Category Archives: How to

List of post where you can find documentation related on how to get into the Taxi Services Business.

How to check TLC License Status

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New York City Taxi Limousine Commission provide a tool that allow you to check the status of your TLC license and DMV Licenses as well. In this page we provide a link to this such a tool.

Please note: The NYS DMV Status link on this page is current as of yesterday.  Therefore, when you click on this link, it will take you to a page with lists that contain data that are current as of yesterday or latest date TLC licenses Status update.

Street Hail Livery Licenses:  Information on the Bases that have purchased an SHL Base endorsement or vehicles that are affiliated with an SHL Permit can be found in the standard lists under each license class.  A comprehensive list of all SHL related Bases, Permits and Vehicles can be found in the section entitled Street Hail Livery Services.

Click here to Check your license status using Taxisocial website

For more information visit TLC Licenses Status Page.

How to get your Refund for Health Care Fund for Medallion Taxi Drivers

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Because of a court ruling, on April 17, 2014 the TLC instructed taxicab medallion owners to stop withholding a six (6) cents per-ride fee for the Taxi Driver Healthcare Services Fund (HCF). The ruling by the court is now final and the Fund is permanently closed.

Refund Eligibility

If you are a medallion driver who drove between October 1, 2013 and April 17, 2014 (the collection period) and your medallion/fleet owner collected the $0.06 per trip HCF fee from you, you are eligible for a refund of the amount you paid.

Refund Amount

Review your personal trip records to see how much you paid a medallion owner for the HCF during the collection period. If you don’t have your trip records, you can find out the number of trips that you completed during the collection period by: 1) Checking the TPEP portal, 2) consulting with your TPEP provider, or 3) asking your medallion owner/agent. Please note that neither TPEP providers nor the TLC can provide data about the actual amounts medallion owners collected from a driver.

Refund Process

To request your refund, contact the medallion owner/s (or the agent/s) that you were driving for during the collection period. If the medallion was transferred since then, for HCF amounts that were paid to the TLC, the TLC has refunded that amount to the current medallion owner/agent on file.

If you are unable to reach the medallion owner on the phone number that you have on file for them, the TLC can provide drivers with the 24-hour number that we have on file for a medallion owner/s. To obtain a phone number of a fleet/garage, please visit our “Current Licensees” page on the TLC website.

Questions?

Medallion Owners/Agents have been informed that, beginning July 15, 2016, failure to return previously-collected funds may result in enforcement action. If you have any questions, please e-mail healthcarerefund@tlc.nyc.gov or contact the TLC Call Center at (718) 391-5501. If you are experiencing difficulties obtaining your refund, you may also contact the TLC’s Driver Protection Unit at (212) 676-1201.

How to get the new MED\FHV License

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Current TLC-licensed For-Hire Vehicle (FHV) drivers may now choose to receive a combined Taxi and For-Hire Vehicle “MED\FHV” drivers’ license.

The process of opting for a MED\FHV license involves three steps, detailed below:

Visit the TLC web site at:
http://www.nyc.gov/html/tlc/html/industry/med_fhv_upgrade.shtml;

Enter your license information into the form;

Click the “submit” button.

(Please have your TLC and DMV licenses handy during the request process, as you will need information from both.)

Once submitted, the TLC will review your request, and your new MED\FHV license will be mailed to you at the address you have on file with the TLC. If you need to update your contact information before making the request, you can do so on our web site at: https://www1.nyc.gov/lars/.

Please Note: You do not need to take any action now. All drivers will automatically receive a MED/FHV license upon renewal and existing Medallion Drivers may continue to operate a Medallion Taxicab or FHV with their Medallion Taxicab Drivers’ license.

How to turn left

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Here are examples of right-of-way rules:

