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!
289 Comments. Leave new
Hey, Mr Weiss, i have a 6hr Defensive course certificate and its about a year old, can I use that to reduce points on my license?
Jeff,
You can use that class to reduce up to 4 points from your NY total. However, the class only removes those points from tickets that have a date of offense BEFORE you took the class.
Matthew Weiss
Hey, Mr. Weiss I recently (11/17/15) plead guilty for a speeding ticket and received 4 points on my DMV license. I have 3 upcoming court dates in Auguts of this year. assumimg I will receive 10 more points bringing it to a total of 14 points how can I avoid my TLC license to get revoked?
Jeff,
Your best bet is to delay your cases. As I write in this post, the points for TLC purposes are measured from the date of conviction so delaying them helps reduce the aggregation of those points once your convicted.
Matthew Weiss
Hi I recently was found guilty of a speeding ticket which added 6 points to my DMV license. I also have TLC license and just registered to take the 6 hr safety defensive class. Now with 6 points in my license would TLC take any action suspending or changing me a fee? I will be taking the 6 hour class next week but was told it takes 45/90 days to show up on my record. Just curious about TLC suspending my current license or charging me a fee or something. I’ve had a clean license for over 5 years until this speeding ticket.
Sam,
You should take the class ASAP. With that said, you are over the limit and therefore your TLC license could be suspended.
Matthew Weiss
Hi Mr. Matthew Weiss, my Elaine Maia My TLC , was revoked for three years to spend 10 point in 15 month . Now one year after the Dmv clean my record . I wonder if with an apology and carried fees and classes can I recover it? I very need back my liences. Tks
Elaine Maia,
You may be eligible to get your TLC license returned. You should visit the TLC officer and inquire.
Good luck!
Matthew Weiss
Hi, I am about to apply for the tlc license. I recently got a speeding ticket going 74 on a 50. I did not go to court yet but i’m assuming i will lose and get 6 points. Can i still apply?
Reginald,
Yes, you can still apply but your should take the NYS Driver SafetY Class before you do.
Matthew Weiss
I got 5 points for using a cellphone in New York last year 2015 I got a New Jersey driver license my question is
I will like to apply for TLC license to work for uber what are my chances?
Ron,
With only 5 points, you should be able to get a TLC license.
Good luck!
Matthew Weiss
I recived a ticket for no license my license was expired I pleaded guilty because I could take time off work this happen in 2014 but I pleaded guilty in 2015 would this affect my application
Jay,
This conviction carries 0 points so I don’t think that it, alone, will affect your TLC application.
Good luck!
Matthew Weiss
I just got a notice in the mail for a speed camera ticket. I am a TLC driver and it was with my TLC car, 37mph in a 25mph school zone. Do I get points on my TLC license? Or do I just pay the $50 fine. The notice says it doesn’t carry points, but it doesn’t specify TLC or DMV license.
Thank you
John,
No points will be placed on your DMV or TLC license for a conviction to a speed camera ticket. Just a fine.
Matthew Weiss
2 points convicted on 06/03/2015
2 points convicted on 04/13/2015
6 points convicted on 07/24/2014
This is my DMV license status.
Can I apply for TLC now?
Mike Jo,
You can apply but you likely won’t get accepted as you seemingly have too many points.
Matthew Weiss
Hi Matthew,
I got a letter from the nys dmv telling me that I have to pay a driver responsibility fee of $300. Is it because I have 6 points? I took the defensive driving class last in August 2014. I was convicted of 4 points on my license in December of 2014. Then I was just convicted of 2 more points last week (December 2015). Shouldn’t the class that I took in August 2014 taken away 4 points? Please advise. Thank you very much for your help.
Yuriel,
Yes, a $300 Driver Responsibility Fee is imposed for 6 points. The class does NOT reduce your liability for the Driver Responsibility Fee, however.
Matthew Weiss
Hi Matthew,
Should I take the defensive driving course before I am convicted or after in order to take off 4 points? Thank you very much for your help.
Yuriel,
Yes, take it now.
Matthew Weiss
Matthew I have 10 traffic tickets all pending, I am fighting all of them,I would like to apply for tlc, will I be approved? Thank you for your help.
Gave,
Only convictions will be held against you. You need to keep your total points under 6. Therefore, you should fight these tickets.
Matthew Weiss
Hi Matthew, I have a question, how often can i take the defensive driving course in order to take off the 4 points at a time? Can i take it twice in a year to take off 8 active points?
