Egregious misconduct is the most serious kind of driver conduct in NYC's deactivation law. The law defines it as "(i) conduct that poses an imminent danger to other persons, including but not limited to violence, threats to engage in violence, sexual harassment, or sexual assault or (ii) discrimination in violation of federal, state, or local law." Under that law, a company could deactivate a driver for it without advance notice. The law, Local Law 52 of 2026, is blocked by a federal court since July 2026.
Where it comes from
The definition is in the new Administrative Code §20-1281 added by Int. 276-A, enacted January 29, 2026 (Legistar). Egregious misconduct is one of three kinds of just cause, and it is treated differently from the other two:
- No 14-day notice. Like account sharing and a pattern of repeated fraud, it allows deactivation right away.
- No progressive discipline needed. For other just-cause cases, the company would have to show earlier warnings or training under a written policy. Not for egregious misconduct.
- Delayed back pay if unproven. If the company could not prove it, back pay would start 15 days after the deactivation, not on day one.
Where you will see this term
In the Local Law 52 guide, and if the law takes effect, in deactivation notices. Uber's own policies cover similar conduct in different words: its deactivation page lists altercations and harassment, sexual misconduct or assault, and discrimination. Uber's 2020 NYC panel page says "zero-tolerance" cases, such as criminal activity on the app and physical or sexual altercations, can't be appealed to its NYC panel.
Common mix-ups
- Egregious misconduct vs just cause. It is one type of just cause, not a separate reason.
- Egregious misconduct vs "zero tolerance." Zero tolerance is Uber's policy term; egregious misconduct is the city law's term. They overlap but are not the same list.
- Accusation vs proof. Under the law, the company would still carry the burden of proving it.
If you were removed after a serious accusation, talk to a lawyer before you respond in writing, and see deactivated by Uber or Lyft: what to do. Related terms: deactivation, app lockout.
Frequently asked questions
What counts as egregious misconduct?
Under Local Law 52 of 2026, conduct that poses an imminent danger to other persons, including violence, threats of violence, sexual harassment or sexual assault, or discrimination in violation of federal, state or local law.
Would I get any notice?
Not in advance. The law would allow immediate deactivation for egregious misconduct, but the company would have to send a written notice with all the precise reasons within 5 days.
What if the accusation turns out to be false?
Under the law as written, if a deactivation for egregious misconduct was not substantiated, back pay would start 15 days after the deactivation. The law is blocked by a federal court, so this does not apply today.
Sources
Last reviewed against the official sources on .
- NYC Council: Int. 276-A / Local Law 52 of 2026 (Legistar) legistar.council.nyc.gov
- Uber: Deactivations — Losing Account Access uber.com
- Uber: NYC Driver Deactivation Review Panel (June 29, 2020) uber.com
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.