TLC Red Light Summons 80-13(a)(3)(vii): Fine & 3 Points

In short: §80-13(a)(3)(vii) is TLC's charge for a traffic signal violation — usually going through a red light. It is on TLC's list of hazardous moving violations, so it carries a $300 fine if you plead guilty before the hearing, $400 if you are found guilty after one, and 3 TLC points every time. Those points count toward the Persistent Violator Program. A red light camera ticket is a different thing and is not this charge.

What the rule says

TLC rule §80-13(a)(3) lists "hazardous moving violations" and gives each one a TLC point value (TLC rule book, chapter 80). Item (vii) is "Traffic signal violation," worth 3 points. The fine is set for the whole list: $300 if you plead guilty before a hearing, $400 if found guilty following a hearing, for each violation. Appearance is not required.

The rule does not create a new traffic law. It says TLC drivers must obey the traffic laws and adds TLC's own penalty when they break one. So the question at the hearing is whether you violated the traffic signal law at the time and place on the summons.

Camera ticket or TLC summons? Know which one you have

This is the most common mix-up with red lights. They are two separate systems:

If the paper in your hand is a "Notice of Liability" for the plate, it is a camera ticket; see NYC Finance's red light camera page and our camera guide. If it is a TLC summons with code 80-13(a)(3)(vii) and an OATH hearing date, read on.

Who it applies to

Every TLC driver — yellow taxi, green cab, black car, livery, luxury limo and app-based FHV — and authorized paratransit drivers while operating an accessible street hail livery.

Penalty and points, in context

The fine is the same for a first and a fifth red light under this rule. What builds up is the points. TLC's Persistent Violator Program (§80-27) adds TLC points and DMV points within 15 months, counting from conviction dates:

Two red-light convictions within 15 months already reach 6 points. If you were found guilty of several violations from one incident, §80-27(a)(2) says TLC counts only the single violation with the highest points for the Persistent Violator Program. Check your total with the points calculator.

How often it is charged

Traffic signal violations are one of the most common hazardous charges on taxi and FHV summonses. The chart shows summonses with 80-13(a)(3)(vii) as the first-listed charge.

Common situations

• Late yellow. You entered on yellow and the light turned red while you were in the intersection. Where you were when it changed is the central fact.
• Turning on red. A turn on red where it is not permitted can also be charged as a traffic signal violation. Photograph every sign at that corner.
• Officer's position. The officer may have watched from an angle that did not show the signal clearly.
• Malfunctioning or obstructed signal. A signal that was out, flashing, or blocked by a truck or trees.

What to do and defenses to discuss

1. Save the video now. Dashcam footage is the strongest evidence in a signal case, and many systems overwrite it within days. See dashcams in TLC vehicles.
2. Go back to the intersection and photograph the signal, the stop line and the view from the officer's likely position.
3. Look at the summons details: direction of travel, intersection, time. Errors matter.
4. Decide before the hearing date whether to plead ($300) or contest. Losing costs $400 and the same 3 points; winning means no fine and no points. Our fight-or-pay tool helps you compare.

Defenses to discuss with a lawyer or OATH-registered representative include whether the evidence shows you entered after the signal turned red, the officer's view, and any signal problem. This is general information, not legal advice.

How a red light hearing usually runs

OATH hearings are informal. A hearing officer hears the case — most often by phone. TLC or the issuing agency relies on the summons and the officer's account; you (or your representative) can give your account, show video and photos, and point out gaps. The hearing officer decides whether the charge is proven. If you lose, the fine is $400 rather than $300, and TLC fines are due within 30 days of the decision unless you file a timely appeal (§80-02(c)). OATH says appeals must be filed within 30 days of the decision, or 35 days if the decision was mailed (OATH: Appeal a Decision). Our hearing prep checklist helps you get ready.