Yuriel,
You can take the NYS Driver Safety Class once every 18 months.
Matthew Weiss
Matthew,
Does the TLC count 18 months from the time of the violation or from the time of conviction of the traffic violation? As in if one has 9 points pending on the NYS DMV license as of December 2015. The court hearings for those tickets are in June and July 2016. These two tickets were issued in September 2013 and November 2013. The next TLC license renewal will be in November 2017. Will the TLC renew the hack license since it will be passed 18 months since the violation but since conviction in case that the tickets will be found guilty. I also plan on takimg the 4 point reduction class as well. However, please if you can answer from when the TLC starts counting the 18 months in order for the points to drop off of the DMV license. Thank you very much for your help.
Yuriel,
TLC counts convictions from the date of conviction, as this post states.
Matthew Weiss
i have 5 points in total….(failed to stop at stop sign) and (faild to obay traffic device) 3 of them come off in the next month i want to apply for my tlc but i just got into an accident im wondering if that would ruin my chances its 100% at fault any insight would be apprciated thak you
Carlo,
The accident does not help. Once 3 of your points drop off next month, you’ll be in a better position to apply.
Good luck!
Matthew Weiss
Hi,
Thanks for the information.
My question is does yhe suspension period begin on the date mentioned in yhe letter or after you drop off the license and if you get already the suspension, Is your Tlc license now clear.
Eli,
Your suspend starts on the “effective date” listed on the letter.
Matthew Weiss
Hi Matthew….
I currently have 6 points on my NY license, but its going to be 15 months this coming dec 4, 2015 from the date of my conviction… Eve been driving very careful so i dont have any violation for 15 months… Does The TLC accept my application if i apply for the TLC License?
Fiel,
The TLC will “accept” your application but they likely will not approve it. Six points is too many.
Matthew Weiss
Mr. Weiss,
I have a question that I hope you can answer for me.
I applied for the TLC license 3 months ago. I submitted all the required information and passed the taxi school that is required as well. in between all this I have been convicted of a speeding violation that happened over a year ago. The violation cost me 6 points and it is already on my driving record. My TLC application is still in review, what will happen at this point?
Jameel Ajmal,
You could be denied. I recommend that you take the NYS Driver Safety Class ASAP and then add the proof of completion to your application.
Matthew Weiss
Hello!
I have a pending ticket and I’m applying for tlc. My pending ticket is about “Failure to signal” I have a court in August 2016. My question is Does TLC will process my application?
Bakhodir,
TLC should process your application despite the pendency of this ticket. Good luck!
Matthew Weiss
Hi, i have started my tlc licence application and i just had a 3point on ma licence today and i want to know if it will affect my tlc licence application?? Thank you and have a nice day
Charlie,
With only one 3-point ticket on you’re record, I think you’re application will not be affected.
Matthew Weiss
I had my license suspended last year knowing it was suspended can it affect me in anyway when i try to apply for my TLC License or i would just have to wait 18 month ?
Jordan,
You cannot obtain a TLC license while your NY license is suspended.
Matthew Weiss
Hello I am applying for my TLC License and have taken the defensive driving class two days ago. I may have gotten 7 points on my NYS license in the past 8 months but a cell phone ticket is pending as I am fighting it in court now. If I win it will definitely be much less than 6 points on my NYS license. If I were to lose the cell phone case and get 6 plus points on my NYS License how could this effect my TLC application status?
Ty,
If you have too many points, then your TLC license application will not be approved. Delay the cell phone ticket as long as you can. Hopefully, some of your other points will drop off in the meantime.
Matthew Weiss
Hi,
Today, TLC denied to renew my hack licence due to 3 moving violations with in the 1 year time.
02/04/2015- FLd to yield row-ped 3 points
02/04/2015 – Flf to use due care 2 points (same offence)
01/10/2015 improper signal 2 points.
Is there any way to fight with TLC for license. Denying to renew will lead me to suspension/revocation?
how long i need to wait to re apply? or what is gonna happen to my license?
Shon,
Have you taken the NYS Driver Safety Class. If not, take that ASAP and go back and try and re-new again. I hope this works for you.
