Can You Drive a Tlc Car Without a Tlc License
During the COVID-19 health crisis, TLC and the City are taking steps to support TLC drivers, vehicle owners, and businesses.
TLC licensees can take advantage of the Driver Resource Center, which provides financial counseling, legal services and other useful free City resources such as health care insurance, mental health resources, and more.
For the latest guidance from the Department of Health and more COVID-19 resources from the City, visit nyc.gov/coronavirus.
COVID-19 Vaccine
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Information about the Covid-19 Vaccine
The COVID-19 vaccine is safe, free, and has shown to be very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization, and death. Many millions of people have received the vaccine, and the data shows the vaccine is working.
People who are 12 years old and up are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine. There are sites in all five boroughs where you can walk in and receive a vaccine without an appointment. You can also use the City's Vaccine Finder to locate the site closest to you, including those that take appointments.
If you are 75 years of age or older, have a disability, or are fully homebound, you may be eligible for a vaccine at home — if interested, please fill out a form to see if you are eligible for a vaccination at home.
Temporary mobile and pop-up vaccination sites are traveling through every borough, and the schedule for those sites is available online.
This NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene factsheet explains how COVID-19 vaccines save lives, why they work, how the vaccines are safe, who can get vaccinated, and how the vaccines were developed so quickly.
Vaccinations are the best tool New York City has for fighting COVID-19, and every dose given makes the city we love safer!
Resources for TLC Licensees
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Driver Resource Center
NYC Free Tax Prep
Let free IRS-certified volunteer preparers help you maximize your refund. New Yorkers who earned $68,000 or less in 2020 may be eligible to file their taxes for free. NYC Free Tax Prep offers services including:
- Virtual Tax Prep
Get assistance through video conferencing on your phone, computer, or tablet.
- Assisted Self-Preparation
Complete your taxes on your own and ask questions by phone or email.
- Drop-off Service
Drop off your tax documents and pick up a completed return later.
- In-Person Tax Prep
Sit down for a masked and socially distanced session with a preparer.
Tax prep sites are available in all five boroughs. Call 311 or visit nyc.gov/taxprep to check the eligibility requirements and choose the best filing option for you. Services are currently available in English, Spanish, Arabic, Bengali, Chinese, French, Haitian Creole, Korean, and Russian with others available through phone interpretation. The deadline to file 2020 tax returns is April 15, 2021, so don't hesitate!
New York State and Federal Unemployment Benefits
As of December 27, 2020, President Trump has signed a new economic stimulus package. Licensees and their families may be eligible for several Federal and State benefits, including:
Extended State Unemployment Payments for Independent Contractors
The U.S. government will extend its COVID-19 emergency unemployment benefits for employees and independent contractors. Unemployment benefits will be extended 11 weeks, through March 2021, for Licensees and their family members who receive or are eligible to receive New York State unemployment benefits, either as an employee or independent contractor. If you are already receiving New York State unemployment benefits, you do not need to reapply for extended benefits - you should receive them automatically.
Additional $300 Federal Unemployment Benefit
If you are receiving New York State unemployment payments, either as an employee or independent contractor/gig worker, you will receive an additional $300 weekly federal unemployment insurance payment. These payments should begin in early 2021 and last for 11 weeks until March 2021.
To apply for unemployment benefits or see if you are eligible, visit NYS Department of Labor or contact the NYS Department of Labor's Telephone Claims Center (TCC) toll-free at (888) 209-8124.
TLC-licensed Drivers can apply for Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits or Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) even if they received some income from a limited number of trips or alternative work such as DeliveryTLC. Drivers should apply only once for either unemployment insurance benefits or pandemic unemployment.
Food Assistance
All New Yorkers can receive free meals through food pantries and meal hubs throughout the City. For more information, visit: NYC COVID-19 Food Assistance.
Food benefits through the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) will be increased by 15% for six months starting January 1, 2021. If you are already receiving SNAP benefits, you do not need to do anything. New Yorkers can apply for SNAP benefits at AccessHRA.
