Vehicle Requirements To Drive for the NYC TLC

No airplane can transport passengers without meeting strict vehicle requirements. Although for-hire drivers aren’t transporting passengers nearly so far, there are still vehicle requirements to drive for the NYC TLC, too. These requirements keep drivers and passengers safe.

Paperwork

Before the TLC evens considers a vehicle’s physical attributes, drivers have to provide documentation that the vehicle can operate legally. For instance, they have to provide vehicle registration from New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, or Pennsylvania. Drivers also must show proof of both regular car insurance and TLC insurance.

Types of Vehicles

As of 2018, the NYC TLC’s requirements for new vehicles have become stricter. The TLC will only issue plates to vehicles that are either fully electric-powered or wheelchair accessible. However, beyond that, there are not many restrictions on the types of vehicles that they will accept. Generally, sedans, town cars, minivans, and SUVs are all acceptable if they meet one of the two given requirements.

It is worth noting that you do not have to have a vehicle of this type to acquire a license, only to acquire plates for your car. You can still get your license and acquire the car afterward.

Note on Rideshares

These requirements are specific to the TLC, not rideshare services like Uber and Lyft. These services tend to be more specific about the type and age of the cars they will allow. Fortunately, at Fast Track Mobility, all of our Bronx TLC car rentals meet these requirements.

Inspection Requirements

All cars that receive TLC plates must undergo several inspections. The frequency and type of inspections depend on the type of vehicle.

Taxis

Both yellow and green cabs have to pass a hack-up inspection. These inspections ensure that they have the necessary technology and vehicle markups in and on their vehicles. All taxis need to have a taximeter, roof light, and a Livery Passenger Enhancement Program (LPEP) system that includes a GPS, card reader, and driver and passenger screens.

After passing a hack-up inspection, taxis have to go through a vehicle inspection. Yellow cabs are must pass these inspections three times a year, with the first one occurring at a DMV inspection station. Green cabs only need an inspection once every six months.

For-Hire

For-hire vehicles undergo an inspection when they first receive their plates and then once every two years during license renewal. Another inspection may also occur following license or base transfers.

Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles

Along with standard inspection requirements, WAVs also need to provide paperwork stating that their modifications are up to ADA regulations. They must also be free of any markings saying the car is for medical transport.

Rideshare drivers

Rideshare companies have their own vehicle annual inspections. Although the requirements differ, depending on the state and the rideshare company, they typically have to take place at a pre-approved repair shop.