Matthew Weiss
I had 2 points on my DMV license within 15 months but I was found guilty of 8 point after 22 months on DMV license. So total of 10 points.TLC send me a letter mentioning rule no 54-27(a)(2) which means revoke. since they count the from the date of conviction.and I took DDC couple week ago.can u tell me what’s gonna happen to this kind a case.thank you
John,
From what you write, it sounds like you have too many points and will be suspended by TLC.
Matthew Weiss
hi,i’m about to apply for the tlc license but i have 4 points on my license and owe parking and camera tickets of over 200 will my application get rejected?
Dexter Charles,
Not sure but my best guess is that you’ll be okay (as long as your license is not suspended). I believe the cutoff is 6 points.
Matthew Weiss
Hi my boyfriend came home last night very frustrated because he doesn’t know if he got a red light ticket waiting for the light. He said he saw the camera flash while he was waiting and there was no other cars in front of him. Could he possibly had gotten the ticket? Also he has a pending case in new rochelle for failure to yield. He declared not guilty and is waiting to appear in court. How can these violations affect his tlc license? And how can he fight them?
Thank you
Jessica,
Yes, it is possible that your boyfriend will be sent a red light camera ticket. A red light camera ticket is 0 points and cannot affect a TLC or regular drivers license. However, the New Rochelle failure to yield the right of way ticket carries 3 points and can affect his TLC and regular driver’s license. He can fight these tickets by pleading not guilty and appearing in court, although only the 3-point ticket is likely worth fighting.
Matthew Weiss
Hi Matthew, thanks for all the above information and TLC rules . Actually I’m going different from other. As I got 6 points Tlc issued me $1000 fine. But immediately I did DDC ( driving defensive course) and sent copy to them but still they send me another letter for $1000 fine and last day to pay it was 10/14 / 2015. But I went Tlc office yesterday to pay that fine and cashier told me they already took out the fine and need not to pay. Now still I’ve almost 17 points tickets coming up very soon. Do you know my license will be revoked ? If revoked then how can I save my license? Please let me know
Jagdish,
It sounds like the only way to save your license is to fight the open tickets and hopefully beat most (if not all) of them.
Matthew Weiss
If someone can please answer this question for me I will be forever grateful.
So I got a letter from tlc about 25 days ago saying that I have accumulated 6 points within a 15 month period and I need to pay either a 1000$ or my licence will be suspended for 30 days. I do have 6 points on my licence (only 6) and counting back from the most recent conviction they add up to 6 in a fifteen month period. However before the last conviction, which added the 2 points to make my total 6, I took a accident prevention course. The course is not shown on the driving history that tlc sent me, probably becuase it didn’t reach their database yet, but I have the certificate and date on it.
So my question is will my tlc license still get suspended or is there a chance that I might get away with this.
Please if any can help I would really appreciate it.
Aamir Malik,
You should get credit for the class. I would visit the TLC office with your proof and see if you can avoid the suspension.
Good luck!
Matthew Weiss
hi the NYS Driver SafetY Class. also reduced point ? the safety class and accident prevention class is same or different ?
Sherpa,
The NYS Driver SafetY Class and the Accident Prevention Class are the same thing, and remove up to 4 points from a NY license or privilege to drive.
Matthew Weiss
I had roughly 17 points on my liscense paid off the driver responsibility assessment got suspended for persistent violator got suspended for speeding, 18 months have passed since those convictions I recieced 13 points which includes 11 for speeding and 2 for failure to signal plus prior points. According to dmv since it has been over 18months those points won’t count against me I recently applied for t&lc they still rejected my application saying I accumulated 6+ points in the last 15 months while it has been over 18 months now best suggestion please
John,
TLC will measure points from the most recent conviction date. This is different from DMV which measures points from the date of the offense.
Matthew Weiss
Hi matthew ı canceled my tlc licence . But ı did mistake , now ı want to get back the my tlc license again . I have 4 points also I have tickets too every think on the lawyer speeding red light .i just want to get the blue color license is it possible by the law ? If I must pay the penalty I can pay what should I do?
Halit,
Honestly, I’m not sure. I suggest you visit the TLC office and ask. Further, I would do so now while you “only” have 4 points on record.
Good luck!
Matthew Weiss
Hi, matthew Weiss
I packed two points on my dmv license this june and then 4 points on 9th of this month now i have received a letter from tlc to pay 1000 bucks.
This letter also says if i had taken defensive couse prior to the issuence of this letter tlc would take 3 points off my record.
My question, i took defensive on 5th of this month, would it help me avoid 1000 fine ?
