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
I received a settlement offer but the penalty from the infraction, due to an accumulated amount of DMV points, results in revocation.
At the bottom of the settlement offer it states, “If the rule in this settlement agreement carries an increasing penalty, the guilty plea in this stipulation will count toward the calculation of future penalties including revocation.” Will my TLC be revoked if I accept the settlement offer?
J,
I couldn’t answer this question based on the limited information provided.
I urge you to pose this question to a TLC representative.
Matthew Weiss
Methew you are very helpful for so many people God bless you
Thanks Umar!!
I have 14 points DMV license and already took the defensive driving course. Can I apply for tlc license?
Deivid,
You can apply but may not be accepted. Likely too many points (for now).
Matthew Weiss
Hello sir I got the ticket
09/16/2015 school bus ticket. Convicted 03/30/2017 5 points.
02/17/16 got ticket field toe pedestrian convicted 07/10/17. 3 points.
I took defensive driving course. On April 2 2017. How many TLC points I have. ? My TLC license will be safe. Or will suspended for 30days. Pls help me
Rajakumar
You might be okay because of the class.
Check with TLC.
Matthew Weiss
Hey Matthew, I have 26 points on DMV license. Received summons in 2013, got convicted in 2014. My license was revoked for 1 year from May 2014 to May 2015. I paid 1500 assessment fee and 3300 for all the tickets I received. The 26 points still shows on my DMV record. Can I still apply for tlc license?
Syed,
Yes, you can apply (although I do not now if you’ll be accepted … that’s a horrible record).
Matthew Weiss
Hi mr if you have a tlc licence and you have been suspended for 60 days under section 510b from the dmv .
Can you drive againg for the tlc .
Hi if you was find guilty
El hadji M Sylla,
You likely will be able to drive again on your TLC license. Check with TLC for exact rule and timing.
Matthew Weiss
hey man i just had to ask you something. i lost 2 point in 2016 then i did my defensive driving course right way. In 2017, i got a speeding ticket and i lost 4 points.. so does that mean my TLC license will be suspended?
Mahir,
Your TLC license will not be suspended because you only have 4 points (the prior 2 points were brought to 0 points by you taking the Driver Safety Class).
Matthew Weiss
Gm Sir
I had an fitness review hearing on the 8 this month regarding misamenor offence 25 to 30 years ago no jail time how does this affect my tlc application?
Lonnell Richardson,
A misdemeanor conviction from 25 to 30 years ago in most instances should not affect your TLC application.
Matthew Weiss
I got a ticket in January for unlicensed operator as I couldn’t produce my license physically as I had forgotten it at home. And I paid the fine too. Can I still apply for a tlc license?
Al,
Yes, you can still apply for a TLC license (assuming you currently maintain a valid regular license, which it sounds like you do).
Matthew Weiss
Hey Mathew. I have 6 points in total for my dmv license. will I be able to appy for tlc license?
Jack,
I suggest that you take the NYS Driver Safety Class before you apply. This removes up to 4 points from your regular license.
Matthew Weiss
I have over 9000 parking tickets it s possible to make a pavement plan for me to be able to get a talc driver license
Patrick,
9,000!!! That’s ridiculous!!! I doubt that TLC will issue you a license while these are all open.
Matthew Weiss
I never had a TLC license. My current NYS drivers license is revoked due to non payments of tickets. If i pay my fines and get my license back will that affect me by applying for a TLC license right away?
Taz,
Your ability to obtain TLC license depends on how many points these old tickets carry. If they carry too many, then you cannot obtain one “right away”.
Matthew Weiss
If I have tlc license..got convicted on 5/20/2014 (3pts) and another ticket..convicted on 6/9/16 (6pts) but took a point reduction course and completed on3/30/16..can tlc suspend my license for 30 days?
Tonya,
You should be fine.
Matthew Weiss
Hi, I’m in the process of getting my TLC and I have done already the most important parts already and they were stressful but thank God I got them out of the way my next final steps are the 24hr class and WAV class of 3hrs; now I have a orange envelope that is with my old license plate number but yes has my name on it and owe about 150$ in tickets for tolls would that affect my NYC TLC?
Steve Muriel,
I doubt that unpaid parking tickets will affect your ability to get a TLC license but it is possible. Regardless, you should pay your unpaid parking tickets to avoid any issues.
