[HISTORY: Adopted by the Township Council
of the Township of West Windsor 11-2-1998 by Ord. No. 98-21;
amended in its entirety 5-17-2010 by Ord. No. 2010-10. Subsequent amendments
noted where applicable.]
A.
The authority to license and regulate taxicabs and
limousines is set forth in N.J.S.A. 40:52-1 and N.J.S.A. 48:16-1 et
seq.
B.
This chapter shall apply to all businesses commonly
known as "vehicles for hire," "taxicabs," "limousines" and "livery
services" operating in West Windsor Township. Nothing in this chapter
shall be construed to regulate hotel buses, buses employed solely
in transporting school children or teachers, autobuses which are subject
to the jurisdiction of the Department of Transportation, interstate
autobuses or vehicles for hire passing through the Township without
stopping for business-related purposes.
For the purposes of this chapter, the following
words and terms shall have the meanings given herein:
A license required by all operators of a vehicle for hire
doing business within the Township.
Any vehicle which has been issued a livery license plate
by the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission and is used exclusively
to carry passengers for hire on an hourly or daily basis pursuant
to a written contract, does not have an established route and is constructed
and designed as to comfortably seat not more than 14 passengers as
established in N.J.S.A. 48:16-13, Article 2, excluding the operator
of the vehicle.
[Amended 12-23-2013 by Ord. No. 2013-15]
Includes the business of carrying passengers for hire by
limousines.
A license required by all owners or lessees of a vehicle
for hire doing business within the Township.
Any full-size, four-door sedan, station wagon, sports utility
vehicle or van, with a carrying capacity of not less than four passengers,
not including the driver, used in the business of carrying passengers
for hire, and particularly accepts and discharges such persons from
points and places to points or places within or outside the Township.
A section of a public street or public place set apart for
the exclusive use of a limited number of taxicabs when the section
is distinctly marked as such.
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 charges shall be plainly indicated by means of figures, based upon rates established pursuant to § 165-10.
A limousine or taxicab as defined herein.
A.
Types of licenses. There shall be two separate licenses
required before a vehicle for hire may operate on the streets of this
municipality.
(1)
Owner's license. No person shall own or lease a vehicle
to be operated as a vehicle for hire without first having obtained
from the Township an owner's license for the specific vehicle. In
addition, all owners of a limousine and rental car chauffeur service
industry must follow the law changes found in N.J.S.A. 48:16-22.3a
that were adopted January 18, 2010.
(2)
Driver's license. No person shall operate a vehicle
for hire without first having obtained one of the following:
(a)
In the case of a taxicab: a vehicle for hire driver's license, the procedures for which are set forth in § 165-6; or
(b)
In the case of a limousine operator: chauffeur
endorsement qualification letter, or a commercial driver's license
(A, B, or C Class) with passenger endorsement "P" issued by the New
Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission.
(c)
A list should be provided each year from the owner of the limousine
company in the form of a spreadsheet, or copies of each chauffeur
endorsement qualification letter or CDL with a "P" endorsement for
each limousine operator. This includes all out-of-state companies
that also operate within West Windsor Township.
(d)
All drivers of a limousine and rental car chauffeur service industry
must follow the law changes found in N.J.S.A. 48:16-22.3a that were
adopted January 18, 2010.
B.
Owner licenses are transferable, provided that the
license is in active status (has not lapsed due to a failure to renew)
at the time of transfer (or on the date of death in the case of a
transfer by will).
D.
Where to file application. Applications for all licenses
issued under this chapter shall be filed on forms furnished by the
Township, available at the municipal offices. Completed applications
shall be submitted to the Municipal Clerk's office located in the
Municipal Building.
E.
Falsification of information prohibited. Falsification
of information on any application may result in rejection of the application.
F.
Limitation on number of taxi owner licenses. The number
of owner's licenses issued to individuals who operate taxis shall
be limited. The maximum number of owner's licenses issued to individuals
or corporations who operate their vehicles as taxis shall be established
at a maximum of 43.
[Amended 12-23-2013 by Ord. No. 2013-15]
A.
Who must file application. Applications for all owner’s
licenses for vehicles for hire shall be made by the owner of the vehicle.
The owner shall be responsible to bring in renewal paperwork for the
lessee and each driver by the March 31 deadline. Lessees and drivers
are responsible to provide their paperwork to the owner for submittal
in a timely manner.