I did send then the proof though.
Please suggest
Admitter,
I honestly do not know the answer but my guess best is “yes”. Please post when you find out.
Thx
Matthew Weiss
Thanks,
But, is it necessary to go to the court to solved the ticket or just need to pay it that’s it, or may he is going to need a lawyer???
Daniel,
In NYC, you or your traffic lawyer must appear if you plead not guilty.
Matthew weiss
Hi matthew Weiss
My brother got a ticket form TLC it is around $1500
For picking a passager from the street I would like to know if they revocated his license is he abel to apply for a new license or what or what he can do to don’t get revocated his license
Daniel,
If your brother is revoked by the TLC, then he cannot obtain a new TLC license until the TLC approves it.
Matthew Weiss
Hi Matthew
I got my Tlc license on September 2013 with no point on my dmv license.
But last April 1015 they found me guilty with a red light tiket which is 3 points ,then last week on 9/10/15 they found me guilty on a cell phone tiket which is 5 point.
I still have a speed tiket with my lawyer.
I already have 8 points on my dmv.
I wanna know if those 8 points will get effect on my Tlc.
And if can I get some advice from you to prevent my Tlc license from revocation.
Thx so much.
Capo,
Yes, your open 8-point speeding ticket can affect your TLC license. You need to delay fighting the speeding ticket as long as possible and take a NYS Driver SafetY Class.
Matthew Weiss
Hey Matthew,
I got a red light ticket in the mail, for a $50 fine and no DMV points. Can you please let me know if there is any TLC points for that?
Simon
A red light camera ticket carries will not affect your TLC license.
Matthew Weiss
Hi Matthew, I got my tlc license April also I have safety certificate. I have my fault accident, wrong turn and over 10 miles speeding. In 4 months. What’s my status?
Thanks
Gurhan,
As I best I can decipher, you have 5 points. Don’t get anymore.
Matthew Weiss
Hi, I got a speeding ticket on 7/30/2015 and with the speed I was going it might be 6-8points I have a lawyer already and I’m gunna fight this case. I’m applying for the first time for a tlc liecenes. My appointment for the tlc was on 8/6/2015. I went have them all the documents and everything. Basically my lawyer will make me a court date on the 8/25/2015 because u have 30 days to respond to the ticket. So my question is will tlc approve me if they see a pending on a case because the court date for my ticket my be in 2/1/2016.
Shaifalmulaiki,
I think the open ticket will not hinder your ability to obtain a TLC license.
Matthew Weiss
My son recently pled guilty to 8 points for speeding last August. Today he received a letter from the TLC stating that he has 30 days to pay a fine of $1,000 or his license (I assume TLC LICENSE) will be suspended. How does this suspension affect his regular DMV license? He can’t have any suspensions at time of hire for a new non-TLC job. He doesn’t plan to ever drive for TLC again.
Also he couldn’t find instructions on how to cancel TLC license. Bet that carries a fine as well. Does he have to worry about this if be leaves the TLC world?
NNN,
A TLC suspension does not suspend his regular NY license. He can go to any TLC offer and surrender his license if he is no longer driving a livery vehicle. There shouldn’t be a fee for surrendering.
Matthew Weiss
Hello,
I am very glad to have found this forum. I have 2 hearings for TVB tickets i got last year. First ticket i got from an officer who claimed i didn’t stop at a stop sign(which of course i did) and when i rebutted his claim he simply said ” just take it to court and the judge will dismiss it.” The second one for making a left turn from the center lane because the left lane was been used by another cabbie picking up a passenger. For this turn the cop gave me 2 tickets and he said ” the judge will drop one if you go to court.” In both cases i strongly suspect there is a deliberate attempt to issue tickets to a taxi driver. The hearings are coming up in 2 and I am not sure what i need to do for preparation.I have taken defensive driving course.
Thank you Taoreed,
I really cannot provide much of an answer to a question like “how do I need to prepare”. With that said, get your evidence, witnesses diagrams, etc ready. This will help you to present your best defense. If you are not comfortable representing yourself, then you can retain a NY traffic lawyer.
Matthew Weiss
Matthew Weiss
I got the cell phone ticket 06-18-2013 and am scheduled for a hearing on 07-24-2015 at the Brooklyn North Traffic Violation Bureau. Should I take a lawyer or fight to myself? The ticket states OP MV PORT ELEC DEV. Is this the same as a cell phone ticket? The cop said nothing to me and just gave me the ticket.
