentheses) — another spelling of §2-53A (Picking up a passenger while the 'Off Duty' light was on).

Picking up a passenger while the 'Off Duty' light was on

An old yellow-cab driver rule. With the 'Off Duty' light on, a driver could not solicit or accept a passenger unless returning to the garage or home, had logged 'Returning to garage (or home)', and the passenger's destination was directly on the way. After the last drop-off the driver had to lock the doors and head home or to the garage. The rule was carried into today's driver rules as §80-19(a)(5).

Replaced by §80-19(A)(5) — Picking up while logged off without the going-home exception

Fine (published)

2010 schedule: $75.

Points

1

Former TLC Rule 2-53(a)Former TLC Rules, Chapter 2 – Taxicab Drivers (Feb 2010 text)

Off-duty passenger rule – subsection (c) (not in the text)

This code points to §2-53 of the old taxi-driver rules, 'Accepting Passengers While Off-Duty'. That section has only subsection (a) in the 2004 and 2010 texts, so '(c)' is most likely a mistype. The section limited picking up passengers with the 'Off Duty' light on to trips directly on the way to the driver's garage or home. The rule was carried into today's driver rules as §80-19(a)(5).

Replaced by §80-19(A)(5) — Picking up while logged off without the going-home exception

Former TLC Rule 2-53(c)Former TLC Rules, Chapter 2 – Taxicab Drivers (Feb 2010 text)

Soliciting passengers improperly (not from the driver's seat or with other words)

An old yellow-cab driver rule. A driver could solicit a passenger only from the driver's seat and only with the words 'taxi', 'cab' or 'taxicab'. Getting out to approach people, or pitching rides in other ways, was not allowed. In the April 2011 rule book this became §54-19(a)(1), but it was dropped from the taxi-driver chapter by 2014 (that number now covers a different rule), and Chapter 80 has no matching rule.

Fine (published)

2010 schedule: $50.

Points

1

Former TLC Rule 2-54(a)Former TLC Rules, Chapter 2 – Taxicab Drivers (Feb 2010 text)

Using another person to solicit passengers

An old yellow-cab driver rule. A driver could not use another person (a 'hustler' or 'steerer') to find passengers, except a dispatcher at an authorized group-ride line, and could not suggest to a passenger that another person be added to the ride. Accessible-cab drivers could accept dispatches under Chapter 16. The rule was carried into today's driver rules as §80-19(a)(1).

Replaced by §80-19(A)(1) — Taxi driver using someone to solicit passengers

Fine (published)

2010 schedule: $50.

Former TLC Rule 2-54(b)Former TLC Rules, Chapter 2 – Taxicab Drivers (Feb 2010 text)

Giving misleading information to get someone to hire the cab

An old yellow-cab driver rule. A driver could not get someone to hire the cab by giving false or misleading information, such as wrong arrival or departure times for trains or planes, where a building is, or how far apart two places are. In the April 2011 rule book this became §54-19(a)(3), but it was dropped from the taxi-driver chapter by 2014 (that number now covers a different rule), and Chapter 80 has no matching rule.

Fine (published)

2010 schedule: $50–$200; personal appearance required.

Points

3

Former TLC Rule 2-54(c)Former TLC Rules, Chapter 2 – Taxicab Drivers (Feb 2010 text)

Prohibited solicitation (section cited without a subsection)

This code cites §2-55 of the old taxi-driver rules, 'Solicitation Prohibited', without saying which part. It banned soliciting within 100 feet of a bus stop (a), picking up passengers bus-style at several places (b), and cruising for passengers at airports, near taxi stands, on Lincoln Center's private streets, or in no-cruising zones (c). The rule was carried into today's driver rules as §80-19(a)(4).

Replaced by §80-19(A)(4) — Taxi soliciting at airports, near stands or in no-cruise areas

Former TLC Rule 2-55Former TLC Rules, Chapter 2 – Taxicab Drivers (Feb 2010 text)

Prohibited solicitation (code cut off after the section number) — another spelling of §2-55 (Prohibited solicitation (section cited without a subsection)).

Soliciting at airports, near stands or in no-cruising areas (written with parentheses) — another spelling of §2-55C (Soliciting at airports, near taxi stands, at Lincoln Center or in no-cruising zones).

Soliciting passengers near a bus stop, or stopping there unless hailed

An old yellow-cab driver rule. A driver could not solicit passengers within 100 feet of any bus stop, and could not stop at a bus stop unless hailed by a passenger there. In the April 2011 rule book this became §54-19(a)(4), but it was dropped from the taxi-driver chapter by 2014 (that number now covers a different rule), and Chapter 80 has no matching rule.

Fine (published)

2010 schedule: $100.

Points

1

Former TLC Rule 2-55(a)Former TLC Rules, Chapter 2 – Taxicab Drivers (Feb 2010 text)

Picking up passengers 'omnibus' style at several stops

An old yellow-cab driver rule. A driver could not run the cab like a bus, picking up separate passengers at one or more places along the way. Each hire is one trip for the person or group who hailed it. The rule was carried into today's driver rules as §80-19(a)(2).

Replaced by §80-19(A)(2) — Taxi picking up extra passengers during a trip

Fine (published)

2010 schedule: $100.

Former TLC Rule 2-55(b)Former TLC Rules, Chapter 2 – Taxicab Drivers (Feb 2010 text)

Soliciting at airports, near taxi stands, at Lincoln Center or in no-cruising zones

An old yellow-cab driver rule. A driver could not solicit, or cruise looking for passengers, at JFK, LaGuardia or Newark airports, within 100 feet of an authorized taxi stand, on the private streets of Lincoln Center, or in any NYC area where taxi cruising was banned. Passengers there are served from the stands. The rule was carried into today's driver rules as §80-19(a)(4).

Replaced by §80-19(A)(4) — Taxi soliciting at airports, near stands or in no-cruise areas

Fine (published)

2010 schedule: $50.

Points

1

Former TLC Rule 2-55(c)Former TLC Rules, Chapter 2 – Taxicab Drivers (Feb 2010 text)

Soliciting or cruising for passengers at JFK, LaGuardia or Newark airport

An old yellow-cab driver rule, often written by Port Authority officers. A driver could not solicit passengers, or cruise to find them, at Kennedy, LaGuardia or Newark airports. Airport pickups had to come from the official taxi lines. The rule was carried into today's driver rules as §80-19(a)(4)(i).

Replaced by §80-19(A)(4)(I) — Taxi soliciting passengers at an airport

Fine (published)

2010 schedule: $50 (for §2-55(c)).

Points

1

Former TLC Rule 2-55(c)(1)Former TLC Rules, Chapter 2 – Taxicab Drivers (Feb 2010 text)

Soliciting passengers within 100 feet of a taxi stand

An old yellow-cab driver rule. A driver could not solicit, or cruise looking for passengers, within 100 feet of an authorized taxi stand, so cabs waiting in line at the stand are not undercut. The rule was carried into today's driver rules as §80-19(a)(4)(ii).

Replaced by §80-19(A)(4)(II) — Taxi soliciting within 100 feet of a taxi stand

Fine (published)

2010 schedule: $50 (for §2-55(c)).

Points

1

Former TLC Rule 2-55(c)(2)Former TLC Rules, Chapter 2 – Taxicab Drivers (Feb 2010 text)