In an effort to curb and control the sex trafficking industry in New York City, legislators are taking aim at a crucial part of the program: the taxi cabs who deliver the men and women to these illicit liaisons. By focusing on the cab drivers the city hopes to make it difficult for the system to continue.

Under the proposed law cab drivers caught delivering prostitutes or anyone engaged in sex trafficking would lose their license. Specifically, city taxi and livery drivers would face up to a $10,000 fine and lose their New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission licenses if convicted of a felony related to sex trafficking. This strikes a chord with cab drivers because not only would they not be able to drive they would also lose their ability to work. No job, no money no rent. Plus a $10,000 fine they would need to pay.

The proposed legislation stems from reports by sex workers that they use a network of cab drivers to get from place to place around the city. Without cab drivers or livery drivers getting around would be much more difficult. No way to get around city leaders believe, and the sex worker trade would suffer.

This idea to suspend or revoke the license of drivers who engage in this activity would not be based on their ability to operate their vehicles safely but rather on what they did with their vehicle. They would not be the first state or municipality to suspend driving privileges for things which had nothing to do with driving safety. Other states regularly suspend driving privileges of people who have unpaid child support or other similar court ordered fines and requirements.

It remains to be seen whether or not the proposed city legislation would have the desired effect, but it certainly seems to be a step in the right direction. And, since it’s new, it is certainly worth a try.