Loans for Small Businesses
Pandemic Payroll Protection Program
The U.S. government has extended the Pandemic Payroll Protection (PPP) program. If you are a small business, including a Base or Medallion Owner, you may be eligible for a no-interest PPP loan to help you make payroll and to cover rent, utilities, mortgage or other business expenses. Check your eligibility or apply for a PPP loan.
Small Business Administration (SBA)'s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Program for Small Businesses and Independent Contractors
The Small Business Administration is now offering low-interest loans (3.75%) to assist small business and independent contractors during COVID-19. EIDL loan applicants can also apply for an emergency EIDL grant of $1,000 per employee or independent contractor, up to $10,000. The emergency grant is an advance on the loan, but the applicant will not be required to pay back the EIDL Grant even if they are denied for an EIDL loan. Loan term agreements vary on a case-by-case basis.
To submit your application online, visit the Small Business Administration website or download the Disaster Loan Application and submit via mail.
Questions? View the EIDL Loan Frequently Asked Questions, call SBA's Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955, or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.
Public Benefits Application
The City's Human Resources Administration (HRA) can help you with public benefits applications through AccessHRA, including Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Cash Assistance, and Medicaid renewal. Click here for more information.
Human Resources Administration Cash Benefits
The New York City Human Resources Administration/Department of Social Services (HRA) is dedicated to fighting poverty and income inequality by providing New Yorkers in need with essential benefits such as Food Assistance and Emergency Rental Assistance.
- Rental Assistance: For individuals facing possible evection
- Burial Assistance: Provided funding to eligible recipients to help pay for the burial costs of family members
- Cash Assistance: Eligible families may receive up to 60 months of federally funded cash assistance under the Temporary Aid to Needy Families Program (TANF). Single individuals without children and families who have already received cash assistance for 60 months may receive benefits under the New York State Safety Net Program.
- Energy Assistance: The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) is a federally funded program that helps low-income homeowners and renters pay for utility and heating bills. You can also apply for assistance cooling your home during the summer.
- Child support services: Helps parents (both mothers and fathers) and guardians, regardless of income or immigration status, lifting tens of thousands of New York City children out of poverty every year.
You can find these and additional programs on the HRA website. Visit the HRA website and see what assistance you qualify for.
Food benefits through the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) will be increased by 15% for six months starting January 1, 2021. If you are already receiving SNAP benefits, you do not need to do anything. New Yorkers can apply for SNAP benefits at AccessHRA.
Driver Protection Unit
The Driver Protection Unit protects the rights of all taxi and for-hire vehicle drivers. The Unit investigates complaints submitted by TLC licensees that allege that they have been subjected to illegal conduct including:
- failure to pay drivers what they earned by providing a trip
- failure to return a driver's security deposit
- failure to provide drivers copies of documents required under TLC rules, including leases and receipts
- overcharge of lease or vehicle purchase amounts
- acts of identity theft
- retaliation for filing a complaint with the TLC
The Unit also reviews New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission rules to improve drivers' rights and regularly provides Drivers' Rights trainings throughout New York City. To date, the Unit has helped drivers get back more than $3.2 million.
For more information call (718) 391-5539 or e-mail driverprotection@tlc.nyc.gov.
Related Information:
- Taxi Fleet Driver's Bill of Rights (PDF)
- Taxi DOV Driver's Bill of Rights (PDF)
Legal Services
- Legal Services NYC
- Telephone: 917-661-4500
- Website: http://www.legalservicesnyc.org/
- New York Legal Assistance Group
- Telephone: 212-613-5000
- Website: https://nylag.org/
- Legal Aid Society
- Telephone: 212-577-3300
- Website: http://www.legal-aid.org/en/home.aspx
- NYPIRG
- Website: https://www.nypirg.org/sccac/
- Law Help NY
- Website: https://www.lawhelpny.org/
Foreclosure Prevention
Housing and Eviction Prevention Assistance
New York State Rent Relief
Apply for One Month of Rent from the State Rent Relief Program
New York State will make additional Rent Relief Program payments. You may be eligible for a one-month rent subsidy if you lost income due to COVID between March-July 2020. You must apply by February 1, 2021, but funds are limited and will be awarded on a first come, first served basis. Payments are made directly to landlords. Check eligibility and apply to the New York State Department of Homes and Community Renewal.
