How New York Traffic Tickets Affect A Taxi & Limousine (TLC) License

The rules are surrounding how to calculate points from New York traffic tickets are complicated. However, for those with Taxi & Limousine Licenses, a whole different set of rules exist making the calculations even more difficult.  With that said, as you will read below, some of the rules of the Taxi & Limousine Commission (“TLC”) are more favorable to the driver than those imposed by the Department of Motor Vehicles (“DMV”) on a regular license.

Pursuant to Rules §54-27, a TLC license suspension in NYC will take effect for 30 days if, within a 15-month period, a driver accumulates between 6 and 9 points on his or her driver’s license (whether issued by New York or another state). If, within a 15-month period, a driver accumulates 10 or more points on his or her driver’s license (whether issued by New York or another state), the Commission will revoke the driver’s TLC license. TLC point system rules differ significantly from DMV’s rules which only will suspended a motorist when he or she accumulates 11 or more points over an 18-month period.

TLC Section 54-27 continues“[w]hen determining whether a suspension or revocation is required based on the accumulation of points in a 15-month period, the TLC will count backwards 15 months from the date of the most recent conviction for the violation carrying points that is cited in the summons under this section” (emphasis added).   That’s right, the TLC counts points from the date of conviction (while DMV counts from the date of offense). Further, this rule allows a driver with points from other convictions to delay his or her case thereby allowing older points to drop off.  Obviously, this is very different than how DMV calculates points, and could be relied upon to “save” a TLC driver’s license under the right circumstances.

Additionally, for a driver who has been found guilty of multiple violations arising from a single incident, the TLC will only consider the driver guilty of the one violation with the highest point total. This provision negates convictions to any companion tickets even though DMV counts them, clearly a more favorable rule to TLC drivers.  For instance, a motorist with convictions to a 4-point speeding ticket and a 2-point failure to signal ticket issued on the same day and time will only be considered to have 4 points for TLC purposes (while he or she would have 6 points for DMV purposes).

TLC drivers who take TLC defensive driving class are entitled to a 3-point reduction to their total points. The 3-point reduction will count only towards points accumulated by the driver within 15 months prior to taking the class (for DMV purposes, the motorist gets up to a 4-point reduction over an 18-month period).  The TLC and DMV will not reduce total points more than once in any 18- month period.  Further, neither entity will allow a motorist to get a “credit” on future points if he or she does not need the full 3- or 4-point reduction.

Finally, the Commission can at any time review the fitness of a driver to continue to be licensed following any moving violation, accident, or other driving-related incident and can seek to impose other, additional, and/or more severe penalties or take any other action permitted under these Rules.  This usually occurs when there has been a serious accident or criminal-related incident.

Given the above, we always recommend that a motorist understand these rules and his or her driving record before pleading guilty to any New York traffic ticket.   Be careful out there!

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289 Comments. Leave new

  • i recived a 6 points ticket on 2019 and found guilty in 2023 and I also got my tlc licence on 2021. However tlc issued me a summon. why is that?

    Reply
  • I recently was given a driver’s assessment to pay. I did my defensive course in April and then in May, I got a ticket for doing a u-turn at a broken line to go to the store near my house. The undercover cop told me that even though there is no sign stating no u-turns that the area is considered a commercial area. It’s Rockaway blvd and 135th in queens. While talking to my commercial insurance they told me the TLC might send me a letter for a 30-day suspension or pay a $1000 fine. I’m only on my 3rd year driving for TLC. I just purchased a WAV and will be getting my plates on the 17th. How much will it cost me to hire a lawyer if they do summon me? Will I lose my license? I have a huge 50,000 plus on that WAV loan. And to top it off I have a co-signer. They will get into financial trouble as well if I lose my license.

    Reply
    • Matthew Weiss
      July 11, 2020 12:02 pm

      Don,

      We can help. We have special pricing for TLC drivers. Please email us a copy of your paperwork to lawyer@nytrafficticket.com and include a return phone number. We’ll call you upon receipt.

      Matthew Weiss
      Attorney Advertising

      Reply
  • Israel Acevedo
    May 14, 2020 10:40 am

    Just received an offer from TLC on a redlight ticket from 2/19/2020 for $300 dollars and 3 points. What to do about this? Funny thing is never got the ticket from the city, never knew I had a redlight ticket til now

    Reply
    • Matthew Weiss
      May 14, 2020 10:50 am

      Israel Acevedo,

      TLC tickets do not result in points on your driving record, only on your TLC record. I recommend that you consult with a TLC representative before accepting the offer.