  • A driver who approaches an intersection must yield the right-of-way to traffic that is in the intersection.
  • Example: You approach an intersection. The traffic light is green and you want to drive straight through. Another vehicle is already in the intersection making a left turn. You must let that vehicle complete its turn before you enter the intersection.
  • If drivers approaching from opposite directions reach an intersection at about the same time, a driver that turns left must yield to traffic that moves straight or turns right.
  • Example: You want to turn left at an intersection ahead. A vehicle reaches the intersection from the opposite direction and moves straight ahead. You must wait for approaching traffic to go through before you turn. You may enter the intersection, however, to prepare for your left turn if the light is green and no other vehicle ahead of you plans to make  a left turn (see “Turns” later in this chapter). When you enter the intersection, keep to the right of the center line. Keep your wheels straight to prevent a push into oncoming traffic if a rear-end collision occurs. When traffic headed toward you  clears or stops for a red light, complete your turn.
  • You must also yield to traffic headed toward you when you turn left into a driveway, parking lot or other area, even if there are no signs or signals that control the turn.
  • For any left turn, the law requires you to yield to any traffic headed toward you that is close enough to be a hazard. The decision about when traffic is too close takes experience and judgment. If you have any concern, wait for traffic to pass before you turn left.
  • At intersections not controlled by signs or signals, or where two or more drivers stop at STOP signs at the same time and they are at right angles, the driver on the left must yield the right-of-way to the driver on the right.
  • Example: You are stopped at a stop sign, and you are going to go straight through the intersection. A driver on the cross road has stopped at a stop sign on your right and is also going to go straight. You must yield the right-of-way to the other driver.
  • A vehicle that enters a roadway from a driveway, alley, private road, or another place that is not a roadway, must stop and yield the right-of-way to traffic on the roadway, and to pedestrians.
  • Example: You are driving out of a parking lot and turn right as you enter a street. A vehicle approaches from your left. You must stop and wait for the vehicle to pass before you enter the street. If you were to turn left, you would have to yield to vehicles that approach from both directions. If a pedestrian walked across the parking lot exit, you would have to wait for that person to ro across.
  • Drivers must yield to pedestrians who legally use marked or unmarked crosswalks.  This means you must slow down or stop if necessary.
  • Example: You are stopped at a red light. A pedestrian steps into the crosswalk, and then the light turns green. You must wait for the pedestrian to go across. You must also yield to pedestrians in crosswalks on your left or right before you turn.
  • You can not enter an intersection if traffic is backed up on the other side and you can not get completely through the intersection. Wait until traffic ahead clears, so you do not block the intersection.
  • A driver who enters a traffic circle or rotary must yield the right-of-way to drivers already in the circle.

How to get a taxi insurance

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Taxi insurance is an absolute must for anyone who is engaged in this type of service industry.

Chauffeuring people from one place to another is an admirable and necessary job but it also raises your level of responsibility.

To make certain that you, your vehicle, your business and your customers all have adequate financial coverage in case of any type of accident, or claim, is a top priority for anyone engaged in the limousine or taxi service field.

Taxi insurance is not only recommended as a beneficial safety measure, it is a legally required element for your business and livelihood. You have no way of knowing when or if an accident is going to happen and you can not afford to be without this important coverage.

Whether you are searching for individual insurance for one taxicab or you want a taxi insurance policy that covers a specific fleet of vehicles there are coverage plans that are available that will suit your needs. You do not plan to have an accident but if one happens to occur your worries will be drastically reduced because you know that the insurance agent is only a phone call away.

When you have a taxi business it involves a great deal of time on the road. Even if there are no passengers in your vehicle just the amount of highway travel means that you have a much higher chance of being involved in some type of motor vehicle accident. Insurance companies know this and it is why the premiums are higher even for a regular driver if they drive more than 10-15 miles to work on a daily basis.

When you are considering a specific type of insurance plan you should consider the fact that this is no time to try and cut corners or skimp on the premiums. You truly get what you are paying for and good insurance that covers both taxicabs and taxi drivers is something that you can not afford to be without.

What you should focus on is a solid insurance policy that will provide you with maximum coverage at the most affordable prices. It is also important to work with a dependable and established company that is known for good customer service.

One small accident may seem to be of little consequence to you if you are just starting out in the taxi business. You might even think about trying to save some extra money by going without taxi insurance coverage for a few months, especially if you have a good driving record and have never had any tickets or motor vehicle accidents.

Not only would this be illegal, but it would be foolhardy as well. All it would take is one accident with another vehicle, or just a claim by a passenger, and you would be facing disaster. A traffic accident that is very minor as far as damages are concerned could still result in a host of other problems.

Even if you were not at fault for the accident the very fact that you did not have the legally required taxi insurance would be held against you and you would receive a ticket and a hefty fine. You also run the risk of losing your license, having your vehicle impounded, being taken to jail and possibly facing financial ruin if the other party decides to initiate a law suit.

All of these potential nightmare scenarios could be avoided by making sure that you are covered by taxi insurance. One simple policy can provide you with coverage that you could use in the event of any time of accident or property damage involving your vehicle.

You need to know how to sort through the many insurance programs and coverage options that are presently available so that you can choose the one that is best for your particular needs. When it comes to taxi insurance there is no “one size fits all” coverage option and you should take the time to explore the options and select a policy that is individualized to your specific situation.

Remember that what you are searching for is the best taxi insurance policy, not the cheapest or most expensive. You do not want to be caught with too little coverage simply because you were trying to snag the best bargain, but then again, you don’t need to waste your hard earned dollars on coverage options that you have no use for in the first place.

Look through this list of suggestions that can help guide you through the maze of today’s insurance industry. If you use these tips and ideas you can choose the best taxi insurance that delivers great coverage at an affordable price.

You can always check at the offices of local insurance agents to find out what kind of policies they can provide. However you should also consider the options available on the internet. By surfing the web you can get quotes from any local agent as well as from a variety of national insurance companies without even leaving your home. This gives you the opportunity to do the detailed comparison shopping that is required.

Know what the MVR looks like for any driver who will be insured on the policy. This will make it easier for you to double check the facts when you are going through the quotes. Sometimes there are inaccuracies on the MVR that need to be addressed. In many instances this one little step will save you some big bucks.