Matthew Weiss
Hey mat,
I have a TLC license but I got 7 points on it in the past 6 months n have a pending case ( if found guilty I will receive 3 more points) I got the license in March 2016. 3 points in March n 4 in April. I did a safety class in June but now TLC said I have a penalty of a thousand dollars. If I do a next safely class next month will that take off any of my points?
Jimmy, you can only get points from removed a NYS Driver Safety Class one every 18 months.
Matthew Weiss
Hello matthew in 2012 i got a speeding ticket but i was convicted in court in 2013 and they gave 6 point in my licence i did the defensive driving in may of 2016 but when i look at my dmw licence it still reflects the 6 points. and i really want to start my tlc licence but im scared of being denied due to that issue
Mario Diaz,
Because your speeding conviction occurred in 2013 it will not be held against you when you apply for your TLC license. It’s too old to count even though it still appears on your driving record.
Matthew Weiss
I took my 6 hour defensive class on 11/29/2014 and took another one on 5/14/2016 and got a ticket .violation happen on 5/14/2014 and got convicted on 9/17/2015 .will my 6 hour defensive class take away 4 point from the 6 points I have??? Will I be able to apply for tlc license?
Nazibul Bashar,
Yes, the class reduces your point total by up to 4 points. You can apply for a TLC license (based on the point totals you provided). Good luck.
Matthew Weiss
i have taken my 6 hour defensive class on 11/29/2014 and took another one on 5/14/2016 and i got a ticket on speed in zone on 09/17/2015 and got convicted of 6 points will my 6 hour defensive driving course take away 4 points from that 6 points?will i be able to appy for tlc license?
Nazibul Bashar,
You will get the 4-point credit for the 5/14/2016 class because you took it
after
you were issued the May 14, 2016 ticket.
Matthew Weiss
Hey Mathew. Today I have been convicted to 6 points for speeding. That makes 8 points in total for my dmv license. Can I try to save my tlc license?
Roger Angel,
Ouch! Your can take a NYS Driver Safety Class. This may help you.
Matthew Weiss
I’m trying to get my Tlc in nyc however it say I need a fitness review, I’ve had about four accidents in my driving history some ads old as 10 years old me being at fault twice how much will this impact my chances anyone respond Pease
Lonnell,
I cannot answer how much that your accident-prone record will impact you but it will certainly be considered against you.
Matthew Weiss
Hey Matthew,
i got my license on 12/03/2012…..i have (confused if they have expired or not, as they show on my dmv online file) 6 points.
3 for “FLD TO STOP AT SIGN”
violation: 1/08/2013
convicted: 6/05/2013
3 for “DRV WRONG WAY”
violation: 12/20/2012
convicted: 6/13/2014
i am trying to get my (first time) TLC license, and im very confused under the new “fitness rules” that i wont be granted a license because of: “Critical Driver Program: If you have accumulated 6 or more points within 15 months prior to and including your most recent DMV point
conviction, you would, if licensed, be subject to license suspension or revocation under the Critical Driver Program; therefore, your application
will be denied”
am i out of luck? does this apply to me, and if so is there anything i can do to drop these points anytime soon?
thanks for the help in advance!
Eric G,
It looks like you can apply. The conviction date for the stop sign ticket is more than 15 months ago.
Matthew Weiss
hello there i have parking tickets about 3 of them witch im paying instalments on but will i be able to qualify for tlc licenensing or i have to clear that from my drving record, OH i have points or moving violations just those parking tickets ,
Henery Thompson, I do not believe that parking tickets impact your ability to obtain a TLC license. Good luck and let us know what happens after apply.
Matthew Weiss
Hi,I received a summons from TLC,they count from Apirl 29,2016 back award show I have 7 point in my driver licence,summon issues day at May 13,but I was take a safe driver court at May 1,it will deduction 3 point. now question is Do I still need to paid TLC summon for $1000?
Quan,
I sounds like you still must pay the summons but contact TLC and ask.
Good luck!
Matthew Weiss
Sir I have question I made my licence in 2014 and I got phone ticket that same year. And 2016 that ticket r guilty and they suspend my licence for 60days. And I m driving TLC cab. And now they said u cant even drive a cab. How can I do work because I have one one source of income. Help me pls
Safranjot,
If TLC suspended you, you need to ask why and when you will qualify for reinstatement.
