nyc taxi 2011rulebook ch54

7/31/2019 NYC TAXI 2011rulebook Ch54

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Table of Contents

54-01 Scope of This Chapter ............................................................................................................ 354-02 Penalties ................................................................................................................................ 354-03 Definitions Specific to This Chapter ....................................................................................... 554-04 Licensing Requirements ...................................................................................................... 754-05 Licensing Probationary Licenses ........................................................................................ 1254-06 Licensing Term of License .................................................................................................. 1354-07 Licensing Fees ................................................................................................................... 1454-08 Licensing Process and Causes for Denial ............................................................................ 1454-09 RESERVED (Licensing Transfer of License) ......................................................................... 1754-10 Licensing Care and Use of License ..................................................................................... 1754-11 Comply with Laws Unlicensed Activity Prohibited ............................................................. 1854-12 Comply with Laws Proper Conduct.................................................................................... 1954-13 Comply with Laws Traffic Laws & Miscellaneous ............................................................... 2254-14 Operations Passenger and Driver Safety .......................................................................... 2554-15 Operations General Rules During Operation of Vehicle ..................................................... 2754-16 Operations Comply with Reasonable Passenger Requests ............................................... 3054-17 Operations Rates, Charges and Payment .......................................................................... 3254-18 Operations Lost Property .................................................................................................. 3654-19 Operations Passenger Solicitation and Engagement......................................................... 37

Chapter 54 Medallion Taxicab

Drivers


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54-20 Operations Refusing Passengers ...................................................................................... 4054-21 RESERVED (Operations Cooperation with Issuing Jurisdictions) ........................................ 4254-22 Vehicle Operation and Condition ...................................................................................... 4254-23 Vehicle Items Required to be in the Vehicle. ..................................................................... 43 54-24 Vehicle Trip Records.......................................................................................................... 4454-25 Vehicle Equipment Taxicab Technology System ( Electronic Trip Record System) ............ 4654-26 Vehicle Equipment Taximeters .......................................................................................... 4854-27 Special Driver Penalty Programs .......................................................................................... 52

Updated March 27, 2012


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54-01 Scope of This Chapter(a) To establish procedures for the licensing, monitoring and regulation of Taxicab

Drivers.

(b) To establish operating rules to protect the customers and the public.(c) To establish appropriate penalties for the violation of these Rules.54-02 Penalties(a) Unlicensed Activity.

(1) Unlicensed Activity is the act of providing or advertising the provision ofany Commission-regulated for hire transportation service by:

(i) Any Licensee whose License is suspended, revoked, or expiredand not yet renewed, or

(ii) Any person who does not hold a Valid License or Authorizationfrom the Commission as a for hire driver, for the for hire vehicle,or for the for hire service, as applicable.

(2) Unlicensed Activity specifically includes the activities listed in 19-506and 19-528 of the Administrative Code, and can subject the violator tothe seizure and possible forfeiture of the vehicle involved.

(b) SpecificPenalties. If there are specific penalties for violating a Rule, they areshown at the end of the Rule. The penalty section also states whether the violatormust attend a Hearing.

(c) PaymentofF ines.(1) Fines are due within 30 days of the day the Respondent is found guilty of

the violation.

(2) If the Respondent files an appeal of the decision imposing the fines within30 days of the date of the decision, the payment of the fines will bedeferred until a decision on the appeal is made (see 68-14(d) of theseRules).

If the Respondent requests a copy of the Hearing recording (see 68-14(e)of these Rules) within 7 calendar days of the hearing, the time for eitherfiling an appeal or paying the fines will be the later to occur of either 30


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days from the date of the decision or 21 days from the date the recordingis issued (see 68-14(f) of these Rules).

(3) If the fine is not paid by the close of business on the date due, theCommission License will be suspended in ten business days of the date of thenotification until the fine is paid, unless the Respondent demonstrates tothe Commission, in person or in writing, that the fine has been paid.

(d) Discretionary Penalties. In the alternative to any of the specific penaltiesestablished in this Chapter, the Commission can, in its discretion, impose apenalty of License revocation, License suspension of up to six months, and/or afine, not to exceed $1,000 for each violation, against a Licensed Driver. (SeeChapter 68 Adjudications, 68-02)

(e) Mandatory Penalties. If a Licensee has violated a Rule listed below, or anycombination of these Rules, the Commission will impose the followingmandatory penalties and fines.

(1) $10-or-More Overcharge. Notwithstanding the penalty cited above forovercharging passengers in violation of Rule 54-17(a)(1) and (2), if aDriver charges or attempts to charge $10 or more above the approved rateof fare, the Commia Driver to return any overpayment to the Passenger.

(2) Calculating TimePeriods. The Commission will count the 24- and 36-month penalty periods going backwards, from the date of the lastviolation.

V I O L A T I O N Description Rule Mandatory Penalty/F ine - AL L

1. Overcharging Passengers 54-17(a)(1) &(2)

First violation: $350 if plead guilty before ahearing; $500 if found guilty following ahearing.

Second violation (any combination ofviolations) w/in 24 months: $700 if pleadguilty before a hearing; $1,000 and possible

suspension of License for up to 30 days iffound guilty following a hearing.

Third violation (any combination ofviolations) w/in 36 months: $750 andRevocation of License if plead guilty before ahearing; $1,000 and Revocation of License iffound guilty following a hearing.

2. Refusal of service Unjustified refusal totransport Passengers within NYC or definedcounties

54-20(a)(1)

3. Refusal of service Requiring assistant for

disabled Passengers, or seeking to chargeadditional fares for such an assistant

54-20(a)(2)

4. Refusal of service Refusing to transportwheelchairs, crutches or other mobility aids fordisabled Passengers

54-20(a)(3)

5. Refusal of service Seeking destinationbefore Passenger is seated inside vehicle

54-20(a)(4)


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(3) No License Issuedfor Period ofOneYear Following Certain Violations.A driver who has had his or her Taxicab Driver's License revoked for anyof the above violations will not be able to receive any CommissionLicense for a period of one year from the date of revocation.

54-03 Definitions Spec if ic to Th is Chapter(a) Defined Terms are Capitalized. All terms defined in this Chapter or in Chapter

5term capitalized (Example: Taxicab License, not taxicab license.)

(b) When used in thisChapter, capitalized terms such as Driver, Vehicle, License, etc., will mean

(c) Definitions(1) Applicant in this chapter refers to an Applicant for an original or renewal

(2) ApplicationLicense, including all documentation and other information submitted aspart of the application.

(3) Authorized Taxicab Trainingrefers to a course of training approved by theCommission that contains at least 80 hours of instruction on Commission-required topics such as Commission rules and procedures, geography, mapreading, Passenger relations, and courtesy.

(4) Authorized Taxicab Tra ining Refresher Courserefers to a four-hourcourse of training approved by the Commission that is required forrenewal of a Probationary License, and that includes topics such as anupdate of Rule changes, a review of Driver Responsibilities and duties,passenger relations, and an awareness of serving passengers withdisabilities.

(5) (i) C or E; or(ii) A valid license of similar class from another state of which the

Licensee is a resident


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(6) imposes additional penalties on a Driver whoaccumulates a certain number of Department of Motor Vehicle points onhis or her dr

(7) Defensive Dr iving Course refers to a course in defensive driving given bya school, facility or agency approved by the Commission and certified bythe New York State Department of Motor Vehicles.

(8) Feed Line is the line of Taxicabs that feeds into the specific pick-uplocation to pick up a Passenger.

(9) Long-Haulis a concept created and implemented at certain transportation

ust only accept customers who are requesting trips of at leasta certain distance or time.

(10) MTA Taxis the 50 cent tax on taxicab trips imposed by Article 29-A of theNYS Tax Law.

(11) Persistent Violator Programestablishes additional penalties for Driverswho repeatedly violate these Commission Rules within a certain amountof time. Persistent Violator penalties are determined based on pointsaccrued as part of the penalties established by this Chapter.

(12) Personal UseOffDutyis the designation made when a Driver is nolonger operating the Taxicab for hire and is usually for a longer periodthan Relief Time.

(13) Reliefor ReliefTime is a limited period of time when a Driver is off dutyto fulfill personal needs.

(14) Short Haulis a concept created and implemented at certain transportation

than a certain distance or time.

(15) TaxiStandis a place where Taxicabs are authorized (either by NYCDepartment of Transportation or a transportation terminal operator) to line

up and wait for customers.

(16) Taxpayeris a person or Business Entity required to pay the MTA Tax.(17) Valid, when referring to a License or other document, means that it is not

expired, suspended, revoked or restricted as to use for violation of trafficlaws or regulations.


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(18) Wheelchair Passenger. A Wheelchair Passenger is a Passenger using awheelchair.

54-04 L icensingRequirements(a) Age. An Applicant for a Taxicab Driver's License must be at least 19 years of

age.

(b) Identification. An Applicant for anproduce both of the following proofs of identity:

(1) A Valid Government-issued photo ID.(2) A Valid, original Social Security card.

(c) (d) Summary ofDriving Record.

issued by a state other than New York must provide the Commission with anabstract of his or her driving reno more than 30 days prior to the date of the Application.

