Every driver knows that a traffic ticket could mean fines and a potentially suspended license, among other consequences. But taxi drivers need to be especially mindful of the state’s traffic laws. Not only could they face standard tickets that law enforcement officers issue, but they might have to deal with the Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) of New York.

This could put their TLC license, and indeed their careers, at risk. Fortunately, no matter what kind of ticket you have, you do have the right to put forth a defense. The New York Traffic Ticket Lawyers can advise you on how best to handle your taxi driver violation.

Extra Scrutiny From the TLC

Not all drivers understand that violating the state’s traffic code can result in a ticket from the police and from the Taxi and Limousine Commission. The TLC can issue its own, separate tickets or issue penalties based on convictions for tickets that law enforcement officers issue. This makes a traffic law violation doubly painful for the taxi driver.

Convicted taxi drivers have to pay fines plus a state surcharge of at least $88, just as other drivers must do. In addition, accumulating more than 6 points will result in a Driver Responsibility Assessment (DRA) fine of $300 and another $75 for each point over 6. Eleven or more points threatens a suspension of the driver’s license.

But taxi drivers who get tickets must also defend themselves before the New York TLC. While drivers can pay some tickets online, certain ones will require an in-person hearing. The TLC can fine drivers up to $400 for unsafe moving violations like following too closely or speeding.

The problems don’t necessarily end there, because violations considered to be hazardous will lead to points being added to the taxi driver’s hack license. It should be emphasized that this point system is separate from the New York DMV point system that affects all drivers generally. Hack license points do not impact a state-issued license to drive.

Hack License Points and Their Consequences

Each individual hazardous violation can result in points ranging from 2 to 8 getting added to the taxi driver’s hack license. These are some of the most common amounts of points and their associated tickets:

2: Inadequate brakes in an employer’s vehicle
3: Speeding 1 to 10 mph above the speed limit; failure to yield; traffic signal, stop sign, or yield sign violation; railroad crossing violation; improper passing; unsafe lane change; driving to the left of center; driving in the wrong direction; leaving the scene of an accident causing property damage or injury to an animal
4: Speeding 11 to 20 mph above the speed limit; following too closely, also known as tailgating; inadequate brakes in their own vehicle
5: Speeding 21 to 30 mph above the speed limit; failure to stop for a school bus
6: Speeding 31 to 40 mph above the speed limit
8: Speeding 41 or more mph above the speed limit

If a taxi driver accumulates 6 to 9 points in a 15-month period from the TLC, regardless of what the New York DMV does, their hack license may be suspended for 30 days. Accumulating 10 or more TLC points may result in the hack license being revoked.

Non-Traffic Offenses and the TLC

It’s also worth noting that certain non-traffic offenses can lead to the TLC issuing its own tickets as well. Points and significant fines are possible for the following:

Failure to cooperate with law enforcement
Failure to cooperate with the TLC
Harassing or threatening a person
Threatening a service animal
Bribery
Fraud

Some of these are considered crimes punishable in the state’s criminal court system. If the TLC conducts a hearing, evidence presented before it could later be used in a New York criminal proceeding if the driver is prosecuted in state court. The good news is that a taxi driver has the right to hire an attorney to defend their interests before the TLC.

How a Taxi Driver Ticket Attorney Can Help

Before you plead guilty and pay the fine, it is imperative that you speak with a New York traffic ticket attorney experienced with taxi driver violations. Your lawyer can save you time and money, and potentially your career, by fighting the charges against you. Here is how our firm serves taxi drivers who have received a ticket:

Leverage our understanding of TLC rules and regulations: TLC rules are different from general traffic law matters, and you need an attorney with experience handling them. We provide the legal guidance and counsel you need for your taxi driver traffic ticket.
Work to protect your license: A TLC ticket can jeopardize your license to drive a taxi, ultimately putting your career and financial well-being at risk. We make protecting your license a priority and challenge suspensions and revocations.
Fight fines and penalties: The fines and penalties that are associated with a taxi traffic ticket are potentially substantial. We are effective negotiators who will work to reduce or, if possible, completely eliminate these financial liabilities.
Appearance at TLC hearings: If you are required to attend a TLC hearing in person concerning your ticket, we can do so on your behalf. We are prepared to represent you there just as we represent drivers in traffic court.
Possible dismissal or reduction of charges: By thoroughly investigating the allegations against you, along with the evidence, we work tirelessly for a reduction or possibly a dismissal of the ticket. A reduction or dismissal can save you money, legal headaches, and job problems.

Contact Our New York Attorney for Taxi Driver Violations

Are you facing any sort of traffic ticket as a New York taxi driver? If so, let The New York Traffic Ticket Lawyers take a look at your case and advise you on what to do next. Connect with our office today to put our considerable experience to work for you.