How to Get on the TLC Vision Zero Honor Roll



Driving professionally in New York City is demanding. TLC-licensed drivers navigate some of the busiest and most unpredictable streets in the world while completing more than a million passenger trips per day. This level of responsibility requires not only skill, but a firm commitment to safety.

To honor drivers who consistently exemplify safe and responsible driving, the New York City Taxi & Limousine Commission (TLC) recognizes top performers through the TLC Vision Zero Safety Honor Roll. Earning a spot on this list is one of the highest distinctions a professional driver in NYC can achieve.If your goal is to be recognized as one of the safest drivers in the city, here is exactly what it takes.

What Is the TLC Vision Zero Honor Roll?

The TLC Vision Zero Honor Roll is an annual recognition program that celebrates drivers (and bases/fleets) with exemplary safety records. It is part of the city’s broader Vision Zero initiative, which focuses on eliminating traffic fatalities and serious injuries.

Each year, the TLC evaluates the driving records of tens of thousands of licensees but only selects a small percentage who meet strict safety standards. Recent Honor Rolls have included more than a thousand drivers citywide, but each honoree represents years of incident-free, rule-compliant operation.

Being selected means you have demonstrated exceptional safety performance in an environment where precision, patience, and professionalism truly matter.

What It Takes to Qualify

While exact criteria may vary slightly from year to year, the TLC has been consistent about the core requirements. To earn a place on the Vision Zero Honor Roll, drivers must demonstrate the following:

1. A Multi-Year Record With No Serious Crashes

Drivers must complete several consecutive years without being involved in a crash resulting in a fatality or injury. Recent Honor Rolls have required five years of clean crash history with no serious safety incidents.

2. No Traffic Violations

A qualifying driver must avoid all moving violations during the evaluation period. This includes speeding, failure to yield, and other infractions under city and state law.

3. No TLC Safety-Related Violations

In addition to traffic regulations, drivers must comply with TLC rules covering professional conduct, defensive driving practices, equipment requirements, and passenger handling.

4. Active, Consistent Driving

Most Honor Roll drivers are full-time licensees who complete a high number of trips. In prior years, honorees typically logged 1,000 or more trips within a year as part of their active status.

5. Good Standing with the TLC

The driver must maintain a valid TLC license, complete all required training (including Vision Zero components), and remain free of disciplinary issues.

Why the Honor Roll Matters

Professional Recognition

Being named to the Honor Roll distinguishes a driver as a leader in safety and professionalism within the industry.

Increased Rider Trust

Riders who depend on TLC-licensed transportation appreciate knowing their driver has an exemplary safety record.

Contribution to Vision Zero

Every Honor Roll driver plays a role in reducing crashes, protecting pedestrians, and helping NYC reach long-term safety goals.

Reputation Within the Industry

Top-performing drivers often become informal mentors and role models within their communities and bases.

How to Improve Your Chances of Being Selected

If you want to work toward becoming an Honor Roll driver, consider the following strategies:

  • Drive defensively at all times, especially near crosswalks, bike lanes, and intersections.
  • Stay updated on TLC rules, industry notices, and safety bulletins.
  • Keep a personal record of your trips, training, and any TLC correspondence.
  • Take advantage of safety training courses, including those offered by TLC licensee education providers.
  • Avoid high-risk behaviors such as hard braking, rapid acceleration, or aggressive lane changes.
  • Develop patience, particularly in high-traffic areas where riders may pressure drivers to rush.

Safe driving is not one moment—it's the accumulation of many consistent decisions over years.

What Happens If You Make the Honor Roll?

Honorees are typically invited to an annual ceremony hosted by the TLC. Drivers receive public recognition, certificates, and acknowledgment as part of a citywide initiative. Bases/fleets with strong safety outcomes may also be honored.

More importantly, Honor Roll status becomes a long-term credential that reflects a driver’s dedication to safety and their contribution to a safer New York.

Final Thoughts

Getting on the TLC Vision Zero Honor Roll is not easy—and that is the point. It is designed to recognize the best of the best: drivers who operate safely every hour, every day, and every year.

If you are committed to long-term excellence, this honor is absolutely within your reach. With patience, discipline, and a focus on safety, you can build a record that earns respect from the TLC, your passengers, and the city as a whole.

References

NYC Taxi & Limousine Commission – Vision Zero Program
https://www.nyc.gov/site/tlc/about/vision-zero.page

TLC Vision Zero Honor Roll 2025
https://www.nyc.gov/site/tlc/about/tlc-11th-vision-zero-honor-roll-2025.page

TLC Vision Zero Honor Roll 2024 – Press Release
https://www.nyc.gov/site/tlc/about/2024-honor-roll-press-release.page

NYC Taxi & Limousine Commission – Press Releases
https://www.nyc.gov/site/tlc/about/press-releases.page

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