[Amended 8-4-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-15]
B.
Time to file renewal application for owner's license.
All renewal applications for owner's licenses issued under this chapter
will be accepted from January 1 through February 28 each year. A charge
of $25 will be imposed daily for late submissions.
[Amended 10-16-2017 by Ord. No. 2017-31]
C.
Applications
for newly transferred owner licenses or vehicle replacements will
be accepted throughout the licensing year and shall be effective for
the remainder of the current licensing year.
D.
Issuance and term of owner's license. Each owner's
license issued under this chapter shall be effective for a period
of one year, from May 1 to April 30 of the next year.
E.
Requirements for an applicant for an owner's license.
Each applicant for an owner's license for a vehicle for hire under
the terms of this chapter must conform to the following requirements:
(1)
Be at least 21 years of age.
(2)
If the applicant is a corporation, the corporation
must either be incorporated in the State of New Jersey or incorporated
in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania or the State of New York and authorized
to do business in this state. If the applicant is an individual, the
individual must be a resident of the State of New Jersey, the Commonwealth
of Pennsylvania, or the State of New York.
(3)
Not be convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude.
If a partnership, this subsection shall apply to each partner, or,
if a corporation, it shall apply to the officers and directors.
(4)
The applicant must be a citizen of the United States
or a legal resident alien. If the applicant is a partnership, then
each partner must be a citizen of the United States or a legal resident
alien. A copy of the alien registration card or work permit must be
submitted with the application.
(5)
Owners are responsible for the submission of all renewal paperwork,
any transactions, transfers, leases, drivers and anything related
to the taxi company and their lessees and/or vehicles.
[Added 8-4-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-15]
F.
Insurance required.
(1)
No owner's license shall be issued until the applicant
has first filed with the Township a certificate of insurance issued
by a company duly licensed to transact business under the insurance
laws of New Jersey, evidencing the following minimum amounts of insurance
coverage for each vehicle the applicant seeks to have licensed in
the Township:
(2)
The Township of West Windsor must be named as an additional
insured on any insurance policy submitted in compliance with the requirements
of this subsection.
(3)
The applicant shall, concurrent with the filing of
a certificate of insurance with the Township, execute and deliver
to the Township a power of attorney wherein the Township Clerk shall
be appointed the applicant's true and lawful attorney for the purpose
of acknowledging service of any process served against the insured
pursuant to the insurance policy.
(4)
Cancellation/termination/expiration of an insurance policy shall subject the licensee to a license suspension or revocation in accordance with § 165-9D.
(5)
When the insurance coverage is changed to a different
provider, proof of insurance shall be provided, and the certificate
of insurance shall be provided within one week of the change.
G.
Leased vehicle requirements.
[Amended 8-4-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-15]
(1)
If the vehicle for hire is leased, the names of the owner, lessee,
and name of company lessee is doing business as (d/b/a), and West
Windsor Township must appear on the insurance policy and certificate
of insurance submitted with the license application.
(2)
A copy of the lease agreement must be submitted to the Township with
the license application each year during the renewal period or at
time of transfer to a different lessee.
H.
Fingerprints required. New applicants shall provide their fingerprints for new licenses on such form as may be prescribed by the Township. If deemed necessary by the Director of Public Safety, a SBI form may be required for new licenses. Renewal licenses will be required to file a SBI form yearly. Fees associated with this are authorized in Chapter 82, Fees. The results of the fingerprinting shall be sent by the prescribed entity or contractor directly to the West Windsor Township Police Division.
I.
Information required to be submitted on application
for owner's license. An applicant for an owner's license shall be
required to provide the following information on the application for
an owner's license:
(1)
If an individual, the full name of the applicant, street and post
office business address and phone number; place of residence and phone
number; previous places of employment; citizenship information; whether
charged with, arrested or convicted of a crime or other violation
of law and, if so, what crime or offense; whether previously licensed
to operate a vehicle for hire and, if so, where; whether such license
to operate has ever been revoked and, if so, for what cause; whether
previously licensed to own a vehicle for hire and, if so, where; and
whether or not such owner's license has ever been suspended or
revoked and, if so, for what reason(s).
(2)
If a partnership, the firm name, main office and branch office locations and names, addresses and phone numbers of partners. The additional information required in Subsection H above shall also be required for each partner.