(e) Physical FitnessfortheJob.(1) The Applicant must be of sound mental and physical condition and fit to

safely operate a vehicle.

(2) The Applican

Commission.

(3) The Commission can, for good cause, require the Applicant to beexamined by a licensed physician chosen by the Commission.

(4) An existing License can be suspended or revoked if the Driver fails to beexamined for a physical or mental condition.

(f) Speakand Understand English. An Applicant must be able to speak, read, writeand understand the English language. An Applicant is required to pass a testapproved by the Commission.

(g) Familiar with New York. Applicant must be familiar with the following:(1) The geography, streets and traffic regulations of the City of New York


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(2) The rules and regulations of the New York City Taxi and LimousineCommission

(3) The Vehicle and Traffic Law of the State of New York.(h) Pass Drug Test.

(1) controlled substances.

(2) The Commission designates who can perform the drug test and will onlydesignate an individual or entity that has a permit issued by the NewYork State Department of Health.

(3)

If an Applicant tests positive for drugs or controlled substances, the

(i) FingerprintingforthePurposeofDetermining Good Moral Character.Applicant must be of good moral character, and the Commission requires that allApplicants provide fingerprints.

(j) Agreementto Accept Legal Noticesor Processes.(1) An Applicant must agree to accept service of any sort of notice or legal

process issued by any agency of the City of New York upon the

(2) The

(k) Training. The Commission requires that Applicants for a new License pass allprescribed tests, both oral and written, as administered by the Commission or atits direction.

(1) Defensive Dr iving Course. Applicants must hold a certificate ofcompletion for the required hours of instruction in a Defensive DrivingCourse dated within six months prior to the application date.

(2) Authorized Taxicab Tra ining. Applicants must be able to prove (byshowing a certificate of attendance) that they attended an AuthorizedTaxicab Training course, successfully completed the course and passedan examination approved by the Commission on proficiency in Englishand other mandatory subjects.


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(3) Authorized Taxicab Training Refresher Course. During the last 60 daysof the initial one-year Probationary term, Probationary Licensees mustattend and pass an Authorized Taxicab Training Refresher course in orderto qualify for a renewal License.

(4)

Military Ex

emp

tion

.

Any Applicant for a License who previously held aAuthorized Taxicab Training course, provided that Applicant meets thefollowing conditions:

(i) the Applicant was not available to renew his or her Licensebecause he or she was engaged in active military service.

(ii) The began before the expiration dateof his or her prior License.

(iii) The Applicant filed an application within 90 days of completingactive military service, and in no event later than three yearsfollowing expiration of the prior License.

(iv) The Applicant provided proof of the dates of active militaryservice.

(v) Applicant meets all other requirements for obtaining a newLicense.

(5) Exemptionfor New York City Police Officers. Any Applicant for aLicense who is a New York City Police Officer will not be required totake the Authorized Taxicab Training, provided that Applicant meets thefollowing conditions:

(i) Applicant must present a letter from his or her commanding officerapproving the application

(ii) Applicant must pass an examination authorized by the Commission.(iii) Applicant must meet all other requirements for obtaining a new

License.

(l) Training Providers. Providers of Authorized Taxicab Training and RefresherTraining services must be approved by the Commission, must administer thecurriculum required by the Commission, and must have Commission approval ofall fees charged to Taxicab Drivers License Applicants.


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(m) Continuing Training Requirements.All renewal Applicants are required to attendand complete a Defensive Driving Course at least every three years. No Taxicabicense will be renewed unless the Applicant submits a certificate ofcompletion of the Course dated less than three years prior to the date of the

renewal application.

(n) Wheelchair Passenger Assistance Training.(1) Training Must beApproved by Commission. In order to become a driver

of an Accessible Taxicab, a Driver must attend a Commission-approvedtraining course regarding Wheelchair Passenger assistance.

(2) Requirementsofthe Course. Wheelchair Passenger assistance trainingmust be a minimum of three hours and must include the following:

(i)

A review of all legal requirements that apply to transportation ofPersons with Disabilities;

(ii) Passenger assistance techniques including a review of variousdisabilities, hands-on demonstrations, disability etiquette, mobilityequipment training (including familiarity with lift/ramp operationsand various types of wheelchairs), and safety procedures

(iii) Training with an actual person using a wheelchair(iv) Sensitivity awareness, including customer service and conflict

resolution policies.

(3) ProofofCompletion Required.No Driver may operate an AccessibleTaxicab unless the driver has a certificate of completion or otherevidence that he or she has completed the required training describedabove.

(4) Proofmust be Kept in Vehicle. Each Driver must keep a copy of thecertificate of completion in the Accessible Taxicab and available forinspection.

54-04(n) (3)-(4) Fine: $50 if plead guilty before ahearing; $75 if found guiltyfollowing a hearing

Appearance NOT Required

(o) Sign and F ile in Person. Applicants must sign their own applications forLicenses, and must file the applications in person with the Commission on theforms provided by the Commission.


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(p) Address.rrent MailingAddress.

(q) PaymentofF ines and Fees.

(1)

An Applicant, including an applicant for a renewal License, must pay, andprovide proof of payment of, any outstanding fines or fees owed by theApplicant to

(i) the Commission,(ii) NYC Department o(iii) (iv) (v) any of their successor agencies.

(2) This requirement includes payment of fines and fees owed as of the dateof the application by

(i) any Business Entity Persons of the Applicant(ii) any Business Entity of which the Applicant is a Business Entity

Person, and

(iii) any Business Entity of which a Business Entity Person of Applicantis also a Business Entity Person.

(3) An Applicant, including an Applicant for a renewal License, must pay any

License (of any type), unless the Applicant can demonstrate in person orin writing that the License has been surrendered.

(r) Material Changes intheApplication. The Applicant must inform the Chairpersonof any material change in the information submitted as part of the Applicationwhile the Application is pending. Material changes include, but are not limitedto:

(1) Changes in Ap(2) Mailing address;(3) Additional criminal convictions;


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(4) Additional DMV convictions, including convictions for the offense ofoperating a motor vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs; or

(5) Any change to the information provided or submitted with theApplication.

54-05 L icensingProbationary Licenses(a) Issuing Probationary Licenses.

(1) Upon approval of an Applicant for a new Taxicab License, theCommission will issue a Probationary License valid for one year.

(2) At the end of the one-year probationary period, the Commission willevaluate the Applicant and determine if renewing the License is

appropriate.

(3) To make this decision, the Commission will driving record, violation of any Taxicab Drivers Rules, orother evidence that suggests that the Driver no longer meets allrequirements for a License.

(b) AutomaticRefusal or Revocation.(1) The Commission will not issue a renewal License following the

probationary period, and can revoke an issued Probationary License at anytime if any of the following occurs:

(i) The Driver is convicted of a crime in any jurisdiction.(ii) The Driver is convicted of driving while impaired by alcohol or

drugs.

(iii) The Driver is convicted of refusing to submit to a breathalyzer orother chemical test.

(iv) The Driver is convicted of leaving the scene of an accident.(v) The Driver accumulates eight or more points against his or her

prior to his or her application for a Licensewith the Commission.)

(vi) The Driver is convicted of three or more moving violations.


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(vii) The Driver is convicted of two or more speeding violations.(viii) The Driver accumulates four or more points in a manner or time

fr(see54-27(b)).

(ix) The Driver is convicted of two or more violations that carry theMandatory Penalties listed in 54-02 of this Chapter

(2) For the purpose of 54-05(b)(1) above, the Commission will look at thedate a violation occurred(rather than date of conviction) to determinewhether the violation is within the probationary period.

54-06 L icensingTerm of License(a) New (Probationary) LicenseTerm. A License issued to a new Applicant will

expire one year from the date the License was issued.

(b) Renewal LicenseTerm. A License issued to a renewing Applicant will expire twoyears from the date on which the previous License expires.

(c) Extensions. The Commission can extend the expiration date of a renewal Licenseby up to an additional 31 days. If an expiration date is extended, the required drugtest must be dated within 30 days before (and no later than) the extendedexpiration date.

(d) Advancement. If a Licensee will not be available for drug testing during the 30days before his or her License is scheduled to expire, the Licensee can ask theCommission to move and reset the License expiration to an earlier date, providedthat:

(1) A Licensee in the second year of his or her License has satisfactorilycompleted the required drug test for Licensees in the first year.

(2) A Licensees makes only one such request during the term of a License. (3) The request is complete and accurate and submitted on the proper

Commission form.

(4) The term of the renewal License is two years from the NEW expirationdate.

(e) Whento Filefor Renewal(1) A renewing Applicant must file a completed application at least 30 days

before the expiration date of the License in order to avoid a late fee.


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(2) A renewing Applicant can file a completed application less than 30 days

late fee of $25.

(3) The postmark date is the date of filing for an application that is filed bymail. The date of submission is the date of filing for an application that isfiled in person.

(4) The Commission will not accept a renewal application after the expirationdate of the License. If the application is not filed before the expirationdate, the License cannot be renewed.

