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Driver questionGetting & keeping a TLC license

Can I Drive for Hire While on Workers' Comp?

No. If you claim a work injury that stops you from driving, TLC rule 80-13(b) says surrender your license and stop driving. How to get it back, and the fines.

  • Reviewed
  • 2 min read
  • 3 official sources
On this page (6)
  1. The path out and back
  2. Why the rule exists
  3. Who pays workers' comp for TLC drivers
  4. Practical tips
  5. FAQ
  6. Sources

No. If you are hurt on the job and file for workers' compensation saying the injury keeps you from driving, TLC rules require two things: surrender your TLC license and stop driving for hire until you have recovered and the benefits have ended. That is TLC rule §80-13(b). Driving while you claim you cannot drive is itself a violation.

The path out and back

Workers' comp and your TLC license (rule 80-13(b))

  1. Watch out: Work-related injury

    You are hurt while working and file for workers' compensation benefits for a disabling injury.

  2. Surrender your TLC license

    Return it to TLC (80-13(b)(1)(i)). Fine for not surrendering: $75, appearance required.

  3. Important: Stop driving for hire

    No trips while you claim the injury prevents you from working as a driver (80-13(b)(1)(ii)). Fine: $150, appearance required.

  4. Recover and end benefits

    Get medical clearance and stop receiving workers' compensation benefits.

  5. Good to know: Send TLC proof

    Submit documentation that you have recovered and no longer receive benefits. Taxi drivers: the medallion owner must provide documentation that benefits ended (58-14(d)).

  6. Good to know: License returned

    TLC returns your license (80-13(b)(2)(i)). You can drive again.

Why the rule exists

A workers' compensation claim for a disabling injury is a statement that you cannot do your job. Driving passengers at the same time contradicts that claim and raises a safety question. The rule makes the two consistent: while you claim the disability, your TLC license stays with TLC.

The rule is narrow. It applies when the injury is work-related, you have filed for benefits, and the claimed injury prevents you from working as a driver. An injury that does not stop you from driving, or one you have not claimed benefits for, is not covered by this subdivision — but rule 80-04(e) still requires every licensee to be physically fit to drive safely, and TLC can require a medical exam for good cause.

Who pays workers' comp for TLC drivers

That depends on how you work:

  • Black car and app-based drivers. New York's Black Car Operators' Injury Compensation Fund covers a for-hire vehicle's registered owner, or a driver the owner designates, for injuries while providing covered services to a registered central dispatch facility. For New York facilities, covered services include all dispatches regardless of where the pickup or drop-off happens (Executive Law §160-cc). See black car drivers.
  • Other drivers. Coverage depends on your arrangement with your base, owner or employer. Ask them, or the NYS Workers' Compensation Board, which rules apply to you.

This page is general information. A workers' compensation lawyer can tell you how your claim and your TLC duties fit together.

Practical tips

  1. Report the crash or injury properly first. Collisions have their own reporting duties — see accident reporting for TLC drivers and what you must report to TLC.
  2. Keep copies of the surrender receipt, your claim papers and the benefit end notice.
  3. Watch your renewal date. Rule 80-13(b) does not mention license expiration. If your license is due for renewal while it is surrendered, contact TLC licensing early so you do not lose the 180-day late-renewal window. See the TLC license renewal guide.
  4. If anything delays the return of your license, read TLC license reinstatement.

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to give my TLC license back if I file for workers' comp?

Yes, if you suffered a disabling work-related injury and filed for workers' compensation benefits. Rule 80-13(b)(1)(i) requires you to surrender your TLC driver license to TLC. Not surrendering it carries a $75 fine, and you must appear at the hearing.

Can I keep driving part-time while my claim is open?

Not if your claim says the injury prevents you from working as a driver. Rule 80-13(b)(1)(ii) says you must stop driving as a for-hire driver while claiming the disability. Fine: $150, appearance required.

How do I get my TLC license back?

Submit documentation to TLC that you have recovered and are no longer receiving workers' compensation benefits (80-13(b)(2)(i)). If you drive a taxi, the medallion owner must give you documentation that the benefits have ended (rule 58-14(d)).

Are Uber and other black car drivers covered by workers' comp?

New York has a Black Car Operators' Injury Compensation Fund under Executive Law Article 6-F. It covers a for-hire vehicle's registered owner or designated driver injured while providing covered services for a registered central dispatch facility. Whether a specific injury is covered is decided in the claim process.

Sources

Last reviewed against the official sources on .

  1. TLC Rules, Chapter 80: Drivers (§80-13(b)) nyc.gov
  2. TLC Rules, Chapter 58: Taxicab Owners (§58-14(d)) nyc.gov
  3. NY Executive Law §160-cc (Black Car Operators' Injury Compensation Fund definitions) nysenate.gov

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.

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