(3)
If a corporation, the name of the corporation, main office and branch office locations with phone numbers, the state of incorporation, the names and addresses of all officers and directors and their citizenship status and a list of all stockholders who hold more than 10% of the corporate stock, The additional information required in Subsection H above shall also be required for each officer and director.
(5)
All applications shall be signed by the applicant,
if an individual, and, if a partnership or corporation, by a person
duly authorized by said entity.
J.
Proof of insurance letter to be issued upon submission of complete application. Proof of insurance letter for the purposes of motor vehicle registration will only be issued by the municipality after a completed application, including proof of adequate insurance in the form of a certificate of insurance issued by an insurance company authorized to transact business in the State of New Jersey naming West Windsor Township and the owner of the license or lessee as the additional insured and a power of attorney are submitted. The issuance of a proof of insurance letter should not be construed as the Township's approval of the issuance of an owner's license. A fee shall be charged for the preparation of the proof of insurance letter for motor vehicle registration, as authorized in Chapter 82, Fees.
[Amended 8-4-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-15]
K.
Operation only with license. No owner of any vehicle
for hire for which an owner's license has been issued shall allow
such car to be driven or operated by any person who is not the holder
of an operator's license duly issued under the provisions of this
chapter. Failure to comply will result in owner license suspension.
L.
Investigation of application. The Police Division
shall make an investigation of the applicant's background, including
records of the State Bureau of Investigation and municipality, as
well as the applicant's prior licensing history. The applicant shall
provide other relevant information as requested by the Police Division.
The Police Division shall make a recommendation to the Director of
Public Safety (or the Director's designee), who shall approve or disapprove
the application.
M.
Changes in owner's license information. Any change
in information contained in the owner's license application shall
be reported to the Township within three days thereof. A charge in
the amount of $25 shall be levied for each calendar day after three
days that any such changes are not reported to the Township.
All vehicles for hire which an owner intends
to have licensed for operation in the Township shall be subject to
the following requirements:
A.
Inspection of vehicle.
[Amended 12-23-2013 by Ord. No. 2013-15]
(1)
No vehicle for hire shall be licensed until it has been inspected
and examined by the West Windsor Township Police Division and found
to be in a safe condition for the transportation of passengers. Such
inspection shall be made and approval given prior to issuance of an
owner's license.
(2)
Inspections will be done by appointment only.
(a)
Appointments are to be scheduled by phoning the West Windsor
Police Division-Traffic Bureau (telephone number 609-799-1222).
(b)
All renewal inspections must be completed no later than March
31 of the renewal year. Any inspection not completed by March 31 shall
be fined $10 a day until the inspection has been completed.
[Added 10-16-2017 by Ord.
No. 2017-31]
(3)
Every vehicle operating pursuant hereto shall be periodically inspected by the Police Division or other enforcement personnel of the municipality to ensure the continued maintenance for safe operation and clean and sanitary conditions. If a vehicle fails to comply with § 165-5B and C during said inspection, the owner will be given a time frame by the Police Division in which to comply with requirements in order to pass re-inspection. A fine of $25 shall be levied for each calendar day, after the day given by the Police Division, that the vehicle does not pass re-inspection.
B.
Vehicle
requirements for all vehicles for hire.
(1)
The
owner's license of the vehicle for hire shall be affixed in each vehicle
for hire in a place where it can be conveniently seen by any passenger
at any time.
(2)
In accordance
with N.J.S.A. 39:3-76.2a, no vehicles for hire shall transport a child
under the age of eight and weighing less than 80 pounds unless that
child is secured in a federally approved child restraint seat provided
by the passenger. Vehicles for hire shall employ the use of federally
approved child restraint seats as necessary to comply with the law
and any requirements imposed by the insurance company providing property
and casualty insurance coverage for the vehicle when transporting
such a child.
(3)
No vehicle
for hire shall be licensed if it uses or imitates any color scheme,
name or monogram used by any other person operating a vehicle for
hire. The Township shall be notified of any change in the color scheme,
name or monogram of a vehicle.
(4)
Vehicles
for hire shall post in a conspicuous place, such as the rear of the
driver's seat, the complaint procedure authorized by this chapter.
C.
Vehicle
requirements exclusive to taxicabs.
(1)
Age
of vehicle. A taxicab shall not fail to comply with vehicle requirements
based on the age of the vehicle alone.
(2)
Vehicles both inside and out should be maintained in a professional
manner at all times. This includes engaging a certified mechanic to
provide required maintenance as outlined in the vehicle's owner's
manual. The vehicles shall also be washed at least once every two
weeks, vacuumed, and cleaned on the inside.