(f) Suspended Licenses.(1) If a License is suspended, the Licensee must apply for renewal as required

in (e) above if the Licensee wants to renew the License. Failure to

complete the renewal requirements means that the License cannot berenewed.

(2) A License that is suspended is not Valid and cannot be used until thesuspension ends. This is true even if the Applicant has filed an applicationfor a renewal.

54-07 L icensingFees(a) Feefor License. The fee for a Taxicab Driver's License will be $84 annually.(b) When Fee is Paid. The fee for an original or renewal License must be paid at the

time the application is filed.

(c) No Refund ifApplication Denied. The Commission will not refund fees if itdenies or disapproves the application.

(d) Late Filing Fee. The Commission will charge an additional fee of $25 for a latefiling of a renewal application, if it allows filing at all.

(e) LicenseReplacement Fee. The Commission will charge a fee of $25 for eachLicense it issues to replace a lost, stolen or mutilated License.

(f) Refresher Tra ining Course Fees. The authorized providers of an AuthorizedTaxicab Training Refresher Course will charge each participant a fee of $20.

54-08 L icensingProcess and Causes for Denial


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(a) F itto Hold a License - Applicant. The Chairperson will deny the original orrenewal License of any Applicant who fails to demonstrate that the Applicant isFit to Hold a License. The Chairperson will inform the Applicant, in writing, ofthe specific reason(s) for this denial. The decision to deny a license Applicationis in the discretion of the Chairperson.

(b) F itto Hold a License - Licensee. If at any time the Chairperson is notified that aDriver no longer meets the requirements for licensure, the Chairperson can denyoke his or her License.

(c) Denial ofan Application. The Chairperson can reject or deny a new Applicationfor a License for the reasons specified in this section. If, at the time of submissionof an Application by the Applicant, the Chairperson identifies that the Applicantmeets the criteria in this section, the Chairperson will reject the Application andno Application fees will be accepted. If the Application is accepted by theChairperson for processing, no Application fees will be refunded.

(1)

Three

-Year Ban

.

The Chairperson can deny an Application if, during theprevious three years, the Applicant has committed:

(i) Any act, as prohibited by these Rules, of driving a TLC licensedvehicle while impaired by intoxicating liquor (regardless of itsalcoholic content) or Drugs.

(ii) Any act, as prohibited by these Rules, of bribery, fraud, materialmisrepresentation, theft, threat against a person, harassment, abuse,or use of physical force.

(iii) Any act, as prohibited by these Rules, involving the possession of aWeapon in a vehicle licensed under these Rules.

(iv) Revocation ofa prior License.1. Revocation. If a prior License was revoked, the three-year

ban will run from the date of the revocation.

2. Surrender WhileLicenseRevocation ChargeswerePending. If a prior License was surrendered to theChairperson before the expiration date of the License, thethree-year ban will run from the date the License issurrendered.

3. License Expiration WhileLicenseRevocation ChargeswerePending. If a prior License expired while licenserevocation charges were pending, the three-year ban willrun from the date the License expired.


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(2) Two-Year Ban. The Chairperson can deny an Application if, during theprevious two years, the Applicant has committed:

(i) Any act constituting for-hire operation of a motor vehicle without avalid TLC License, except for the traffic infraction of unlicensed

operation.

(ii) Six or more violations of these Rules while holding any License orLicenses issued by the Commission. The two-year ban will becounted from the date of the last violation.

(3) One-Year Ban. The Chairperson can deny an Application if, during theprevious one year, the Applicant has committed:

(i) More than three traffic accidents within a single year. The one-yearban will be counted from the date of the last accident.

(ii) The traffic infraction of unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle,(iii) Prior Application Denied. The Chairperson will deny an

Application that is submitted within one year after the denial of aprevious Application, if the previous Application was deniedbecause the Applicant was found not Fit to Hold a License. The one-year ban will be counted from the date the prior application wasdenied.

(iv) Il legal useofDrugs, as determined by the Commission following adrug test required by the Commission. This includes where the drugtest result was unchallenged or unsuccessfully challenged. The one-year ban will run from the date of the failed drug test.

(4) Other Reasonsfor Denial ofan Application.(i) Mistakeor Omission intheApplication. The Chairperson can deny

an Application if the Application includes any material mistake oromission, or if the Applicant fails to inform the Chairperson of anymaterial change in the Application.

(ii) Eligiblefor Critical Driver Penalty. The Chairperson can deny anApplication if the Applicant would, if licensed, be subject to Licensesuspension or revocation under the Critical Driver Program at thetime the Application is submitted.

(iii) Pendency ofCriminal Charges. The Chairperson will deferconsideration of an Application if the Applicant has criminal charges


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pending. If the charges are not resolved within 90 days after thesubmission of the Application, the Application will be denied.

(5) Settlements. When settling charges which may result in the revocation ofa License, the Chairperson and the Respondent in that proceeding may

agree to a ban on applying for a new License different than that providedfor in these rules, provided that the:

(i) The agreement is in writing, and(ii) The ban on applying for a not less than one

year.

(d) Failureto CompleteApplication Requirements.(1) The Chairperson will deny an Application for a new License if the

Applicant has not completed all of the requirements of an Applicationwithin 90 days of the date the Application is filed.

(2) The Chairperson will deny an Application for a renewal License if theApplicant has not completed all of the requirements of an Application bythe expiration date of the prior License.

(3) The Chairperson will not deny an Application under this Rule ifcompletion is delayed because the Chairperson has not issued a finaldecision and the Applicant has complied with any requests made by theChairperson.

(e) Additional Consideration ofan Application. If a review of the Application leadsthe Chairperson to believe that the Applicant may not be Fit to Hold a License,the Chairperson may seek additional information from the Applicant. Thisrequest for additional information may be an in-person interview, telephone call,letter, e-mail, or other method of communication. This additional considerationmay result in the denial of the Application. Failure to provide any requestedinformation within the time frame requested, or failure to appear at a scheduledinterview will result in a denial of the application.

54-09 RESERV ED (L icensingTransfer of L icense)54-10 L icensingCare and Use of License(a) Lossor Theft ofLicense. A Driver must notify the Commission in writing of the

loss or theft of his or her Taxicab Driver's License within 72 hours (not countingweekends and holidays).

54-10(a) Fine: $50 Appearance NOT REQUIRED


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(b) UnreadableLicense. A Driver must immediately surrender any unreadable orunrecognizable Taxicab Driver's License to the Commission for replacement andreissue.

54-10(b) Fine: $50Points: 1

Appearance NOT REQUIRED

(c) Restrictionson License. A Driver must comply with all restrictions upon his orher Taxicab Driver's License.

54-10(c) Fine: $50 Appearance NOT REQUIRED

(d) May Have Only One. A Driver must not apply for or accept more than oneTaxicab Driver's License without the Commission's written permission.

54-10(d) Fine: $100-$350 and/or suspension up to 30 daysPoints: 3

Appearance REQUIRED

(e) Keep Likeness Updatedance has changedto any significant extent, the Driver must contact the Commission and arrange tohave a new photograph of him- or herself taken at the Commission offices.

54-10(e) Fine: $50 Appearance NOT REQUIRED

(f) Surrender ofLicense. A Driver must surrender his or her License to theCommission immediately upon revocation of the License. The License must besurrendered within thirty days of the date of revocation.

54-10 (f) Fine: $1,000 to be paid if Driver applies for a new

License of any type.

Appearance N/A

54-11 Comply with LawsUnlicensed Activity Prohibited(a) . A driver must not operate a

Taxicab in the City of New York while his or her Taxicab Driver's License isrevoked, suspended or expired.

54-11(a) Fine: $400 and Summary Suspension untilcompliance.


(b) (1) A Driver must not operate a Taxicab without a Valid Chauffeur's License.

54-11(b)(1) Fine: $400 and Summary Suspension untilcompliancePoints: 2



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(2) A driver must immediately surrender his or her Taxicab Driver's Licenseto the Commission upon the suspension or revocation of his or her

54-11(b)(2) Fine: $100Points: 1


(c) VehicleMust BeLicensed. A Driver must not knowingly operate a Taxicab forhire unless that vehicle is licensed by the Commission and the License is Valid.

54-11(c) Fine: $25-$350 and/or suspension up to 30 daysSummary Suspension until compliancePoints: 3

Appearance REQUIRED

(d) A Driver must not permit anyother person to use the Driver's Taxicab Driver's License while operating anyvehicle.

54-11(d) Fine: $10,000 and revocation Appearance REQUIRED

(e) No Unlicensed UseofTaxicab.(1) A Driver must not permit the Taxicab to be operated for hire by a person

54-11(e)(1) Fine: $100-$300 and/or suspension up to 30 days Appearance REQUIRED

(2) During the work shift a Driver must not allow another person to operateemergency.

54-11(e)(2) Fine: $50 Appearance NOT REQUIRED

54-12 Comply with LawsProper Conduct(a) Bribery. A Driver or anyone acting on behalf of the Driver must not offer or give

any gift, gratuity or thing of value to any employee, representative or member ofthe Commission or any other public servant.

