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Never let anyone use your TLC license or your app login — that is a $10,000 fine and loss of your license. Another person may drive your TLC car for hire only if they hold their own valid TLC driver license and work under their own login. And during your own shift, nobody else may drive or even sit in the driver's seat except in an emergency. All three rules are in TLC rule §80-11.
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Account sharing is treated as one of the most serious violations
The penalty for 80-11(e) — $10,000 and revocation — matches the penalty TLC sets for bribery. It also cuts both ways: you violate the rule by letting someone use your license or login, and by using another driver's license or login. Phrases like "renting an account" or "driving on a friend's account" describe exactly this violation.
A revocation has lasting effects. Rule §80-08(c)(1)(iv) lets TLC deny a new application for three years after conduct that led to revocation. See TLC license revocation.
Letting an unlicensed person drive for hire
Rule §80-11(f)(1) puts the responsibility on you if you permit your vehicle to be operated for hire by someone without a valid TLC driver license: $250 and/or a 5- to 30-day suspension, with a required appearance. The other person is engaged in unlicensed activity — see unlicensed activity.
If the vehicle is not TLC-licensed at all, the NYC Administrative Code applies to both the owner who permits it and the operator, with civil penalties and possible seizure (§19-506(b)(1)). Read can I use my personal car for Uber in NYC.
Sharing a car with another TLC driver
Two licensed drivers sharing one FHV on different shifts is common. The driver rules do not ban it, but other requirements apply: the car must stay affiliated with a base, and the vehicle's insurance must cover the person driving. Ask your base and insurer before handing over the keys. Each driver should log in with their own credentials and keep their own TLC license displayed.
If your login was used without your permission
If someone got into your app account without your consent — a stolen phone, a shared password you did not authorize — act fast and keep records: change your password, tell the app company and your base, and keep copies of every message. The rule is about permitting someone to use your credentials, so evidence that you did not permit it matters. If a summons follows, get advice before the hearing, because the hearing requires your appearance.
Leased yellow cabs
If you lease a taxi, rule §80-15(h) bans subleasing it to someone else. Fines rise from $100 to $200, then $300 and/or a 5- to 30-day suspension.
Frequently asked questions
What happens if a friend drives for Uber using my account?
Rule 80-11(e) bans letting any other person use your TLC driver license or Technology System login credentials while operating a vehicle. The penalty is a $10,000 fine and revocation of your TLC license, and you must appear at the hearing.
Can another licensed TLC driver drive my car for hire?
The driver rules do not forbid it as long as that person has a valid TLC driver license and drives under their own license and login. Rule 80-11(f)(1) only prohibits letting someone without a valid TLC license operate the vehicle for hire. Check your base's and insurer's requirements too.
Can I let someone take the wheel for a few minutes during my shift?
No, except in an emergency. Rule 80-11(f)(2) says that during your work shift you must not let another person operate the vehicle or sit in the driver's seat. Fine: $50.
I lease a yellow cab. Can I sublease it to another driver?
No. Rule 80-15(h) bans subleasing a leased taxicab. Fines: $100 for a first violation, $200 for a second, and $300 and/or a 5- to 30-day suspension for a third.
Sources
Last reviewed against the official sources on .
- TLC Rules, Chapter 80: Drivers (§80-08, §80-11, §80-15(h)) nyc.gov
- NYC Administrative Code, Title 19, Chapter 5 (§19-506) — American Legal Publishing codelibrary.amlegal.com
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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.