Taxi stand: a place where yellow cabs are allowed to line up and wait for passengers. TLC's definition is "a place where Taxicabs are authorized (either by NYC Department of Transportation or a transportation terminal operator) to line up and wait for customers" (TLC Chapter 51). So a stand can be on a city street, with a DOT sign, or at an airport, train station or bus terminal, run by that terminal.
What the signs say
On city streets, DOT signs mark the stand. These are the most common current texts in DOT's sign records (NYC Open Data, nfid-uabd, October 2026):
- TAXI HAILING (SYMBOL) TAXI STAND — the standard stand sign, with an arrow showing which way the stand runs.
- TAXI HAIL (SYMBOL) TAXI STAND 10PM-4AM ALL DAYS — a stand only during the hours shown. Outside them, the other signs on the block apply.
- TAXI HAILING (SYMBOL) TAXI / FHV STAND — a small number of stands that also name FHVs.
DOT's sign records hold 271 current taxi-stand signs on about 186 block faces (Manhattan 142, Queens 17, the Bronx 13, Brooklyn 13, Staten Island 1). One stand often has two or more signs, so these are signs, not a count of stands. DOT also says taxi stands are one of the curb rules that allow passenger "pick-up and drop-off only" (NYC DOT Loading Zones).
Rights by vehicle type
Other rules tied to the term: yellow cabs must not cruise for passengers within 100 feet of a taxi stand (§80-19(a)(4)(ii)); the first two drivers in line must stay in the seat (§80-19(d)(6)); and you may stay at a stand off duty or on relief for no more than one hour (§80-19(d)(5)) (TLC Chapter 80). At air, rail, bus and ship terminals, the same rules apply to special stands and feed lines (§80-19(e)(1)).
Where you will see this term
On DOT street signs, on a TLC summons citing §80-19(d) or §80-19(a)(4)(ii), and at airport taxi lines. The full rule set, with fines and summons counts, is in taxi stand rules. Green cab drivers should read can green cabs use taxi stands. The taxi stand position rule 80-19(d)(1) page covers interference with a cab's place. Using the word "taxi" on a car without a license is a separate offense, explained under §19-506(c)(1). Where the stand signs are, borough by borough, is on taxi stands by borough. More on the places hub.
Frequently asked questions
What is a taxi stand under TLC rules?
TLC's Chapter 51 defines it as 'a place where Taxicabs are authorized (either by NYC Department of Transportation or a transportation terminal operator) to line up and wait for customers.'
Can a green cab use a taxi stand?
Only in the Hail Zone. Rule §80-19(d)(1)(i) gives green cab drivers the right to a vacant position at a stand in the Hail Zone, and says they do not have that right in the Hail Exclusionary Zone (Manhattan south of East 96th and West 110th Streets, and the airports).
Can an Uber or Lyft driver pick up at a taxi stand?
No. Rule §80-19(d)(2) says a for-hire driver must not pick up passengers at any taxi stand: $350, then $500 for a second within 24 months, then revocation for a third within 36 months.
Is a relief stand a kind of taxi stand?
No. A relief stand is for parking during a break, for up to one hour. NYC DOT says relief stands are not taxi stands.
Sources
Last reviewed against the official sources on .
- TLC Rule Book, Chapter 51 (Definitions), PDF dated Oct 24, 2025 nyc.gov
- TLC Rule Book, Chapter 80 (PDF dated June 5, 2025), §80-19(a), (d), (e) nyc.gov
- NYC Open Data: Parking Regulation Locations and Signs (nfid-uabd), updated 2026-10-11 data.cityofnewyork.us
- NYC DOT: Loading Zones (taxi stands allow passenger pick-up and drop-off only) 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.