54-12(a) Fine: $10,000 and revocation

Points: 6

Appearance REQUIRED


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(b) Failureto Report Bribery. A Licensee must immediately report to theCommission and the NYC Department of Investigation any request or demand fora gift, gratuity or thing of value by any employee, representative or member of theCommission or any other public servant.

54-12(b) Fine: $1,000 and/or suspension up to 30 days orrevocationPoints: 3

Appearance REQUIRED

(c) Fraud, Theft. While performing the duties and responsibilities of a Licensee, aLicensee must not commit or attempt to commit, any act of fraud,misrepresentation or theft.

54-12(c) Fine: $350-$1,000 and/or suspension up to 60 daysor revocation,Points: 4

Appearance REQUIRED

(d) Willful Acts ofOmission. While performing the duties and responsibilities of aLicensee, a Licensee must not deliberately fail to perform, alone or with another,any act where this failure is against the best interests of the public, although notspecifically mentioned in these rules.

54-12(d) Fine: $150-$350 and/or suspension up to 30 days orrevocation,Points: 3

Appearance REQUIRED

(e) Willful Acts ofCommission. While performing the duties and responsibilities of aLicensee, a Licensee must not deliberately perform or attempt to perform, aloneor with another, any act that is against the best interests of the public, although

not specifically mentioned in these rules.

54-12(e) Fine: $150-$350 and/or suspension up to 30 days orrevocation,Points: 3

Appearance REQUIRED

(f) Threats, Harassment, Abuse. While performing the duties and responsibilities ofa Licensee, a Licensee must not threaten, harass, or abuse any person, and mustnot distract or attempt to distract any Service Animal.

54-12(f) Fine: $350-$1,000 and/or suspension up to 30 daysor revocation,

Points: 3

Appearance REQUIRED

(g) Useor ThreatofPhysical Force. While performing the duties andresponsibilities of a Licensee or any act in connection with those duties, aLicensee must not use or attempt to use any physical force against a person orService Animal.

54-12(g) Fine: $500-$1,500 and/or suspension up to 60 daysor revocation,

Appearance REQUIRED


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Points: 4

(h) NoticeofCriminal Conviction.(1) A Licensee must notify the Commission in writing within 15 calendar

days after any criminal conviction of the Licensee.

(2) Licensee must also provide the Commission with a certified copy of thecertificate of disposition issued by the clerk of the court within 15 daysafter sentencing.

54-12(h) Fine: $100 if plead guilty before a hearing; $250 iffound guilty following a hearing.Points: 3


(i) Cooperatewiththe Commission.(1) A Driver must truthfully answer all questions and promptly comply withall communications, directives, and summonses issued by the Commission

or its representatives, including the NYC Department of Investigation.

(2) Upon request of the Commission, a Driver must produce any license, RateCard, Trip Record or other documents Licensee is required to have or bereasonably able to obtain, whenever the Commission requires it.

54-12(i)(1)-(2)

Fine: $300 and Summary Suspension untilcompliancePoints: 2

Appearance REQUIRED

(3) (i) A Driver must report any change of Mailing Address to theCommission in person or by mail within ten days.

54-12(i)(3)(i) Fine: $100 Appearance NOT REQUIRED

(ii) Any communication from the Commission is sufficient if sent to thelast Mailing Address provided by the Driver.

(4) A driver must remove all currency from the Taxicab's interior prior to itsexamination by any Commission personnel.

54-12(i)(4) Fine: $50 Appearance NOT required

(j) Cooperatewith Law Enforcement.


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(1) A Driver must cooperate with all law enforcement officers and allauthorized representatives of the Commission including dispatchers atpublic transportation terminals and at authorized group-ride Taxicab lines.

(2) Cooperation includes, but is not limited to, responding to a request for thedocuments the Driver is required to have in his or her possession.

54-12(j) Fine: $300 if plead guilty before a hearing; $400 iffound guilty following a hearing.Points: 2


(k) No UseofTaxicabfor Unlawful Purpose. A Driver must not use or permit anyother person to use his Taxicab for any unlawful purpose.

54-12(k) Fine: $100-$350 and/or suspension up to 30 daysPoints: 3

Appearance REQUIRED

(l) Report Attemptto UseTaxicabfor Unlawful Purpose. A Driver must reportimmediately to the police any attempt to use his Taxicab to commit a crime orescape from the scene of a crime.

54-12(l) Fine: $100-$350 and/or suspension up to 30 daysPoints: 3

Appearance REQUIRED

(m) No Concealment ofCrime. A Driver must not conceal any evidence of a crime orvoluntarily aid violators to escape arrest.

54-12(m) Fine: $350-$1,000 and/or suspension up to 30 days

Points: 3

Appearance REQUIRED

54-13 Comply with LawsTraff ic Laws & Misce llaneous(a) Comply with TrafficLaws. Taxicab Drivers must comply with all applicable

traffic laws, rules, and regulations. Taxicab Drivers are subject to additional finesand penalties that will be imposed by the Commission for violating the trafficlaws as follows:

(1) Laws, rules or regulations governing stationary vehicles.54-13(a)(1) Fine: $100 if plead guilty before a hearing; $200 if

found guilty following a hearing.


(2) Laws, rules or regulations governing moving vehicles, otherthanhazardousmoving violationsdefined by paragraph (3) of this subdivision.

54-13(a)(2) Fine: $200 if plead guilty before a hearing; $300 iffound guilty following a hearing.



23/55


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month periodPoints: 3

(5) Notify Taxicab Vehicle Owner ofAccident. If the Driver is involved in atraffic accident, the Driver must immediately report the accident to theowner of the Taxicab.

54-13(a)(5) Fine: $100Points: 3


(b) (1) A Driver who suffers a disabling work-related injury and has filed for

Workers' Compensation benefits will:

(i) (ii) Cease driving while claiming a disability.

(2) Return to Work.(i) Driver submits

documentation to the Commission that he or she has recovered and

(ii) The owner of the Taxicab is required to provide the Driver withon benefitshave ended, as provided in Chapter 58, 58-14(d) of these Rules.

54-13(b) Fine: $75-$150 Appearance REQUIRED

(c) MTA Tax.(1) The MTA Tax must be charged on any trip that starts in New York

City and ends in any of:

(1) New York City.(2) Dutchess County.(3) Nassau County.(4) Orange County.(5) Putnam County.(6) Rockland County.


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(7) Suffolk County.(8) Westchester County.

(2)

A Driver who is not a Taxpayer must pay the Taxpayer the MTA Taxcollected for each trip for which the MTA Tax is due.

54-14 Operations Passenger and Driver Safety(a) Reckless Driving Rule. A Driver must not operate his or her Taxicab in a manner

or at a speed that unreasonably endangers users of other vehicles, pedestrians, orthe Passengers.

54-14(a) Fine: $350-$1,000 and/or suspension up to 30 days,or revocation if Driver is found guilty of havingviolated this rule more than three times within an18-month periodPoints: 4

Appearance REQUIRED

(b) Driving While Impaired.(1) A Driver must not operate a Taxicab while his or her driving ability is

impaired by intoxicating liquor (regardless of its alcoholic content) orDrugs.

(2) A Driver must not drive or occupy his or her Taxicab for at least six hoursafter consuming any intoxicating liquor regardless of its alcoholic content,or any Drugs.

54-14(b) Fine: Revocation Appearance REQUIRED

(c) Drug Testing.(1) Drug Testingfor Cause.If the Commission has a reasonable suspicion that

a Driver has used a Drug that makes him or her unfit to operate a Taxicabsafely, the Commission can direct the Driver

expense, by a Commission-approved person, licensed by the NYSDepartment of Health, and the Driver must comply.

54-14(c)(1) Fine: Suspension until compliance or revocation oflicense


(2) Annual Drug Testing.


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(i) All Drivers except Drivers who are City of New York PoliceOfficers must be tested annuallyDrugs in order to retain Valid Licenses.

(ii) The drug testing must be performed by an individual or entitydesignated by the Commission and possessing a requisite permitissued by the New York State Department of Health.

(iii) For Drivers in the first year of a two-year License, the testing mustoccur no sooner than 30 days before the one-year anniversarydate of the License, and not after the one-year anniversary date.

(iv) Fo

(iv)

For Drivers in the second year of a two-year License, the annualdrug testing must occur no sooner than 30 days before theLicense expiration date, and in no case after the expiration date.

(3) Results ofDrug Test54-1454-14(c)(2). If the results of either test are positive, or if the sample cannot betestedcan be revoked after a hearing.

54-14 (c)(3) Fine: Suspension or revocation of license Appearance REQUIRED

(d) Limits on Consecutive HoursofDriving. A Driver must not operate a Taxicab formore than 12 consecutive hours.

54-14(d) Fine: $25Point: 1


(e) UseofElectronic Communication Device.(1) A Driver must not Use an Electronic Communication Device while

operating a Vehicle. A Driver can Use an Electronic CommunicationDevice only while the Vehicle is lawfully standing or parked.