Voter Registration
To Register to Vote or Check your Voter Registration Status with the Board of Elections in the City of New York visit the NYC's Board of Election website.
COVID-19 Guidance & Resources
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COVID-19 Vaccination
The first COVID-19 vaccines are arriving in New York State. Due to limited supply from the federal government, availability is limited. More and more New Yorkers will become eligible as the vaccine supply increases. While the vaccination process is underway, every New Yorker should wear a mask, social distance and avoid small and large gatherings.
As of January 11, 2021, New Yorkers in Phase 1a and segments of Phase 1b are eligible for the vaccines.Eligible groups include doctors, nurses and health care workers, people age 65 and over, first responders, teachers,subway and mass transit employees, grocery store workers and public safety workers.
For more information on the COVID-19 vaccines, please visit: https://www1.nyc.gov/site/doh/covid/covid-19-vaccine-eligibility.page.
COVID-19 Diagnostic and Antibody Testing
Testing Locations for Drivers
All TLC-Licensed Drivers now have access to a new tool to help locate COVID-19 testing centers. All City COVID-19 testing locations are listed, including testing facilities located JFK and LGA Airports. You can choose between drive-thru or walk-in locations. All listed locations include contact information and link with directions.
Once on the Testing Locations for Drivers page, follow the below steps:
- Enter the address or zip code of where you would like to get tested;
- Select the radius in miles you are willing to travel;
- Select a COVID-19 testing location;
- Click provided link for directions.
Here you can access Testing Locations for Drivers.
Free COVID-19 Diagnostic Test
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The COVID-19 diagnostic test is safe, free, and easy. A nasal swab, oral swab or saliva sample may be used.
There are over 100 convenient COVID-19 diagnostic testing sites across the city. Click here to find a testing site near you.
Who can get tested?
Get tested if you:
- Want to protect your family and protect yourself
- Have COVID-19 symptoms like fever, cough, shortness of breath or loss of taste or smell
- Have been in close contact with someone who tests positive
- Are a first responder or healthcare worker
- Work in a nursing home, shelter or adult care facility
How long do results take?
Most results are returned in about 48 hours.
Do I need insurance?
You do NOT need insurance to get a diagnostic test.
Privacy
Your test results are confidential.
COVID-19 Antibody Testing
The COVID-19 antibody test is a blood test to find antibodies — proteins in your blood that fight infections. The test is taken through your finger. A positive test for antibodies is not necessarily an indication of immunity.
Visit the COVID-19 Citywide Information Portal for information on where to get the COVID-19 antibody test.
Who can participate?
You should get an antibody test if you:
- DON'T have COVID-19 symptoms
- HAVEN'T been sick in the last two weeks
- HAVEN'T tested positive for COVID-19 in the last two weeks
The benefits
You'll know if you had COVID-19 and help develop research for vaccines and other ways to fight the virus.
How long do results take?
Results take about 48 hours.
Do I need insurance?
You do need insurance for an antibody test.
Privacy
All your information is confidential.
Driver Health – What you need to know about COVID-19 Novel Coronavirus
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Novel Coronavirus Outbreak Factsheet
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COVID-19: Prevent the Spread Poster
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Vehicle Cleaning – Guidance for Vehicle Operators
COVID-19: General Guidance for Vehicle Operators
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Safety precautions for vehicle operators to protect themselves and their passengers
- Monitor your health closely for COVID-19 symptoms, such as cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fever, chills, muscle pain, sore throat or new loss of taste or smell.
- Get tested for COVID-19: visit nyc.gov/covidtest to find a test site.
- If you had or may have had COVID-19, stay home until all the following are true:
- It has been at least 10 days since your symptoms started.
- You have not had a fever for the prior three days without use of fever-reducing drugs.
- Your overall illness has improved.
- Some workers who had or may have COVID-19 must wait longer before returning to work based on New York State requirements.
- Practice healthy personal hygiene.
- Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after you handle money or a passenger's bags. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your arm when sneezing or coughing.
- Have tissues and hand sanitizer available in your vehicle for passengers.
- Encourage touchless payment options. Minimize the handling of cash and credit cards.
