TLC Penalties Explained: How to Read Any Penalty Box

Every TLC rule ends with a small penalty box. It tells you the fine, any suspension or revocation, the points, and whether you must appear at a hearing. TLC's rule says it plainly: "If there are specific penalties for violating a Rule, they are shown at the end of the Rule. The penalty section also states whether the violator must attend a Hearing" (Rule 80-02(b), TLC Chapter 80).

Once you can read one box, you can read them all. This guide breaks the box into its parts, shows the six kinds of fines you will see, and explains the three ways the real penalty can end up different from what the box says. To look up a specific code, use our TLC fine lookup.

Anatomy of a penalty box

Here is the box for phone use while driving, Rule 80-14(g)(1), as it appears in the current rule book, broken into parts:

See the full rule page for 80-14(g)(1).

The six kinds of fines you will see

1. Fixed fine

One number. Example: Rule 80-15(b), no smoking in the vehicle — $150, appearance required. Rule 80-10(a), not reporting a lost or stolen license within 72 hours — $50.

2. Two-tier fine: plead early or after a hearing

The most common format for everyday driver rules. The box lists a lower fine "if plead guilty before a hearing" and a higher fine "if found guilty following a hearing." The gap is usually $25 to $150:

Pleading early saves money, but the points and any suspension still apply, and the conviction counts toward repeat-offense penalties. Before you plead, check how many points you already have — our points calculator can help.

3. A range

Some boxes give a range, such as $350–$1,000 and/or suspension up to 30 days for reckless driving under Rule 80-14(a), with 4 points. The hearing officer picks the penalty within the range based on the facts.

4. Repeat-offense steps

Many boxes rise with each repeat. Rule 80-11(a) (driving while your TLC license is suspended, revoked or expired) lists $350 for a first violation, $500 for a second within 36 months, and revocation for a third. Traffic rules under 80-13(a)(1) and (2) add a point on the second violation within 15 months, and a deferred suspension on the third. Always note the window: 15, 18, 24 or 36 months depending on the rule.

5. Suspension until compliance

The fine is paired with a suspension that lasts until you fix the problem. Rule 80-14(d), missing your annual drug test window: summary suspension until compliance, plus $200 if you comply more than 30 days late. Rule 80-12(i)(1)–(2), not cooperating with TLC or producing records: $300 and suspension until compliance. See how to lift a TLC suspension.

6. Deferred suspension

A suspension that only happens if you don't finish a required course within 60 days. You will see this on phone-use convictions (Distracted Driving Portable Electronic Device Course) and on a third traffic conviction within 15 months under 80-13(a)(1)–(2) (Vision Zero and Accessibility Remedial course).

How to find the box for your code

Your summons lists a rule code such as 80-13(a)(2) or 59A-13(j)(1). The part before the dash is the chapter: 80 is the chapter for all drivers; 58 covers medallion taxis; 59A and 59B cover for-hire vehicles and bases. Open that chapter from TLC's rules page, search for the code, and scroll to the box right under the rule. If the box says "Mandatory penalties as set forth in §80-02(e)," jump to the table described below. If a code starts with 19-, it comes from the NYC Administrative Code, not the TLC rule book, and its penalty is set in that law.

Mandatory penalties for refusals and overcharging

Rule 80-02(e) has its own table for overcharging (80-17(a)(1)–(3), 80-17(k)) and refusals of service (80-20(a)). The refusal rules' own penalty boxes simply say "Mandatory penalties as set forth in §80-02(e)." Any combination of these violations counts together:

The 24- and 36-month windows are counted backwards from the date of the last violation (Rule 80-02(e)(2)).

Three ways the real penalty can differ from the box

1. Settlement. TLC and a driver can settle a summons in writing, and the agreement "may provide for penalties different than the penalties provided for in these Rules." You give up any further hearing or appeal on that summons (Rule 68-20, TLC Chapter 68). See TLC settlement offers.
2. Discretionary penalties. Instead of the listed penalty, TLC may seek revocation, suspension up to six months, and/or a fine up to $1,000 per violation against a driver (Rules 68-02(b) and 80-02(d)). This requires the Chair to find that your continued licensing threatens public health, safety or welfare; the summons must warn you; and the case goes to an OATH judge whose decision is only a recommendation (Rule 68-13). See TLC license revocation.
3. Persistent Violator penalties on top. Points from your convictions add up. 6–9 points in 15 months can mean a suspension of up to 30 days; 10 or more means revocation — "in addition to those penalties specifically listed in the Rules" (Rule 80-27(a)). See Persistent Violator points.

When the penalty takes effect

Suspensions, revocations, Persistent Violator penalties and points take effect on the date you are found guilty. Fines are due 30 days after a guilty finding or plea — or 30 days after the appeal decision if you file a timely appeal. Unpaid fines lead to a suspension notice (Rule 68-02(c)). The payment options guide shows where to pay.

A note on older codes

Chapter 80 replaced the old driver chapters 54 and 55. Summonses written under the old chapters are still decided under them, and prior convictions under 54 and 55 count toward repeat-offense penalties under Chapter 80 (Rule 80-28). If your summons cites a 54- or 55- code, the penalty box in the current Chapter 80 may not apply — check the older rule or ask a lawyer.

This page is general information, not legal advice. Penalty amounts change when TLC amends its rules; we link to the current official text so you can check.