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Wait at least six hours after your last drink, and don't get into the car before then, not even to sit or sleep. TLC rule §80-14(b)(2) says a driver "must not drive or occupy his or her Vehicle for at least six hours after consuming any intoxicating liquor regardless of its alcoholic content, or any Drugs." The penalty is revocation of your TLC license (TLC Chapter 80). This rule is stricter than the state's drunk-driving law, and it applies even if you feel fine.
The rule, part by part
§80-14(b), "Driving While Impaired", has three parts:
- (b)(1) You must not drive while alcohol has impaired your driving, or while you are under the influence of drugs.
- (b)(2) You must not drive or occupy your vehicle for at least six hours after any alcohol or drugs.
- (b)(3) You can be charged "regardless and independent of" your earlier drug test results.
All three share one penalty line: "Fine: Revocation", appearance required.
"Any" alcohol means any amount
The rule doesn't set a blood-alcohol number. "Any intoxicating liquor regardless of its alcoholic content" means one beer, a glass of wine or a cocktail all start the six-hour clock. Six hours is the minimum. If you still feel the drink after six hours, part (b)(1) and state law still apply.
"Drugs" has a set meaning in TLC rules: "any drug or other substance defined as a controlled substance in §3306 of the Public Health Law" (TLC Chapter 51). That list includes some prescription medicines. The rule has no written exception for a prescription, so check with your doctor and TLC before you drive on one.
"Occupy" means you can't wait in the car either
Most drunk-driving laws are about operating a car. This rule also covers occupying your TLC vehicle. In practice:
- Don't sleep off a drink in your TLC car.
- Don't wait in the driver's seat at a stand, a lot or the base during those six hours.
- Don't start your shift early "just to sit in the car" before the six hours are up.
TLC rules don't define "occupy", so assume it means being inside the vehicle.
TLC rule vs state DWI law
One night can lead to two separate cases: a criminal DWI case in court and a TLC case against your license at OATH, each with its own decision maker. In a TLC case, TLC must prove the rule was broken. See what TLC must prove at a hearing.
Drug tests are a separate track
Every TLC driver (except NYPD officers and paratransit drivers) takes a yearly drug test, and TLC can order a test "for cause" (§80-14(c)–(e)). The impairment rule doesn't depend on those tests. Part (b)(3) says you can be charged even if every earlier test was clean. A failed test leads to its own summary suspension. The TLC drug test guide covers timing and results.
What revocation costs you
Revocation ends your license. Getting a new one is hard. Under §80-08(c)(1)(i), TLC can deny a new application for three years after "any act … of driving a TLC licensed Vehicle while impaired by intoxicating liquor … or Drugs". See the one- and three-year application bans. If there was also a crash with a critical injury, the serious-crash rules apply as well. Check whether you need to file an MV-104.
That quote is from TLC's driver fatigue page. TLC also limits how long you can carry passengers. See how many hours you can drive. If you were charged, don't plead before talking to a lawyer. Revocation is the only penalty listed for this rule. More on the safety hub.
Frequently asked questions
Is one beer enough to break the six-hour rule?
Yes. Rule §80-14(b)(2) says 'any intoxicating liquor regardless of its alcoholic content'. There is no amount or blood-alcohol level that makes it allowed within six hours.
Can I sleep in my TLC car after a party?
Not within six hours of drinking. The rule says a driver must not 'drive or occupy' his or her vehicle, so sitting or sleeping in it counts, even with the engine off.
What is the penalty?
Rule §80-14(b) lists the penalty as revocation, and you must appear at the hearing. A driving-while-impaired act in a TLC vehicle can also be a reason to deny a new license application for three years (§80-08(c)(1)(i)).
I passed my annual drug test. Does that protect me?
No. Rule §80-14(b)(3) says a driver can be charged with driving while impaired 'regardless and independent of' any earlier drug test results.
Does the six-hour rule cover prescription medicine?
The rule covers 'Drugs', which TLC defines as substances on New York's controlled-substance list (Public Health Law §3306). The rule text has no exception for prescriptions. If you take a prescribed medicine that may be on that list, ask your doctor and TLC before driving.
Sources
Last reviewed against the official sources on .
- TLC Rule Book, Chapter 80 (Drivers, PDF dated June 5, 2025), §80-14(b), §80-08(c) nyc.gov
- TLC Rule Book, Chapter 51 (Definitions, updated Oct 17, 2025): Drugs nyc.gov
- NY Vehicle and Traffic Law §1192 nysenate.gov
- TLC: Driver Fatigue 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.