TLC Rule 59A-08(c)(2): FHV Revoked for Insurance Lapse

What the rule says

Section 59A-08 of chapter 59 lists "Causes for Denial or Revocation". Subdivision (c), "Non-Use", says a For-Hire Vehicle License must be revoked for non-use if:

The word "must" matters. For most TLC violations, an OATH judge chooses a penalty within a range. Here, if the facts are proven — 60 or more days without required insurance — the rule leaves no room for a lighter outcome. That makes the facts (dates of coverage) the whole case.

Who it applies to

The FHV license holder — the vehicle owner. That includes app drivers who own their car, and fleets.

Counting the 60 days

The rule doesn't explain how the 60 days are counted, beyond "for 60 or more days". Practically, the questions are: on what date did the last policy end, and on what date (if any) did new coverage that TLC accepts begin? TLC's insurance page says owners must submit proof of a new policy "effective on the date the prior policy ended", and that owners can view the insurance on file with TLC in TLC UP at any time. If you had coverage that TLC never received, the policy's effective dates are your evidence.

How often this charge appears

OATH's records show 1,781 in 2019 and 1,395 in 2020, under 150 a year in 2022–2024, then 594 in 2025. The shape closely matches the chart for 59A-12(a), the insurance-maintenance rule, which fits with both charges coming out of insurance lapses. The data doesn't show outcomes.

Common situations

• The car was sold or wrecked, insurance was dropped, but the TLC license was never surrendered or cancelled. TLC's FAQ notes that cancelling a license "does not remove outstanding suspensions and/or summonses", but surrendering on time can stop new problems.
• The insurer cancelled for non-payment and the owner didn't notice.
• New coverage was bought, but the FH-1 never reached TLC, so TLC's records show a lapse that didn't really happen.
• The owner was abroad and the policy expired.

What revocation means for you

A revoked FHV license can't simply be paid back into good standing. Chapter 59A also says that if an applicant previously had an FHV license revoked, the Chairperson "may deny the Applicant's application if the previous revocation shows that the applicant is not Fit to Hold a License" (§59A-08(d)). So a revocation can follow you into your next application, and it can be counted against business partners and officers of a company that held the license.

Revocation also takes the car off the road for hire right away. Carrying passengers for hire without a valid vehicle license is "Unlicensed Activity" under §59A-02(a), which "can subject the violator to the seizure and possible forfeiture of the vehicle involved." That risk is far bigger than any fine in this chapter. Until the case is resolved and you know your license status, don't take trips.

What to do now

1. Check TLC UP for the insurance dates TLC has on file.
2. Get every policy document for the period: declarations pages, FH-1s, cancellation and reinstatement notices.
3. If you were covered, have your broker confirm the dates in writing and file the proof with TLC.
4. If you were not covered, stop driving for hire and talk to a representative before the hearing about your options.
5. Don't miss the hearing. A default means the case is decided without you.

Defenses to discuss with a lawyer (general information)

Not legal advice. Since revocation is mandatory once the facts are proven, the questions are about facts: Was there really no qualifying insurance? Was the gap actually 60 days or more? Was the vehicle in TLC's license storage program, or already surrendered? Did TLC's notice reach the address on file? See what TLC must prove and our revocation guide.

Documents to gather

The summons, all policy documents and FH-1 filings, broker emails, TLC UP screenshots, and any proof of surrender or storage. Read our FHV insurance guide. The other non-use grounds connect to base affiliation and inspections.