Yellow Cab Hack-Up

To operate a vehicle as a yellow cab, you must complete the TLC hack-up certification and inspection.  To learn more about certifying a vehicle and the hack-up inspection, review the information below as well as the information on the TLC’s Vehicle Inspection page.

Vehicle Certification

To begin the vehicle hack-up process, you must request that the TLC Licensing Division certify that the vehicle can be used with your medallion.  First review the Yellow Cab hack-up information below, and the information on the Taxicab Medallion page, then complete the Medallion Certification Request form.

Approved Vehicle List

Only TLC-approved vehicles may be used as taxicabs in New York City. The list of approved vehicles is available below, as is information about the special requirements for used and accessible vehicles.

Approved Vehicles

  • The chart below lists the vehicles that are approved for use as a yellow taxi. The chart is updated as new vehicles become available. If you have any questions about a vehicle or retirement issue call the TLC hack site (718) 267-4501.
  • You may be required to hack up an accessible vehicle, even if you do not own an accessible medallion. If you have a question about your medallion’s accessibility requirement, contact the TLC at tift@tlc.nyc.gov or (212) 676-1111.

chart of approved vehicles for taxicabs

Used Vehicles

  • Owners may purchase and hack up a used vehicle that is less than 7 years old, if the make and model is approved for use as a yellow taxi.
  • Used vehicles will receive a retirement date equal to 7 years after hack-up, minus the age of the vehicle when hacked-up. For example, a model year 2015 vehicle hacked-up in 2018 is 3 years old and must be retired in 2022, 4 years after the hack-up in 2018.
  • Vehicles with more than 500 miles on the odometer at time of hack-up will receive a DMV inspection at TLC’s Woodside Inspection Facility. These vehicles must pass both the TLC hack-up inspection and the DMV inspection before the vehicle can be used as a taxicab.

Accessibility Requirements

Partitions and In-Vehicle Cameras

Partition (bullet resistant) or an In Vehicle Camera System (IVCS) is required for medallions. See the following TLC Rules section for specific requirements:

Medallions

67-10 Requirements for Hack-up – Partitions
67-12 Requirements for Hack-up – In-Vehicle Camera System (“IVCS”)
58-35 Vehicle Equipment – Partitions

List of installers for partitions (PDF)

Pictures of Approved In-vehicle Cameras (PDF)

Yellow Cab Markings

Mid Size Sedans

Image of Toyota Camry

Toyota Camry

Image of Mid Size Sedan Toyota Prius

Toyota Prius



Sports Utility Vehicles (SUV)

Image of Ford Escape

Ford Escape


Image of Toyota Highlander

Toyota Highlander


Minivans


Image of SUV Transit Connect

Transit Connect



Full Size Sedans

Image of Full Size Sedan Crown Victoria

Ford Crown Victoria

(Photos Courtesy of Smart Design)

For Authorized Printers

As of Tuesday, May 22, 2012, there is only one Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that authorizes printers to print and distribute all TLC-authorized, industry-related markings, decals, and bills of rights. The new MOU covers taxi markings, Boro Taxi markings, accessible and clean air vehicle decals, and the bills of rights for livery, Boro Taxis, and commuter vans

Note – the livery bill of rights has changed – there is new language, and you can no longer print and distribute the livery bill of rights from the electronic file that you were previously given. In order to receive new print files, and to continue using the ones that you have, you must print out two copies of the MOU, have the signature notarized, and mail both copies to the TLC.

Authorized Technology System Providers

Creative Mobile Technologies, LLC
42-32 21st Street
Long Island City, NY 11101
(877) 268-2947
Website: www.cmtgroup.com

Curb Mobility, LLC
37-03 21st Street
Long Island City, NY 1110
(888) 432-7031
Website: www.gocurb.com


Related Information: