[HISTORY: Adopted by the Township Committee of the Township of Pennsauken 7-28-1999 by Ord. No. 99-27. Amendments noted where applicable.]
GENERAL REFERENCES
Vehicles and traffic — See Ch. 299.
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
PERSON
Includes any individual, partnership, association, corporation or joint-stock company and their lessees, trustees or receivers.
STREET
Includes any street, avenue, park, parkway, highway or other public place.
TAXICAB
Includes any automobile or motor car, commonly called a "taxi," engaged in the business of carrying passengers for hire, which is held out, announced or advertised to operate or run or which is operated or run over any of the streets within the Township of Pennsauken, and which particularly accepts and discharges such persons as may offer themselves for transportation from said Township, provided that nothing herein contained shall be construed to affect any public conveyance which is by law subject to state and/or federal regulation exclusively. Limousines and limousine services are specifically excluded from this definition, as they are regulated by Article II of this chapter.
TAXIMETER
A mechanical instrument or device by which the charge for hire of a taxicab is mechanically calculated, either for the distance traveled or for waiting time, or for both, and upon which such charge shall be plainly indicated by the means of figures.
From and after the effective date of this chapter, no person shall operate any taxicab upon any street with the Township of Pennsauken unless both the taxicab and the driver thereof are licensed pursuant to the terms of this chapter and conform to all the provisions hereof.
A. 
Every application for taxicab license shall be made to the Township Committee and shall set forth:
(1) 
The full name and address of the owner, lessee and/or bailee of the taxicab to be licensed.
(2) 
Make and model of each taxicab.
(3) 
Year of each taxicab.
(4) 
VIN number of each taxicab.
(5) 
Registration number and state vehicle is registered in.
(6) 
Expiration of registration of each vehicle.
(7) 
Color of each vehicle.
(8) 
Name and phone number on each vehicle.
(9) 
If the applicant is an individual or partnership, a statement as to whether or not the applicant or applicants have ever been convicted of a crime and, if so, the crime of which he or she has been convicted, the place of conviction, the date thereof and the punishment therefor.
(10) 
If the applicant is a corporation, the names and addresses of its officers, directors and stockholders and whether or not said officers, directors or stockholders have ever been convicted of a crime and, if so, the crime of which he or she has been convicted, the place of conviction, the date thereof and the punishment thereof.
B. 
Each application shall be accompanied by an annual license fee of $350 for each taxicab to be licensed.
[Amended 3-26-2003 by Ord. No. 03-09; 1-25-2012 by Ord. No. 2011:22]
C. 
As to any applicant for a license under this chapter, the Police Department of the Township of Pennsauken shall, upon the initial application, conduct a full state criminal history record background check. With respect to the second and third year renewal of the license, the Police Department shall conduct a background check by name only. The fourth year a full background check shall be required for renewal. The appropriate police official shall report the results of such investigation to the Township Committee as soon as possible. The cost for the criminal history record background check, including all costs of administering and processing the check, shall be borne by the operator or driver of the autocab.
[Added 8-13-2008 by Ord. No. 08-24; amended 1-25-2012 by Ord. No. 2011:22]
[Amended 1-25-2012 by Ord. No. 2011:22]
A. 
A person shall be disqualified from operating or driving a taxi if a criminal history record background check required reveals a record of conviction of any of the crimes:
(1) 
In New Jersey or elsewhere any crime as follows: aggravated assault, arson, burglary, escape, extortion, homicide, kidnapping, robbery, aggravated sexual assault, sexual assault or endangering the welfare of a child pursuant to N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4, whether or not armed with or having in his possession any weapon enumerated in Subsection r of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-1, a crime pursuant to the provisions of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-3, 2C:39-4, or 2C:39-9, or other than a disorderly persons or petty disorderly persons offense for the unlawful use, possession or sale of a controlled dangerous substance as defined in N.J.S.A. 2C:35-2.
(2) 
In any other state, territory, commonwealth, or other jurisdiction of the United States, or any country in the world, as a result of a conviction in a court of competent jurisdiction, a crime which in that other jurisdiction or country is comparable to one of the crimes enumerated in Subsection A(1) of this section.
B. 
If a person who has been convicted of one of the crimes enumerated in Subsections A(1) and (2) of this section can produce a certificate of rehabilitation issued pursuant to N.J.S.A. 2A:168A-8 or, if the criminal offense occurred outside New Jersey, an equivalent certificate from the jurisdiction where the criminal offense occurred, the criminal offense shall not disqualify the applicant from operating or driving an autocab.
C. 
The provisions of this section shall not apply to an operator or driver of an autocab who has received the consent to operate in a municipality prior to the effective date of P.L. 2011. c. 135 (N.J.S.A. 48:16-2.1 et seq.).
[Amended 8-12-2009 by Ord. No. 2009:12]
No taxicab license shall be issued until the applicant therefor shall have filed with the Township Clerk an insurance policy in accordance with N.J.S.A. 48:16-3 or N.J.S.A. 48:16-4.