54-14(e)(1) Fine: $250 if plead guilty before a hearing; $350 iffound guilty following a hearing, and suspension.The suspension is deferred for 60 days; if the drivercompletes a Distracted Driving Course within the60-day period then the driver will not be suspended.

Points: 3 for the first offense and for the second


54-14(c)(2)(iii) Fine: Summary Suspension until compliance.If testing occurs after the one-year anniversary date,but within 30 days after that date, there will be a$200 penalty for reinstatement

n/a

54-14(c)(2)(iv) If the Driver fails to be tested within this time period,his or her License will expire and will not be renewed

n/a


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offense in any 15-month period;4 for the third offense in any 15-month period.

(2) In addition to the penalties provided above for any violation of this Rule, aDriver convicted of a violation of this Rule must complete a DistractedDriving Course no later than 60 days after the date of conviction. Thelicense of a Driver who does not complete the Distracted Driving Coursewithin the 60 day period will be suspended until compliance. In instanceswhere the Chairperson has not received proof of completion of aDistracted Driving Course from a Distracted Driving Course provider, theChairperson will provide notice to the Driver prior to suspension that theDriver has a specified time of no less than 10 days from the date of thenotice to provide proof of completion of a Distracted Driving Course tothe Chairperson by mail.

(3) Affirmative Defense. A Driver can offer an affirmative defense to a chargeof Using an Electronic Communication Device under this Rule if all of thefollowing are true:

(i) The communication was to an emergency response operator;(ii) The communication reports an imminent threat to life or property;(iii) The Driver could not safely stop the Vehicle to make the report; and(iv) The Driver provides documentary proof of communication with an

emergency response provider.

54-15 OperationsGeneral Rules During Operation of Vehicle(a) No Weapons. While operating a Taxicab, a Driver must not have a Weapon or

any other instrument intended to be used as a weapon in his or her possession orin the vehicle without the written permission of the Chairperson.

54-15(a) Fine: Revocation Appearance REQUIRED

(b) Driver Neat & Clean. A Driver must be clean and neat in dress and person andpresent a professional appearance.

54-15(b) Fine: $25 Appearance NOT REQUIRED

(c) NoSmoking. A Driver must not smoke in a Taxicab.54-15(c) Fine: $150 Appearance REQUIRED

(d) Locking Taxicab Doors.


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(1) While on duty, a Driver must not lock either of the rear doors except withthe consent or at the request of a Passenger or for a reason specified inthese rules.

(2) A Driver is permitted to lock the front doors. However, a Driver must notrefuse to transport a party of four, where one person must occupy the frontseat, because the front doors are locked.

54-15(d) Fine: $300 if plead guilty before a hearing; $400and/or suspension up to 30 days if found guiltyfollowing a hearing.Points: 2

Appearance REQUIRED

(e) (Reserved).

(f) E-ZPassRules(1) A Driver must not operate a Taxicab for hire that is not equipped with an

E-ZPasstag.

(2) The Driver must use E-ZPassat all crossings within the jurisdiction ofthe Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Triboro Bridge and TunnelAuthority, and wherever else E-ZPassis accepted.

(3) Drivers may use personal E-ZPasstags to meet this requirement.54-15(f)(1)-(3) Fine: $150 if plead guilty before a hearing; $200 if



(4) A Driver must forward all tolls paid by the Passengers to the holder of theE-ZPasstag at the end of his or her shift or lease period.

(5) If Driver has been required to establish a replenishment account, asdescribed in 58-27(d)(2) of the Taxicab Owners chapter, the Driver mustmaintain the required balance in the account.

54-15(f)(4)-(5) Fine: $50 plus restitution to the E-ZPasstagholder of any amount not reimbursed, andsuspension until compliance

Appearance REQUIRED

(g) Overloading Vehicle. A Driver must not permit more than four Passengers toride in a four- Passenger Taxicab, nor more than five Passengers in a five-Passenger Taxicab, except that an additional Passenger must be accepted if thePassenger is under the age of seven (7) and is held on the lap of an adultPassenger seated in the rear.

54-15(g) Fine: $100 if plead guilty before a hearing; $150 if Appearance NOT REQUIRED


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(h) UseofFrontSeat.(1) A Passenger who is unable to enter or ride in the rear seat of the Taxicab

must be permitted to occupy the front Passenger seat.

(2) If a Passenger's luggage, wheelchair, crutches, other mobility aid or otherproperty occupies the rear seats of the Taxicab, a Passenger must bepermitted to occupy the front Passenger seat.

54-15(h) Fine: $75 for a violation involving a person; $25for a violation involving luggage


(i) No Property-Only Transport. A Driver must not transport property, except bloodor vital human organs, unless such property is in the possession of a Passenger.

54-15(i) Fine: $100 Appearance NOT REQUIRED

(j) No Marketingto Passengers. A Driver must not sell, advertise or recommend anyservice or merchandise to any Passenger without prior written Commissionapproval.

54-15(j) Fine: $50-$350 and/or suspension up to 30 days. Appearance REQUIRED

(k) Proper Driver Authorization.(1) A Driver must not operate a Taxicab unless either:

(i) The DriveCommission and, if the Driver is leasing the Taxicab, the Lease hasnot yet expired; or

(ii) by the Commission.

54-15(k)(1) Fine: $100-$350; for the third or subsequentviolation within 36 months, the license may also besuspended for up to 30 days.Points: 1

Appearance REQUIRED

(2) A Driver who is leasing a Taxicab must not sublease the Taxicab.54-15(k)(2) Fine: $100-$350; for the third or subsequent

violation within 36 months, the license may also besuspended for up to 30 days.

Appearance REQUIRED

(l) Courtesy. A Driver must be courteous to passengers.


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54-15(l) Fine: $200 if plead guilty before a hearing; $300 iffound guilty following a hearing.Points: 2


(m) OffDuty Procedures.(1) When the Taxicab is operated for personal use, "Personal Use--Off Duty"

must be keyed into T-PEP (or made on the written Trip Record), and the"Off Duty" light must be turned on.

54-15(m)(1) Fine: $100 if plead guilty before a hearing; $150 iffound guilty following a hearing.


(2) A Driver must turn on the "Off Duty" light only by use of a manuallyoperated switch on the Taxicab dashboard

54-15(m)(2) Fine: $75 Appearance NOT REQUIRED

54-16 OperationsComply with Reasonable Passenger Requests(a) RequestforSpecificRoute. The Driver must comply with all reasonable and

lawful routing requests of the Passenger. Unless a Passenger makes a specificrequest, reasonable route.

54-16(a) Fine: $100 if plead guilty before a hearing; $150 iffound guilty following a hearing.


(b) Requeststo Change Destination. Passengers may ask the Driver to change theirdestination or end their ride during their trip. Drivers must comply with theserequests unless it is impossible or unsafe. The Passenger will pay the amountshown on the Taximeter or information monitor when the trip ends.

54-16(b) Fine: $50-$200Points: 2.

Appearance REQUIRED

(c) Requestto Load Luggage. Upon the request of a Passenger, the Driver must loador unload a Passenger's luggage, wheelchair, crutches or other property into orout of the Taxicab's interior or trunk compartment, and must securely close the

door or trunk compartment.


(d) Passenger Receipt.


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(1) (a) At the end of a trip, a Driver, personally or via the passengerinformation monitor (PIM) or other electronic means, must offer aPassenger a receipt for payment of fare,

(b) except when the PIM is inoperable, for not more than 48 hours after

the driver files an incident report with the authorized taxicab technologyservice provider, as set forth in 58-41(b)(1), and

(2) when a Passenger requests a receipt, personally or via the PIM or otherelectronic means, a Driver must give a Passenger a receipt for payment ofthe fare.

(3) The receipt must state the:(i) date(ii)

time

(iii) Medallion number(iv) trip number(v) total fare(vi) tolls(vii) surcharges(viii) extras(ix) tip, if paid by credit/debit card(x) last four digits of card account number, if applicable(xi) (xii)

54-16(d) Fine: $50 if plead guilty before a hearing; $75 if

found guilty following a hearing.Points: 1.


(e) Requestto Adjust Audio.(1) At the request of a Passenger, the Driver must adjust the volume or turn

on or off any audio or video equipment within his or her control.


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Passengers are also entitled to select what is played on any audio or videoequipment in the Taxicab.

(2) Whether or not there is a Passenger in the Taxicab, an audio or videodevice can only be played at a normal volume and must not violate NYC

noise regulations.


(f) Requestto Adjust Air Conditioning/Heat. At the request of a Passenger, theDriver must turn the air conditioning or heating equipment on or off.

54-16(f) Fine: $25 Appearance NOT REQUIRED

(g) Other ReasonablePassenger Requests. A Driver must comply with all thereasonable requests of a Passenger, including but not limited to giving his or hername, Taxicab Driver's License number and the Medallion number.

54-16(g) Fine: $50-$200Points: 2

Appearance REQUIRED

54-17 OperationsRates, Charges and Payment(a) No Overcharges.

(1) A Driver must not charge or attempt to charge a fare above theCommission-approved rates.

(2) A Driver must not impose or attempt to impose any additional charge fortransporting a person with a disability, a service animal accompanying aperson with a disability, or a wheelchair or other mobility aid.

