TLC Rule 80-13(a)(2): Moving Violation Fines & Points

In short: TLC rule §80-13(a)(2) lets TLC add its own penalty when a TLC-licensed driver breaks a traffic law about moving vehicles that is not on TLC's list of hazardous violations. A first violation is a fine only: $200 if you plead guilty before the hearing, $300 if you are found guilty after one. The penalty grows on a second and third violation within 15 months, and the third brings a suspension you can avoid by taking a course within 60 days.

It is the single most common first charge on taxi and for-hire summonses filed at OATH, so if you drive full time you are likely to see this code at some point. The key to this rule is the 15-month escalation ladder, which is what this page explains.

What the rule says

Section 80-13(a) of the TLC rule book, chapter 80 requires drivers of taxis, for-hire vehicles (FHVs) and street hail liveries (green cabs) to "comply with all applicable traffic laws, rules, and regulations." It then says drivers are subject to additional fines and penalties imposed by TLC for breaking those laws. The rule splits traffic violations into three groups:

• (a)(1) laws about stationary vehicles — parking, stopping and standing (see 80-13(a)(1)).
• (a)(2) laws about moving vehicles, other than the hazardous ones in (a)(3) — this page.
• (a)(3) hazardous moving violations, such as red lights, stop signs and speeding, each with its own point value.

So 80-13(a)(2) is the "everything else that moves" category. The rule book does not list every traffic law that falls in it. If a summons charges you under (a)(2), the officer's description of what you did is what tells you which traffic law is involved, so read that part of the summons carefully. Our summons decoder can help you find the fields.

Who it applies to

Every TLC-licensed driver: yellow taxi, green cab, black car, livery, luxury limousine and app-based FHV drivers. The rule also names paratransit drivers who are authorized to drive an accessible street hail livery while they are driving one.

How the penalty grows: the 15-month ladder

The penalty depends on how many 80-13(a)(2) violations you have within 15 months. The rule book sets two prices at each step: a lower one if you plead guilty before a hearing, and a higher one if you are found guilty after a hearing.

Two things stand out. First, the fine itself does not change between the first and second violation — what changes is the point. Second, at the third violation the fine goes up and a suspension is attached. The suspension is deferred for 60 days, and the rule says you will not be suspended if you complete a Vision Zero and Accessibility Remedial education course in that window. If you get to that step, write the 60-day date down the day you are found guilty.

Why the single point matters more than it looks

One point sounds small. But TLC's Persistent Violator Program (§80-27) adds up TLC points and DMV points together over 15 months, counted from the conviction dates. At 6 to 9 combined points your TLC license can be suspended for up to 30 days; at 10 or more it is revoked. A driver who already has DMV points from traffic tickets can be pushed over a line by one or two extra TLC points. Use the points calculator to see where you stand before you decide whether to plead or fight.

How often this charge appears

The chart below counts summonses filed at OATH where 80-13(a)(2) is the first-listed charge. A summons is an allegation, not a finding of guilt, and this dataset does not record outcomes or fines.

Common situations

The rule covers a wide range of everyday traffic laws, so the situations vary. What they have in common is that the summons is based on an officer's or inspector's observation of you driving. Typical questions to ask yourself:

• Was the traffic law clearly marked? Turn restrictions, bus lanes and lane markings depend on signs and paint. Photos of the location can matter.
• Is the description specific? Location, direction of travel, time and what you did should be on the summons.
• Is this really (a)(2)? If the conduct described is on the hazardous list, it should be charged under (a)(3); if it is about a parked or standing car, it belongs under (a)(1). A charge under the wrong paragraph is something to raise with your representative.

What to do and defenses to discuss

1. Don't miss the hearing date. If you do nothing, OATH can find you in violation by default, and the higher fine can apply.
2. Count your 15 months. Whether this is your first, second or third violation changes the price and the points.
3. Decide whether to fight. Pleading guilty early is cheaper, but it is still a conviction that counts toward the ladder. Our fight-or-pay guide walks through the trade-off.
4. Check for a settlement. TLC (not OATH) sometimes mails reduced-fine offers; see TLC settlement offers.

Points to discuss with a lawyer or OATH-registered representative include whether the evidence shows the specific law broken, whether the location details are accurate, and whether dashcam video or trip records tell a different story. This page is general information, not legal advice.

Documents that help