Check and see if any company offering taxi insurance has special discounts available and find out what they are. Some companies have discounts if you are a member of a specific organization or are applying for fleet coverage. You won’t always know about a specific discount that could be applied to lower your rate unless you take the initiative and ask.

When you use an online insurance company you will find that this affords you the maximum amount of convenience, flexibility and policy options. You can even request that the rate quotes for any taxi insurance coverage be sent as email and you can bypass the hassle and time that phone conversations usually involve while you are contemplating your options.

Once you have decided on a company and policy you will then need to ask some detailed questions concerning the coverage that will be involved. Make sure that your taxi insurance is broad enough to account for every possible contingency including, additional drivers flood, theft, liability, collision and adequate coverage for passengers.

How to get the best Taxi Insurance

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Taxi insurance is an absolute must for anyone who is engaged in this type of service industry.

Chauffeuring people from one place to another is an admirable and necessary job but it also raises your level of responsibility.

To make certain that you, your vehicle, your business and your customers all have adequate financial coverage in case of any type of accident, or claim, is a top priority for anyone engaged in the limousine or taxi service field.

Taxi insurance is not only recommended as a beneficial safety measure, it is a legally required element for your business and livelihood. You have no way of knowing when or if an accident is going to happen and you can not afford to be without this important coverage.

Whether you are searching for individual insurance for one taxicab or you want a taxi insurance policy that covers a specific fleet of vehicles there are coverage plans that are available that will suit your needs. You do not plan to have an accident but if one happens to occur your worries will be drastically reduced because you know that the insurance agent is only a phone call away.

When you have a taxi business it involves a great deal of time on the road. Even if there are no passengers in your vehicle just the amount of highway travel means that you have a much higher chance of being involved in some type of motor vehicle accident. Insurance companies know this and it is why the premiums are higher even for a regular driver if they drive more than 10-15 miles to work on a daily basis.

When you are considering a specific type of insurance plan you should consider the fact that this is no time to try and cut corners or skimp on the premiums. You truly get what you are paying for and good insurance that covers both taxicabs and taxi drivers is something that you can not afford to be without.

What you should focus on is a solid insurance policy that will provide you with maximum coverage at the most affordable prices. It is also important to work with a dependable and established company that is known for good customer service.

One small accident may seem to be of little consequence to you if you are just starting out in the taxi business. You might even think about trying to save some extra money by going without taxi insurance coverage for a few months, especially if you have a good driving record and have never had any tickets or motor vehicle accidents.

Not only would this be illegal, but it would be foolhardy as well. All it would take is one accident with another vehicle, or just a claim by a passenger, and you would be facing disaster. A traffic accident that is very minor as far as damages are concerned could still result in a host of other problems.

Even if you were not at fault for the accident the very fact that you did not have the legally required taxi insurance would be held against you and you would receive a ticket and a hefty fine. You also run the risk of losing your license, having your vehicle impounded, being taken to jail and possibly facing financial ruin if the other party decides to initiate a law suit.

All of these potential nightmare scenarios could be avoided by making sure that you are covered by taxi insurance. One simple policy can provide you with coverage that you could use in the event of any time of accident or property damage involving your vehicle.

You need to know how to sort through the many insurance programs and coverage options that are presently available so that you can choose the one that is best for your particular needs. When it comes to taxi insurance there is no “one size fits all” coverage option and you should take the time to explore the options and select a policy that is individualized to your specific situation.

Remember that what you are searching for is the best taxi insurance policy, not the cheapest or most expensive. You do not want to be caught with too little coverage simply because you were trying to snag the best bargain, but then again, you don’t need to waste your hard earned dollars on coverage options that you have no use for in the first place.

Look through this list of suggestions that can help guide you through the maze of today’s insurance industry. If you use these tips and ideas you can choose the best taxi insurance that delivers great coverage at an affordable price.

You can always check at the offices of local insurance agents to find out what kind of policies they can provide. However you should also consider the options available on the internet. By surfing the web you can get quotes from any local agent as well as from a variety of national insurance companies without even leaving your home. This gives you the opportunity to do the detailed comparison shopping that is required.

Know what the MVR looks like for any driver who will be insured on the policy. This will make it easier for you to double check the facts when you are going through the quotes. Sometimes there are inaccuracies on the MVR that need to be addressed. In many instances this one little step will save you some big bucks.

Check and see if any company offering taxi insurance has special discounts available and find out what they are. Some companies have discounts if you are a member of a specific organization or are applying for fleet coverage. You won’t always know about a specific discount that could be applied to lower your rate unless you take the initiative and ask.

When you use an online insurance company you will find that this affords you the maximum amount of convenience, flexibility and policy options. You can even request that the rate quotes for any taxi insurance coverage be sent as email and you can bypass the hassle and time that phone conversations usually involve while you are contemplating your options.

Once you have decided on a company and policy you will then need to ask some detailed questions concerning the coverage that will be involved. Make sure that your taxi insurance is broad enough to account for every possible contingency including, additional drivers flood, theft, liability, collision and adequate coverage for passengers.