Authorizes the commissioner of motor vehicles to suspend the licenses of persons who fail to appear or pay fines to the New York city taxi and limousine commission

Title of bill

An act to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to suspending certain licenses for failure to answer appearance tickets or pay fines to the New York city taxi and limousine commission

Purpose

This bill authorizes the commissioner of motor vehicles to suspend the licenses of persons who fail to appear or pay fines to the New York city taxi limousine commission.

Summary of provisions

Section amends subdivision b of section 19-528 of the administrative code of the city of New York by adding a new paragraph 4. The commissioner of motor vehicles may Suspend the driver's license privileges of a person who has failed to appear within 120 days of the issuance of violation. This suspension shall take effect no less than 30 days from the day Upon which notice is sent by the commissioner to the person whose driver's license or registration are to be suspended.

Justification

The City of New York is owed $97 million in fines that have not been collected on vans, livery cabs and other vehicles regulated by the Taxi Limousine Commission (NEW YORK POST, November 26, 2003, pg. 2.). These fines have gone uncollected for a period of 13 years according to an audit by the City Comptroller's office. Licenses are currently renewed without fines being paid.

This bill puts and end to this practice by allowing the Department of Motor Vehicles to suspend licenses of those drivers who fail to pay their fines.

Legislative history

New bill.

Effective date

This act shall take effect immediately.