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WAV-restricted license: an FHV vehicle license ("TLC plates") that TLC issues under its wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV) exception to the license cap. It can only ever be used with a WAV. In TLC's words: "If you must replace your vehicle at a future date, you must replace your vehicle with another wheelchair accessible vehicle" (Get a For-Hire Vehicle License).
Why it exists
Since 2018 TLC has limited new FHV licenses. Rule §59A-06(a)(2)(i) says TLC "will continue to issue new Licenses to wheelchair accessible vehicles" whatever the yearly review decides. In February 2026, TLC said these are now "the only for-hire vehicle licenses available." From February 2025 to January 2026, 1,206 of the 1,241 new FHV licenses TLC issued were WAV-restricted (February 2026 review).
What the restriction means for you
Example: You get new plates in 2026 for a minivan on TLC's approved WAV list. Years later the van wears out. You may move the license to another approved WAV with a vehicle transfer, but not to a Camry or a Tesla.
Before you accept the restriction
Think about the next ten years, not just the first car. Every future car on this license must be an approved WAV, and TLC says a WAV driver should be ready to carry a wheelchair user "whenever you are on the road" (FHV accessibility FAQ). TLC offers no grant for FHV WAVs. On the other side, there is no TLC license fee for a WAV, and Uber and Lyft trips dispatched to a WAV pay a higher per-mile minimum (WAV ride request data).
Related rules
- COVID-era livery renewals kept old restrictions: rule §59A-06(f)(4) says renewals under the COVID-19 Livery Vehicle Recovery Act carry "the same license restrictions that applied at the time of expiration."
- Electric-only licenses (§59A-06(a)(3)–(4)) are a different restriction: battery electric, not WAV. TLC stopped taking new EV-only applications on November 13, 2023.
- Fees: see do WAV owners pay TLC vehicle license fees?
Where you will see this term
In TLC's yearly license reviews, on the FHV application page, in lease or buy offers for WAVs, and at renewal (FHV renewal).
Related terms
WAV · FHV license cap · the cap explained · cap statistics · new plates with a WAV · vehicles hub
Frequently asked questions
Can I switch a WAV-restricted license to a regular car later?
No. TLC says licenses issued under the wheelchair accessible vehicle exception are restricted to WAVs only, and if you replace the vehicle, the new one must also be a WAV.
Does the restriction end when I renew?
No. The restriction stays with the license. Even owners who renewed old expired livery licenses under the COVID-19 Livery Vehicle Recovery Act kept the same restrictions they had before.
Which cars count as a WAV?
Since July 20, 2024, only accessible vehicles on TLC's approved list may be used for FHV WAVs. The list names makes, model years and approved conversion companies.
Sources
Last reviewed against the official sources on .
- TLC: Get a For-Hire Vehicle License nyc.gov
- TLC: Accessible Vehicle Requirements nyc.gov
- TLC Rules Chapter 59 (§59A-06(a)(2), §59A-06(f)), updated Feb 27, 2026 nyc.gov
- TLC: FHV License Review, February 2026 nyc.gov
- TLC: Vehicle, Plate and Base Transfers nyc.gov
- TLC: FHV Wheelchair Accessibility Owner/Driver Information 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.