TLC 80-12(i)(1): Failing to Comply With a TLC Directive

In short: TLC rule §80-12(i)(1) requires every TLC driver to answer TLC's questions truthfully and promptly comply with TLC's communications, directives and summonses — including those from the NYC Department of Investigation acting for TLC. Its companion, §80-12(i)(2), requires you to produce documents TLC asks for. The penalty for either is a $300 fine and suspension until you comply, and you must appear at the hearing. The fastest way out is almost always to do what was asked, and prove you did it.

What the rule says

From the TLC rule book, chapter 80, §80-12(i), "Cooperate with the Commission":

• (1) "A Driver must truthfully answer all questions and promptly comply with all communications, directives, and summonses issued by the Commission or its representatives, including the NYC Department of Investigation."
• (2) "Upon request of the Commission, a Driver must produce any license, Rate Card, Trip Record or other documents Licensee is required to have or be reasonably able to obtain, whenever the Commission requires it."
• Penalty for (1)–(2): Fine $300 and Suspension until compliance. Appearance REQUIRED.

The rest of §80-12(i) has smaller duties with their own penalties, and §80-12(j) covers cooperation with law enforcement:

Why the mailing-address rule matters here

§80-12(i)(3)(i) says any TLC communication "is sufficient if sent to the last Mailing Address provided by the Driver." In practice, that means a directive mailed to an old address still counts as delivered. If you moved and didn't update TLC within ten days, you could be charged under (i)(1) for not answering a letter you never saw — and also under (i)(3) for not reporting the move. Keep your address and email current with TLC.

How compliance ends the suspension

Don't drive until the suspension is lifted. Driving while suspended is a separate charge under 80-11(a)(1), which counts as unlicensed activity. Our guide to lifting a TLC suspension covers the process.

How often it is charged

This charge was very common in 2017–2018 — 3,397 summonses in 2018 alone — and has been rare since 2021. The dataset gives no reason, so we won't guess; the point for you is that it is still on the books and still carries a suspension.

"Truthfully" is part of the rule

The first duty in (i)(1) is to answer truthfully. A false answer to TLC — about a trip, your hours, who was driving, or your documents — is itself a violation of this rule, and depending on the facts could also be charged as misrepresentation under 80-12(c), which carries a suspension of up to 60 days and 4 points. If you don't know an answer, say so, and offer to find the record. If a question touches on something that could lead to a more serious charge, it is reasonable to ask a lawyer before you respond — but don't simply ignore TLC, because silence is what triggers the "suspension until compliance."

What "promptly" means in practice

The rule doesn't set a number of days for every directive; the directive itself usually does. Treat any deadline in a TLC letter as firm. If you can't meet it — for example, an app company hasn't sent your trip records yet — write to TLC before the deadline, explain what you have done, and send what you have. A record of good-faith effort is far better than a missed date with no explanation.

Who it applies to

Every TLC driver. A parallel rule for for-hire vehicle owners, 59A-13(j)(1), has its own penalty.

Common situations

• A request for trip records after a passenger complaint or an hours investigation.
• A letter asking you to come in or to answer questions about an incident.
• A request for a license or document you were required to keep.
• A directive sent to an old address that you didn't receive.

What to do and defenses to discuss

Comply first; then deal with the summons. Points to raise with a lawyer or OATH-registered representative include whether TLC's request was clear and actually reached you (or was sent to your last address on file), whether you complied promptly once you knew, whether the documents requested were ones you were required to have or could reasonably obtain, and whether there were good reasons for any delay. Bring proof of compliance to the hearing. See documents for a TLC hearing and checking your summons status. This is general information, not legal advice.

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