      Matthew Weiss

      Reply
  • Hi regarding TLC vs DMV traffic violations

    If a driver is issued a TLC traffic violation ticket and is later found convicted. Will this violation be visible on DMV’s regular driving record? thx

    Reply
    • Matthew Weiss
      May 6, 2020 5:47 pm

      Willy,

      No TLC convictions will not appear on the driver’s NYS driver’s license record.

      Matthew Weiss

      Reply
  • Andre Dillahunt
    November 24, 2019 7:27 am

    Where can I find a TLC defensive driving course in New York to reduce my points on my TLC license

    Reply
  • How long does a TLC infraction remain on a TLC license?
    Michael Fludd

    Reply
    • Michael,

      Please re-read this post for the answer to your question.

      Matthew Weiss

      Reply
      • Need a help!.. I got a Tlc non full stop at red flashing lights ticket , which is not truth and the Tlc agent are going against to my right , what did you suggest me to do as to plead guilty with risk to get points on my Tlc license or to plead no guilty and fight it?

        Reply
  • i wanna dismiss my ticket

    Reply
  • Hi, Sir
    I am a TLC driver . I have got my first speeding camera ticket for speeding on school zone. posted speed was 25 and i was driving 36mph. it is shown in the picture i got in the mail. the ticket is $50 with no points. if i pay this ticket. what is the panality for TLC. and what should b my next action . kindly advise. i appreciate your help.

    Reply
    • Matthew Weiss
      January 11, 2019 8:31 am

      Sanam Naseer,

      Paying a speed camera ticket will not impact your TLC license.

      Matthew Weiss

      Reply
    • How come people with PBA SBA cards that drive insane cut people off with not even turn signal or zooming thru traffic 10 20 30 miles over limit putting other peoples lives at risk that obey the law get away from recieving tickets ? i dont think thats fair just because your friend or family member is a cop that you should get away with putting innocent peoples lives at risk . id like to see to it that those get out of jail cards discountinued permanantely !

      Reply
  • I am one of your client at 440 park ave. And i have found you as a best lawyer in nyc. You have saved my 14 point on2014&2015.
    From may. 2017 to dec.2018
    i have received 22 point (6 incidents). And today(01.05.2019) i have taken a 6 hour dd class.
    My question is from 22 point none of the tickets i found guilty. Because all my tickets are scheduled for hearing on 2019.so if i found guilty on 2019 .is my 6 hours dd certificate will help me to save my license?

    Reply
    • I am one of your client at 440 park ave. And i have found you as a best lawyer in nyc. You have saved my 14 point on2014&2015.
      From may. 2017 to dec.2018
      i have received 22 point (6 incidents). And today(01.05.2019) i have taken a 6 hour dd class.
      My question is from 22 point none of the tickets i found guilty. Because all my tickets are scheduled for hearing on 2019.so if i found guilty on 2019 .is my 6 hours dd certificate will help me to save my license?

      Reply
  • hi. I got first time speeding ticket.i drove 40mph in a 25 mph zone..how many points I will get and should I fight this ticket or its better to be guilty without headache ?

    Reply
    • Matthew Weiss
      January 4, 2019 8:50 am

      Tigran,

      This is a 4-point speeding ticket. Because your drive professionally, I recommend that you fight it.

      Matthew Weiss

      Reply
  • hello sir,

    I got three tickets. 2 in July , 2017 ( red light and no left turn ) and 1 in November 2017 , I got for stopping car highway where I stop for emergency ( emergency sign was posted )
    already lost 5 points . the last ticket I postponed and next date will be feb 2019. it is showing 2 point. do u think you can save me from this one. how it will affect me. also i lost copy of ticket .

    Reply
  • Hello,
    I would like to know if I can still apply for a FHV license with 9 pts on my driving record. I got 2 tickets for the same event; 6 – for speeding and 3 – for driving too slow before pulling over. I did not fight either ticket and paid over $1000 in fine. I haven’t taken a dd course and wondering if the one I will take as part of the FHV application will count in reducing my point. Also, will my FHV application be considered because I am trying to prevent spending so much money and time on the application if it won’t be considered. Thanks and I look forward to your response.

    Reply
    • Akintunde,

      With 9 points, I doubt that you’ll be able to get a FHV license.

      Go to TLC and inquire to be sure.

      Matthew Weiss

      Reply
  • Got my first speeding ticket 4 dmv points. How many on TLC. I took deffensive class when I applied for TLC in June 2017. Help reduce points

    Reply
    • Matthew Weiss
      October 8, 2018 11:59 am

      Karl,

      Your speeding ticket is also 4 points but the defensive driving class deducts 2 points from your total. We recommend that you fight it.

