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Glossary termTolls, E-ZPass & congestion pricing

Replenishment Account (TLC E-ZPass Lease Deposit)

In a TLC lease, a replenishment account is money an owner may hold for E-ZPass tolls: $10 per 12-hour shift, $100 max, refunded within 30 days of lease end.

  • Reviewed
  • 2 min read
  • 4 official sources

Definition

Replenishment account

Money a TLC vehicle owner who holds the E-ZPass tag may require a lease driver to keep for unpaid tolls: $10 per 12-hour shift, $100 max, returned within 30 days after the lease.

On this page (6)
  1. The rule in four points
  2. Why it matters to TLC drivers
  3. Where you'll see the term
  4. Common mix-ups
  5. FAQ
  6. Sources

A replenishment account is money a lease driver keeps with the vehicle owner so the owner can recover tolls that the owner's E-ZPass paid during the driver's lease. TLC rules allow it only when the owner holds the E-ZPass tag. The rules also cap it: $10 for every 12-hour shift in the lease, never more than $100. Unused money must be returned within 30 days after the lease ends.

The rule in four points

  1. Who can require it

    An owner (or the owner's agent) who is the E-ZPass tag holder, from a driver dispatched in the owner's vehicle for one or more shifts.

  2. How much

    A maximum of $10 for every 12-hour shift included in the lease period, up to $100 in total.

  3. What it can pay for

    Only tolls paid by the owner's E-ZPass account for a tag assigned to the vehicle the driver operated, that the owner has not been repaid for.

  4. When it comes back

    Money not used to repay the owner must be returned within 30 days after the driver's lease ends.

Sources: Rule 58-27(d)(2) for medallion taxis and Rule 59A-24(d)(2) for for-hire vehicles. If an owner breaks the rule, the penalty is $250 plus restitution to the driver of any money improperly kept.

Why it matters to TLC drivers

It's your money, and the rule gives you a firm cap and a firm refund date. It also comes with a duty. Under Rule 80-15(d)(5), a taxi or street hail livery driver who was required to set one up must keep the required balance. Together with (d)(4), which requires forwarding passengers' toll money to the tag holder, the penalty is $50 plus restitution.

You can avoid it altogether by using your own E-ZPass tag, which the rules allow (58-27(c), 59A-24(c)). Then you keep the toll money passengers pay.

Where you'll see the term

In lease agreements and garage receipts (sometimes called an "E-ZPass deposit"), in TLC summonses citing 58-27(d)(2), and in disputes when a lease ends.

Common mix-ups

  • Not automatic replenishment. On your own E-ZPass account, "automatic replenishment" means the account refills from your card or bank when it gets low, in an amount MTA says is based on your travel history (MTA). That is between you and E-ZPass.
  • Not a security deposit. Taxi security deposits have their own rule (58-21(e)). A replenishment account is only for unpaid tolls.
  • Not a temporary travel account, which is MTA's short-term account for a rented or borrowed car.

Examples by lease length, and what an owner may and may not deduct: E-ZPass replenishment accounts for lease drivers. The rule's violation page: 58-27(d)(2). The whole system: E-ZPass for TLC drivers. Opening your own account: how to open an E-ZPass NY account. Hub: tolls.

Frequently asked questions

What is a replenishment account in a taxi or FHV lease?

Money a driver keeps with the vehicle owner so the owner can recover tolls charged to the owner's E-ZPass during the driver's lease. TLC Rules 58-27(d)(2) and 59A-24(d)(2) set the limits.

How much can it be?

Up to $10 for every 12-hour shift in the lease period, with a maximum of $100.

Is it the same as automatic replenishment on my own E-ZPass?

No. Automatic replenishment is how E-ZPass refills your own account from a card or bank account. A TLC replenishment account is money held by a vehicle owner from a lease driver.

Sources

Last reviewed against the official sources on .

  1. TLC Rule Book Chapter 58 (Medallion Taxicab Service) — 58-27(d)(2) nyc.gov
  2. TLC Rule Book Chapter 59 (For-Hire Vehicles) — 59A-24(d)(2) nyc.gov
  3. TLC Rule Book Chapter 80 (Drivers) — 80-15(d)(5) nyc.gov
  4. MTA: How to pay tolls (automatic replenishment) mta.info

Spotted something out of date? Tell us and we'll check it against the official source.

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.

Related

GuideE-ZPass Replenishment Accounts for Lease DriversHow much E-ZPass money a taxi or FHV owner can hold from a lease driver ($10 per 12-hour shift, $100 max), what they may deduct, and the 30-day refund rule.Read §58-27(d)(2)E-ZPass Replenishment Account$250 plus restitution to the Driver of any replenishment account improperly retained by an Owner or Agent.Driver questionGarage Won't Return My E-ZPass Deposit: What Now?A taxi or FHV owner must return unused E-ZPass replenishment money within 30 days after your lease ends. Records to gather, what to send, where to complain.Read Temporary Travel AccountA short-term E-ZPass New York account that pays tolls by license plate and a credit or debit card, meant for rented or borrowed cars.GuideE-ZPass for TLC Drivers: The Complete GuideHow E-ZPass works for NYC taxi and for-hire drivers, step by step: account, plates, tag, crossing, charge, toll bill, dispute, plus the TLC rules on tags.Read TopicTolls, E-ZPass & Congestion Pricing for TLC DriversFour charges NYC drivers mix up: bridge and tunnel tolls, the MTA congestion toll, the state surcharge and airport fees. Who pays each, and every crossing.Read