The MVT sticker is proof that the operator has paid an annual tax imposed upon non-passenger motor vehicles used principally in New York City or in connection with a business carried on in the City, and passenger vehicles used to transport passengers regularly in New York City. Examples of vehicles included within the reach of this tax are trucks, construction vehicles, camper trucks, taxis and buses. The tax is $1,000 for medallion taxis, $400 for other passenger vehicles and ranges from $40 to $300 for non-passenger vehicles.
On October 20, 2010, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) rendered a decision barring the City of New York from requiring the display of Commercial Motor Vehicle Tax (CMVT) stamps for commercial vehicles engaged in interstate commerce. The decision does not apply to taxi cabs, however.
This decision means that operators of affected commercial vehicles are not required to display an MVT sticker and police officers cannot properly issue a pink ticket for failure to have one. If you are issued a No MVT Tax Stamp ticket, you should be able to get it dismissed based on the above decision.
Note: A request to reconsider the FMCSA decision is pending so it is possible that this decision would be reversed. However, if you have such a ticket, you should definitely fight it and, for now, you should expect to win.