Good luck!
Matthew Weiss
Hey Tim,
I have applied for an FHV license for the first time, however I already had accumulated 7 points before getting my FHV License. I have already taken the defense course, however it has not done any reductions on my 7 points yet. What is the likeliness for my application to be approved and obtain the license? I have reread your article many times and I still do not seek my answer so I do apologize in advance.
Thank you
Steven,
Because the class has apparently not been entered on your record (it can take 30 to 60 days), you should submit your certificate to the TLC with your application so it can consider it.
Matthew Weiss
Hi Mathew,
I want to apply for my TLC license. Before applying I checked my driving abstract. I had received 3 convictions .
06/04/2013
4/22/2013
3/28/2013
I had taken the accident prevention course in july 2013 and november 2015.
Since, I had accumulated 6 points in 2013. Can I apply for TLC – FHV driver license now?
Thank you
Tim
Tim,
Whether you can apply hinges on when you were convicted of these tickets (not when you received them). Re-read my article given this information and you should be able to figure it out.
Best,
Matthew Weiss
Hello Mr Matthew Weiss,
I was currently convicted for failing to wait the the red light arrow to turn and that is 3 points, i Have a TLC license and I had a failed inspection ticket I as convicted for so that is 1 point, I currently HAVE 4 POINTS in total, then i have a case coming up on May 11th for a failed to yield to pedestrian, which is 3 points. I’m just wanted to know if I’m right, Lets say hypothetically if i get convicted on May 11th (god forbid) then my TLC license is going to have 7 points on it. If I take that NYS safety class will it bring it down the points down to 4 points immediately ? Tell me know if Im correct please because I know in regards to the DMV license you get the 4 point reduction kicks in if you are at risk of suspension. I hope that isn’t the same case for TLC
Anand R,
From the TLC website: “Licensees may attend and complete a Defense Driving Course to reduce the number of Critical Driver points on their license. Defensive Driving Courses will only reduce points accumulated by the Licensee as a result of the conviction of violations that occurred within 15 months prior to the date of the completion of the course. The Commission will not reduce total points more than once in any 18-month period.” So you should be fine if you take the class (although you may want to delay fighting your open case so that your other, older convictions drop off).
Matthew Weiss
hello matthew I received 2 tickets in a single incident and both are them are 2 points each. So what happens here does it count only as 2 points on my hack license? Or would the tlc count that as 4?
Luis G Guailacela,
It will count as 4 points if you are convicted of both. I recommend that you plead not guilty and fight them.
Matthew Weiss
Thank you Mr Weiss so I’ll be fine being able to renew my TLC license since I have 9 DMV points and once I take the defensive driving course It will reduce my points by 4 so I’ll be at 5 In total.
Cristiano,
I believe that the TLC will not give you a full 4 reduction (even though NY DMV would give you it). You need to check with TLC on how much credit it gives for the class.
Matthew Weiss
I’m replying back to my comment earlier sorry I wasn’t specific enough. So basically I have a total of 9 DMV points 3 for a failing for yield for pedestrians and a 6 point speeding ticket. I’m gonna take the defensive driving course so it can drop 3 points so I’ll have 6 points in total when I have to renew my tlc license next month. I had it for 3 years what’s gonna happen in this case? Will they Deny my renewal because I have 6points or they will suspend me for 1 month or I’ll have to pay $1000?
Cristiano,
The NYS Driver Safety Class will reduce your DMV point total by 4 (not 3). In regard to TLC, it depends when you were convicted of the 6- and 3-point tickets. If either conviction was more than 2 years ago, then they no longer count. If within 2 years, then you need to know the following rules:
Vehicle licenses can be revoked if the vehicle gets four (4) points during the two (2) year period of its license. When your vehicle license is renewed, you start your license at zero (0) again for the new license period. I recommend that you read this TLC Guide to fully understand how it works.
Matthew Weiss
Hi Mathew I had my TLC license for 3 years when it comes time to renew it what happens if I have 7 points? Do they suspend the tlc license for a month ? Or I get denied my renewal and lose my tlc license
Cristiano,
You should take the NYS Driver Safety Class ASAP. This should avoid any renewal issues for you.