      Matthew Weiss

      Reply
  • Mr. Weiss. I got a speeding ticket doing 21 MPH over the speed limit, which will give me 4 points on my regular drivers license, and 6 on my TLC license. What should I do? My registration and Insurance is due in the next few days. 1. Can i continue driving until I pay the ticket? 2. Once the ticket is paid, how long before TLC suspends my TLC license?

    Reply
    • Matthew Weiss
      July 18, 2018 1:28 pm

      Ricardo,

      A speeding ticket that’s 21 mph over the limit is actually 6 points. I recommend that you take the NYS Driver’s Safety Class ASAP. This removes up to 4 NY points from your record and could possibly help you avoid a TLC suspension.

      You can drive as long as your license is not suspended.

      Matthew Weiss

      Reply
  • I had 2 tickets, speeding and cell phone during 2014 (6 months apart). I kept postponing then until I got finally convicted on sept and December 2017. and got 9 points.
    I got my TLC license January 2017. I recently called TLC for inquiry about my tlc license and the told me I have 0 points on it and its active. my question is why those points are not reflected on tlc license??? please advise

    Reply
    • Matthew Weiss
      July 6, 2018 5:41 am

      Chuck,

      I cannot tell you why TLC is “ignoring” your points but I am glad for you.

      Matthew Weiss

      Reply
  • I have 11 points can I apply for tlc?
    And if I take the defensive driving course it’ll be left with 8 points

    Reply
    • Matthew Weiss
      July 6, 2018 5:29 am

      Ibraham,

      You can apply but you may be denied (it depends on the dates of convictions for these points, ones that are less than 15 months apart count for TLC purposes).

      Matthew Weiss

      Reply
  • I got a speeding ticket and found guilty in nyc for 6 points, I got a letter in the mail from tlc with a plea bargain. If I plead guilty and pay $500 with 0 points… does that mean that since I accepted the plea bargain that the 6 points didint go towards my TLC lisence ?

    Reply
    • Matthew Weiss
      June 12, 2018 10:08 pm

      Ricardo,

      That’s weird. The 6 points is supposed to count against your TLC license. I don’t understand so perhaps ask a TLC representative.

      Good luck.

      Matthew Weiss

      Reply
  • Aminul i khan
    May 22, 2018 3:47 am

    Hi! I have one speeding ticket may be it will 6 points I pledge no guilty and court hearing date is coming months . What should I do now and how it will effect my TLC license. Let me know please

    Reply
    • Matthew Weiss
      May 22, 2018 4:12 pm

      Aminul I Khan,

      You need to appear in court for your hearing and present your defense. A conviction to a 6-point speeding ticket can affect your TLC license.

      Matthew Weiss

      Reply
  • Winfred newland
    May 20, 2018 6:17 pm

    I have 4 points on my license could I still get a TLC license

    Reply
  • Zaza Kakashvili
    May 5, 2018 1:13 am

    hey i had speeding ticket conviction more than 2 years ago and now applying for tlc the ticket gave me 6 points already took defensive driving. will they deny my application?

    Reply
    • Matthew Weiss
      May 6, 2018 9:04 pm

      Zaza Kakashvili,

      Because it has been 2 years since your conviction, you should be okay.

      Matthew Weiss

      Reply
  • Hazara akthar
    April 18, 2018 7:51 am

    I have 11 points on my license, 5 for a talking on the phone while driving and 6 for speeding within a 15 month period. Would TLC revoke my license and if so do you know for how long that would be?

    Reply
  • dear sir , i got 3 points ( disob traffic device ) on 03/25/18 , the convicted date 10/05/18 . 2 points ( improper turn ) on 03/06/18 , the convicted date 11/21/18 . 4 points ( speed ) on 03/30/18 , convicted date 03/27/19 . the total is 9 points .
    and i took the nyc safety class 8 months ago .
    if i delay the convicted date for the 4 points and plead guilty for the 3 points , will that help me ?
    or is there any way to not suspended my licence ??

    Reply
    • Matthew Weiss
      April 6, 2018 4:58 pm

      Dua,

      Delaying your conviction date will not help but points (for DMV purposes) are measured from the date of offense.

      Whether you get suspended depends on if you lose and the judge assigned your case.

      Matthew Weiss

      BTW, disob traffic device is 2 points (not 3) so you only have 8 points.

