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IVCS means In-Vehicle Camera System. It is the TLC-approved security camera inside a yellow taxi or green cab. It photographs everyone in the car, the driver included, and keeps the images for at least 30 days. Only the owner and the installer can open it. The installer must hand footage to the police, the owner or the driver when they ask (TLC §67-12).
The rules in five lines
Only TLC-approved models count. After installing or repairing one, the owner must give TLC a notarized affidavit with sample images within 14 calendar days (§67-12(b)(10)).
The decal
A taxi with an IVCS must show this on each rear passenger window: "This vehicle is equipped with camera security. YOU WILL BE PHOTOGRAPHED." Missing decal: $50 (§58-36(c), Chapter 58). For-hire vehicles that choose to have a camera need the same message (§59A-33).
Owner duties and fines
- Camera not working or not installed by an authorized installer: $350 if you plead guilty with a condition-corrected form, $450 after a hearing, and suspension until fixed (§58-36(a)).
- Deleting or altering footage: $250 and/or a 5 to 30 day suspension (§58-36(d)).
- A taxi with an IVCS must also carry a cell phone with an emergency dialing feature (§58-36(b), $50).
Where you will see this term
In TLC's hack-up and equipment rules, in the partition rules (an IVCS is one of the three items that exempt a cab from needing a partition), and when you need video after an incident. The request steps are in how to get taxi camera footage. All taxi safety equipment is covered in the partition, lights and camera guide.
Common mix-ups
- IVCS vs dashcam. A dashcam you buy for a for-hire car is yours. See dashcams in TLC vehicles.
- IVCS vs street cameras. Speed, red-light and ACE bus cameras are outside the car and send tickets to the plate owner. They don't add TLC points. See do camera tickets give TLC points.
- IVCS vs the Technology System. The Technology System is the taxi's meter, payment and trip-record equipment, supplied by a technology system provider. It isn't a security camera.
- IVCS vs trouble lights. Trouble lights are the silent outside signal for help. The IVCS records what happens inside.
More on the safety hub.
Frequently asked questions
What does IVCS stand for?
In-Vehicle Camera System: the TLC-approved security camera inside a yellow taxi or green cab, with technical rules in §67-12 of the TLC rule book.
Does every taxi have an IVCS?
No. A taxi must have a partition unless it is exempt. One way to be exempt is to have trouble lights, a cell phone with an emergency dialing feature and an approved IVCS (§58-35(b)). Any IVCS that is installed must meet §67-12 and work.
Can the driver watch or download the footage?
Not directly. Only the vehicle owner and the installer can access the system. The installer must give the footage to the driver, the owner and law enforcement on request, in a standard digital format.
Is my own dashcam an IVCS?
No. IVCS is the TLC-approved system in taxis and green cabs. A dashcam you add to a for-hire vehicle is your own camera, and it needs the camera decal under §59A-33.
Sources
Last reviewed against the official sources on .
- TLC Rule Book, Chapter 67 (updated Oct 24, 2025), §67-12 nyc.gov
- TLC Rule Book, Chapter 58 (updated Feb 27, 2026), §58-35, §58-36 nyc.gov
- TLC Rule Book, Chapter 59 (updated Feb 27, 2026), §59A-33 nyc.gov
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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.