§ 80-03 — Definitions Specific to this Chapter

§ 80-03 Definitions Specific to this Chapter.

(a) Defined Terms are Capitalized. All terms defined in this Chapter or in 35 RCNY Chapter 51 ("Definitions") appear in this text with the initial letter in each word of the term capitalized (Example: TLC Driver License, not TLC driver license.) (b) General Terms are Specific to "Taxicabs," "For-Hire Vehicles," or "Street Hail Liveries" in this Chapter. (1) When used in this Chapter, capitalized terms such as (i) Driver will mean the Driver of a Taxicab, For-Hire Vehicle or Street Hail Livery. The term Driver can also mean a Paratransit Driver operating an Accessible Street Hail Livery pursuant to 35 RCNY § 80-05. (ii) Vehicle will mean a Taxicab, For-Hire Vehicle or Street Hail Livery. (iii) License will mean the TLC Driver License. (c) Definitions. (1) Applicant in this chapter refers to an Applicant for an original or renewal TLC Driver License. (2) Application in this chapter refers to an application for a TLC Driver License, including all documentation and other information submitted as part of the application. (3) Driver, in this chapter, means a holder of a TLC Driver License. (4) License in this Chapter means a TLC License to drive a Taxicab, Street Hail Livery and For-Hire Vehicle. (5) Qualified Vehicle License (or "QVL") is the license issued by an Issuing Jurisdiction to that jurisdiction's vehicles authorizing them to provide pre-arranged, for-hire transportation within its jurisdiction. (6) Qualified Driver's License (or "QDL") is a license issued by an Issuing Jurisdiction to that jurisdiction's drivers authorizing them to operate an authorized vehicle to provide pre-arranged, for-hire transportation within its jurisdiction. (7) Reciprocity (or Reciprocal Recognition) means that: (1) New York City For-Hire Vehicles and Drivers can do pickups or drop offs in Issuing Jurisdictions for trips ending or beginning in NYC, and (2) Vehicles and drivers that are licensed to perform for-hire transportation by a Issuing Jurisdiction can do pickups or drop offs in NYC for trips ending or beginning in the Issuing Jurisdiction. (8) Use an Electronic Communication Device (or Using an Electronic Communication Device), in this Chapter, means to (1) Operate any function of an Electronic Communication Device in any way, or (2) Have a device permitting hands-free operation of an Electronic Communication Device in or near the ear. (3) Exception for Street Hail Liveries and For-Hire Vehicles: In a Street Hail Livery or For-Hire Vehicle, a short business-related communication with a Base is NOT a Use of an Electronic Communication Device if all of the following apply: (i) The communication is about a Dispatch; and (ii) The communication occurs using either an FCC-licensed commercial two-way radio or a device, including a smart phone, which is mounted in a fixed position and not hand-held; and (iii) The communication occurs using either voice or one-touch pre-programmed buttons or keys. (4) Exceptions pursuant to 35 RCNY § 80-22: Use of an electronic device permitted pursuant to 35 RCNY § 80-22 is not Use of an Electronic Communication Device. (9) Vehicle, in this Chapter, refers to a Taxicab, a For-Hire Vehicle or a Street Hail Livery. (Added City Record 9/22/2016, eff. 10/22/2016; amended City Record 2/2/2023, eff. 3/4/2023)