Matthew Weiss
Rick – April 14, 2016 8:10 pm
Hi Matthew
My lic expired 4-9-16. I paid my renewal fee on 3/21/16 but got a job offer which I couldn’t deny. Thus didn’t feel the need to go through drug test and other renewal processes. Unfortunately, that job didn’t pull through and now I’m without a job and a lic. I also have 2 summons from tlc that I need to pay. My question is that can I still apply for my renewal? Considering I have passed my anniversary date.
Thansk
Reply
Matthew Weiss – April 15, 2016 12:57 am
Rick,
I’m not sure why you couldn’t apply to TLC despite passing your anniversary. At worst, it sounds like you might have an additional requirement (or two). Give it a shot and let us know what happens.
Good luck!
Matthew Weiss
So tlc issued me a letter and allowed me to take the drug test past my expiration date. Results are pending. My question once I pass, will they lift the suspension?
Thanks
Rick
Rick,
I recommend that you pay the unpaid tickets as soon as possible.
Matthew Weiss
my tlc license is suspended for 1 month, do I have to contact tlc office since I couldn’t attend the hearing or will my suspension period be over after a month automatically? during my suspension period , can I use my black car with tlc plate for personal use like road trip with my family?
Tassie,
You should visit the TLC office after your suspension period ends to make sure your TLC license is reinstated.
Matthew Weiss
hi , I have 9 points . my recent conviction date is Mar 29, 2016 with 2 point’s. others are 9/01/15 with 2 points, 12/15/14 with 3 points, 7/2/14 with 2 points. I have postponed tlc hearing 2 times . n couldn’t attend the hearing on third time which caused my tlc license suspension. I had taken defensive class on 12/05/15. so , if I file for motion to vacate , do I have chance to dismiss my case? now , I have only 3 weeks of suspension, so should I leave like this or file for motion to vacate?
Tassie,
It is imposible to predict whether your motion to vacate will be granted and, if so, you’ll obtain a more favorable result. Since it sounds like your suspension period started already, perhaps you want to just accept it but I cannot make that decision for you (especially with the limited information provided).
Good luck!
Matthew Weiss
Hi,
I just want to understand this better. I have 6-10 points on my License. I believe I got 6 of them sometime last year and maybe 4 just recently. Should I still apply for a TLC or will they just deny me on the spot? Thank you
Edwin Olivera,
I suggest that you take the NYS Driver Safety Class and, then, try and apply. You have nothing to lose by trying.
Good luck.
Matthew Weiss
I owe 1500 Worth of parking tickets, can I still apply and get a TLC licence?
Osiris Sanchez,
Not sure. Give it a try and let us know what happens.
Matthew Weiss
Hi when you have your TLC license for 3 years and you have to renew it but you have 7 Points on your driver license what Happens? Is there a penalty you have to pay to get the tlc license renewed or what’s the process?
Dave,
You may not be able to renew due to too many points. Take the NYS Driver Safety Class ASAP.
Matthew Weiss
Hi Matthew,
If I received a moving violation ticket and after 30 days it’s still not in the system as far as the DMV can tell. What should I expect. I even called the DMV and they have no documentation of the ticket.
Thanks,
Mike
Mike,
Keep checking. Perhaps it got lost but you need to keep checking just in case it gets entered belatedly.
Matthew Weiss
Hi Matthew
My lic expired 4-9-16. I paid my renewal fee on 3/21/16 but got a job offer which I couldn’t deny. Thus didn’t feel the need to go through drug test and other renewal processes. Unfortunately, that job didn’t pull through and now I’m without a job and a lic. I also have 2 summons from tlc that I need to pay. My question is that can I still apply for my renewal? Considering I have passed my anniversary date.
Thansk
Rick,
I’m not sure why you couldn’t apply to TLC despite passing your anniversary. At worst, it sounds like you might have an additional requirement (or two). Give it a shot and let us know what happens.
Good luck!
Matthew Weiss
Hi Matthew,
A friend of mine was involved in a pedestrian accident a few months ago. He just received a summons in the mail from TLC. What will happen next. What would the fine for something like this be?
Thanks,
Mike,
The fine amount and the outcome depend on a few variables including his record, past accident history and the extent of the pedestrians injuries.
Matthew Weiss
Hi I have a question I received a summons by the TLC copa for not having the inspection done on the car. Does this summons give any points? Or I just pay the fine at the TLC office.
George,
An un-inspected ticket carries 0 points.
Matthew Weiss
Hi just got a ticket driving with a electronic device.
hand free device. can i fight this ticket?
Manuel,
Of course you can fight it. Just plead not guilty and read my posts for some insights about fighting your case.
Good luck!
Matthew Weiss
Hi sir how r u. My name is talat recently I accumulated 7 points in my dmv license in 15 month period so tlc send me a letter I have to pay $1000 in 30 days from the letter date 10 days ago I went to tlc office to pay the fine but the cashier told me that my settlement offer has been voided but I did the defensive driving course in between 15 month period what that mean. Than
Talat,
Sounds like you need to visit the TLC office to get a better explanation as to what happened. Perhaps they did not yet get notice that you took the Driver Safety Class.
Good luck!
Matthew Weiss
I currently have 9 points on my license can I apply for a TLC license? I got a ticket in 2014 for 3points falling to yield to pedestrians 2016 I got a 6point speeding ticket.
George,
You can apply if these two convictions occurred more than 15 months apart. Check the dates of convictions.
Matthew Weiss
Hey I got a ticket for picking up a passenger 12″ away from the curbside and I was told by the officer I could have moved up 400 feet From the passenger into a gap where the passenger could have walked????????? What in the world??? No passenger is going to walk 400 feet to your cab, by that time another cab would have just picked them up. What are my options here because I could either hire an attorney which will get the job done still taking same fee or I could explained the story to the judge and run the risk of getting smacked with double the fine plus points. Any advice will help thank you
Hamza,
This ticket carries 0 points so don’t hire a traffic lawyer. Fight it yourself or just pay it. If you fight it yourself, dress nice and be polite. I doubt that you’ll get more than the minimum fine (assuming you have an otherwise clean record).
Matthew Weiss
Mr. Weiss last question it seems that I have a total of 9 points on my DMV license. If I took a defensive driving course it would take away 4 points leaving me with 5 points in total which I then will be able to renew my tlc license with out a problem?
David,
Did you read my article? This question is squarely answered. I have copied and pasted the applicable paragraph in bold below:
TLC drivers who take New York’s Driver Safety 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.
Matthew Weiss
What happens if you have 6 points on your DMV license and you have to renew your tlc license ?
David,
They may not allow you to renew. You should take the NYS Driver Safety Class before you go to renew. This will reduce your point total by 4.
Matthew Weiss
Mr. Weiss, I previously had a TLC hack license in 20013 but did not renew it after my probationary period was up. Currently I am looking to getting my hack license back. When I had tried to apply for one in October 2014. I was told I have too many points. The situation at the time was I had points in two situations on My DMV abstract.
Violation 1–> 9/7/2014; convicted on 10/16/2014 for cellphone 5 points
violation 2–> 3/15/2013; convicted on -4/14/2014
However defensive driving course was completed on 10/11/2014
I was told I had too many points to get my hack license and no further explanation. On today’s date, is it likely I can apply and receive a hack license? I do not want to spend the money on an application for them to just deny me. What is the rule for allowable points in what time frame for applying for a new hack license. I could not find the information on TLC’s website.
Jas,
Given the time lapse, I think you can now re-apply to get your TLC license. After 15 months, the points no longer count vis-a-vis the TLC.
Matthew Weiss
Hi
I already took a defensive driving class and still got 4 points left and recently got another 4 points for speeding doing a 83 in a 65. So now I have 8 points (2 of which is from taking a wrong lane into a tunnel with a van and not a car) will this affect me getting a tlc license? Thanks
Rolton Bazile,
These 8 points will affect your ability to get a TLC license.
Matthew Weiss
Hi Mathew,
In 2014 I received 5 tickets (single incidents) and were convicted in 10 points in 2016. Does these points affect my TLC license? I got guilty 2 years after the date I received the ticket. Can the TLC suspend my license?
Thanks
Amir,
These 20 points will affect your TLC license because, as I write in this post, the TLC using the date of conviction to measure point totals. Sorry.
Matthew Weiss
Hi Matthew if u can give me a response I got 7 guilty points in my driving license in 15 month it’s going to affect my tlc license and I did the defensive driving course 7 month ago it is going to help me from the suspension
Talat,
Yes, it sounds like the NYS Driver Safety Class will help you avoid a TLC suspension. Don’t get anymore tickets (at least, for a while).
Matthew Weiss