What to Do If a Passenger Vomits in Your TLC Car

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 severely intoxicated or ill and require help.

Document the Incident

Before cleaning, take clear photos and videos of the vomit in your car. This evidence is crucial if you need to file a cleaning fee claim later.

Use an Emergency Cleanup Kit

Keep a car vomit cleanup kit in your trunk, including:

Disposable gloves

Absorbent towels or paper towels

Plastic bags (for soiled materials)

Baking soda or an odor-neutralizing spray

A small handheld vacuum (if possible)

Blot (don’t rub) the vomit to avoid spreading it. Use an enzyme-based cleaner (like Nature’s Miracle) to break down organic matter and prevent lingering odors.

2. How to Charge a Cleaning Fee (and How Much to Charge)

Uber & Lyft Cleaning Fee Policies (Detailed Breakdown)

Both Uber and Lyft have policies in place to address cleaning fees for messes or damage caused by riders during a trip. While both services allow drivers to report incidents and request cleaning fees, their policies and procedures differ slightly.

Uber’s Cleaning Fee Policy

Reporting:

Drivers can report incidents and submit cleaning fee requests through the Uber app.

You must provide photos of the mess and, in some cases, a cleaning service receipt.

Uber’s official policy states that documentation is key for approval.

Fee Structure:

Uber may charge riders a cleaning fee based on severity:

$20–$80 for minor spills or small messes

$150 for major damage or biohazard situations (like vomit)

Lyft’s Cleaning Fee Policy

Reporting:

Drivers can report messes through the Lyft app by submitting details and photos.

The process is similar to Uber but may require additional verification.

Lyft’s help page explains how disputes are handled.

Fee Structure:

Lyft’s fees are also severity-based:

$20–$80 for minor issues

Up to $250 for major damage or biohazards

Key Differences:

Uber’s maximum cleaning fee is $150, while Lyft’s can go up to $250.

Uber may require receipts for professional cleaning in severe cases, whereas Lyft often relies on photo evidence.

Taxi Drivers (Yellow Cabs & Street Hails)

If you’re a traditional taxi driver, you can charge a $75 cleaning fee (as per TLC rules). Passengers must pay before exiting the cab. If they refuse, call the police for assistance.

 3. TLC Reporting Requirements

If a passenger vomits in your TLC-licensed vehicle, you must:

Report the Incident in the TLC Driver Portal

Log in to your TLC account.

File a Passenger Incident Report within 24 hours.

Include photos and details (time, location, passenger description).

Keep Receipts for Professional Cleaning (If Applicable)

If you visit a car wash or detailing service, save the receipt for reimbursement claims.

Contact TLC Licensing for Severe Cases

If a passenger becomes aggressive or refuses to pay, call TLC Licensing at 718-391-5501.

 
4. How to Avoid Disputes Over Cleaning Fees

Prevent Refusal of Payment with Evidence

Take clear photos before and after cleanup.

Record a video statement (if safe) explaining the incident.

Get witness statements (if other passengers are present).

Use In-App Reporting for Ride-Hailing

Uber/Lyft may deny claims without sufficient proof.

Submit claims immediately after the ride ends.

For Cash Payments

Politely explain the $75 TLC-mandated fee.

If the passenger refuses, call 911 for assistance (non-emergency line).

5. Preventive Measures to Reduce Future Incidents

• Keep Motion Sickness Bags Handy

• Stock your car with emesis bags (available on Amazon) and offer them to queasy passengers.
• Avoid Strong Scents

• Heavy air fresheners or car perfumes can trigger nausea—opt for mild, odor-neutralizing sprays instead.

Drive Smoothly

• Sudden stops and sharp turns increase motion sickness risk. Maintain a steady speed, especially on highways.
• Watch for Intoxicated Passengers

• If a rider seems overly drunk, politely decline the trip (Uber/Lyft allow cancellations for safety).

Final Thoughts

Dealing with vomit in your TLC car is unpleasant, but knowing the right steps ensures you’re compensated fairly and your vehicle stays clean. Always:

✅ Document the mess with photos/videos

✅ Report to Uber/Lyft/TLC promptly

✅ Charge the appropriate cleaning fee

✅ Keep emergency supplies in your car

By following these guidelines, you’ll minimize downtime and disputes while keeping your car in top condition.

Need more help? Check the official TLC website: www.nyc.gov/tlc

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