Int. No. 1068
By Council Members Zhuang, Morano, Louis, Maloney, Hankerson and Riley
A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to an affirmative defense for tickets issued to drivers licensed by the taxi and limousine commission for stopping and standing while assisting passengers with impaired mobility
Be it enacted by the Council as follows:
Section 1. Chapter 2 of title 19 of the administrative code of the city of New York is amended by adding a new section 19-214 to read as follows:
§ 19-214 Affirmative defense for certain tickets issued to for-hire vehicles. a. Definitions. For purposes of this section, the following terms have the following meanings:
TLC-licensed driver. The term “TLC-licensed driver” means any individual licensed by the taxi and limousine commission to drive a TLC-licensed vehicle.
TLC-licensed vehicle. The term “TLC-licensed vehicle” means any vehicle licensed by the taxi and limousine commission.
b. Affirmative defense. 1. Except as provided in subdivision c of this section, it shall be an affirmative defense to a charge for stopping or standing where stopping or standing is prohibited by a posted sign or rule if:
(a) The violation was committed by a TLC-licensed driver using a TLC-licensed vehicle; and
(b) The driver was standing or stopping for the purpose of assisting, receiving, or discharging a passenger with impaired mobility.
2. The individual charged with such a violation shall bear the burden of proof in establishing such affirmative defense.
c. Exceptions. The affirmative defense established pursuant to subdivision b of this section shall not be available where, at the time of a charge for stopping or standing, the TLC-licensed driver was stopping or standing:
1. In such a manner as to obstruct a fire hydrant;
2. In such a manner as to obstruct the transit or use of an authorized emergency vehicle;
3. In a lane designated for the exclusive use of buses or bicycles;
4. Alongside a median dividing a highway into two or more separate roadways;
5. Within an intersection, or in a crosswalk; or
6. For a duration of more than 10 minutes.
§ 2. This local law takes effect 180 days after it becomes law.
ALK
LS #23843
8/19/2026 1:54 PM