[Amended 8-12-2009 by Ord. No. 2009:12]
No taxicab license shall be issued until the applicant therefor shall have delivered to the Township Clerk a power of attorney in accordance with N.J.S.A. 48:16-5.
[Amended 8-12-2009 by Ord. No. 2009:12; 1-25-2012 by Ord. No. 2011:22]
A. 
When the taxicab license shall be granted, there shall be issued in duplicate to the applicant a combination certificate of compliance (in accordance with N.J.S.A. 48:16-6) and license card in evidence thereof setting forth the license number, name of the licensee, name of the insurance company, the number and date of expiration of the insurance policy, vehicle description including the year, make and model of the taxicab licensed, together with the vehicle identification number and registration number of said vehicle. Said certificate of compliance/license card shall be signed by the Township Clerk and shall at all times be prominently displayed and adequately protected in the interior of any taxicab so licensed so that the face thereof shall be at all times in full view and plainly legible to any passenger seated on the rear seat of such taxicab. There shall also be displayed in the interior of said taxicab so licensed a statement or schedule of the charges for the use thereof. The owner of the taxi shall cause to be displayed on the body of the vehicle the taxi license number issued to that vehicle. The number shall be three inches in height and located in the center of the rear quarter panels on the driver and passenger sides and the rear center line of the trunk of the vehicle. Each taxi shall display on each rear door of the vehicle the following "Township of Pennsauken." Decals are not transferable and shall not be removed except for replacement by the Municipal Clerk or his designee. Unauthorized removal and transfer is punishable in Pennsauken Municipal Court by a fine of $1,000 and suspension of license.
B. 
Each owner shall present his/her taxi(s) at a time scheduled by the Municipal Clerk for the application of the decals referenced in § 280-7A.
[Amended 1-25-2012 by Ord. No. 2011:22]
Any taxicab license issued pursuant to this chapter may be transferred to another vehicle owned or in the custody of the same licensee upon the payment of a transfer fee of $30.
[Amended 1-25-2012 by Ord. No. 2011:22]
The taxicab licenses in the Township of Pennsauken, County of Camden and State of New Jersey, shall not exceed 65. Any licenses issued above this number are to be issued to the highest qualified bidder therefor at a sale by public auction for that purpose conducted or supervised by the Municipal Clerk.
A. 
Every application for a taxicab driver's license shall be made to the Township Clerk and shall set forth:
(1) 
The full name and address of the applicant.
(2) 
His or her age.
(3) 
Social security number.
(4) 
Whether or not he or she has ever been convicted of a crime and, if so, the crime of which he or she has been convicted, the place of conviction, the date thereof and the punishment therefor.
(5) 
Driver's license number and state.
(6) 
Date of birth.
B. 
No taxicab driver's license shall be issued to any person who shall be under 18 years of age.
C. 
Each driver shall file with his/her application a copy of his/her driver's abstract.
[Amended 1-25-2012 by Ord. No. 2011:22]
D. 
An annual license fee of $100 shall accompany each application for a taxicab driver's license.
[Amended 3-26-2003 by Ord. No. 03-09; 1-25-2012 by Ord. No. 2011:22]
E. 
As to any applicant for a license under this chapter, the Police Department of the Township of Pennsauken shall, upon the initial application, conduct a full state background investigation. The appropriate police official shall report the results of such investigation to the Township Committee as soon as possible. With respect to subsequent renewals of the license, the Police Department shall conduct an investigation by name only for the purpose of the annual renewal of said application.
[Added 8-13-2008 by Ord. No. 08-24]
[Amended 8-12-2009 by Ord. No. 2009:12]
If the Chief of Police shall have determined from the aforesaid investigation that such applicant is qualified for and entitled to a taxicab driver’s license pursuant to this chapter, the Chief shall endorse his or her approval on such application. A license card shall be issued by the Township Clerk and shall at all times be kept in the driver’s possession while operating the taxicab.
[Amended 1-25-2012 by Ord. No. 2011:22]
A. 
Every license issued pursuant to the terms of this chapter shall expire at midnight on the 28th/29th day of February and the new license term shall begin March 1 unless sooner surrendered, suspended or revoked.
B. 
A late renewal fee of $200 shall be charged per cab and $75 per driver for all renewals received after March 15 each year.
A. 
Taximeter. Every taxicab shall be equipped with a taximeter of an approved design and make.
B. 
Lettering. Every taxicab so licensed shall have painted on both sides thereof the words "Taxi" or "Cab" in letters at least three inches high or the name of the operating owner containing the words "Taxi" or "Cab" or "Taxicab."
The Township Committee, after notice and hearing, may revoke or suspend any license issued pursuant to this chapter if the licensee:
A. 
Has been once convicted of a crime in this or any other jurisdiction or has been convicted of being a disorderly person.
B. 
Has made false answers in his, her or its application for such license or any renewal thereof.
C. 
Has failed or fails to render reasonably prompt, safe, proper and adequate taxicab service.
D. 
Has not complied fully with all the requirements of this chapter with respect to such license.
E. 
The taxicab licensed is dangerous to the safety or health of the occupants or others by reason of unsafe or insanitary conditions.
