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In short: Your TLC license rests on your New York Chauffeur's License. Rule §80-11(c)(1) says you must not drive a taxi, FHV or green cab without a valid one — and if you do, TLC summarily suspends your TLC license. The fine is $350 and suspension until you comply for a first violation, $500 for a second within 36 months, and revocation for a third. A suspended or revoked DMV license triggers the same rule through §80-11(c)(2).
What the rule says
From the TLC rule book, chapter 80, §80-11(c), "Driver Must Have Valid Chauffeur's License":
- (1) A driver must not operate a taxi, FHV or street hail livery without a valid Chauffeur's License. The TLC license of a driver who does so "will be summarily suspended."
- (2) A driver must not operate one if their New York State driving privileges have been suspended or revoked.
- (3) A driver of an FHV that is not exempt from NYS DOT authorization and inspection must comply with Article 19-A of the Vehicle and Traffic Law; driving a non-exempt vehicle out of compliance is the same offense as driving an FHV without a valid license.
- (4) A driver must immediately surrender the TLC license to TLC when the NYS Chauffeur's License or NYS driving privileges are revoked.
The link runs both ways: §80-04(c) makes a valid Chauffeur's License a requirement to get a TLC license at all, and §80-10(c) requires you to comply with any restrictions on it. TLC's driver education study guide lists "Have a Chauffeur's License" among the things you need to obtain and maintain a TLC license.
Penalties for each part of 80-11(c)
"Suspension until compliance" means your TLC license stays suspended until your chauffeur's license or driving privileges are valid again and TLC records it. There are no TLC points.
How DMV problems become TLC problems
A chauffeur's license can stop being valid for reasons that have nothing to do with TLC: it can expire, or the DMV can suspend or revoke it. Points are one route — the DMV says reaching 11 points within 24 months may lead to a DMV suspension (NYS DMV). The moment the DMV license is not valid, driving a TLC vehicle violates 80-11(c).
Because DMV and TLC are separate agencies, a DMV suspension notice doesn't automatically tell you anything about your TLC license — and a clean TLC record doesn't mean your DMV license is fine. Check both whenever you receive mail from either agency, and keep your mailing address current with both.
How often it is charged
Who it applies to
Every TLC driver of a taxi, FHV or street hail livery. Paragraph (3) applies only to FHV drivers in vehicles that are not exempt from NYS DOT authorization and inspection requirements.
What to do
- Check your DMV license status with the DMV and find out exactly why it is not valid. The DMV notice or your driving record abstract will say.
- Fix the DMV issue — renew, pay, answer the ticket or serve the suspension as the DMV requires.
- Get proof that your chauffeur's license is valid again, with the date.
- Send TLC that proof to end the "suspension until compliance," then confirm in TLC UP.
- If the DMV revoked your license, surrender your TLC license as §80-11(c)(4) requires, and talk to a lawyer about reinstatement.
- Respond to the summons before the hearing date.
Our guide to TLC licenses and DMV points explains how the two systems connect, and summary suspension covers what "summarily suspended" means.
Defenses to discuss
Was your chauffeur's license actually invalid on the date and time of the summons? A DMV abstract with exact dates is the key document. Other points for a lawyer or OATH-registered representative: whether a DMV suspension had been lifted earlier, whether you were notified, and how many prior (c) violations fall in the 36-month window. If you were also charged under 80-11(a)(1) for a suspended TLC license, the two are separate charges. This is general information, not legal advice.
After the decision
The suspension "until compliance" does not end when the hearing ends — it ends when TLC has proof that your chauffeur's license or driving privileges are valid again. Pay any fine within 30 days of the decision (§80-02(c)) so a second suspension for non-payment doesn't stack on top. Keep the dates of every 80-11(c) finding: a second within 36 months costs $500, and a third means revocation. See paying TLC fines.
Documents
Frequently asked questions
What does 80-11(c)(1) mean?
A TLC driver must not operate a taxi, FHV or green cab without a valid Chauffeur's License. If they do, their TLC license is summarily suspended, and the fine is $350 for a first violation.
What if my DMV license is suspended?
§80-11(c)(2) separately forbids driving a TLC vehicle while your New York State driving privileges are suspended or revoked. It carries the same penalty as (c)(1).
What are the penalties under 80-11(c)(1)–(3)?
First violation: $350 and suspension until compliance. Second within 36 months: $500 and suspension until compliance. Third: revocation. Appearance is not required.
Do I have to give back my TLC license if the DMV revokes my license?
Yes. §80-11(c)(4) says you must immediately surrender your TLC Driver License to TLC when your NYS Chauffeur's License or NYS driving privileges are revoked. Not doing so carries a $100 fine.
Sources
Last reviewed against the official sources on .
- TLC Rule Book, Chapter 80 (updated June 6, 2025), §80-04(c), §80-10(c), §80-11(c) nyc.gov
- TLC Driver Education Study Guide (chauffeur's license requirement) nyc.gov
- NYS DMV: The New York State Driver Point System dmv.ny.gov
- NYC Open Data: OATH Hearings Division Case Status (jz4z-kudi) data.cityofnewyork.us
Spotted something out of date? Tell us and we'll check it against the official source.
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.