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A rate card is the card TLC issues for each yellow taxi. TLC's definition: "a card issued by the Commission for each Medallion Taxicab, which displays the Taxicab Medallion number, Rates of Fare, and such other data as the Commission may require" (35 RCNY 51-03). Think of it as the medallion's paper twin: the medallion goes on the hood, the rate card goes inside where passengers can read it.
What's on it
The medallion number and fares, plus other data TLC requires. The rules mention several items that live on the card:
- the taximeter serial number (or software version) and the tire size the meter is set for (58-37(a)(3)–(4));
- whether the owner is self-insured, if so (58-33(a)(2));
- who may drive: the term "Unspecified Driver" on a rate card means any licensed driver whose name or category the owner has filed may drive (58-03(ll));
- the renewal year: TLC's owner page says the medallion's renewal year "is printed on the Rate Card" (Medallion Owners and Agents).
Driver duties and owner duties
Rules from Chapter 80 and Chapter 58. A driver must also show the rate card to TLC when asked (80-12(i)(2)).
Damaged, lost or found
If a rate card becomes unreadable, the owner must hand it in to TLC right away for a replacement; the fine is $200 plus suspension until it is fixed (58-11(b)). After a loss or theft, TLC issues a substitute card once the owner has reported it and given any affidavit TLC asks for. If a card reported lost turns up again, the owner must tell TLC and the police within 24 hours, not counting weekends and holidays (58-11(d)). As a driver, tell the owner or agent as soon as the card is missing or hard to read, because you are the one who gets the display ticket.
When it goes back to TLC
Example
A stand-by cab replaces a fleet taxi that is in the shop. It may not be dispatched unless the stand-by vehicle rate card and transfer form are inside (58-42(e)). See stand-by vehicle.
Related: what must be displayed in a TLC vehicle · medallion storage guide · taximeter not tested · named driver medallion · medallions hub.
Frequently asked questions
What is a rate card?
TLC defines it as 'a card issued by the Commission for each Medallion Taxicab, which displays the Taxicab Medallion number, Rates of Fare, and such other data as the Commission may require' (35 RCNY 51-03).
Can I get a ticket if the rate card isn't displayed?
Yes. Rule 80-23(a)(3) requires the rate card assigned to the taxi to be in the rate card frame. The fine is $50 and you don't have to appear.
When does the owner have to hand in the rate card?
With the medallion: within 48 hours after notice of a suspension or revocation, before selling the taxi, before taking it out of service for 30 or more days in a row (58-11(e)), and when the insurance ends with no new policy (58-13(f)). Storage also means handing in both.
Why does the meter serial number matter?
The taximeter's serial number must match the one on the rate card. A driver must not drive with a mismatch (80-26(a)(5)), and an owner faces a $500 fine (58-37(a)(3)).
Sources
Last reviewed against the official sources on .
- TLC Rule Book, Chapter 51 (Definitions: Rate Card, Unspecified Driver) nyc.gov
- TLC Rules Chapter 58 (Medallion Taxicabs) nyc.gov
- TLC Rules Chapter 80 (Drivers) nyc.gov
- TLC: Medallion Storage nyc.gov
- TLC: Medallion Owners and Agents 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.