Old TLC Rule 54-14(e)(1): Taxi Phone Use Code (Pre-2016)

In short: 54-14(e)(1) is the old phone-while-driving rule for taxi and green cab (SHL) drivers. It lived in chapter 54, which TLC's own copy marks "effective through 10/25/16." Today the same conduct is charged under 80-14(g)(1). If you see 54-14(e)(1) on your record, it is from 2011–2016. The fine was $250/$350 with 3 points (4 for a third offense in 15 months) and a required distracted-driving course.

What the rule said

The last version of chapter 54, rule 54-14(e), "Use of Electronic Communication Device":

• (e)(1): "A Driver must not Use an Electronic Communication Device while operating a Vehicle. A Driver can Use an Electronic Communication Device only while the Vehicle is lawfully standing or parked."
• (e)(2): a driver convicted under the rule "must complete a Distracted Driving Course no later than 60 days after the date of conviction," or the license is suspended until the course is done.
• (e)(3): in a street hail livery, a short business communication with a base about a dispatch was not "use" if it went through an FCC-licensed two-way radio or a mounted, not hand-held device, using voice or one-touch preprogrammed buttons.
• (e)(4): an affirmative defense for calls to an emergency operator reporting an imminent threat to life or property, when the driver couldn't safely stop and can prove the call.

TLC's definitions chapter explains how broad "use" is: to "operate any function of an Electronic Communication Device in any way, or have a device permitting hands-free operation of an Electronic Communication Device in or near the ear." An earpiece counts.

What counted as a "device"

The definition in TLC's chapter 51 (the current definitions chapter) is wide. An "Electronic Communication Device" is "any portable or hands-free electronic device" able to do any of a long list of things, including making a call, sending or receiving a text, allowing hands-free talking or voice commands "even when allowed by New York State Law," acting as a personal digital assistant, using the internet or a wireless network, playing games, music, audio or video, making or displaying images, or providing "a function which can distract a Driver."

Two exceptions: a device that a rule specifically allows while driving is not covered, and a GPS is not a covered device "as long as the Vehicle is legally standing or parked while the Driver is inputting or transmitting data." In other words, set your route before you move.

This matters because TLC's rule is stricter than state law. A hands-free call that New York State allows can still be "use" under TLC rules, because the definition covers a device "permitting hands-free operation ... in or near the ear."

Then and now

The big change: the current rule adds a suspension that is deferred for 60 days and avoided only if you finish the course in time. The fine and points stayed the same. Our TLC cell phone rule guide covers today's version in depth.

How often it appeared

About 13,600 summonses list 54-14(e)(1) as their first charge, with a peak of 3,734 in 2014. The for-hire driver version sat in chapter 55. After October 2016, OATH's catalog shows phone summonses under 80-14(g)(1), which peaked in 2017.

Why a phone conviction was so costly

Three points for one ticket mattered because of the Persistent Violator Program: 6 points in 15 months could mean a suspension and 10 a revocation, counting TLC and DMV points together. Two phone convictions alone reached 6. The same math applies today; see the persistent violator guide. A conviction from 2016 or earlier is now far outside any 15-month window.

Reading an old phone case on your record

If the record shows the course was never completed, check your current license status with TLC; the old rule's penalty was "suspension until compliance."

Points to discuss with your lawyer

General information only:

• Is an old finding being used in a current case? Most windows (15, 24, 36 months) are long past.
• Any open balance or old default? Ask how it can be resolved.
• Current phone summons? The rules have changed; read the 80-14(g)(1) page and the guide for yellow taxi drivers.

If you drive today, the safest habit is simple: mount the phone, set the route while parked, and let calls wait until you are lawfully stopped. A single phone conviction now brings 3 TLC points and a course deadline, and two in 15 months put you at the 6-point suspension line.

The companion legacy code for ordinary moving violations is 54-13(a)(2).