TLC 80-11(e): Sharing Your TLC License or Login

In short: TLC rule §80-11(e) forbids letting anyone else use your TLC license or your Technology System login while operating a vehicle, and forbids using another driver's license or login. The penalty is the heaviest in this part of the rule book: a $10,000 fine and revocation, and you must appear at the hearing. If you have been asked to "rent" your license, or to drive on someone else's, this page explains why the answer should be no.

What the rule says

From the TLC rule book, chapter 80, §80-11(e), "No Unauthorized Use of TLC Driver License":

A Driver must not permit any other person to use the Driver's TLC Driver License or Technology System login credentials while operating any vehicle. A Driver must not use any other Driver's TLC Driver License or Technology System login credentials while operating any Vehicle.

Penalty: Fine $10,000 and revocation. Appearance REQUIRED.

The rule covers both sides: the licensed driver who lets someone else use their license or login, and the person who drives on another driver's license or login. "Technology System" is a defined term. TLC's chapter 51 definitions describe it as an integrated system of hardware and software installed in a taxicab or street hail livery that meets TLC's technical requirements — the in-vehicle system yellow and green cab drivers sign into. The license part of the rule applies to every TLC driver, including FHV drivers. The rule text does not mention ride-hail app accounts by name, so if your case is about an app account, have a lawyer look at exactly which credential the summons describes.

The family of "who is driving" rules

Section 80-11 has several rules that all protect the same thing — that the person behind the wheel is the licensed driver TLC and the passenger think it is. The penalties vary a lot:

Why TLC treats it so seriously

The rule book doesn't explain its reasons, but the structure of the rules shows what is at stake. A TLC license is issued only after background checks, a drug test, training and a medical certification (§80-04). When someone drives on another person's license or login, a passenger is riding with a driver TLC never checked, and the trip records point to the wrong person. That is why the penalty is set at the same level as bribery of a public servant (§80-12(a)) — $10,000 and revocation — rather than as a fine-only matter.

Who it applies to

Every TLC driver, on both sides of the arrangement. A person who has no TLC license and drives on someone else's account can also face unlicensed-activity charges; TLC's rules say unlicensed activity can lead to seizure and possible forfeiture of the vehicle (§80-02(a)).

The same facts can support other charges too. A driver whose own TLC license was suspended and who drives on someone else's can also face 80-11(a)(1). And because using another person's credentials misrepresents who is driving, a summons may add 80-12(c), TLC's fraud and misrepresentation rule, which also requires a hearing.

Common situations

• License "rental." A licensed driver lets a friend or relative drive under their TLC license, or their taxi system login, for a share of the earnings.
• Covering a shift while the account holder is sick or travelling.
• Shared cab, one login. Two taxi drivers share a cab and one stays signed into the in-vehicle system while the other drives.
• Someone else's license in the holder. A license displayed in the vehicle that belongs to another driver.

Each of these can look informal or harmless from the inside. Under the rule, none of them is allowed.

What to do and defenses to discuss

Because the penalty is revocation and $10,000, and appearance is required, get a lawyer before the hearing. Do not ignore the date: a default could leave the full penalty in place without your side being heard.

Points a lawyer or OATH-registered representative may look at include: whether the evidence actually shows another person used your credentials while operating a vehicle; who had the phone and the login at the time; whether your credentials were used without your permission (for example, a stolen license or a login someone else learned); and whether the summons names the right person. If your credentials were misused, gather proof now — your written report of a lost or stolen license to TLC, police reports, and anything showing where you were. This is general information, not legal advice.

Our guide on TLC license revocation explains what revocation means and what comes after. If the summons came with an unlicensed-activity charge, read unlicensed activity and street hails too.

Protect yourself

Documents for a hearing