Legal news for New York City personal injury attorneys – All NYC taxi and limo drivers will be penalized if using cell phone while driving.
New York City, NY (NewYorkInjuryNews.com) – The New York City taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) announced January 29th, 2010, that all cab drivers and limo drivers will not be permitted to use any form of an electronic device while transporting passengers in their vehicles as of Friday, according to WABC.
The new regulation will be enforced by the penalty of a large fine and the driver may potentially be able to lose their license. New Yorkers who have been passengers in cabs in which the driver used their cell phone while driving were seemingly pleased with the new regulation. Some of the taxi drivers were concerned that this new rule would prevent them from making emergency calls or answer calls if they need to do so while driving. Even Bluetooth devices are not permitted for use by the drivers.
The first time a driver is found to be on the phone while transporting passengers, it is a $200 penalty fine. For a second offense, the fine will be another $200 and a 30-day suspension of the drivers TLC license. If a driver continues to use their cell phone and is discovered, he is subject to another $200 fine and the loss of their TLC license entirely.
The TLC website maintains all urgent news and information for taxi and limo drivers and well as for New York passengers. For more information about this new rule, taxi services, how to comment or report a taxi driver, go to http://www.nyc.gov/html/tlc/html/home/home.shtml.
Bridget Hom
www.NewYorkInjuryNews.com