      Reply
  • Also if you took the driving safety class to get your tlc license, but you need to take it again to reduce points but it is under 15 months, can you?

    Reply
    • Matthew Weiss
      March 29, 2018 11:00 pm

      Karen,

      You can only take the Driver Safety Class once every 15 months for TLC purposes and once every 18 months for DMV purposes.

      Matthew Weiss

      Reply
  • Is it better to take the Driving Safety Course in a actual classroom or online? Better in the sense of being able to get the course credit to apply to your violation/tlc points…which would have quicker results?

    Reply
  • Alaba Akinfolarin
    March 20, 2018 11:01 am

    Hello Matthew,great job you are doing here.
    Here are my questions:
    1)Can a defensive class i had during the proccess of obtaining tlc license help my future points?
    If the answer is NO,can i take another DC within next 18months to get my points reduced?…(2 of 1)Of what benefit is the above mentioned DC?
    2)I had a settlement mail from tlc abt a case of a woman who lied against me that we had a collision caused by me making unsafe lane change,i that i gave a the middle finger,i accepted the settlement terms bcos i was scared with the points calculated in the settlement terms if i choose to fight it,and alot of tlc drivers’s advice coupled with the fact that i was just 1month plus into the business.But till date the lady didn’t file any claim against me with my insurance neither did she inform the police since last year(18) October.My question is:If there anyway i can reopen the case with tlc or get the lady’s ID for me to sue her?
    Thanks in anticipation.

    Reply
    • Matthew Weiss
      March 22, 2018 1:21 am

      Alaba Akinfolarin,

      Thanks! My answers in bold below:

      1)Can a defensive class i had during the proccess of obtaining tlc license help my future points? No
      If the answer is NO, can i take another DC within next 18 months to get my points reduced? You can take the NYS Driver Safety Class once every 18 months.

      2)I had a settlement mail from tlc abt a case of a woman who lied against me that we had a collision caused by me making unsafe lane change,i that i gave a the middle finger,i accepted the settlement terms bcos i was scared with the points calculated in the settlement terms if i choose to fight it,and alot of tlc drivers’s advice coupled with the fact that i was just 1month plus into the business.But till date the lady didn’t file any claim against me with my insurance neither did she inform the police since last year(18) October.My question is:If there anyway i can reopen the case with tlc or get the lady’s ID for me to sue her? I doubt that you can re-open your case but don’t let me discourage you from trying.

      Reply
  • I have 2+3+2 moving violations, one has been appealed, I took the class after the first conviction, will TLC give me credit for the first (2) points? cause that will keep me over the water even if the appeal of the third violation will be dismissed.

    Reply
    • Mohsen,

      You need to measured these convictions by the conviction dates. If any are more than 15 months apart, then they will not be added together.

      Further, it sounds like you will get credit for the Driver’s Safety Class.

      Matthew Weiss

      Reply
  • Like speeding tickrt 6 points guilty on 12-1-2017 and they suspended license for 30 days and then in april 10-2018 cell phone ticket (guilty) will that speeding points still b counted after 1 month suspension ??????????

    Reply
    • Umar Shah,

      Because these two tickets apparently occurred within 18 months of one another, the points from them will be added together if you are convicted of both.

      Matthew Weiss

      Reply
  • Hi Matthew, will mt TLC license get suspend permanently if I don’t pay the fine?

    Reply
    • AiLin,

      I don’t have enough info to properly answer this question. With that said, if you don’t pay your fine, your TLC license will likely be suspended.

      Matthew Weiss

      Reply
  • What if I don’t want my TLC license anymore and I don’t want to pay the fine? Will they force me to pay it?

    Reply
    • Yu Jiang,

      If you don’t pay your fines, then TLC will likely suspended your TLC license.

      Matthew Weiss

      Reply
  • Hey I just got a summons for an expired inspection sticker. how much will it cost?

    Reply
  • andrew cordero
    November 14, 2017 6:05 pm

    Hey Mathew,
    I was convicted of a 5 point offense that stemmed back before I was issued my tlc license, it is my second offense this year does the same amount of points affect my tlc license? And if so is their a way around a 30 day suspension as far as cost??

    Reply
    • andrew cordero,

      Have you taken the NYS Driver Safety Class? This may help depending on how many points your other conviction carries.

      Matthew Weiss

      Reply
    • Let me ask u, in nyc I understand that the points count from the day u get the ticket not wen ur convicted (dmv) so that means that the defensive course u take every 18 months can deduct 4 points of an existing ticket, for example let’s say u get a ticket 12-12-17 a cell phone ticket which is 5 points, u do a defensive class the 12-13-17, and let’s say ur found guilty on 8-18-2018 of the cell phone ticket, does that mean u only have 1 point on ur driving record?

