TLC Points: Which Violations Add Points to Your License

On this page (5)

Three kinds of points, three meanings
Examples from the rule book
How they're counted
FAQ
Sources

TLC Points are points that TLC itself puts on your TLC driver license when you are found guilty of certain TLC rule violations. TLC's definition: "points assessed by the Commission on a Driver's TLC Driver License, Commuter Van Driver License, or Paratransit Driver's License for the violation of certain TLC Rules" (35 RCNY §51-03).

They matter because TLC adds them to your DMV points for the Persistent Violator Program: 6 combined points within 15 months can bring a suspension of up to 30 days, and 10 bring revocation (§80-27).

Three kinds of points, three meanings

Points in TLC's world

Definitions from TLC Rule 51-03.

Row label	TLC Points	DMV Points	Penalty Points
Who assesses them	TLC	NY DMV or your home state	TLC
On what	Your TLC driver license	Your chauffeur's license	A base owner or FHV owner
For	Certain TLC rule violations	Traffic convictions	Certain owner/base rule violations
Count toward Persistent Violator?	Yes	Yes	No — that program is for drivers

Examples from the rule book

These come straight from the penalty boxes in Chapter 80 (current version). Always check the rule text for your exact charge — and the fine that comes with it.

Sample TLC point values

Penalty boxes in TLC Rules chapter 80, updated June 6, 2025. A first violation of 80-13(a)(1) or (a)(2) carries a fine but no point.

Rule	Violation (short)	TLC Points
80-12(c)	Fraud, theft	4
80-12(d)	Acts against public interest	3
80-12(e)	Threats, harassment, abuse	3
80-13(a)(1)–(2)	Traffic rules — second or later violation within 15 months	1
80-13(a)(3)(i)	Speeding: 1–10 mph over / 11–20 / 21–30 / 31–40 / 41+	3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 8
80-13(a)(3)(ii)	Failing to stop for a school bus	5
80-13(a)(3)(iii)	Following too closely	4
80-14(a)	Reckless driving	4
80-14(g)(1)	Using a phone while driving — 1st or 2nd / 3rd in 15 months	3 / 4
80-15(c)(1)	Locking rear doors with a passenger inside	2

Notice the pattern: the most serious charges — speeding far over the limit, school buses, fraud — carry the most points. One ticket can take you most of the way to 6.

Also notice what is not on the list. Many TLC rules carry only a fine, and some traffic rules add a point only on a second violation within 15 months. That is why the same charge can cost one driver nothing in points and another driver a point: it depends on your recent history. Your summons lists the penalties you face, so compare it with the rule text before you decide to plead guilty. A guilty plea counts as a conviction for points, just like losing at a hearing.

How they're counted

Points take effect on the date you are found guilty (§68-02(c)).
For several violations from one incident, only the single violation with the highest points counts toward Persistent Violator.
A Point Reduction Course removes 3 TLC Points (once per five years). A Defensive Driving Course removes 3 DMV Points (once per 18 months).
If TLC withdraws a summons, any Persistent Violator points imposed for it are vacated.

Read more: DMV points, the Persistent Violator guide, and violation pages such as 80-14(g)(1) phone use and 80-13(a)(2) traffic rules. Add up your own total with the points calculator.

Free tool

TLC points calculator (Persistent Violator Program)

Add the points on your record with their conviction dates to see your total for the last 15 months.

This tool needs JavaScript. The rules it uses are listed under “How this works” below.

Conviction date

Points

Type

Or pick a TLC rule (fills in its points)

No points added yet. Your entries stay on this device only.

I completed a TLC Point Reduction Course in time (−3 TLC points)I completed a DMV-approved Defensive Driving Course in time (−3 DMV points)

Count the window ending on

The 15 months before this date are counted.

Points in the window

Below 6 points

TLC points: 0
DMV points: 0

Below the Persistent Violator suspension threshold on these numbers. New convictions add up fast — fighting a ticket can keep points off your record.

How this works

TLC rule §80-27(a)(1): 6 to 9 TLC points, DMV points or both combined within 15 months, counted from the date of conviction, means a TLC license suspension of up to 30 days; 10 or more means revocation.
If several violations came from one incident, TLC counts only the one with the highest points (§80-27(a)(2)). Enter just that one.
A Point Reduction Course takes off 3 TLC points (once every five years); a DMV-approved Defensive Driving Course takes off 3 DMV points (once every 18 months). To avoid a suspension the course must be finished before the Persistent Violator summons is decided (§80-27(a)(5)).
This is arithmetic on what you enter. Your official record (TLC and your DMV abstract) is what counts, and TLC can impose other penalties too.

Official sources

TLC Rules, Chapter 80 (§80-02 payment, §80-27 Persistent Violator Program)

General information, not legal advice. Always check the dates and amounts on your own summons or decision, and talk to a lawyer or OATH-registered representative about your case.

Frequently asked questions

What are TLC Points?

TLC's definitions say TLC Points are points assessed by the Commission on a driver's TLC Driver License, Commuter Van Driver License or Paratransit Driver's License for violating certain TLC rules (35 RCNY §51-03).

Are TLC Points the same as DMV points?

No. DMV Points are put on your chauffeur's license by New York DMV (or your home state) for traffic tickets. But TLC adds both together for its Persistent Violator Program.

When do TLC Points go on my license?

When you are found guilty of, or plead guilty to, a violation whose penalty box lists points. TLC's rules say penalty points become effective on the date you are found guilty (35 RCNY §68-02(c)).

How do I find how many points a rule carries?

Look at the penalty box under that rule in the TLC rule book, or on your summons, which lists the penalties you face. Not every rule carries points.

Can I remove TLC Points?

A Point Reduction Course removes 3 TLC Points from your Persistent Violator total, at most once every five years, if completed before the Persistent Violator summons is decided (35 RCNY §80-27(a)(5)).

Sources

Last reviewed against the official sources on Oct 12, 2026.

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.