Seat Belt Law - TLC

Taxi & Limousine Commission


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Seat Belt Law

Renew a TLC Drivers License

Renew a Commuter Van Drivers License

Renew a Paratransit Drivers License

Education

Check License Status

Received a Summons?

Replace TLC Driver License / Credential Replacement

Update Contact Information

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Driver Resources

Licensed Drivers Frequently Asked Questions

Seat Belt Law


Seat Belt Law

Starting November 1, 2020, New York State now requires all passengers to buckle up regardless of where they sit in the vehicle – including drivers and all passengers. If your passengers do not wear a seat belt, your vehicle can be pulled over and your adult passengers may receive a ticket. If you are transporting a passenger under the age of 16, and they are not accompanied by a parent or guardian and do not buckle their seatbelt, you (the driver) could receive a ticket.

Please encourage passengers to wear a seat belt at all times while in your vehicle and wait to begin your trip until all passengers have buckled up. TLC is also informing passengers of this new law and their responsibility to buckle up. Please be aware that this is a New York State Law impacting all drivers in the State of New York.

Information

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Passenger Seat Belt Requirement Messaging

To ensure passengers are aware of the New York State requirement to buckle up while in TLC-licensed vehicles, TLC is providing one optional vehicle decal with passenger seat belt requirement messaging directed to passengers to all TLC vehicle licensees. The decals provide instruction in three languages: English, Spanish, and Chinese. These decals should be applied by licensees to the interior one backseat window. Decals will be provided at no cost to licensees and are not for resale.

Where to Find Decals

TLC Facilities: Decals are available free of charge at TLC’s Long Island City facility by walk-in or at our Woodside facility during an inspection appointment.

Starting November 1, 2021, New York State Law requires all TLC Drivers to post the following notice within their vehicle: “Seatbelts must be available for your use. You must buckle up, it’s the law.” These notices must be posted in English, Spanish, and Chinese. TLC has partnered with fleets, bases, industry organizations, TLC-Licensed taximeter shops, and camera and partition shops to make additional decals available to Licensees for free.

Please be aware that Licensees can also meet this new requirement by installing their own signage. Licensees can meet the requirement of the law by using their own signage in English, Spanish, and Chinese. You can click the below link for a printable version of the TLC-designed seatbelt decal. Printable Seatbelt Decal (PNG).

Decals and signage placed in your vehicle must be visible to passengers.

If you have questions about obtaining a seat belt decal, please email TLC at tlcexternalaffairs@tlc.nyc.gov or contact us via social media via Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.