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An adjournment is when the Hearing Officer stops a hearing that has already started and continues it on another day. At the OATH Hearings Division, where most TLC summonses are heard, you ask for it during the hearing, and it is granted only if you show good cause — a real reason (48 RCNY §6-14(a)).
Drivers often mix this up with a reschedule, which is a different request with different rules. Knowing the difference can save your one free postponement.
Adjournment vs. reschedule
The key trap is in §6-14(c): once a hearing has been adjourned, neither side can ask for a reschedule under §6-05. So if you plan to need more time later, think about which request to use first. Our guide on rescheduling an OATH hearing explains the before-hearing route step by step.
What counts as good cause?
OATH's rules do not list fixed reasons. The Hearing Officer decides. OATH's own guide for TLC cases in its Trials Division gives examples of asking for more time to get a lawyer or representative, or for "another good reason," and notes that TLC may or may not agree (OATH Trials Division guide). Bring proof of your reason if you have it — for example, a document you are still waiting for.
A refused adjournment cannot be appealed on its own at that moment (§6-14(c)). The hearing goes on. If you think the refusal was unfair, talk to a lawyer about raising it in an appeal of the final decision.
The complaining-witness rule
TLC cases have one special adjournment rule. When a witness's credibility matters (for example, a passenger who made a complaint), TLC must produce that witness in person or by remote means. If you already asked for an adjournment to get the complaining witness's testimony and the witness still does not attend, that "may be grounds" for the Hearing Officer to dismiss the summons (48 RCNY §5-02(c)). See witnesses at an OATH hearing for how this works in practice.
What to do
- If you need more time before the hearing, use your reschedule — and do it before the hearing time.
- If something comes up during the hearing, ask the Hearing Officer for an adjournment and explain why.
- Never simply stay away. Missing the hearing leads to a default decision.
Frequently asked questions
Is an adjournment the same as a reschedule?
Not under OATH's rules. A reschedule (48 RCNY §6-05) is asked for before the hearing and needs no reason. An adjournment (§6-14) is asked for during a hearing and the Hearing Officer grants it only for good cause.
Can I still reschedule after my hearing was adjourned?
No. OATH rule §6-14(c) says that once a hearing has been adjourned, neither party may request a reschedule under §6-05.
Can I appeal if the Hearing Officer refuses an adjournment?
Not right away. §6-14(c) says a denial of an adjournment request is not subject to interim review or appeal. You can raise it later as part of an appeal of the final decision; ask a lawyer whether that makes sense in your case.
Can I get an adjournment to make the complaining witness come?
OATH's TLC rules (48 RCNY §5-02) say that if you earlier asked for an adjournment to get the complaining witness's testimony and the witness still does not attend, that may be grounds to dismiss the summons. The Hearing Officer decides.
Sources
Last reviewed against the official sources on .
- OATH Rules, Subchapter C: Hearings (48 RCNY §6-14) nyc.gov
- OATH Rules, Subchapter B: Pre-Hearing Procedures (48 RCNY §6-05) nyc.gov
- OATH Rules, Chapter 5: TLC cases (48 RCNY §5-02) nyc.gov
- OATH: Taxi and TLC-Licensee Cases — A Guide to Your Trial at the OATH Trials Division nyc.gov
Spotted something out of date? Tell us and we'll check it against the official source.
TLC Help is not a law firm and is not affiliated with the NYC Taxi & Limousine Commission or OATH. Explanations on this site are general information, not legal advice. Legal representation is provided by independent attorneys and OATH-registered representatives in our network.