Hitting the streets of New York City as a rideshare driver means navigating not just traffic, but also the city’s strict regulations, especially those most actively enforced by the NYPD and TLC. Knowing how these violations are different can help you avoid deactivation, unnecessary confusion, and stay compliant.
Who Issues What?
- NYPD Violations: Issued by the New York Police Department (NYPD) for general traffic infractions. These apply to all drivers.
- TLC Summonses: Issued by the Taxi & Limousine Commission (TLC), the agency that regulates for-hire vehicles in NYC. These are specific to rideshare regulations and only apply when your vehicle holds a TLC license plate.
Examples
- NYPD Violations: Speeding, running a red light, failing to yield, using a phone while driving, parking violations, etc.
- TLC Summonses: Failing to display TLC registration stickers, driving while logged out of the rideshare app, picking up/dropping off passengers in illegal zones, violating TLC minimum fare regulations, and more.
Impact on Your Ability to Work
- NYPD Violations:
- Point System: While NYPD violations themselves don’t directly affect your TLC license, the point system associated with them can. Accumulating too many points from traffic violations like speeding or reckless driving can lead to a suspended driver’s license from the DMV. Since a valid driver’s license is a mandatory requirement for rideshare companies, a suspension would effectively sideline you from driving for them.
- Insurance Rates: Traffic violations can also increase your car insurance premiums. Rideshare companies often require drivers to maintain a minimum insurance coverage level. Expensive insurance due to violations might push you above that minimum, impacting your earnings.
- TLC Summonses:
- License Suspension/Revocation: A finding of guilt on a TLC summons can have a more direct and severe consequence. The TLC has the authority to suspend or even revoke your hack driver license, which is necessary to operate as a rideshare driver in NYC. This can put a significant pause on your income and potentially require you to go through the process of getting your license reinstated.
- Background Checks: Rideshare companies conduct regular background checks on their drivers. TLC summonses and license suspensions will show up on these checks and could raise red flags, potentially leading to deactivation from the platform.
Fines and Penalties
- NYPD Violations: Fines vary depending on the violation. You can find a complete list with corresponding fines on the NYPD website. Points may also be added to your driver’s license, which can increase insurance premiums and lead to suspension if you accumulate too many.
- TLC Summonses: Fines can be steeper than NYPD violations, often ranging from $100 to several thousand dollars for serious offenses. Points typically aren’t assessed on your DMV license, but repeated offenses can result in points on your TLC license, causing suspension or even revocation from the TLC.
Dispute Process
- NYPD Violations: You can plead not guilty and request a hearing at the Traffic Violations Bureau (TVB). The process is generally faster than contesting a TLC summons.
- TLC Summonses: Contested TLC summonses go through a more complex administrative hearing process with the TLC. It may involve presenting evidence and potentially attending multiple hearings.
Support for TLC Issues from IDG Legal
IDG Legal can offer you expert advice related to all things TLC, from a skilled representative. This can include things like advice on fighting your summons, understanding your rights as a rideshare driver, reviewing any documents sent by the TLC, and generally anything a driver should know.
Tap below to get more information and fill out a form for immediate support.
