Required Changes to
Medallion Taxicab Roof Light
All medallions taxicabs must change their roof lights to conform to new TLC rules by their first scheduled inspections after January 15, 2013
On November 29, 2012 the New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) approved required changes to medallion taxicab roof lights. The "off-duty" light will be eliminated in favor of a simplified system in which an illuminated medallion number on the roof light indicates "available for a hail" and a darkened medallion number roof light indicates "unavailable for a hail" (either because the driver is off-duty or because the taxi is occupied). These changes were made to reduce passenger confusion.
Attention Owners: Changes to Vehicle Equipment
By each taxicab's next scheduled inspection occurring on or after January 15, 2013:
- The roof light must not have "off-duty" lights. Owners who do not wish to purchase new roof lights may modify their existing roof lights by blackening the off-duty portion of their existing roof lights.
- There may be no manual switch for the driver to use to control the roof light. The roof light may only be controlled by the taximeter/TPEP system.
- All TPEP vendors and companies supplying meters to NYC taxicabs are prepared to make these changes. Contact your usual service provider. A list of licensed taximeter shops is available at: http://www.nyc.gov/html/tlc/downloads/excel/current_taxicab_metershops.xls
- Owners whose next inspection falls before January 15, 2013 have until the following inspection to make the roof light changes, but may make them sooner if they wish.