TLC Insurance: Your NYC Driving Guide

Staying compliant with NYC's Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) is a key part of your job as a professional driver. Whether you’re behind the wheel of an Uber, Lyft, yellow cab, green cab, or a street-hail livery (SHL), you’ll eventually need to visit the TLC in person. A crucial point to remember: almost all in-person transactions now require a scheduled appointment. Walking in without one will likely result in being turned away. This guide will walk you through the entire process: when you need an appointment, how to schedule it online, and what to bring to ensure your visit is quick and successful. When Do You Need a TLC Appointment? You must book an appointment online for these common transactions: Medallion (Yellow Cab) Transactions Transferring your current vehicle to another vehicle. Certifying a new medallion vehicle. Medallion Bulk Transactions (3-6 Medallions) For agents or individuals to submit multiple medallions at once for vehicle, plate, agent, or address updates. ...

 New York City is one of the busiest places in the world—and if you’re a TLC driver, commuter, or just someone on the go, finding a clean and accessible restroom can sometimes feel like a challenge. The good news is, the city offers multiple public restroom options through official programs and facilities. From automatic street toilets to subway stations, city parks, and even private buildings that are required to allow public access, there are more choices than many people realize. This guide breaks down where you can find public restrooms across the five boroughs, along with practical tips to make your trips around NYC more comfortable. Automatic Public Toilets (APTs) Automatic Public Toilets (APTs) are self-cleaning, ADA-accessible restroom units placed in high-traffic areas across the city. For just 25 cents, you get up to 15 minutes of use in a facility that includes a toilet, sink with warm water, mirror, and climate control. After each use, the restroom goes through a 90-sec...

  Received a Vehicle License Summons Getting a summons from the New York City Taxi & Limousine Commission (TLC) can be overwhelming. Whether you drive for Uber, Lyft, yellow cab, green cab, or a black car service, a TLC summons is something you cannot afford to ignore. If you don’t take action, you could face maximum fines, license points, or even suspension of your TLC license — putting your ability to work at risk. This guide is designed for TLC drivers in New York City and will explain exactly what to do after receiving a summons, how it affects your TLC license and insurance, and where to get support. Step 1: Carefully Review the Summons The summons is your roadmap. Read it in full — it usually includes: The TLC rule numbers you’re accused of violating A description of the incident from TLC’s perspective The penalties you may face The hearing date, time, and location Instructions for settlement, payment, or requesting a hearing Tip for TLC drivers:  Always keep a copy ...

  The Black Car Fund (BCF) is a non-profit organization created by New York State to provide workers’ compensation insurance and additional benefits to drivers in the black car industry. This includes drivers for popular services like Lyft, Uber , and the more traditional black car bases operating across the city. Workers’ compensation insurance ensures that eligible drivers have financial protection if they are injured while on the job. But th e Black Car Fund goes further, offering valuable health and wellness benefits at no cost to drivers. These extra services are funded entirely by a small surcharge that passengers pay on every ride, meaning drivers do not pay out-of-pocket for these benefits. What Is the Black Car Fund? The Black Car Fund was designed to support New York’s professional drivers by offering benefits that are often unavailable to independent contractors in other industries. Since many black car drivers work on a per-trip basis and are not considered employee...

If your TLC driver’s license has been lost or stolen, it is important to follow the correct procedure to get a replacement and continue driving legally in New York City. The Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) has a specific process for replacing lost or stolen driver licenses that all TLC drivers must follow. Step 1: Make an Appointment at the TLC Licensing Facility To begin the replacement process, you need to schedule an appointment to visit the TLC Licensing Facility located in Long Island City, Queens. The TLC requires drivers to make an appointment through their online appointment system before coming to the facility. Walk-in visits without an appointment are generally not accepted. You can make your appointment by using the official TLC online appointment system. Scheduling ahead helps ensure your visit goes smoothly and you can be seen promptly. Step 2: Review the Credential Replacement Instruction Sheet and Bring Required Documents Before your appointment, carefully review the...

  If you're a TLC-licensed driver in New York City—whether you drive a yellow cab, green cab, Uber, Lyft, or other For-Hire Vehicles—staying compliant with regulations is essential to keeping your license active. One major requirement is completing the Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV) Training Course . This course ensures you’re prepared to safely assist passengers with disabilities and maintain your eligibility to operate under the TLC. Why Is WAV Training Required? The NYC Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) requires WAV training to make sure all drivers can: Assist passengers who use wheelchairs or mobility devices Secure wheelchairs and belongings safely Provide respectful and professional service during transport If you do not complete the required training, your TLC license will not be issued or renewed. Who Needs to Take the WAV Course? 1. New TLC Applicants If you're applying for a TLC license for the first time, you must take the WAV training after submitting your a...

  What to Do If a Passenger Refuses to Pay or Disputes the Fare As a licensed NYC TLC driver, you may encounter passengers who refuse to pay or dispute the fare. The Taxi & Limousine Commission (TLC) has strict rules for these situations. Below is the exact, legally correct process based on 2025 NYC TLC regulations and rideshare policies (Uber, Lyft, etc.). 1. Stay Calm & Professional (TLC Rule: No Aggressive Behavior) Do not argue or block the passenger from exiting — this can lead to a TLC complaint. Politely ask for payment and explain the fare breakdown (metered rate, tolls, surcharges). If the passenger becomes aggressive, disengage and call 911 if necessary. 2. Verify the Fare & Payment Issue For Yellow & Green Taxis (Street Hails) ✅ Meter must be running correctly (TLC Rule §58–35). If the passenger disputes: Show the printed receipt (required by TLC). Explain any extra charges (tolls, night surcharge, rush hour fee). If they still refuse, do not physically s...