F. 
The licensed taxicab shall be used for any improper, immoral or illegal business or purpose.
G. 
Does not maintain valid driver's license, registration and/or insurance.
Any person violating any of the provisions of this chapter shall, upon conviction, be subject to one or more of the following: a fine not exceeding $1,250 or imprisonment in the county jail for a term not exceeding 90 days, or a period of community service not exceeding 90 days, in the discretion of the Municipal Court Judge.
As used in this chapter, the following term or terms shall have the meanings indicated:
LIMOUSINES
Includes any automobile or motor car, commonly called a "limousines," engaged in the business of carrying passengers for hire, which is held out, announced or advertised to operate or run or which is operated or run over any of the streets within the Township of Pennsauken, and which particularly accepts and discharges such persons as may offer themselves for transportation from said Township, provided that nothing herein contained shall be construed to affect any public conveyance which is by law subject to state and/or federal regulation exclusively. Specifically excluded from this regulation shall be vehicles or motor cars commonly known as "taxicabs."
PERSON
Includes any individual, partnership, association, corporation or joint-stock company and their lessees, trustees or receivers.
STREET
Includes any street, avenue, park, parkway, highway or other public place.
[Amended 8-12-2009 by Ord. No. 2009:12]
Each limousine owner whose principal place of business is the Township of Pennsauken shall comply with N.J.S.A. 48:16-17. The application shall be accompanied by a license fee of $50.
[Added 8-12-2009 by Ord. No. 2009:12]
The Township of Pennsauken shall require a limousine service to obtain a municipal license in accordance with N.J.S.A. 48.16-18.1. The fee for the municipal license shall be $50.
[Amended 3-26-2003 by Ord. No. 03-09; 8-12-2009 by Ord. No. 2009:12]
A. 
Every application for limousine license shall be made to the Township Committee and shall set forth:
(1) 
The full name and address of the owner, lessee and/or bailee of the limousine to be licensed.
(2) 
Make and model of each limousine.
(3) 
Year of each limousine.
(4) 
VIN number of each limousine.
(5) 
Registration number and state of each vehicle.
(6) 
Expiration of registration of each vehicle.
(7) 
Color of each vehicle.
(8) 
Name and phone number on each vehicle.
(9) 
If the applicant is an individual or partnership, a statement as to whether or not the applicant or applicants have ever been convicted of a crime and, if so, the crime of which he or she has been convicted, the place of conviction, the date thereof and the punishment therefor.
(10) 
If the applicant is a corporation, the names and addresses of its officers, directors and stockholders and whether or not said officers, directors or stockholders have ever been convicted of a crime and, if so, the crime of which he or she has been convicted, the place of conviction, the date thereof and the punishment thereof.
No limousine license or limousine driver's license shall be issued:
A. 
To an individual who is not a citizen of the United States or who has been convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude.
B. 
To a partnership unless all the members thereof are citizens of the United States, none of whom has been convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude.
C. 
To a corporation unless each of the officers, directors and stockholders thereof is a citizen of the United States, none of whom has been convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude.
A. 
Every application for a limousine drivers license shall made to the Township Clerk and shall set forth:
(1) 
The full name and address of the applicant.
(2) 
His or her age.
(3) 
Social security number.
(4) 
Whether or not he or she has ever been convicted of a crime and, if so, the crime of which he or she has been convicted, the place of conviction, the date thereof and the punishment therefor.
(5) 
Driver's license number and state.
(6) 
Date of birth.
B. 
No limousine driver's license shall be issued to any person who shall be under 18 years of age.
C. 
Each applicant for a limousine driver's license shall file with his or her application two photographs, approximately 1 1/2 inches by 1 1/2 inches, clearly depicting the facial features of the applicant, each of which photographs shall thereupon become the property of the Township and shall be retained with the application form unless the application shall be granted and the license issued, in which event one of such photographs shall be permanently affixed to the license card issued to said taxicab driver, one shall be retained by the Township Clerk. Each of said photographs shall be signed on the back thereof by the applicant and shall bear the date upon which they were taken, which date shall not be more than 30 days prior to the date of the application.
D. 
An annual license fee of $35 shall accompany each application for a limousine drivers license.
If the Chief of Police shall have determined from the aforesaid investigation that such applicant is qualified for and entitled to a limousine drivers license pursuant to this chapter, the Chief shall endorse his or her approval on such application. A license card shall be issued by the Township Clerk and shall at all times be permanently displayed and adequately protected in the interior of any limousine operated by the license so that the face thereof shall be at all times in full view of and plainly legible to any passenger seated on the rear seat of such taxicab.
[Added 8-12-2009 by Ord. No. 2009:12]
No limousine license shall be issued until the applicant therefor shall have filed with the Township Clerk an insurance policy in accordance with N.J.S.A. 48:16-14.
[Added 8-12-2009 by Ord. No. 2009:12]
No limousine license shall be issued until the applicant therefor shall have delivered to the Township Clerk a power of attorney in accordance with N.J.S.A. 48:16-16.