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A persistent violator is a TLC driver who collects too many points in a short time. Under TLC's Persistent Violator Program, TLC adds up your TLC Points and DMV Points from the last 15 months. At 6 points your TLC license can be suspended for up to 30 days. At 10 points it is revoked (35 RCNY §80-27).
TLC's definitions say the program "establishes additional penalties for Drivers who repeatedly violate certain laws and rules within a certain amount of time", based on DMV Points and TLC Points (§51-03). These penalties come on top of the fine for each ticket.
The thresholds
Two kinds of points feed the count, and many drivers only watch one of them. TLC Points are listed in TLC's own penalty boxes (for example, the cell phone rule). DMV Points are the points New York DMV, or your home state, puts on your chauffeur's license for traffic tickets. TLC treats them the same here (see DMV points). A speeding ticket from a police officer and a TLC rule violation can therefore push you over the same line together. Check your DMV abstract and your TLC record before every hearing.
How the count works
- Window: 15 months, counted from conviction dates, not ticket dates.
- One incident, one count: if several violations come from one incident, only the one with the most points counts (§80-27(a)(2)).
- Hearing first: TLC imposes the penalty after the hearing where you are found to have violated the rule that crosses the line. It takes effect on the date you are found guilty (§68-02(c)).
Getting 3 points back
Revocation under this program also affects re-licensing. TLC can deny a new application for three years after a revocation, but for Persistent Violator revocations you may ask the Chair to waive that ban after one year if your record shows no more than three points in the prior three years (§80-08(c)(1)(iv)(B)).
Go deeper with the Persistent Violator guide, TLC license and DMV points, and the defensive driving course guide. Tally your own total with the points calculator.
Frequently asked questions
What is a persistent violator?
A TLC driver who builds up too many points within 15 months. TLC's rules count TLC Points and DMV Points together, counting from the date of conviction (35 RCNY §80-27).
How many points get my TLC license suspended?
A total of at least six but fewer than ten points within 15 months means a suspension of up to 30 days. Ten or more points within 15 months means revocation (35 RCNY §80-27(a)(1)).
Can I take a course to lower my points?
Yes, if you finish before the Persistent Violator summons is decided. A Point Reduction Course removes 3 TLC Points; a DMV-approved Defensive Driving Course removes 3 DMV Points. TLC allows the TLC-point credit once every five years and the DMV-point credit once every 18 months.
If I get several tickets from one stop, do all the points count?
No. For multiple violations from a single incident, TLC counts only the single violation with the highest point total for this program (35 RCNY §80-27(a)(2)).
Is there a defense to a persistent violator summons?
The rule says it is an affirmative defense that the act behind the violation was beyond your control and influence. Discuss any defense with a lawyer before your hearing.
Sources
Last reviewed against the official sources on .
- TLC Rule Book, Chapter 80 (§80-27 Persistent Violator Program, §80-08) nyc.gov
- TLC Rule Book, Chapter 51 (Definitions: DMV Points, TLC Points, Point Reduction Course) nyc.gov
- TLC Rule Book, Chapter 68 (§68-02 Imposition of penalties) 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.