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Sharnov Law
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Traffic Violations

TLC Violations

TLC violation defense for NYC taxi and for-hire drivers — summonses charged under the Taxi and Limousine Commission Rules, OATH hearings, and the DMV points that put your TLC license at risk.

Protect Your TLC LicenseCall 718-521-4909

Overview

What you need to know about TLC Violations.

The basics, what we do, and the issues we see most.

How do TLC violations affect your TLC license and your DMV points in New York?

Quick Answer

A TLC summons itself carries zero DMV points — it is a charge under the NYC Taxi and Limousine Commission Rules (35 RCNY), heard at OATH, not the DMV. But the regular VTL tickets you pick up driving do count: speeding 11-20 mph over is 4 points, a red light is 3, a cell-phone ticket is 5, and following too closely is 4. TLC's Critical Driver Program flags you once you hit 6 DMV points in any 15-month window — shorter and stricter than the DMV's own lookback. Reach 11 points in 24 months and the DMV can suspend the state license your TLC license depends on.

Services we offer for TLC Violations.

We handle TLC matters and the DMV tickets that endanger your hack license, from a single summons to a license-revocation notice:

  • Review your TLC summons and the specific TLC rule charged (35 RCNY) for defects before your OATH hearing
  • Appear at OATH on your behalf for TLC adjudications, defaults, and reschedule requests
  • Cross-examine the TLC inspector or complaining passenger and test the evidence — GPS, e-hail and meter logs, in-vehicle camera
  • Defend the VTL moving-violation tickets that feed DMV points into TLC's Critical Driver Program
  • Respond to Critical Driver Program, Persistent Violator, and license suspension or revocation notices on deadline
  • Address summary suspensions tied to an arrest or a serious crash so you can try to keep working
  • Track your DMV point total and your 15-month TLC window so nothing is missed

Scenarios we see most.

  • Confusing a TLC summons (35 RCNY, heard at OATH) with a DMV/VTL ticket (heard at the TVB) and answering in the wrong place
  • Not knowing TLC runs a separate 15-month points lookback that is stricter than the DMV's 24-month suspension window
  • Letting a routine speeding or red-light ticket default — the DMV points still flow onto your TLC record
  • Missing an OATH hearing date and receiving a default decision plus added penalties
  • Reaching 6 DMV points in 15 months and being placed in the Critical Driver Program
  • Overcharge, fare-refusal, or service-refusal complaints from passengers
  • A DWI/DWAI or Aggravated Unlicensed Operation charge — each now 11 DMV points and a direct threat to your TLC license
  • An expired TLC license, missed drug test, or lapsed defensive-driving or Critical Driver class requirement

Who we help

Who we represent.

Every case handled directly by the attorney you speak with at intake.

Everyday Drivers

Speeding and moving violations that add points and raise insurance costs.

Commercial (CDL) Drivers

Violations that can threaten a commercial license and a driver’s livelihood.

Suspended or Revoked Licenses

Aggravated unlicensed operation, reinstatement, and accumulated points.

Out-of-Area Drivers

Tickets received while traveling through NYC, Long Island, or Upstate New York.

How we handle your case

From summons to resolution.

The same attorney handles your matter from intake through hearing and closeout.

  1. 1

    Step 1 of 5

    Free case review

  2. 2

    Step 2 of 5

    Pull your TLC and DMV record

  3. 3

    Step 3 of 5

    Build the defense

  4. 4

    Step 4 of 5

    Appear at OATH or the TVB

  5. 5

    Step 5 of 5

    Protect your license

Frequently asked

Questions clients ask first.

Direct answers from the attorney who handles these matters.

Most asked

Is a TLC summons the same as a DMV ticket?

No. A TLC summons charges a violation of the Taxi and Limousine Commission Rules (35 RCNY) and is decided at OATH, the city's administrative tribunal. A DMV/VTL ticket — speeding, red light, cell phone — is decided at a DMV Traffic Violations Bureau or a local traffic court and carries DMV points. As a TLC driver you can face both at the same time, and the DMV points from your VTL tickets feed into TLC's Critical Driver Program. They are answered in different places, so resolving one does not resolve the other.

Question 2

How many points can cost me my TLC license?

TLC uses a 15-month rolling window. Reaching 6 DMV points in 15 months places you in the Critical Driver Program, which can require a class and put your TLC license under review; continuing to accumulate points in that window can lead to suspension or revocation. Separately, the DMV can suspend your underlying state license at 11 points in 24 months. Because your TLC license is only valid while your DMV license is, a DMV suspension stops you from driving for hire. Confirm current thresholds with the TLC, as the rules change.

Question 3

Can I keep driving while I fight a TLC violation?

Often yes — many TLC summonses do not suspend your license while the case is pending at OATH. But some matters, such as a summons tied to an arrest, a serious crash, a failed or missed drug test, or a summary suspension, can stop you from working right away. We review which category your case falls in, respond to any suspension notice quickly, and request hearings or rescheduling so you have a chance to be heard before a final decision.

Resources

Helpful tools & references

Free, official resources from The Law Office of Anthony Sharnov — look up your situation before you call.

NY Court & DA Directory

Find the traffic court, criminal court, and District Attorney for any New York county — with official contact info.

Directory

Traffic Points Calculator

Estimate the DMV points a ticket adds to your license, and search the Vehicle & Traffic Law.

Tool

Penal Law Lookup

Search the New York Penal Law by section, offense, or keyword.

Tool

Legal Articles & Guides

Plain-language guides on traffic tickets, criminal charges, points, and summonses across New York.

Guides

Free case review

Your TLC license is your paycheck. Protect it.

Talk to The Law Office of Anthony Sharnov, PC about your TLC summons or your DMV driver-points problem. Call 917-476-7666 for a free consultation.

Protect Your TLC LicenseCall 718-521-4909

Or email us

info@sharnovlaw.com

An attorney reads every message.

  • Same-day response

    During business hours

  • Direct attorney access

    Same lawyer from intake to close

  • Transparent pricing

    Fees quoted up front