Unlicensed activity means offering for-hire rides without the TLC license the law requires — for you, the car, or the service. TLC's rules define it as "the act of providing, soliciting or advertising the provision of any Commission-regulated for hire transportation service" by a licensee whose license is suspended, revoked, or expired and not yet renewed, or by anyone without a valid license "as a for hire driver, for the for hire vehicle, or for the for hire service" (35 RCNY §80-02(a)).
Two things surprise drivers. First, licensed drivers can commit it: driving for hire on a lapsed or suspended license counts. Second, it can cost you the car, not just a fine. The definition says it "can subject the violator to the seizure and possible forfeiture of his or her vehicle" (§51-03).
Where the charges come from
Most unlicensed activity charges are under NYC Administrative Code §19-506 (and §19-528 for some services), not the TLC rule book. Our violation pages explain the common ones: §19-506(b)(1) unlicensed vehicle, §19-506(b)(2) and §19-506(d). Driving a licensed vehicle on your own lapsed TLC license is usually charged under TLC rules instead — see 80-11(a)(1).
If the car is seized
The notice of seizure must identify the vehicle, explain what TLC must prove to keep it pending forfeiture, and name the facility (§68-17(b)). With five business days to the hearing, act the same day. Gather the vehicle registration, your TLC license or proof of renewal, and anything showing the trip was not for hire. If a car was seized under a different owner's name, that owner is the respondent on the seizure summons and needs to act too.
Staying on the right side
Renew before your license expires, check your status on TLC UP, and stop driving for hire the moment you learn of a suspension. If you drive a for-hire vehicle without a street-hail permit, don't accept street hails; that is covered in unlicensed activity and street hails. Green cabs are explained under SHL.
Frequently asked questions
What counts as unlicensed activity?
Providing, soliciting or advertising any TLC-regulated for-hire service either by a licensee whose license is suspended, revoked or expired and not renewed, or by anyone without a valid license for the driver, the vehicle or the service (35 RCNY §80-02(a); §51-03).
Can driving with an expired TLC license be unlicensed activity?
Yes. TLC's definition expressly includes a licensee whose license is expired and not yet renewed, as well as suspended or revoked licensees.
When can TLC seize my car?
TLC or police may seize a vehicle when there is probable cause of a violation of Admin Code §19-506(b), (c) or (k) and the owner has at least one prior such violation in the past 36 months (35 RCNY §68-17(a)).
How fast is the hearing after a seizure?
The summons against the owner sets an OATH hearing no later than 5 business days after the seizure (35 RCNY §68-17(b)(2)).
Sources
Last reviewed against the official sources on .
- TLC Rule Book, Chapter 51 (Definitions: Unlicensed Activity) nyc.gov
- TLC Rule Book, Chapter 80 (§80-02(a)) nyc.gov
- TLC Rule Book, Chapter 68 (§68-17 Seizures, §68-18 Forfeitures) nyc.gov
- NYC Administrative Code, Title 19, Chapter 5 — American Legal Publishing codelibrary.amlegal.com
- NYC Open Data: OATH Hearings Division Case Status (jz4z-kudi) data.cityofnewyork.us
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.