"Off duty" means a taxi or green cab driver has logged off the vehicle's technology system and is not available for hails. When you log off, you must enter the off duty code (rule 80-25(b)), and your roof light must be off (80-26(e)). While off duty you may take a passenger only on your way home or to the garage, and only if you follow a set procedure (TLC Rules, Chapter 80).
In one sentence: off duty means logged off, light off, and no passengers except one going your way home under the 80-19 conditions.
Official definition
TLC's definitions chapter, Chapter 51 (updated October 17, 2025), has no separate entry for "Off Duty." The meaning comes from the Chapter 80 driver rules that use it:
Where drivers meet the term
- On the meter or tablet when you end a shift or head home. The off duty code is what makes the trip record show you were not working.
- On the roof light: off means riders should not hail you. When you are on duty and available, the yellow taxi Passenger Bill of Rights promises riders a ride to any destination in NYC, Westchester, Nassau or Newark Airport.
- On summonses for picking up while logged off: 80-19(a)(5), or for green cabs 80-19(b)(6).
- At taxi stands: the first two cars must stay in the driver's seat; other drivers must stay within 15 feet "unless he or she is off duty" (80-19(d)(6)).
Related terms
- On-duty unavailable: logged on but not taking hails, for example while heading to an e-hail or dispatched pickup (80-25(c)). Green cabs in this status must not take hails (80-19(b)(5)).
- Roof light: the light that tells riders you are available.
- Street hail and e-hail: the ways riders request you while on duty.
- Group ride: a rarely used taxi rate code.
- Going back on duty? Rule 80-22(b) requires you to keep checking that brakes, tires, lights and seatbelts work whenever you operate the vehicle.
Frequently asked questions
Is "off duty" defined in TLC's rules?
Not as a separate entry in Chapter 51. Its meaning comes from how the driver rules in Chapter 80 use it: you enter an off duty code when you log off the technology system (80-25(b)), and your roof light must then be off (80-26(e)).
Can I pick up a passenger when I'm off duty?
Only if all of these are true: you are returning the taxi to your garage or home, you made the trip record entry "Returning to garage (or home)," and the passenger's destination is directly on your route (80-19(a)(5)). Otherwise the fine is $75 if you plead guilty, $100 after a hearing.
Can I ask where the passenger is going before they get in, if I'm going home?
Yes, if you followed the going-home procedure. Rule 80-20(a)(4)(i) says asking the destination in advance is not a violation in that case.
Can I park at a taxi stand while off duty?
Only briefly. You may occupy a taxi stand only when on duty, or for no longer than one hour while on relief time or for personal use off duty (80-19(d)(5)).
Sources
Last reviewed against the official sources on .
- TLC Rules, Chapter 80 (80-19, 80-20, 80-25, 80-26) nyc.gov
- TLC Rules Chapter 51: Definitions nyc.gov
- TLC: Yellow Taxi Passenger Bill of Rights 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.