      Reply
  • Hey Mathew. You guys saved me from a suspension by reducing my dmv 11 point speeding ticket to 8 points. But 6 months after receiving the speeding ticket I obtained my FHV license. So i was convicted of the 8 points on October 19, 2017. Will my FHV license be affected of this conviction even though i received the ticket before getting my FHV license?

    Reply
    • Matthew Weiss
      October 26, 2017 9:11 pm

      abdool hanif,

      TLC holds convictions against you based on the date of conviction. So, if you were convicted after you were issued your FHV, then TLC will hold it against you.

      Matthew Weiss

      Reply
  • El hadji M Sylla
    September 3, 2017 2:18 am

    Hi Matthew
    I have question the 07/ 03/ 17
    I was pull over by the tlc because l have a Bluetooth on my hear but l was using it for my gps cause my speaker phone was damaged and l have 3 costumer who can testifies l was not talking to the phones l took they personal number, but l wanna know what I’m specting on my court date hes the 09/07 /17, and what l need to my day court from the tlc

    Reply
  • Hi Matthew, I have only one question. Soon or later, my DMV driver license will be revoke because I have 3 speeding tickets within 18 months period. I want to know after the revocation, when I can get my TLC license back. Thanks for your help

    Reply
    • Matthew Weiss
      August 30, 2017 10:56 pm

      Frankie Wong,

      I don’t have all the facts but my best guess is 15 months after your last conviction

        and

      after your revocation period ends.

      Matthew Weiss

      Reply
  • My question is do you go to court to defend does ticket?

    Reply
    • Matthew Weiss
      August 26, 2017 7:57 am

      Elie,

      Yes, every year, we go to court to defend our clients from 1,000s of traffic tickets.

      Matthew Weiss

      Reply
      • How I can get to you when the summons arrive in the mail to give it to you because right now I just receive the settlement letter which I don’t wanna accept if possible forward direction to get to you thanks in advance

        Reply
  • can you tell how long the point will stay on your TLC license if you are found guilty ALSO HOW MANY POINTS IS THE TLC LICENCE THANK YOU

    Reply
  • My boyfriend got a ticket December of 2015, and he was just convicted Aug 2017 given 10 points from the dmv..will his license be suspended or revoked? How many point would he have with thx?

    Reply
    • Matthew Weiss
      August 3, 2017 1:55 pm

      Curious,

      Your boy friend will not be suspended for only 10 points. At 11, he can be suspended.

      Matthew Weiss

      Reply
  • Dinesh chumber
    July 24, 2017 7:40 pm

    Dear sir
    I have been convicted for 2 two traffic tickets
    1. Disobeying Stop sign
    2. Wrong left turn
    I have already done driving defensive classes
    I want to know the how much points be left on my licence
    Thanks

    Reply
    • Matthew Weiss
      July 26, 2017 1:00 am

      Dinesh chumber,

      If these two offenses occurred within 18 months of one another, then you have a total of 5 points less 4 for the class giving you 1 currently.

      Matthew Weiss

      Reply
  • Dear sir I got the ticket 04/19/2015. Convicted on 12/7/2015 – 2 points . Then I got ticket 9/16/2015. Convicted 03/30/2017 school bus ticket. 5 points. I got another ticket 02/16/16. Convicted on July 10th 2017 3 points. Total 10 points .i have done defensive driving course on April 2nd 2017 . I m really confused. Will my TLC license will suspended or revoke . I have 1 question when we should take ddc course. After conviction or date of violation after 18 months for dmv. Pls help me. Thank you sir

    Reply
    • Matthew Weiss
      July 18, 2017 1:31 am

      Vijay,

      As this article states, TLC measures from the date of conviction using a 15-month period (see below chart). You have 7 points during one 15-month period and 8 during the other. Therefore, take the Driver Safety Class ASAP.

      Convicted on 12/07/2015 2 points
      Convicted on 03/30/2017 5 points
      Convicted on 07/10/2017 3 points

      Matthew Weiss

      Reply
  • Hi how are you can you help me tlc counts me 13 point whithin 15 month period I already did points reduction classes, so it should be 10 points, is there any chances I avoid revocation? Thanks

    Reply
    • Matthew Weiss
      July 15, 2017 9:50 pm

      Zura,

      Sounds like you have too many points (even with the class).

      Check with TLC.

      Matthew Weiss

      Reply

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