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• What is the portable and hands-free electronic device rule? |
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 Drivers are not allowed to use cell phones, Bluetooths or any handheld or hands-free electronic devices while operating their vehicles. To get more information on the rule, please read Chapter 54 and Chapter 55. [Back to Top] |
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• How do I comply with this rule? |
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You may not have a Bluetooth or other wireless or wired telephone device in or near your ear, even if you are not talking on it or listening to it. You may not use a handheld or hands-free cell phone or any other portable electronic device while driving. You must be legally standing or parked to use a handheld or hands-free electronic device. Please Note: Only For-Hire Vehicle drivers (a For-Hire Vehicle, or FHV, is a community livery car, black car, or luxury limousine) may receive dispatch information from a base using a mounted electronic device or FCC licensed two-way radio. Communication must be brief and strictly business-related. Please read Chapter 54 and Chapter 55 for more information. [Back to Top] |
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• I was found guilty for using a portable or hands-free electronic device. What do I need to do? |
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Any driver convicted of using a portable or hands-free electronic device while driving any vehicle will receive a summons from the TLC. The driver will have to attend a TLC hearing and if found guilty, will be required to complete the mandated Distracted Driver Course at a TLC authorized school. This course provides training on the dangers of driving while distracted by a portable or hands-free electronic device. After your hearing, you will have 60 days to complete the course and provide the TLC with proof that you have taken it. Please note: If you are convicted of using a portable or hands-free electronic device while driving a non-TLC licensed vehicle, you will be required to take the mandated Distracted Driver Course at a TLC authorized school. [Back to Top] |
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• Will I have to pay a fine if I am convicted of using a portable or hands-free electronic device while operating a TLC licensed vehicle? |
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Yes. You will have to pay a $200 fine and complete the mandated Distracted Driver Course at a TLC authorized school. [Back to Top] |
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• Will I have to pay a fine if I am convicted of using a portable or hands-free electronic device while operating a vehicle NOT licensed with the TLC? |
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Yes. If the Traffic Violations Bureau convicts you of using a portable or hands-free electronic device while operating a non-TLC licensed vehicle you will receive a summons from the TLC. If you are convicted you will be required to pay a $200 fine and you may also receive points on your TLC license. You will also have to complete the mandated Distracted Driver Course at a TLC authorized school. [Back to Top] |
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• Will points be added to my TLC record if I am convicted of using a portable or hands-free electronic device while operating a TLC licensed vehicle? |
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Medallion and For-Hire Vehicle Drivers only (a For-Hire Vehicle, or FHV, is a community livery car, black car, or luxury limousine) will receive points. The first or second time you are found guilty in any 15-month period, you will receive 3 points on your TLC record. Your license can be suspended after the second conviction. The third time you are found guilty in any 15-month period, you will receive 4 points on your TLC record. Please Note: If you are convicted of a third violation within a 15-month period, your TLC license will be revoked. [Back to Top] |
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• Will points be added to my TLC record if I am convicted of using a portable or hands-free electronic device while operating a vehicle NOT licensed with the TLC? |
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Medallion and For-Hire Vehicle Drivers only (a For-Hire Vehicle, or FHV, is a community livery car, black car, or luxury limousine): If the Traffic Violations Bureau convicts you of using a portable or hands-free electronic device while operating a non-TLC Licensed vehicle, the Taxi and Limousine Commission will add points on your TLC record.
[Back to Top] |
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• Where can I take the TLC mandated Distracted Driver Course? |
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You can take the required training course at any one of the TLC authorized schools. For a list of schools, please click here. [Back to Top] |
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• How long is the TLC mandated Distracted Driver Course? |
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The TLC mandated Distracted Driver Course is a minimum of 2 hours. For additional information, please click here. [Back to Top] |
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• How much does it cost to take the required course? |
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For information on how much the required course costs, you must contact the school of your choice. Please click here for additional information. [Back to Top] |
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