[Added 8-4-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-15[1]]
[1]
Editor's Note: This ordinance also redesignated former
Subsection C(2) and (3) as Subsection C(3) and (4).
(3)
Rates
and meters. Rates shall be determined by a rate sheet, which must
remain in the taxicab at all times. Rates may be periodically revised
by Council, which shall establish rates by resolution. In the event
that Council determines, after due consideration and by resolution,
that good cause exists for requiring meters in taxicabs, then vehicles
for hire shall be equipped with a meter, visible to all passengers,
which shall operate on a rate-per-mile basis, with a minimum allowable
rate as established by resolution of the Council, and no license for
a taxicab shall then be issued until the taximeter attached thereto
shall have been inspected and found to be accurate.
(4)
Identification
required. Each taxicab shall have a dome light displaying the trade
name of the company affixed to its roof and shall have the trade name
of the taxicab lettered on its exterior. When a change of the company
name occurs, the owner is required to have the dome light professionally
manufactured with the appropriate change. Each taxicab shall also
conspicuously display on the right and left side of the dome light
a number assigned by the Township and shall display on the body of
the vehicle the taxi license number along with each municipality that
has issued a taxi license to that taxicab. The information shall be
three inches in height. The taxi license number must be located on
the center rear quarter panel on the driver and passenger side as
well as the rear center line of the trunk. The list of each municipality
shall be displayed on each rear door. West Windsor taxicab magnets
can be acquired through the Clerk's office at cost or purchased
at a vendor of your choice, provided the letters are three inches
in height. "West Windsor" may also be professionally painted or decaled
on the vehicle.
[Amended 1-30-2012 by Ord. No. 2012-01; 12-23-2013 by Ord. No.
2013-15; 8-4-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-15[2]]
[2]
Editor's Note: This ordinance also redesignated former Subsection
C(4) as Subsection C(6).
(5)
Any taxicab registered by West Windsor Township shall be prohibited
from being used as a device for advertisement of any other business
except for the taxicab service for which the vehicle is functioning
under. This includes placing signs upon the taxicab or using a vehicle
"raps" to advertise other businesses. All registered taxicabs with
West Windsor Township are prohibited from being used for other purposes
such as delivery of items or products and can only be used as a taxi
as defined by Township ordinance.
[Added 8-4-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-15]
(6)
Map
required. There shall be an up-to-date West Windsor Township indexed
street map in each taxicab, which shall be supplied by the Township
as part of the license fee.
A.
Time to file application for taxi driver's license; issuance
and term.
(1)
Applications to renew an existing taxi driver's license shall
be accepted from January 1 through February 28 each year. A charge
of $25 will be imposed daily for late submissions. Renewed licenses
shall be valid for a period of one year, from May 1 to April 30 of
the next year.
[Amended 10-16-2017 by Ord. No. 2017-31]
(2)
Applications for a new taxi driver's license (drivers that have
not been licensed in West Windsor Township for the past 12 months)
may be submitted throughout the year. New driver's licenses shall
be for the remainder of the licensing year only (until April 30).
[Amended 8-4-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-15]
B.
Requirements for an applicant for a driver's license. Each applicant
for a vehicle-for-hire driver's license must conform to the following
requirements:
(1)
Be at least 21 years of age.
(2)
Certification of a licensed physician showing that the applicant
has been examined within the last 60 days and that the applicant is
of sound physical condition, has eyesight corrected to 20/20 vision
and is not subject to any infirmity of body or mind which might render
the applicant unfit for safe operation of a vehicle for hire.
(3)
Not be addicted to the use of narcotics or intoxicating liquors.
(4)
Not have been convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude.
(5)
Be the holder of a valid New Jersey, Pennsylvania or New York driver's
license. A copy of the valid driver's license shall be submitted
with the application.
(6)
Be a citizen of the United States or a legal resident alien. A copy
of the alien registration card or work permit must be submitted with
the application.
(7)
Be able to speak and understand the English language.
(8)
Have a thorough knowledge of the law, taxi regulations and geography
of West Windsor Township, the Motor Vehicle Act, the Traffic Act and
other ordinances and regulations having to do with traffic. Each applicant
may be examined as to the applicant's knowledge of these provisions,
and, if the result of the examination is unsatisfactory, the applicant
shall be refused a license.