- Do not touch your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Do not shake hands or offer bottled water, gum or other items to passengers.
- Clean and disinfect your vehicle routinely.
- Pay special attention to surfaces and objects that are touched often by passengers, such as door handles, window buttons, locks, payment machines, arm rests, seat cushions, buckles and seatbelts. Wipe down surfaces that you frequently touch, such as the steering wheel, radio buttons, turn indicators and cup holders.
- Remove visible dirt and grime first. Then use a regular disinfectant product (for example, Clorox, peroxide or alcohol-based multi-purpose products) that is appropriate for the surface to remove most germs. Disinfectants are the most effective on clean surfaces. Read and follow the cleaning and disinfectant product labels.
- Wear disposable gloves and any other appropriate protective gear when cleaning and disinfecting. Throw gloves in the trash after use and wash hands with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Keep the vehicle doors open while cleaning and disinfecting.
- Wait until all surfaces have dried before accepting passengers.
- For additional information about cleaning and disinfecting, visit nyc.gov/health/coronavirus and look for "General Cleaning/Disinfection Guidance for Non-Health Care Settings" on the "Guidance for Businesses" page.
- Maintain physical distancing.
- Keep at least 6 feet of distance between yourself and others, whenever possible.
- New York State Executive Orders require drivers to wear a face covering when transporting passengers, and all passengers over the age of two who can medically tolerate it must also wear a face covering. For more information on face coverings, visit nyc.gov/health/coronavirus and look for "FAQ About Face Coverings."
- Ask passengers to sit in the back to create physical distance. If the vehicle has a partition, close the partition before picking up passengers. If the vehicle does not have a partition, consider putting up a clear plastic barrier between the front and back of the vehicle (note: barrier should not affect rear view mirror visibility). For vehicles licensed by the Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC), drivers should follow TLC guidance on partition installation.
- Only transport passengers who are in the same party. Group rides (also known as "shared" or "pooled" rides) are not permitted (except for paratransit vehicles).
- Use the vehicle's vents to bring in fresh outside air and/or lower the windows. Avoid using the recirculated air option.
Separate facts from fear and guard against stigma
- The outbreak is no excuse to spread racism and discrimination. It is illegal to discriminate against passengers or prospective passengers due to race, nation of origin or other identities.
- If you are being harassed or discriminated against due to your race, nation of origin or other identities, contact the New York City (NYC) Commission on Human Rights by calling 311 and saying "human rights," or by visiting nyc.gov/cchr and clicking on "Report Discrimination."
Take care of yourself and your family
- App Library at nyc.gov/nycwell: online health and emotional well-being tools.
- NYC Well: free mental health support, available 24/7 for brief counseling and referrals. Call 888-NYC-WELL (888-692-9355), text "WELL" to 65173 or chat online at nyc.gov/nycwell.
- NYS COVID-19 Emotional Support Helpline: trained professionals who are there to listen, support and refer if needed. Call 844-863-9314, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., 7 days a week.
- NYC Health and Hospitals: provides care to New Yorkers, regardless of immigration status or ability to pay. Call 844-NYC-4NYC (844-692-4692) or 311.
Stay informed
- Visit the NYC Health Department at nyc.gov/health/coronavirus for COVID-19 information.
- For real-time updates, text "COVID" to 692-692. Message and data rates may apply.
- Post information for passengers in your back seat. Visit nyc.gov/health/coronavirus for posters and flyers.
The NYC Health Department may change recommendations as the situation evolves. For updated information, visit NYC Health's COVID-19: Guidance for Businesses page.
Face Coverings Required
Health Care and Medical Insurance
NYC Care is a health care access program that guarantees low-cost and no-cost services to New Yorkers who do not qualify for or cannot afford health insurance. All NYC Care services are provided through NYC Health + Hospitals. Visit www.nyccare.nyc or call 1- 646-NYC-CARE (1-646-692- 2273).
MetroPlus is the plan of choice for over half a million New Yorkers. In addition to Medicaid Managed Care, MetroPlus offers dozens of quality health plans, including Child Health Plus; several Medicare Plans; a Medicaid Special Needs Plan (SNP).