54-17(a)(1)-(2) Mandatory penalties as set forth in 54-02 Appearance NOT REQUIRED

(3) A Driver must not collect or attempt to collect separate fares fromindividual Passengers who have shared a Taxicab for part or all of a tripunless such fares are specifically authorized as part of a Group Ridingprogram established by the Commission.

54-17(a)(3) Fine: $50-$150Points: 2

Appearance REQUIRED

(4) A Driver must give the correct change to a Passenger who has paid thefare.

54-17(a)(4) Fine: $50-$150Points: 2

Appearance REQUIRED


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(5) A Driver must not ask a Passenger for a tip or indicate that a tip isexpected or required.

54-17(a)(5) Fine: $50 Appearance NOT REQUIRED

(b)

Non-Paying Cust

ome

rs.

If a Passenger refuses to pay the metered fare, the

(1) Record the amount of fare on the Taximeter onto the Trip Record throughthe Taxicab Technology System, or onto the written Trip Record if the T-PEP is not working, and

(2) Proceed directly to the nearest police precinct, present the facts to thepolice and follow their instructions for resolving the dispute.

(c) Currency. A Driver must accept United States currency as payment for services.54-17(c) Fine: $100 . Appearance NOT REQUIRED

(d) Making Change.(1) A Driver must always be capable of making change for a $20 bill during

his or her work shift.

(2) If the Driver is not able to change a $20 bill, the Driver will, with the

(i)

(ii) Transmit the relevant information to an electronic database forentry on the electronic trip record or make an appropriate writtentrip record entry.

(iii) Proceed to the nearest location where he or she may reasonablyexpect to obtain change.

54-17(d) Fine: $25. Appearance NOT REQUIRED

(e) Must Accept Credit/Debit Card Payment.(1) All Taxicabs are required to be equipped with T-PEP and Drivers must

54-17(e)(1) Fine: $100. Appearance REQUIRED


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(2) A Driver must not pick up or transport a passenger when the system isincapable of accepting or processing credit or debit card transactions,unless prior to engaging the Taximeter, the Driver advises the passengerthat he/she will not be able to use a credit or debit card for payment

(3) -PEP system, but because thecommunication network is unable to process debit/credit card payments atthat time, the Driver must offer the customer the option of either:

(i) Paying cash or(ii) Having the Taxicab Driver continue to a location where the wireless

payment system can communicate with its network.

54-17(e)(2)-(3) Fine: $200 if plead guilty before a hearing; $300and/or suspension up to 30 days if found guilty

following a hearing.Points: 1


(f) No Mark-upfor Credit Payment. A Driver must not charge any additional fee(mark-up) to any Passenger for credit/debit card transactions.

54-17(f) Fine:First violation: $200Second violation: $300Third violation: $500In addition to the penalty payable to the Commission, theadministrative law judge may order the Driver to payrestitution to the Passenger, equal to the excess amountthat was charged to the Passenger.

Appearance REQUIRED

(g) Trips Beyondthe City.(1) In Genera l. For a trip anywhere beyond the City of New York (other than

to Westchester or Nassau counties or Newark Airport), the following rulesand charges apply:

(i) The Driver must negotiate a flat rate trip charge with the Passengerbefore beginning the trip. (

54-17(g)(1)(i) Fine: $100.Points: 2


(ii) The Driver must place the Taximeter in a recording position at thebeginning of the trip and allow it to continue recording

54-17(g)(1)(ii) Fine: $100. Appearance NOT REQUIRED


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Points: 2

(2) For a trip to WestchesterorNassau County, the following charges andrules apply:

(i) The Driver must place the Taximeter in a recording position at thestart of the trip and must keep the Taximeter in the recordingposition at all times.

54-17(g)(2)(i) Fine: $100. Appearance NOT REQUIRED

(ii) Before starting the trip, the Driver must inform the Passenger howthe trip charges will be calculated, including the payment of tollsboth to and from the destination.

(iii) The rate of fare will be the amount shown on the Taximeter for theportion of the trip within the City, plus twice the amount shown on

the Taximeter for the portion of the trip outside the City limits (SeeChapter 58, 58-26(d)(2)).

(iv) The Driver must tell the Passenger when the Taxicab crosses theCity limits so that the Passenger can check the reading on theTaximeter at that time.

(v) The Passenger is also responsible for all necessary tolls charged forboth going to the destination and for

54-17(g)(2)(ii)-(v) Fine: $25Points: 2. Appearance NOT REQUIRED

(3) For a trip to NewarkAirport, the following charges and rules apply:(i) The Driver must place the Taximeter in a recording position at the

start of the trip and must keep the Taximeter in the recordingposition at all times.

54-17(g)(3)(i) Fine: $100. Appearance NOT REQUIRED

(ii) Before starting the trip, the Driver must inform the Passenger howthe trip charges will be calculated, including the payment of tollsout of and back into the City.

(iii) The rate of fare will be the amount shown on the Taximeter plus asurcharge of $15.00 (See Chapter 58, 58-26(d)(3)).

(iv) The Passenger is also responsible for all necessary tolls charged forboth going to the destination and for


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(4) For all out-of-City trips, the Driver must record the charges and the out-of-city destination on the written Trip Record, if T-PEP is not working.

54-17(g)(4) Fine: $25.Points: 2


(h)MTA Tax. The MTA Tax must be charged on any trip that starts in New York Cityand ends in any of:

(1) New York City.(2) Dutchess County.(3) Nassau County.(4) Orange County.(5) Putnam County.(6) Rockland County.(7) Suffolk County.(8) Westchester County.

54-18 OperationsLost Property(a) Inspection Following TripsfromAirports. Immediately after completing a trip to

Kennedy, La Guardia or Newark Airports, the Driver must inspect the interior ofthe Taxicab and the trunk compartment, if used, to ensure that Passengers havecollected their property.


(b) Handling ofLost Property. Property found by a Driver in a Taxicab must bereturned to the Passenger if possible; otherwise, it must be taken without delay tothe police precinct closest to where the Passenger was discharged.

54-18(b) Fine: $25-$250 Appearance REQUIRED

(c) Notifying Commission Regarding Lost Property. If the property is not returned tothe Passenger, the Driver must promptly inform the Commission of the detailsregarding the found property and the police precinct where it is held.

54-17(g)(3)(ii)-(iv) Fine: $25Points: 2.



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54-19 Operations Passenger Solicitation and Engagement(a)

Lim

its

on Drive

rSol i

c

it

at

ion of

Passe

nge

rs.

(1) A Driver must solicit Passengers only from the driver's seat of his or herTaxicab and only using the words "taxi" or "cab" or "Taxicab."

54-19(a)(1) Fine: $50Point: 1


(2) A Driver must not use a person, other than a dispatcher at an authorizedGroup Ride taxi line, or an Accessible Taxicab dispatcher, to solicitPassengers.


(3) A Driver must not give false or misleading information to someone in aneffort to convince him or her to hire the Taxicab by implying, for instance,that the trip will be shorter or cheaper than it will be. For example, theDriver must not give a false departure time for a train, bus or airplane inorder to suggest that the Taxicab can get the Passenger to the terminal intime.

54-19(a)(3) Fine: $50-$200Points: 3

Appearance REQUIRED

(4) A Driver must not solicit Passengers within 100 feet of any bus stop.Drivers must not stop at bus stops unless hailed.

54-19(a)(4) Fine: $100Points: 1


(5) A Driver must not pick up additional Passengers during a trip except at


(6) A Driver must not suggest to a current Passenger that an additional personbe accepted as a Passenger.


(7) A Driver must not solicit or cruise for the purpose of soliciting Passengers:(i) At Kennedy, La Guardia or Newark Airports


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(ii) Within 100 feet of any authorized Taxi Stand(iii) Within the private streets of Lincoln Center(iv)

In any area of the City of New York where Taxicab cruising isprohibited

54-19(a)(7) Fine: $100 if plead guilty before a hearing; $150 iffound guilty following a hearing.Points: 1


(8) A Driver who has illuminated the "Off Duty" light must not solicit oraccept a Passenger unless ALL of the following are true:

(i) The Driver is returning the Taxicab to his or her garage or home.(ii) The Driver has transmitted the relevant information to an

electronic database for entry on the electronic trip record or made awritten trip record entry "Returning to garage (or home)".

(iii) home or garage.

(iv) When the last passenger is discharged, the Driver must lock thedoors and return to his garage or home.

54-19(a)(8) Fine: $75Points: 1


(b) TaxiStands.(1) A Driver has the right to take a position at any Taxi Stand having a

vacancy, and no other Taxicab Driver may interfere with that right.

54-19(b)(1) Fine: $100 if plead guilty before a hearing; $150 iffound guilty following a hearing.


(2) A Driver must not occupy a Taxi Stand in order to repair his Taxicab,except for minor emergency repairs.




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(3) A Driver must not overcrowd, crash into or back into a front position on aTaxi Stand; a Driver must take the rear position on the line formed at sucha stand, unless it is a relief stand that has a vacancy.