(9)
The applicant must demonstrate that, for a period of three years
prior to the date of application, the applicant has not been convicted
of reckless driving, driving while intoxicated, leaving the scene
of an accident or speeding over 30 miles per hour above the speed
limit and that, at the time of application, the applicant has no more
than eight New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission points on said applicant's
driving record, or the equivalent if licensed in any other state.
C.
Fingerprints required. New applicants shall provide their fingerprints for new licenses on such form as may be prescribed by the Township. If deemed necessary by the Director of Public Safety, a SBI form may be required for new licenses. Renewal licenses will be required to file a SBI form yearly. Fees associated with this are authorized in Chapter 82, Fees. The results of the fingerprinting shall be sent by the prescribed entity or contractor directly to the West Windsor Township Police Division.
[Amended 12-23-2013 by Ord. No. 2013-15]
D.
Photographs required. Each applicant must file with the application
two unmounted, untouched and glossy photographs of said applicant
taken within 30 days preceding the filing of the application. Photographs
are to be no larger than passport size (two inches by two inches),
one of which shall be attached to the license when issued. The photograph
shall be so attached to the license that it cannot be removed and
another photograph substituted without detection. New photographs
must be submitted whenever the licensee's appearance changes
significantly or if the license was changed because of loss or information
changes.
[Amended 12-23-2013 by Ord. No. 2013-15; 10-16-2017 by Ord. No. 2017-31]
E.
Information required to be submitted on the application for a driver's
license. An applicant for a vehicle-for-hire driver's license
shall be required to provide the following information on the application
for a driver's license:
(1)
The full name of the applicant.
(2)
The present residence, phone number and place of residence for the
past five years.
(3)
The date of birth, age, weight, height, color of eyes and hair, social
security number, driver's license number and expiration date;
places of employment for the past five years; citizenship status;
military service information, including discharge; whether the applicant
has been charged with, arrested or convicted of a crime or other violation
of law, and, if so, what, where and the disposition; whether the applicant
has ever been licensed to operate a vehicle for hire in West Windsor
Township or any other municipality; and whether such license has ever
been revoked and for what cause.
[Amended 12-23-2013 by Ord. No. 2013-15]
(4)
The application shall include notarized affidavits affirming good
moral character from two residents of New Jersey who have known the
applicant personally for at least one year preceding the date of application.
(5)
The application shall include an authorization from the owner of
the vehicle for hire whose vehicles the applicant intends to operate.
(6)
The application shall include a certificate from the last employer
regarding the applicant and such employment.
(7)
The applicant shall provide a certified abstract of drivers'
history only for non-New Jersey licenses.
F.
Investigation of application. The Police Division shall make an investigation
of the applicant's background, including records of the State
Bureau of Investigation and municipality, as well as the applicant's
prior licensing history. The applicant shall provide other relevant
information as requested by the Chief of Police. The Police Division
shall make a recommendation to the Director of Public Safety (or the
Director's designee), who shall approve or disapprove the application.[1]
G.
Changes in taxi driver's license information. Any change in
information contained in the driver's license application shall
be reported to the Township within three days thereof. A charge in
the amount of $25 shall be levied for each calendar day after three
business days that any such changes are not reported to the Township.
H.
Changed, lost and replacement licenses.
(1)
An operator licensed under this section may request a license change for employment by an additional vehicle-for-hire company. The fee for a replacement license shall be as set forth in Chapter 82, Fees.
[Amended 12-23-2013 by Ord. No. 2013-15]
A.
Designation of stands. The governing body may designate a taxicab
stand or stands within the Township. When a taxicab stand or stands
are designated, the procedures of this section shall apply.
B.
Regulations regarding taxicab stands.
(1)
No taxicab shall stand at any place in or upon any of the streets
or highways or any other public place within the Township either awaiting
employment for hire or awaiting a passenger pursuant to a contract
for hire, except at designated taxicab stands.
(2)
Only a taxicab licensed by West Windsor Township may occupy or deliver
a passenger to a taxicab stand in the Township.
(3)
When the area designated for standing is fully occupied, no other
taxicab shall remain at such stand while waiting for employment.
(4)
As a taxicab shall leave the line or move forward, the taxicab behind
it shall be moved forward, and the driver of another taxicab seeking
a space at the stand shall approach from the rear of the stand and
shall stop as near as possible to the last taxicab in line.
