The Driver Protection Unit (DPU) is the part of TLC that investigates complaints by drivers against other TLC licensees, such as bases, vehicle owners, taxi garages and Uber or Lyft, when they break TLC's money rules (TLC). It is free. Contact it at (718) 391-5539 or driverprotection@tlc.nyc.gov.
In one sentence: the DPU is TLC's office for "they owe me money" and "they punished me for complaining" problems between licensees.
What it means
TLC lists six kinds of complaints the unit investigates:
The portal for the Owner/Driver Resource Center describes the service as complaints "from one Licensee against another Licensee" and gives examples: a driver against a base for non-payment, a driver against a vehicle owner for charges not in the lease, and a medallion owner against an agent for unpaid taxes. The DPU also mediates between licensees and reviews TLC rules to improve drivers' rights.
Where it shows up for drivers
- On the taxi driver bill of rights posters (fleet and DOV): "For questions or to report a rule violation call 718-391-5539."
- In TLC's driver pay FAQ, for app drivers who think they were paid less than the TLC minimum, and for taxi drivers whose lease terms weren't met.
- As a referral from the Owner/Driver Resource Center.
Related terms
- DCWP: a different city agency; it does not handle TLC lease or pay disputes.
- Restitution: for several lease and pay rules, the TLC hearing officer must order the owner or base to pay the driver back.
- Appeal: what you file after an OATH decision on your own summons. A DPU complaint is not an appeal.
- Other help programs: Black Car Fund, Drivers Benefits, and personal injury protection (PIP) for crash injuries.
Step-by-step filing guide with an email you can adapt: TLC Driver Protection Unit guide. A common case: my base didn't pay me for a trip.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Driver Protection Unit do?
It investigates complaints from TLC licensees about failure to pay trip earnings, unreturned security deposits, missing leases or receipts, lease or vehicle-purchase overcharges, identity theft, and retaliation for complaining to TLC. It also mediates between licensees and runs drivers' rights trainings.
How do I contact the DPU?
Call (718) 391-5539 or email driverprotection@tlc.nyc.gov. You can also book Driver Protection Services through the Owner/Driver Resource Center portal.
Can the DPU help with my TLC summons?
No. The resource center portal says this unit does not help with TLC summonses or settlements, licensing questions, or financial and loan counseling.
How much money has it recovered?
TLC says: "To date, the Unit has helped drivers get back more than $3.2 million." TLC's page does not give a date for that figure.
Sources
Last reviewed against the official sources on .
- TLC: Driver Protection Unit nyc.gov
- TLC: Driver Resources nyc.gov
- TLC Owner/Driver Resource Center portal portal.driverresourcecenter.tlc.nyc.gov
- TLC Owner/Driver Resource Center FAQ (PDF) nyc.gov
- TLC: Driver Pay for Drivers (FAQ) 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.