A Passenger Information Monitor (PIM) is the screen in the back of a yellow cab or green cab that the passenger looks at: it shows the route map, fare and TLC information, plays content, and is part of how the passenger pays. The term comes from TLC's former driver rules, Chapter 54 (marked "effective through 10/25/16"). Today's rule book mostly calls it a "Passenger-facing screen" or "Passenger-facing device."
The official wording
Chapter 54 described the taxi technology system (then called T-PEP) as providing four core services, the fourth being "A Passenger Information Monitor (PIM) that provides Passengers:
- (i) A map of the route being traveled
- (ii) Information about Taxicab fares, Passenger Bill of Rights and public service announcements
- (iii) Commercial advertising and sponsorships
- (iv) The ability to turn off all audio and visual presentations" (§54-25(a)(4)).
That chapter also said a driver must make a broken PIM work again if the driver can (§54-25(e), $100). Chapter 54 was replaced by today's Chapter 80 driver rules, and the current Chapter 51 definitions list has no PIM entry.
Where drivers meet it today
For drivers, the practical points are simple: the fare the passenger sees on the screen should match the taximeter, the screen is where passengers can pay by card, and problems with the screen itself are handled by your cab's technology system provider.
Example
A passenger in a yellow cab asks to stop early at a different corner. Under §80-16(b), the passenger pays what the taximeter or the back-seat information monitor shows when the trip ends. The passenger had muted the screen, but when you end the trip, the payment screen turns back on so they can pay by card.
Related terms
Taximeter · Rate of fare · Roof light · Technology system provider · Interior advertising provider (tablets in FHVs) · E-hail · Luxury limousine · Street hail · Pre-arranged trip · WAV · Directive
Frequently asked questions
What is a Passenger Information Monitor (PIM)?
The screen in the back of a yellow or green cab that shows the trip map, fare information and TLC messages and is part of the payment system. TLC's old driver rules (Chapter 54, in effect through October 25, 2016) listed a PIM as one of the four core services of the taxi technology system.
Is 'PIM' still a defined term in TLC rules?
Not in today's Chapter 51 definitions. Current rules mostly say 'Passenger-facing screen' or 'Passenger-facing device' (Chapter 66, for technology system providers), and Chapter 80 refers to the fare shown on the 'Taximeter or information monitor.'
Can passengers turn the taxi screen off?
Yes. Rule 66-24(c)(2) says the passenger must be able to turn off any passenger-facing screen at any time, except that payment devices turn back on when the taximeter disengages so the trip can be paid.
Do Uber and Lyft cars have a PIM?
The PIM is part of the taxi and street hail livery technology system. TLC's rules don't require one in app cars; advertising tablets in FHVs fall under TLC's separate interior advertising rules.
Sources
Last reviewed against the official sources on .
- TLC Rules Chapter 54 (former driver rules, effective through Oct 25, 2016), §54-25 nyc.gov
- TLC Rules Chapter 66: Technology System Providers, §66-24(c) (updated Jun 5, 2025) nyc.gov
- TLC Rules Chapter 80, §80-16(b) (updated Jun 6, 2025) nyc.gov
- TLC Rules Chapter 58, §58-32 (updated Feb 27, 2026) nyc.gov
- TLC Rules Chapter 51: Definitions (updated Oct 2025) 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.