New NYC taxi driver cellphone enforcement
January 19th, 2010 at 5:33 pm ETFrom a New York City TLC public release issued last week, new enforcement guidelines for the taxi driver no-cellphone policy:
Effective January 29, 2010, all TLC licensed drivers must comply as follows:
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 while driving – you MUST be “Legally Standing or Parked.”
While driving, you may NOT use any portable electronic devices that allow you to talk, text, communicate or become distracted in any way.
Only FHV drivers 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.
If you are convicted of using prohibited electronic devices while driving, you will be fined $200 and will earn three (3) penalty points on your TLC license under the TLC’s Persistent Violator Program. (Please be reminded that within any 15-month period if you accrue six (6) TLC points, you will serve a 30-day license suspension, and will have your license revoked if you reach 10 TLC points).
If you are convicted of a third violation within a 15-month period, your TLC license will be revoked – three strikes and you’re out!This includes any combination of summonses issued by TLC officers as well as those issued under the Vehicle & Traffic Law that are heard at the NYS Dept. of Motor Vehicles’ Traffic Court (e.g., summonses issued by NYPD police officers and any other authorized law enforcement personnel).
If you are convicted of any cell phone violation, in addition to accruing points, possible suspension and fines, you will be required to attend a mandatory Safety Refresher Course that illustrates the dangers of distracted driving. The course will review the rules governing the use of portable or hands-free devices, and the dangers of driving while distracted. Also, all newly licensed drivers, and probationary drivers, will be required to receive similar training as part of the licensing process.
Full text of the rule here (PDF).
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Rich Mintz blogs on online fundraising and social media, American history and culture, bicycling and urbanism, food, technology, and other topics. Professionally, he's an expert in fundraising, constituency development, and social media for nonprofits, cultural organizations, cause-related marketers, and corporations. He is based in New York, where he serves as Vice President, Strategy, for 
