Hello everybody… This month, I want to talk about TLC stop sign tickets. My best advice is to settle either yourself or through a lawyer or qualified representative, instead of seeking a hearing. TLC rule 80-13(a)(3)(viii) is for going through a stop sign without fully stopping, as announced by the TLC in the New York City Rules and Regulations, Title 35.
The TLC rule regarding stop signs is frequently enforced by TLC enforcement inspectors, Port Authority police at the airports or by the tunnels and NYPD taxi unit. The penalty for violating 80-13(a)(3)(viii) is 3 TLC points and a fine of $400 after a hearing, or $300 before a hearing.
As I have written numerous times, POINTS ARE THE ENEMY OF A TLC DRIVER. TLC will add DMV and TLC points together and take away your license, preventing you from working, if you obtain 11 points in a 15-month period (measured from the guilty date of the offense).
It is often very difficult to prevail at a hearing for a violation of this Rule. A review of appeals decisions involving the stop sign rule shows that TLC almost always wins an appeal, if a driver challenges a guilty verdict by an administrative law judge working for the Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings (OATH). Further, even if a driver prevails at the initial hearing, TLC can appeal a dismissal of the Rule by an OATH hearings judge. A review of these appeals shows that TLC almost always wins. The bottom line: You will likely lose if you try to fight a TLC stop sign ticket.
What can be done then to help drivers? A settlement. Contact a lawyer (like me) or a qualified TLC representative to learn your options. You will quite often be able to save 3 points and receive a lower fine. I strongly advise the vast majority of cases to settle if you receive a violation. If you are determined to have a hearing, perhaps reconsider – or at least get the advice of a professional.
Thank you for reading my article. Until next month, be well.
