Paying TLC Fines: The 30-Day Rule and Suspensions

In short

TLC fines are paid to TLC, not OATH. Under TLC rule §80-02(c), a fine is due within 30 days of the day you're found guilty. A timely appeal pushes that to 30 days after the appeal decision. If you don't pay, TLC sends a written notice, and your license is suspended 10 business days later until the fine is paid. Paying a summons instead of having a hearing counts as admitting it. Keep every receipt.

This page is general information, not legal advice.

Where to pay

TLC says some summonses can be paid online in LARS, TLC's online system. For others, follow the instructions in the summons email and letter (TLC: Received a summons?). OATH decides the case, but it doesn't collect TLC penalties. Our fine payment options guide covers the methods in more detail.

When a fine is due

There are two different moments when you might pay:

1. Before a hearing (pleading guilty). Many TLC rules list two amounts: a lower one if you plead guilty before a hearing, and a higher one if you are found guilty after a hearing. OATH says that if you admit the summons and pay, payment "must be made prior to the scheduled hearing date to avoid a decision finding you in default" (OATH). OATH's rule adds that "payment in full is deemed an admission of liability and no further hearing or appeal will be allowed" (48 RCNY §6-09). Admitting a charge also brings any points it carries.

2. After a decision (found guilty). TLC rule §80-02(c) says:

1. Fines are due within 30 days of the day you are found guilty.
2. If you appeal the OATH decision within the time allowed, payment is deferred until 30 days after the date of the appeal decision.
3. If the fine isn't paid by close of business on the due date, TLC will notify you in writing that your license will be suspended in 10 business days until the fine is paid, unless you show TLC, in person or in writing, that it was already paid.

TLC's adjudication chapter says the same in §68-02(c). It also says that suspensions take effect when the decision is issued, so the 30 days apply to the fine, not to a suspension.

OATH's general rule (§6-18) gives 30 days, or 35 if the decision was mailed. TLC's rule counts 30 days from the guilty finding, and TLC is the agency that suspends, so plan on 30.

Appealing? You don't have to pay first

OATH's general appeal rule asks appellants to show payment. For TLC summonses, OATH's TLC chapter overrides that: a respondent "will not be required to pay the fines, penalties, or restitution imposed in the decision in order to file a timely appeal" (48 RCNY §5-04(b)). Combined with §80-02(c), a timely appeal means nothing is due until 30 days after the appeal decision. A late appeal doesn't get this protection. See appealing an OATH decision.

What happens if you don't pay

An unpaid fine turns into a suspension until paid. And driving for hire while suspended is unlicensed activity, a far more serious problem than the original fine (see §80-11(a)(1) and unlicensed activity).

If you already got a suspension notice, see TLC license suspended: what to do and how to lift a TLC suspension. The rule lets you stop the suspension by showing TLC the fine was paid, which is why the receipt matters.

Fines from settlements and defaults

Settlements. A TLC settlement is a written agreement with TLC that can set a different penalty. If you don't comply with its terms, TLC can suspend your license without a hearing until you comply, unless the agreement says otherwise. Settling also waives further hearings and appeals on that summons (TLC §68-20(a)). See what if I don't follow a TLC settlement?

Defaults. If you missed the hearing, the default decision is a guilty finding and the same payment rules apply. If OATH later grants a new hearing, a refund of anything you paid is considered only after the new hearing decision (48 RCNY §6-21). See missed your hearing?

Withdrawn summonses. If TLC's Chairperson withdraws a summons, for example because it was written in error or not properly served, any fine is vacated and fines paid are refunded (§68-20(b)).

Payment plans and hardship

OATH's rules refer to payment plans "entered into" by the agency that collects the penalty. TLC does take requests: its contact page says to email PaymentPlans@tlc.nyc.gov if you can't pay the full balance upfront, and its Long Island City office accepts payment plan requests from 8am to 3pm on weekdays (TLC Locations). TLC doesn't publish the plan terms. Ask before the due date and get any arrangement in writing. Don't assume that asking stops the suspension clock.

Before you pay: three questions

1. Do you want to fight it? Once you pay instead of having a hearing, the case is over. There is no hearing and no appeal. If you have a defense, decide before paying. Our fight-or-pay tool helps you think it through.
2. Are there points? Paying admits the charge, and points count toward the Persistent Violator Program. Check the rule in the fine lookup.
3. Is this a repeat? Some rules, such as refusals and overcharges, use escalating penalties over 24 and 36 months. A cheap admission today can raise the stakes on the next summons.

Keep proof

Save the payment confirmation or receipt, with the summons number, amount and date. If TLC later says the fine is unpaid, that receipt is what stops the suspension. Keep it at least until the case is closed and your license record shows it as paid.

Paying through TLC Help

If your case is with us and a fine is owed, you can pay TLC directly and upload the receipt. Or you can pay through your portal and we'll pay TLC for you before the deadline (a handling fee applies, shown before you pay). Either way, your portal shows the amount and due date.