NEWS

NOTICE OF IMPORTANT NEW RULES REGARDING DRUG TESTS FOR MEDALLION TAXICAB AND FOR-HIRE VEHICLE OPERATORS

Please note the following updates and changes regarding drug testing.

On February 9, 2006, the TLC Board of Commissioners passed new rules at a public meeting making permanent the temporary rules the TLC passed in November.   These rules pertain to drug testing and will have an impact upon medallion taxicab operator and for-hire-vehicle operator licenses.

The rules, most of which are already temporarily in effect and all of which will become permanent on March 16, 2006, contain the following important requirements:

FREQUENCY OF DRUG TESTS:

• Licensees must take a drug test each year.

TIME WINDOW FOR TAKING DRUG TEST:

• For licensees in the first year of a two-year license (at their interim period), drug testing must occur no sooner than thirty (30) days prior to, and no later than, the date one year prior to the expiration date of such license.

Example: If a license expires on April 30, 2007, the interim drug test must be taken no sooner than March 31, 2006 and no later than April 30, 2006. Failure to comply will result in summary license suspension. 

Note:  If the licensee takes the test within thirty (30) days after the interim drug test date (example: between May 1, 2006 and May 30, 2006), the suspension shall be lifted after a negative result has been provided.  However, if the test is taken more than 30 days after the interim drug test date (example: after May 30, 2006), a penalty of $200 must be paid to have the suspension lifted, regardless if a negative test result is provided.

• For licensees in the second year of a two-year license (renewal time), drug testing must occur no sooner than thirty (30) days prior to, and no later than, the expiration date of such license. 

Example:  For a license that expires on April 30, 2007, the drug test for renewal must be taken no sooner than March 31, 2007 and no later than April 30, 2007.  This requirement will be in effect for all medallion taxicab and for-hire vehicle operator licenses that expire March 16, 2006 and afterward.

ELIMINATION OF GRACE PERIOD FOR DRUG TEST AT RENEWAL

• It is very important to note that, beginning with expiration dates of March 16, 2006, failure of a licensee to be tested by the expiration date of his or her license shall result in denial of a license renewal application, if any, and the expiration of the license.

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