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In an FHV (app car, black car, livery): your TLC driver license in a holder on the back of the driver's seat, and the registration and insurance card (or legible copies) on the right visor, the right side of the dashboard, or in the glove box. In a yellow taxi or green cab, the list is longer: the license and the rate card in their frames, a working Technology System, and a five-borough map or GPS. Every vehicle also needs an E-ZPass tag. These come from TLC Chapter 80, §§80-23 and 80-24.
Inspectors check these items at curbside stops, and each missing item is a separate charge. Use the checklist before your shift.
FHV checklist (black car, livery, app-based)
Taxi and green cab checklist
Where two amounts are shown, the lower one applies if you plead guilty before a hearing and the higher one if you are found guilty after a hearing.
Why the license-display charge is so common
"License not displayed" is in the top 15 first charges on all taxi and FHV summonses filed at OATH from 2021 to 2025 (12th, with 4,929 summonses). Summonses citing 80-24(a)(2) climbed again after 2023:
Ways a display problem can happen: the holder fell off or was removed during cleaning, the license was in a wallet, a seat cover hid the holder, or a passenger's bag blocked it. A photo of your mounted license at the start of each shift is a simple habit that can help if you ever need to show it was displayed. For the rule and defenses in detail, see the 80-24(a)(2) violation page.
Displayed is not the end of it
Having the documents in the car is one duty; showing them is another. When a TLC inspector or police officer asks, rule 80-12(j) requires you to give your name, license number and any documents you are required to carry, and 80-12(i)(2) requires you to produce licenses and records TLC asks for. A passenger may also ask for your name, TLC license number and the vehicle's license number, and rule 80-16(g) says you must give them. See do I have to show my TLC license when asked.
Keep the originals in good condition, too. A license that becomes unreadable must be surrendered for replacement (80-10(b)), and a lost or stolen one must be reported within 72 hours (80-10(a)) — see what to report to TLC.
Items that belong to the owner, not the driver
Some requirements fall on the vehicle owner or base: TLC decals and trade dress, inspection, insurance coverage. Those are covered in TLC vehicle decals and trade dress, FHV insurance requirements and TLC vehicle inspection. If you received an equipment or inspection summons, see vehicle equipment summonses.
Frequently asked questions
Where does my TLC license go in an FHV?
In a protective holder attached to the back of the driver's seat (rule 80-24(a)(2)). Black cars and luxury limousines are exempt from the holder, but the license must still be clearly visible from the passenger seat and available for the passenger to inspect on request.
Can I keep the registration and insurance card on my phone?
Rule 80-24(a)(1) asks for the certificate of registration and the insurance card, or legible copies, on the right visor, on top of the right side of the dashboard, or in the glove compartment. The rule does not mention phone images, so keep paper copies there.
What is the fine for not displaying my TLC license?
In an FHV, $150 if you plead guilty before a hearing or $200 after (80-24(a)(2)). In a taxi or green cab, $100 or $150 (80-23(a)(2)). Neither requires an in-person appearance.
Does my car need an E-ZPass?
Yes. Rule 80-15(d) says you must not operate a taxi, FHV or street hail livery for hire without an E-ZPass tag, and you may use a personal tag. Fine: $100 before a hearing, $150 after.
Sources
Last reviewed against the official sources on .
- TLC Rules, Chapter 80: Drivers (§80-15(d), §80-22, §80-23, §80-24) nyc.gov
- NYC Open Data: OATH Hearings Division Case Status (jz4z-kudi) data.cityofnewyork.us
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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.