On March 13, US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) said that seeking or using healthcare services related to COVID-19 will NOT be considered under the public charge rule, even if the services are Medicaid-funded. Learn more from the Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA).
Anyone who needs help during the COVID-19 crisis should seek care without fear, regardless of immigration status or ability to pay for health services.
If you need help finding a health care provider, call 311.
Drivers Benefits paid for by The Black Car Fund
The Black Car Fund (BCF) is a non-profit organization created by New York State to provide workers' compensation insurance to drivers of NY Black Car Services including Lyft, Uber, Via, and the more traditional Black Car bases in the industry.
BCF also provides valuable health and wellness Drivers Benefits at no cost to eligible drivers. These benefits include Dental Insurance, Vision Coverage, Telemedicine, and IDG Mental Health & Wellness benefits, as well as discounts on Urgent Care, Diagnostic Imaging and Prescriptions. These benefits are funded entirely by the small surcharge that is paid by passengers on each ride. More details about these benefits can be found here.
If you are not already a Drivers Benefits member, then you can activate your membership for free.
If you are already a Drivers Benefits me mber, then visit and bookmark the Member Guide for quick access to your benefits, info on how to book your Dental, Vision and Telemedicine appointments, and much more.
For help activating or accessing your benefits, please call (888) 814-8590 and speak with one of our multilingual member services representatives.
Mental Health
An infectious illness outbreak can be stressful to you and your loved ones. It's natural to feel overwhelmed, sad, anxious, and afraid, or to experience other symptoms of distress, such as trouble sleeping. To reduce your stress and to manage the situation more resiliently, try to remain positive, remind yourself of your strengths, connect with friends and loved ones and use healthy coping skills.
If your symptoms of stress become overwhelming, reach out for support and help. You can contact NYC Well, a free, confidential, 24/7 helpline, staffed by trained counselors. They can provide brief counseling and referrals to care in over 200 languages.
- Call888-NYC-WELL(888-692-9355)
- Text"WELL"to65173
- Chat at NYC.gov/nycwell
TLC Operations Updates
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TLC Operations
- Licensing (Long Island City)
- The office is open Monday through Friday, from 8am until 4pm..
- Prosecution (Long Island City)
- Effective September 7, 2021, TLC will be accepting only walk-in settlement requests from licensees. Qmatic tickets for settlements will be available between the hours of 8:00am and 1:00pm only. We will only process electronic settlement requests for representatives and attorneys, or for licensees if you hold multiple vehicle licenses and have more than 3 summonses based upon current policies/procedures via settlements@tlc.nyc.gov email address. Please note these requests by email should be made at least 5-7 business days prior to the scheduled hearing date. You should plan to appear for the scheduled hearing and request an adjournment by emailing RemoteLIC@oath.nyc.gov or visiting Request Phone Hearing for Upcoming Hearing page before 3:00pm, one day prior to your scheduled hearing date, if your summons(es) have not been completely resolved by that time.
- TLC Settlements: Please email all requests for settlements at settlements@tlc.nyc.gov. To reduce the number of people in the waiting room, individuals who appear at TLC's LIC office seeking a settlement may be asked to return at a different day or time. Prosecution staff are available to handle settlement requests remotely.
- Vehicle Inspections (Woodside)
- Vehicle Inspections:TLC's Woodside Inspection Facility remains open and operational. Owners with existing appointments should appear for their scheduled inspection. Owners with notices of violations should correct the defect and appear for reinspection as directed on the notice.
- The TLC's Beaver Street facility is open for appointment visits only.
- The TLC's State Island office is open on Wednesdays from 9am until 4pm; visual vehicle inspections are by appointment only.
TLC Vehicles are Essential Services
TLC-Approved Temporary Partitions
For-Hire Vehicle License Storage Option
The New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission allows For-Hire Vehicle Owners to place their TLC Vehicle License "on-hold" for a period of no more than one hundred eighty (180) days. The license will be placed on hold through a "storage" process, available on the For-Hire Vehicle Page.
Can You Drive a Tlc Car Without a Tlc License
Source: https://www1.nyc.gov/site/tlc/drivers/coronavirus-information.page