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What to Do If a Passenger Vomits in Your TLC Car

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As a TLC (Taxi and Limousine Commission) driver in New York City, dealing with passenger vomit in your car is an unfortunate but common challenge. Whether due to motion sickness, intoxication, or illness, vomit can cause significant cleanup hassles, unpleasant odors, and even lost earnings if not handled properly. Knowing how to respond—from immediate cleanup to securing cleaning fees and reporting the incident—can save you time, money, and stress. In this guide, we’ll cover: Immediate Steps to Take When a Passenger Vomits How to Charge a Cleaning Fee (and How Much to Charge) Uber & Lyft Cleaning Fee Policies (Updated Details) TLC Reporting Requirements How to Avoid Disputes with Passengers Over Fees Preventive Measures to Reduce Future Incidents Let’s dive in. 1. Immediate Steps to Take When a Passenger Vomits Stop Safely and Assess the Situation If a passenger vomits in your car, pull over safely when possible. Check if the passenger needs medical attention—some riders may be sev...
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Top 5 Things Riders Judge Uber & Lyft Drivers On (And How to Improve Your Ratings)

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NYC TLC Drivers: Boost Your Tips & Reviews with These Passenger-Approved Tips   Whether you're driving for Uber, Lyft, or a black car service in NYC, every ride is more than just a trip—it's a customer service experience. Passengers silently evaluate everything from your greeting to your car’s cleanliness, and these small details determine your ratings, tips, and repeat business.   In a competitive market like New York, standing out means mastering the little things. So, what do riders care about most?   Here are the top 5 things passengers judge you on—and exactly how to impress them every time.   1. Your First Impression (The Make-or-Break Moment)   ✅ What Riders Notice:   - Did you greet them warmly?   - Were you professional or distracted?    🚗 How to Win Them Over:   - Start with a friendly "Hello!" or "How’s your day?"   - Match their energy—some want conversation, others prefe...
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TLC’s Zero Tolerance Policy on Drug and Alcohol Use: What Drivers Must Know

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  The New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) takes public safety seriously — and at the heart of that commitment is its Zero Tolerance Policy on drug and alcohol use. For licensed drivers working with Uber, Lyft, yellow cabs, green cabs, and other for-hire vehicles, understanding this policy is not just a matter of compliance — it’s essential for protecting your license and your livelihood. What Is TLC’s Zero Tolerance Policy? The TLC’s Zero Tolerance Policy strictly prohibits any use of drugs or alcohol by drivers while operating a TLC-licensed vehicle. This includes: Driving under the influence of alcohol. Driving while using illegal substances. Being impaired by any substance, even if legally prescribed, if it affects your ability to drive safely. If a passenger files a complaint or there is any indication of impairment, TLC may take immediate action, including temporary suspension of your license pending investigation. How Complaints Are Handled Once a complaint is s...
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New York’s “No Touch” Law: What Every TLC Driver Needs to Know

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  This new law now makes it illegal to touch your phone or smart device if you are the driver of a vehicle. When you’re driving for Uber, Lyft, or a traditional cab service in New York City, staying updated with the latest traffic laws is not optional — it’s essential. One law that’s becoming increasingly important for TLC drivers is New York’s “No Touch” Law, a stricter version of the state’s hands-free cellphone rule. Here’s what you need to know to stay compliant and protect both your license and livelihood. What Is the “No Touch” Law? The “No Touch” Law is an extension of New York’s hands-free cellphone ban, which has been in place since 2001. While the original law prohibits talking or texting on a handheld device while driving, the “No Touch” version takes it a step further — it restricts drivers from even physically touching their phone while the vehicle is in motion. That includes: Picking up or holding your phone Tapping or swiping the screen Using GPS without voice comman...
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How to Spot and Avoid Illegal Rides in NYC

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  New York City’s streets are full of taxis, rideshares, and car services — but not every ride is safe or legal. If your trip begins in NYC, both the driver and the vehicle must be licensed by the Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC). If they aren’t, the ride is illegal — and you could be putting your safety and your wallet at risk. Illegal rides  are often uninsured, unsafe, and untraceable. Some drivers don’t even have a valid DMV license, and they may charge far more than the legal fare. Here’s how to protect yourself and ride with confidence. How to Tell If a Ride Is Illegal 1. The Driver or Their Partner Is Soliciting You If someone approaches you offering a ride, that’s your first red flag. TLC-licensed drivers are not allowed to ask people if they need a ride. Yellow and green cabs must be hailed on the street, through a taxi stand, or via an app. For all other services, the trip must be prearranged through a licensed app or dispatcher. Even if the car and driver have a ...
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