(4) A Driver must only occupy a Taxi Stand when on duty or for no longerthan one hour while on Relief Time or for Personal Use-Off Duty.



(5) The Drivers of each of the first two Taxicabs on a Taxi Stand, (other thana Relief Stand), must remain in the driver's seat ready to acceptPassengers. Any other Driver on a Taxi Stand must be no more than 15feet from his or her Taxicab unless he or she is off duty and the required

"Off Duty" light or "Relief Time" sign is visibly displayed.



(6) Except where expressly forbidden, a Taxicab is permitted to stop and waitfor Passengers in the space immediately in front of a fire hydrant on astreet where parking is not prohibited, provided the Driver remains seatedin his Taxicab, ready for operation at all times.



(c) Terminals.(1) The rules regarding Taxi Stands also apply to special Taxi Stands and

Feed Lines at air, rail, bus and ship terminals.

(2) Where a terminal provides Taxicab holding areas:(i) Drivers must park the Taxicab in a taxi holding area before leaving

on Relief Time.

(ii) Upon returning from Relief Time, the Driver must join the end ofthe Feed Line.

(iii) Drivers are not permitted to bring Passengers into a holding area.54-19(c)(2) Fine: $50 Appearance NOT REQUIRED

(3) Where an airport Taxi Stand offers both Long Haul and Short Haul lines,if there are Taxicabs available in both lines:


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(i) A Driver in the Short Haul line must not accept a Passenger for aLong Haul

(ii) A Driver in the Long Haul line must not accept a Passenger for aShort Haul.

54-19(c)(3) Fine: $100 Appearance NOT REQUIRED

(d) DriversofAccessibleTaxicabs.(1) Drivers of Accessible Taxicabs on trips dispatched by the Accessible Taxi

Dispatcher must comply with all service rules (including rules pertainingto meters and fares) provided in this chapter.

54-19(d)(1) Fine: Chapter 54 penalties apply

(2) A Driver of an Accessible Taxicab who has been dispatched by theAccessible Taxi Dispatcher is entitled to be paid the Dispatch Fee by theAccessible Taxi Dispatcher. This includes trips which end with noWheelchair using Passenger, or any passenger, being picked up.

54-20 OperationsRefusing Passengers(a) Must NotRefuseto Transport Passengers. Unless the Driver has justifiable

grounds, the Driver must not refuse to transport in any of the followingcircumstances:

(1) Mandatory Transport. A Driver must not refuse by words, gestures or anyother means, to take a Passenger, including a person with a disability andany service animal accompanying this individual, to any destination withinthe City of New York, the counties of Westchester or Nassau, or NewarkAirport.

54-20(a)(1) (Mandatory penalties as set forth in 54-02) Appearance NOT REQUIRED

(2) Attendantfor Disabled Passengers. A Driver must not require a personwith a disability to be accompanied by an attendant. However, if a personwith a disability is accompanied by an attendant, the Taxicab Driver must

not impose or attempt to impose any additional charge for transporting theattendant.



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(3) Luggage and Mobility Aids. A Driver must not refuse to transport aPassenger's luggage, wheelchair, crutches, other mobility aid or otherproperty.


(4) Destination in Advance.A Driver must not attempt to learn the destinationof a Passenger before the Passenger is seated in the Taxicab.


(b) Justificationsfor Refusing Passenger. The following are permitted reasons forrefusing to transport:

(1) Another Passenger is already seated in the Taxicab.(2) The Driver has already acknowledged a hail from another person, and that

other person is being picked up or is about to be picked up. (CAUTION:A Driver must not acknowledge the hail of one person over another inorder to avoid transporting the person whose hail was not acknowledged.)

(3) The Passenger is carrying or is in possession of any article, package, caseor container which the Driver reasonably believes will cause damage tothe Taxicab. (CAUTION:This does NOT include wheelchairs, crutches, aservice animal or other mobility aid used by disabled Passengers. Mobilityaids must be accepted.)

(4) The Driver is discharging his last Passenger or Passengers prior to goingoff duty, and has already:

(i) (ii) Transmitted or entered the appropriate data.

(5) The Driver is ending his or her work shift, and has already:(i) (ii) Locked both rear doors, and(iii) Transmitted or entered the appropriate data.

(6) The Driver must take the Taxicab out of service for required repairs to T-PEP, and has already:

(i) Time sign in the Taxicab,


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(ii) Locked both rear doors, and(iii) Transmitted or entered the appropriate data.

(7)

The Passenger is accompanied by an animal that is not properly secured ina suitable container. (CAUTION:This does not apply to service animalsaccompanying people with disabilities.)

(8) destination is Newark Airport or someplace in NassauorWestchester County, and the Driver has been operating the Taxicab formore than eight hours of any continuous 24-hour period.

(9) The Passenger is disorderly or intoxicated. (CAUTION:Drivers must notrefuse to provide service solely because a disability results in annoying,offensive, or inconvenient behavior.)

(10) A Passenger asks a Driver on the airport Long Haul line for a Short Haultrip and there are Taxicabs available in the Short Haul line.

(11) A Passenger asks a Driver in the airport Short Haul line for a Long Haultrip and there are Taxicabs available in the Long Haul line.

(12) Driver can discharge the Passenger in a safe location. (CAUTION:TheDriver must ask the Passenger at least twice to stop smoking beforerequiring him or her to leave the Taxicab.)

54-21 RESERV ED (OperationsCooperation with Issuing Jurisdictions)54-22 VehicleOperation and Condition(a) 3-Minute Idle. Drivers must comply with the Air Pollution Control Code of NYC,

including the provision that the Driver must not cause or permit the engine of theTaxicab to idle for longer than three minutes.


(b) Inspection by Driver ofVehicle Condition. A Driver must not operate a Taxicabwithout continuing personal inspection and reasonable determination that allequipment, including brakes, tires, lights, signals and Passenger seatbelts andshoulder belts are in good working order.

54-22(b) Fine: $50 if plead guilty before a hearing; $75 iffound guilty following a hearing.


(c) RESERVED. (No On-street Maintenanceotherthan Emergency.)


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(d) Clean Interior. During his or her work shift, a Driver must keep the Taxicab'sinterior clean.

54-22(d) Fine: $50 Appearance NOT REQUIRED

(e) Exterior Clean and Identification Visible. During his or her work shift, a Drivermust keep the Medallion number on the front and rear of the roof light clean andunobstructed so that it can be seen at all times.


(f) No Unauthorized Equipment. A Driver must not operate a Taxicab that uses orhas installed any equipment or mechanical devices not specifically listed in theserules, unless authorized in writing by the Commission.

54-22(f) Fine: $50-$350 and/or suspension up to 30 days

Points: 1

Appearance REQUIRED

(g) No UnauthorizedSignage. A Driver must not place any signs in a Taxicab notspecifically listed in these rules, unless authorized in writing by the Commission.

54-22(g) Fine: $25 Appearance NOT REQUIRED

(h) Operation ofRooflights and Taximeters. While on duty, a Driver must notoperate a Taxicab unless:

(1) The roof light is lit when the Taximeter is not in use, and(2) The roof light is off when the Taximeter is in use.

54-22(h) Fine: $50-$250 and/or suspension up to 30 daysPoints: 1


54-23 Vehicle Items Required to be in the Vehicle.(a) ItemsRequired in Taxicab. A Driver must not operate a Taxicab unless the

Taxicab is equipped or provided with the following:

(1) The Taxicab Technology System (T-PEP) (or a written Trip Record, whenrequired and permitted).

54-23(a)(1) Fine: $150 if plead guilty before a hearing; $200 iffound guilty following a hearing.


(2) The Taxicab Driver's License in the appropriate frame.54-23(a)(2) Fine: $100 if plead guilty before a hearing; $150 if Appearance NOT REQUIRED


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found guilty following a hearing.Points: 2

(3) The Rate Card assigned to the Taxicab, beside the frame containing the

54-23(a)(3) Fine: $50 if plead guilty before a hearing; $100 iffound guilty following a hearing.Points: 1


(4) A New York City five (5) borough indexed street map.54-23(a)(4) Fine: $25 if plead guilty before a hearing; $50 if

found guilty following a hearing.Appearance NOT REQUIRED

(5) Receipts for Passengers.54-23(a)(5) Fine: $25 if plead guilty before a hearing; $50 if

found guilty following a hearing.Appearance NOT REQUIRED

(b) Clear Viewfor Passengers.(1) her

or the Passenger Information Monitor ofthe T-PEP System, and must not block in any way a Pathe medallion number on the Taxicab Identification Raised LetteringPlaque or the Taxicab Identification Braille Plaque.



(2) A Driver must not operate a Taxicab after sunset unless the face of theso that they are clearly visible from the rear seat by a Passenger withnormal vision.

54-23(b)(2) Fine: $25 for violation of each subdivision. No finefor multiple violations in one incident will exceed$50.


