§ 56-14 Operations – Passenger and Driver Safety.
RCNY § 56-14
(a)[Reserved.] (b) Reckless Driving Rule. A Driver must not operate a Paratransit Vehicle in a manner or speed that unreasonably endangers users of other vehicles, pedestrians, or the Passengers. 35 RCNY § 56-14(b)Fine: $350 - $1,000 and/or suspension up to 30 days or revocation if Driver is found guilty of having violated this rule more than three times within an 18-month period.Appearance REQUIRED (c) Report Before Leaving Scene.
(1)A Driver who knows or should have known that a Collision involving the Driver's Paratransit Vehicle resulted in personal injury to another or damage to another's property, must stop before leaving the scene of the Collision, and if the other involved party is present, must: (i) Show his or her Chauffeur's License, Paratransit Driver's License, and Vehicle License to the party sustaining the damage.
(ii)Give the other involved party his or her name, Chauffeur's License number, the Vehicle owner's name, the affiliated Base name and telephone number, Paratransit Driver's License number, and Vehicle License number, as well as the name of the Vehicle's insurance carrier and the insurance policy number. 35 RCNY § 56-14(c)(1)Fine: $350 and/or suspension up to 30 days or revocation if Driver is found guilty of having violated this rule more than three times within a 12-month period.Appearance REQUIRED (2) Notify Paratransit Vehicle Owner of Collision. If the Driver is involved in a Collision, the Driver must immediately report the Collision to the owner of the Paratransit Vehicle and to the affiliated Base. 35 RCNY § 56-14(c)(2)Fine: $100Appearance NOT REQUIRED (d) Driving While Impaired. A Driver must not operate a Paratransit Vehicle if his or her driving ability is impaired by either alcohol or Drugs. A Driver must not consume alcoholic beverages or Drugs while occupying the vehicle. 35 RCNY § 56-14(d)Fine: $50 - $300 and/or suspension or revocation.Appearance REQUIRED (e) [Reserved.] TLC can Require Drug Test.
(f)Not Allowed to Drive More than 12 Consecutive Hours. A Driver must not operate a Paratransit Vehicle for more than 12 consecutive hours. If a Driver has accepted a passenger prior to the conclusion of the twelfth hour the Driver can complete that trip provided he or she is able to drive safely. 35 RCNY § 56-14(f)Fine: $25.Appearance NOT REQUIRED (g) Handling Passengers with Infectious Diseases.
(2)Drivers must adhere to any Federal, State or City laws and regulations regarding cleaning Paratransit Vehicles after transporting passengers with infectious diseases and the disposal of contaminated materials. It is the responsibility of the owner of the Paratransit Vehicle to provide protective clothing (goggles, gloves, gowns and masks) to any employee who disinfects the vehicle.
(i)The New York State Department of Health has recommended the following as an appropriate disinfectant solution: One (1) part sodium hypochlorite solution (bleach) to nine (9) parts water – fill the bucket with water first and then add the solution.
(iii)In the case of gross contamination, where the vehicle is saturated or encrusted, then the vehicle must be sterilized with steam, gas or liquid agents. 35 RCNY § 56-14(g)Fine: $25 - $1,000 possible suspension or revocation (OATH).Appearance REQUIRED (h) Collision Notification.
(3)Affirmative Defense. A Driver can offer an affirmative defense to a charge of Using an Electronic Communication Device under this Rule if all of the following are true: (i) The communication was to an emergency response operator; (ii) The communication reports an imminent threat to life or property; (iii) The Driver could not safely stop the Vehicle to make the report; and (iv) The Driver provides documentary proof of communication with an emergency response provider.
(j)Serious Crashes. A serious crash is one in which any person has suffered Critical Injury or death. "Critical Injury," for purposes of this section, means any injury determined to be critical by the emergency medical service personnel responding to such crash.