Manna,
This is a 5-point ticket which carries roughly a $200 fine. It is a little different from a cell phone ticket. Your ticket is for allegedly using an electronic device whiling operating a motor vehicle. This could be for speaking on the phone but could also be for other things like writing an email or reading a text.
We recommend that you fight it. Further, because it is very hard to win at any of the Traffic Violations Bureau courts, you would likely have a better chance for success with an experienced NY traffic ticket lawyer.
Matthew Weiss
hi i got a ticket for a cellphone but i didnt use the cellphone my cell phone was near to me so what should i do now ?it is five points tickets….thank u
Manna,
The only way to possibly save points is to plead not guilty. How you fight it depends on a number of variables including (most importantly) which court your case is scheduled.
Matthew Weiss
Hi Mathew I have 5 points in my dmv license and my upcoming hearing for the 6points is coming within this month… Will my license be revoked if this 6point gets added to my dmv license.. I have taken a defensive driving course 2months ago… Will this defensive driving course be of any help., from my license being revoked… Please let me know and if you have any advice please suggest me, I am not being able to sleep properly because of this problem..
Tenzing,
If you accumulate too many points (11 or more), then your NYS driver’s license can be suspended (not revoked). The NYS Defensive Driving Class will get you a credit off of 4 points (assuming you have not taken it within the last 18 months of the class you took 2 months ago). With that said, you have potentially a lot of points so you should definitely fight the new ticket (with or without a NY traffic lawyer to help you).
Matthew Weiss
I have received a letter from TLC that someone complained against me that I didn’t yeild while she was walking and they offer me to pay a fine of 300 and 2 points.Is this point just TLC points or also DMV ? Is it better to me to fight it or just pay the fine and accept the points? She claims also that I spit on her from an open window and I showed my middle finger while they was doing that not me.
Mahmoud,
A TLC conviction does not result in DMV points being added to your regular license. Since I don’t handle such matters, I cannot provide any further information.
Matthew Weiss
I have dwai charge pending litigation if I am convicted of this charge what would happen with my TLC License, at the time of the arrest I was not officially a TLC Driver. During that time I was in the application process and it was not until a few weeks later I was granted the TLC License. Can you give me your best advice and im willing to retain a lawyer in this matter.
Anonymous,
If you are convicted of DWAI, your NY license to drive will be suspended for 90 days. TLC will honor this suspension and could exact more punishment.
Matthew Weiss
I received a tlc summons for driving through a steady red light can I plead guilty and pay the 300 fine but I’m not sure how many points I will get on my tlc licence will I also get points on my dmv licence too
Please let me know
Thank you
Ajaz,
A red light ticket carries 3 NY points.
Matthew Weiss
Hello I need help I have 6 points on my license. Am I still able to get my tlc license? Also, I have 3 previous suspensions for tints on my car.
Henry.
Read this article. Whether these 6 points prevent you from getting a TLC license depends on the dates of conviction.
Matthew Weiss
Hello,
I need some help in preparation of my dmv court date next week. A cop gave me 2 tickets (each carrying 3 points) for making a left turn from middle lane. How can this affect my ability to drive taxi? Please help
Tao Tao,
My post “How New York Traffic Tickets Affect A Taxi & Limousine (TLC) License” sets forth the answer to your question. Additionally, assuming you have an otherwise clean record, then these two tickets alone will not result in your TLC license being suspended. As I wrote:
Further, an improper left hand turn ticket is only 2 points in New York State.
Matthew Weiss
The TLC has dictatorial power over some drivers & effectively none over others. Because TLC summonses, by statute, do not follow drivers that leave the industry, licensees who plan on quitting soon (the best career move a taxi driver can make) know they can accumulate TLC summonses with virtual immunity. Contrariwise the drivers stuck in the industry are at the mercy of the whims of TLC inspectors (usually bitter wannabe cops), TLC Hearing Officers (usually political hacks unfit for real judgships) and sometimes even the passengers. The system cries out for top-to-bottom reform. Thank god I got out–leaving about $3,000 in unpaid fines behind.
Robert Flanders,
Thank you for sharing your insider views of being a TLC driver. It’s clearly a tough way to make a living.
Matthew Weiss
Modern day slavery is what I call it. NYC Taxi driver has no rights and is all chained up with ridiculous regulations by tlc.