54-24 VehicleT rip Records.(a) Record ofPassenger Trip Information. The Trip Record is the record of all data

collected from every for-hire trip made by a Taxicab and must include thefollowing information:

(1) The Taxicab Medallion number


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(2) (3) The location where each Passenger(s) was picked up(4) The time each Passenger(s) was picked up(5) The number of Passengers(6) The location where each Passenger(s) was dropped off(7) The time each Passenger was dropped of(8) The total trip mileage(9) The itemized metered fare for the trip (fare, tolls, surcharge, and tip, if

paid by credit or debit card)

(10) Method of payment(11) The Taximeter readings(12) (13) Any toll bridges or tunnels used by the Driver, whether or not with a

Passenger

(14) The trip number(15) All other entries required by these rules

54-24(a) Fine: $15 per missing entry on an electronic orwritten trip record. The total penalty for violation ofthis rule will not exceed $30 per electronic orwritten trip record.


(b) ElectronicTrip Records--Taxicab TechnologySystem (T-PEP).(1) A Driver is required to log in and operate T-PEP in order to obtain the

Trip Record data for each trip.

54-24(b)(1) Fine: $100-$350 and/or suspension up to 30 days Appearance REQUIRED

(2) If necessary, the Driver will transmit any corrections electronically, usingT-PEP.

54-24(b)(2) Fine: $25 Appearance NOT REQUIRED


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(c) Written Trip Records(1) If the T-PEP is inoperable, the Driver must keep written Trip Records if he

or she operates the Vehicle during the period of time the Taxicab ispermitted to operate without a working T-PEP system. (See54-25).

(2) Drivers must submit all written Trip Sheets to the Taxicab Owner at the

54-24(c)(1)-(2) Fine: $100-$350 and/or suspension up to 30 days Appearance REQUIRED

(3) Before beginning each work shift, a Driver must sign and certify on theTrip Record that the Taxicab and its equipment are in good workingcondition, and that the items required in the Taxicab are present.[Exceptionto Certification: If the Taxicab Technology System is not inoperation, the certification must note that the Taxicab equipment is ingood working orderexceptfor the Taxicab Technology System.]

54-24 (c)(3) Fine: Failure to comply with 10-day notice to correct:$200 and suspension until compliance.

Appearance REQUIRED

(4) When correcting a written Trip Record, a Driver:(i) Must not erase any entry or make it completely unreadable.(ii) Must correct a wrong entry only by drawing a single line through the

incorrect entry and recording the date, time and reason for thechange.

(iii) Must not leave blank lines between entries on any written TripRecord.


(5) A Driver must not rewrite a written Trip Record either in whole or in part,unless authorized by the Commission.


54-25 Vehicle Equipment Taxicab Technology System ( Elec tronic TripRecord System)

(a) Taxicab TechnologySystem (T-PEP). The T-PEP is a system of hardware andsoftware that provides the following four Core Services, electronically, in theTaxicab vehicle:


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(1) The ability for Passengers to pay using a credit, debit or prepayment card(2) The ability for Drivers to send and receive text messages(3) The ability to collect and transmit Trip Record data, electronically(4) A Passenger Information Monitor (PIM) that provides Passengers:

(i) A map of the route being traveled(ii) Information about Taxicab fares, Passenger Bill of Rights and

public service announcements

(iii) Commercial advertising and sponsorships(iv) The ability to turn off all audio and visual presentations

(b) Good Working Order. T-PEP equipment must be in good working order and eachof the four core services must function at all times.

54-25(b) Fine: $250 and suspension until compliance Appearance REQUIRED

(c) T-PEPSystem(s) Malfunction. In the event the Taxicab Technology Systemmalfunctions or fails to operate:

(1) The Driver must file an incident report with the authorized T-PEPprovider within one (1) hour after Driver knows (or should have known)of the first.

(2) If the Taxicab Owner or Taxicab Agent previously filed a timely incidentreport of the T-PEP failure, the Driver will not be required to file aseparate incident report. The Driver must get the incident report numberfrom the Owner.

54-25(c)(1)--(2) Fine: $250 and suspension until compliance Appearance REQUIRED

(3) A Driver is not permitted to operate a Taxicab in which any of the fourcore services of T-PEP are inoperative for more than 48 hours following

the timely filing of an incident report.

54-25(c)(3) Fine: $250 and suspension until compliance Appearance REQUIRED

(d) Unauthorized Devicesor Repairs.(1) A Driver must not connect any unauthorized device to the T-PEP.


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(2) The Driver must not tamper with, repair or attempt to repair the T-PEPseals, cable connections or electrical wiring,

(3) tires which would affect the operation of the T-PEP system.

54-25(d) Fine: $50-$350 and/or suspension up to 30 daysPoints: 3

Appearance REQUIRED

(4) It will be an affirmative defense to a violation of this provision, 54-25(d)that the Driver:

(i) Did not know of or participate in the alleged T-PEP tampering, and(ii) Exercised due diligence to ensure that T-PEP tampering did not

occur.

(e) Passenger Information Monitor (PIM) Malfunction. operational and can be made operational by the Driver, the Driver must do so.54-25(e) Fine: $100 Appearance NOT REQUIRED

54-26 Vehicle Equipment Taximeters(a) Taximeter Condition.

(1) Defective Condition. A Driver must not pick up or transport a Passengerwhen the Taximeter in his or her Taxicab is defective.

54-26(a)(1) Fine: $50-$350 and/or suspension up to 30 daysPoints: 1

Appearance REQUIRED

(2) Repair and Replacement. A defective Taximeter must be repaired orreplaced at a licensed Taximeter shop. A Taximeter must only be replacedwith a Taximeter that has been inspected, sealed and approved within thepreceding 12 months.

54-26(a)(2) Fine: $50-$350 and/or suspension up to 30 daysPoints: 1

Appearance REQUIRED

(3) Seals andSerial Number. A Driver must not drive a Taxicab unless allTaximeter seals and cable housing seals are in good condition and pressedby the Commission or its authorized designee. The serial number of theTaximeter must be the same as that shown on the rate card assigned to theTaxicab.

54-26(a)(3) Fine: $100Points: 2



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(4) Receipt Paper. A Driver must not pick up or transport a Passenger unlessthe Taximeter is properly equipped with paper for printing receipts.


(b) Taximeter Operation.(1) Setting Taximeterto Record. As soon as a Passenger enters the Taxicab,

the Driver must immediately place the Taximeter in the recording or

destination.

54-26(b)(1) Fine: $200Points: 1


(2) Entering Passenger with a Disability.(i) If the Passenger is a Person with a Disability, the Taxicab Driver

while the Driver is assisting a person with a disability to enter theTaxicab or while assisting with that Passen

(3) Exiting Passenger with a Disability. If the Passenger is an individual witha disability who requires assistance to exit the Taxicab, the Driver mustplace the Taximeter in a non-recording position before assisting suchPassenger and must leave the Taximeter in a non-recording position untilsuch Passenger has paid the fare and safely exited the cab.


(4) Non-Paying Passenger. If the Passenger is not being charged a fare, theDriver must not activate the meter, but must:

(i) (ii) Transmit (or manually add to the written Trip Record) that he or

she is off duty and transporting a non-paying Passenger and detailsof the time and distance of the free fare.

(iii) Include the reason the Passenger is not being charged.

54-26(b)(2)(i) Fine: $100Points: 1



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54-26(b)(4) Fine: $25Points: 1


(5) F lat FareTrip. When the Taxicab is engaged in a flat fare trip frombetween Kennedy Airport and Manhattan, the Driver must key the

information into T-PEP (or enter on a written Trip Record) that this is aflat fare trip to or from Kennedy Airport and include the time and distanceof the trip.

54-26(b)(5) Fine: $100Points: 1


(6) End ofTrip. Upon reaching the Passenger's destination, the Driver mustplace the Taximeter in a non-recording or "Time Off" position, inform thePassenger of the fare due and leave the Taximeter in a non-recordingposition until the fare is paid.


(7) Re-settingtheTaximeter. Immediately after the Passenger leaves theTaxicab, the Driver must clear the Taximeter, placing it in an off or"Vacant" position in which it must remain until the next Passenger entersthe Taxicab.

54-26(b)(7) Fine: $100Points: 1


(c) Taximeter Tampering.(1) Seal Tampering.

(i) A Driver must not operate a Taxicab if the official seals attached toit have been tampered with, broken or altered in any manner.

(ii) The Commission will assume that a Driver who operates a Taxicabwith a broken Taximeter seal knew of the tampering or alterationand deliberately operated the Taxicab in violation of this Rule, andwill take appropriate action against the Driver.

54-26(c)(1) Fine: $50-$350 and/or suspension up to 30 days

Points: 3

Appearance REQUIRED

(2) Unauthorized Devicesor Repairs.(i) A Driver must not connect any unauthorized device to the

Taximeter.


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(ii) The Driver must not tamper with, repair or attempt to repair theTaximeter seals, cable connections or electrical wiring,

(iii) or its tires which would affect the operation of the Taximeter

system.

54-26(c)(2)(i)-(iii)

Fine: $50-$350 and/or suspension up to 30 daysPoints: 3

Appearance REQUIRED

(iv) It will be an affirmative defense to a violation of this provision,54-26(c)(2), that the Driver:

A. Did not know of or participate in the alleged Taximete

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