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A black car is a for-hire vehicle (FHV) that "affiliates with a Black Car Base or with a High-Volume For-Hire Service" (TLC Chapter 51). The name is not about paint color. It is a license category. If you drive for an app like Uber or Lyft in New York City, your car is very likely a black car in TLC's records.
What makes a base a "black car base"
TLC defines a black car base as a central dispatch facility (other than a High-Volume For-Hire Service) where:
- All black car vehicles are dispatched on a pre-arranged basis;
- The vehicles are owned by franchisees of the base or members of a cooperative that runs it; and
- More than 90% of the base's business is paid some way other than cash from the passenger.
That last point is what separates black car bases from livery bases, which may charge by flat rate, time, mileage or zones (Chapter 51).
Most FHVs are black cars
The chart is a snapshot of TLC's active vehicle list (NYC Open Data). It shows the black car category is far larger than livery or luxury limousine, because app-based cars are counted there.
What it means for drivers
- No street hails. Every black car trip must come by dispatch. Picking up someone who waves you down is a violation of §80-19(c)(1), with higher fines in the Manhattan hail zone and at the airports under §80-19(c)(2) (Chapter 80).
- Your base matters. Your vehicle license is tied to a base. If you change bases or apps, follow TLC's base affiliation steps.
- Black Car Fund. Chapter 51 defines the Black Car Fund as the New York Black Car Operators' Injury Compensation Fund, Inc., created under Article 6-F of the NYS Executive Law. Ask the fund directly what it covers for you.
Our black car driver hub and Uber and Lyft driver hub collect the summonses these drivers see most.
Frequently asked questions
What is a black car under TLC rules?
TLC Chapter 51 says a Black Car is 'a Vehicle that affiliates with a Black Car Base or with a High-Volume For-Hire Service.' It is a type of for-hire vehicle, not a taxi.
Is my Uber or Lyft car a black car?
Usually yes in TLC terms. Vehicles used for high-volume app trips are generally affiliated with black car bases, which is why black cars make up most licensed FHVs in TLC's vehicle list.
Can a black car pick up street hails?
No. Black car bases dispatch all vehicles on a pre-arranged basis, and FHV drivers must not pick up passengers except by prearrangement through a licensed base (§80-19(c)(1)).
What is the Black Car Fund?
TLC Chapter 51 defines it as the New York Black Car Operators' Injury Compensation Fund, Inc., set up under Article 6-F of the NYS Executive Law.
Sources
Last reviewed against the official sources on .
- TLC Rule Book, Chapter 51 (Definitions) nyc.gov
- TLC Rule Book, Chapter 80 (§80-19) nyc.gov
- NYC Open Data: For Hire Vehicles (FHV) – Active data.cityofnewyork.us
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.