On this page (11)
In short: Every Street Hail Livery (SHL) with a taximeter needs that meter tested for accuracy at least once every 12 months. If the yearly test is overdue, the SHL licensee can get a summons under rule 82-40(e)(3)(i): $150 if you plead guilty before a hearing, $200 if found guilty after one. Appearance is not required. The fix is simple: get the meter tested by TLC-authorized personnel and keep the Rate Card that shows it.
What the rule says
TLC rule 82-40(e), "Inspections by Authorized Person":
- "A Street Hail Livery's Taximeter must be tested for accuracy over a measured mile course and its installation must be tested for compliance with the rules of the Commission."
- "Only personnel authorized by the Commission can perform these tests."
- These tests "must be completed and the results of the tests indicated on the Rate Card" in each of several situations. Paragraph (i) is "At least once every 12 months."
The Rate Card is the record. If the Rate Card doesn't show a test within the last 12 months, an inspector can write this summons on the spot.
Every situation that requires a meter test
The yearly test is only one of five triggers in 82-40(e)(3). Each has its own penalty:
Notice (iii) and (iv). A transmission job, a differential repair, or any change that could affect the reading means a new test, even if the yearly one was recent. Tires can matter too: rule 82-40(a)(5) treats changes to "the vehicle's mechanism or its tires that would affect the operation of the Taximeter" as part of the meter system.
Who it applies to
The SHL licensee. Chapter 82 governs the holders of Street Hail Livery Licenses; drivers are covered by chapter 80. The taxi version of this rule is 58-39(e)(3)(i), with the same $150/$200 fine. Taximeter shops themselves are licensed under chapter 64.
How often it appears
Summonses peaked at about 1,070 a year in 2015–2016, when the SHL program was larger, and have been under 100 a year since 2022. TLC's license list showed 603 active SHL permits in October 2026.
Why the meter test matters
The meter decides the fare. An inaccurate meter can overcharge passengers, and overcharging is one of the charges with mandatory penalties for drivers. Keeping meter tests current protects the licensee and the drivers who lease the car. Our guide to TLC overcharging rules explains the driver side.
Chapter 82 also gives the licensee clear duties around tampering. Rule 82-40(d) requires the licensee to notify TLC by phone immediately, and in writing within 24 hours, on discovering an unapproved meter, a removed or tampered seal, an unauthorized device connected to the meter, or splices and "Y" connections on the meter wiring. Those violations carry $500–$1,000 and/or suspension up to 60 days or revocation, with appearance required.
What to do now
If you contest, OATH hearings are usually by phone or by written defense online if eligible. To have a phone hearing, TLC's summons page says to submit OATH's request form at least 3 business days before the hearing date. A written defense lets you upload the Rate Card and invoices.
If you are found guilty
The fine is due within 30 days of the decision under rule 82-02(c). If it isn't paid on time, TLC sends written notice that the license will be suspended in 10 business days until the fine is paid. Under rule 82-02(d), a suspension under chapter 82 covers both the SHL license and the vehicle's for-hire or paratransit vehicle license, so an unpaid $200 fine can take the car off the road. See paying TLC fines.
A simple yearly routine
Most of these summonses are avoidable. A simple routine for SHL owners: put the meter test due date on the same calendar as the six-month vehicle inspection under 82-30(b). After any transmission, differential or other drivetrain work, book a meter test before the car goes back into service. Keep a folder (paper or phone) with every Rate Card and test result for at least the life of the vehicle.
Points to discuss with your lawyer
General information only:
- Was the test actually overdue on the summons date? The Rate Card is the key evidence.
- Was the test recorded but the card lost or damaged? Shop records can help.
- Is the charge the right paragraph? A test after a repair is (iii) or (iv), with a lower fine than (i).
More on equipment summonses: vehicle and equipment inspection summons guide and our page for green cab drivers.
Frequently asked questions
How often must an SHL taximeter be tested?
At least once every 12 months, plus whenever a meter is installed or its metrological system is updated, when the transmission or differential is altered, repaired or replaced, when any other change could affect the meter reading, and at any other time TLC requires.
What is the fine for 82-40(e)(3)(i)?
$150 if you plead guilty before a hearing; $200 if found guilty after a hearing. Appearance is not required.
Who can test the meter?
Only personnel authorized by TLC. The meter must be tested for accuracy over a measured mile course, its installation checked for compliance, and the results recorded on the Rate Card.
Is this the same as meter tampering?
No. Tampering is rule 82-40(a)–(b), with fines of $250–$1,500 and/or suspension. Rule 82-40(e)(3)(i) is only about the annual test being overdue.
Sources
Last reviewed against the official sources on .
- TLC Rules, Chapter 82 — Street Hail Livery (§82-40 taximeter rules) nyc.gov
- TLC Rules, Chapter 64 — Taximeter Businesses and Manufacturers nyc.gov
- TLC: Received a Drivers License Summons? nyc.gov
- NYC Open Data: OATH Hearings Division Case Status (jz4z-kudi) data.cityofnewyork.us
Spotted something out of date? Tell us and we'll check it against the official source.
TLC Help is not a law firm and is not affiliated with the NYC Taxi & Limousine Commission or OATH. Explanations on this site are general information, not legal advice. Legal representation is provided by independent attorneys and OATH-registered representatives in our network.