TLC Locked Doors Rule 80-15(c)(1): Fines, Points, Exceptions

In short: While you are on duty, you must not lock either rear door unless the passenger agrees or asks, or a TLC rule gives a reason. That is rule 80-15(c)(1). If a passenger was inside, the penalty is $300 / $400 and/or a 5–30 day suspension, plus 2 TLC points, and you must appear at the hearing. If the passenger was outside (for example, trying to get in), it is $50 / $100. Front doors are different — you may lock those.

What the rule says

From §80-15(c) of the TLC Chapter 80 rule book, "Locking Vehicle Doors":

"(1) While on duty and operating for-hire, a Driver must not lock either of the rear doors except with the consent or at the request of a Passenger or for a reason specified in these rules."

"(2) A Driver is permitted to lock the front doors. However, a Driver must not refuse to transport a party of four, where one person must occupy the front seat, because the front doors are locked. Such refusal to unlock the front doors is a violation of section 80-15(f)(1)."

The penalty under (c)(1) has two levels, depending on where the passenger was:

Why the rule treats "inside" so seriously

A passenger locked inside a car cannot leave. The higher fine, the possible suspension and the 2 points reflect that. A passenger locked outside has been kept from getting in, which is closer to a service problem — and, depending on what else happened, it may also be described as a refusal under 80-20(a)(1).

When locking the rear doors is allowed

The rule allows locking "with the consent or at the request of a Passenger or for a reason specified in these rules." Other parts of chapter 80 describe situations where locked rear doors are expected:

• Ending your shift (taxi or green cab). Rule 80-20(b)(5) lists as a justified refusal that you are ending your shift and have already logged off the Technology System and locked both rear doors.
• Taking the car out for repairs. Rule 80-20(b)(6) has the same two steps.
• A broken taximeter. Rule 80-26(a)(3) says that after ending a trip because the meter is defective, you must log off, lock the rear doors, record the defect, and take the car to the garage, base or a licensed meter shop.

In each of these, the doors are locked when you are going out of service — not while a passenger is in the car against their wishes.

The front-seat rules that go with it

Locked front doors are allowed, but they connect to rule 80-15(f), "Use of Front Seat," which has a $75 fine and no required appearance. Under 80-15(f), you must not refuse:

1. a party of four, where one passenger must sit in the front;
2. a passenger who cannot enter or ride in the rear seat; or
3. a passenger whose luggage, wheelchair, crutches, other mobility aid or other property fills the rear seats.

So if a group of four, or a passenger with a disability, needs the front seat, you must unlock the front door. Refusing to do so is a violation of 80-15(f)(1), as the rule itself says. If refusing the front seat ends with the passenger not being taken at all, the summons may instead cite a refusal rule such as 80-20(a)(3) for mobility aids, which carries the much higher mandatory penalties.

Who it applies to

Every TLC driver "on duty and operating for-hire": yellow taxi, green cab and FHV drivers. Many cars lock the doors automatically above a certain speed. The rule text does not mention automatic locks, so if that is part of your case, raise it with your lawyer rather than assuming it is a defense.

How often it is charged

This code is charged rarely. The official OATH data shows a few dozen summonses a year with 80-15(c) or 80-15(c)(1) as the first charge:

Low numbers do not mean low stakes. The 2 points count toward the Persistent Violator Program, where 6 points in 15 months brings a suspension.

What to do now

1. Find out which level you are charged with — passenger inside or outside. The summons description should say.
2. Get your Technology System or app records for the time: were you on a trip, logged off, or going out of service?
3. Write down what happened, including whether the passenger asked for the doors to be locked.
4. Plan to appear. Appearance is required. Choose phone, online written defense (if eligible) or in person. See how to prepare for a TLC hearing.
5. Check your points. Use the points calculator to see how 2 more points would affect your 15-month total.

Points to discuss with your lawyer

• Was the passenger inside or outside, and does the evidence support the level charged?
• Did the passenger consent to or ask for the locked doors?
• Were you on duty and operating for-hire?
• Does a rule-based reason apply (shift end, repairs, broken meter)?
• Is it actually a front-door issue, which falls under different rules?