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DMV points are points that the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles — or your home state's licensing agency — puts on your chauffeur's license when you are convicted of a traffic violation. TLC's rules define them exactly that way (TLC Chapter 51). For a TLC driver, every DMV point counts twice: once on your state record, and once toward TLC's Persistent Violator Program.
You need that chauffeur's license to drive for hire at all. DMV says taxi and livery drivers need a commercial license or a Class E license, and NYC Administrative Code §19-505(b) requires TLC driver applicants to hold a New York State chauffeur's license.
Two counts, two clocks
Sources: NY DMV point system, DMV update, TLC §80-27.
The takeaway: TLC's line is much lower. A driver with 6 points is far from DMV's 11-point line but already in TLC suspension territory.
Common point values
DMV's current table lists, for example (DMV):
One 21–30 mph speeding conviction alone (6 points) reaches TLC's suspension threshold. DMV changed several values for violations from February 16, 2026 — for example, passing a stopped school bus went from 5 to 8 points (DMV).
An out-of-state license
TLC's definition covers points from "an equivalent licensing agency of the Driver's state of residence," so drivers licensed in another state are not outside the program (Chapter 51). If you want a defensive driving course to reduce those points, TLC asks for a recent driving abstract from your licensing state (§80-27(a)(5)).
What you can do
- Check your DMV record regularly, and add your TLC Points from rule violations.
- A defensive driving course finished before a Persistent Violator summons is decided can remove 3 DMV points from TLC's count.
- Paying a traffic ticket is a guilty plea, and the points follow. If you think a ticket is wrong, ask a traffic lawyer about contesting it before you pay.
Try the TLC points calculator, and read DMV points for TLC drivers and the history of the Critical Driver Program.
Frequently asked questions
What are DMV Points in TLC rules?
TLC Chapter 51 defines DMV Points as points assessed by the NYS DMV, or an equivalent licensing agency in the driver's state of residence, on the driver's chauffeur's license.
How many points before TLC suspends me?
Under §80-27(a), 6 to 9 TLC Points, DMV Points, or both combined within 15 months, counting from the date of conviction, means a TLC suspension of up to 30 days. 10 or more means revocation.
How many points before DMV suspends my license?
NY DMV says that if you get 11 points in 24 months, your driver license may be suspended. DMV announced the 24-month look-back (previously 18 months) for violations from February 16, 2026.
Why do DMV and TLC count differently?
DMV says your point total is based on the date of the violation. TLC's rule counts points from the date of conviction over 15 months. The same ticket can therefore fall in different windows.
Sources
Last reviewed against the official sources on .
- TLC Rule Book, Chapter 51 (Definitions) nyc.gov
- TLC Rule Book, Chapter 80 (§80-27) nyc.gov
- NY DMV: The New York State Driver Point System dmv.ny.gov
- NY DMV: Updated Point Values for Driving Violations dmv.ny.gov
- NYC Administrative Code, Title 19, Chapter 5 (§19-505) codelibrary.amlegal.com
- NY DMV: Get a License to Drive a Taxi or Livery Vehicle dmv.ny.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.