(5)
No driver of a taxicab shall refuse to transport any orderly person
seeking a taxicab who agrees to pay the posted rate of fare; provided,
however, that this provision shall not prevent any prospective passenger
from selecting a taxicab at any stand, whether or not it shall be
the head of the line. A refusal to carry an orderly passenger shall
be presumptively unreasonable when the refusal is based on the amount
of money the driver expects to receive or is based upon the race,
sex, religion or ethnic background of the passenger.
(6)
No vehicle other than a licensed taxicab shall stop at any public
taxicab stand except to load or unload goods, wares or merchandise
or to receive or discharge passengers.
(7)
Each taxicab stand shall be marked with suitable markings, which
shall bear a statement that the stand is a stand reserved for taxicabs
licensed by West Windsor Township only.
(8)
No taxicab shall remain in a taxicab stand while unattended for more
than 10 minutes.
[Amended 12-23-2013 by Ord. No. 2013-15]
(9)
No person operating a taxicab shall do maintenance of any kind while
occupying space at a public taxicab stand.
(10)
Roof lights shall be illuminated between dusk and dawn while
occupying space at a public taxicab stand.
A.
A New Jersey, New York State or Commonwealth of Pennsylvania driver's
license required. A taxi driver shall carry a valid New Jersey, New
York State or Commonwealth of Pennsylvania driver's license on
the driver's person while on duty and operating the vehicle for
hire.
B.
Display of driver's license. The driver's license issued
by the Township must be conspicuously displayed on the driver's
outer garment when the driver is on duty.
C.
Driver's license to be surrendered. A driver shall immediately
surrender his or her vehicle-for-hire driver's license to the
Township upon the suspension or revocation of his or her New Jersey,
Pennsylvania or New York driver's license.
D.
Responsibility to Township. An operator shall answer and comply as
directed with all inspections, communications, directives and summonses
from the Township and its representatives. Owners and operators shall
comply with the Taxi Inspection Schedule published each year by the
Clerk's office.
E.
False representation of vehicle not licensed. No person shall present,
hold out or advertise any vehicle for hire as such if said vehicle
is not licensed under this chapter.
F.
No standing in prohibited areas. A taxicab shall not stand in front
of the entrance to any building within any prohibited space after
the passengers have left the vehicle, or stand in the prohibited space
waiting for passengers.
G.
Soliciting employment. No vehicle for hire, while waiting for employment
by passengers, shall stand on any public street or space other than
at or upon a taxicab stand designated or established in accordance
with this chapter; nor shall any driver seek employment by repeatedly
and persistently driving back and forth in a short space or by otherwise
interfering with the proper and orderly access to or egress from any
theater, hotel, restaurant or other public or private place; provided,
however, that employment may be solicited by driving through any public
street or other place without stops other than those due to obstructions
of traffic and at a rate of speed that will not interfere with or
impede traffic.
H.
Improper conduct. No person, while operating or attending a vehicle
for hire, shall:
(1)
Use indecent or profane language;
(2)
Be guilty of disorderly conduct;
(3)
Purposely annoy any travelers or citizens;
(4)
Obstruct any sidewalk;
(5)
Knowingly misinform or mislead any person as to time or place of
the arrival or departure of any train or as to the location of any
hotel, public place or private residence within the Township; or
(6)
Permit persons to loiter in or around the vehicle for hire.
I.
Accepting multiple passengers.
(1)
If the driver of the vehicle for hire has accepted other passengers
to travel in the same vehicle to diverse locations, then the driver
shall so inform each passenger and shall notify each passenger of
the order in which each passenger will reach his or her respective
destination.
(2)
When the driver of a vehicle for hire has accepted multiple passengers
who are traveling to the same or diverse locations, the driver shall
notify each of the passengers what the fee arrangements will be, before
the start of the trip.
(3)
No taxicab driver shall deny an immediate departure or otherwise
accommodate additional passengers without the permission of the first
passenger to hire the taxicab.
J.
Report of any accidents. Any motor vehicle accident involving a vehicle
for hire and causing injury to a person or damage to property in excess
of $500 shall be reported immediately by the driver to the Police
Division, who will assure that the information will be placed in the
Township record of the vehicle-for-hire owner and driver.
K.
Trip records and receipt books. All operators shall keep trip records
and receipt books, which shall be kept current and shall be displayed
when so requested by authorized Township officials. Trip records shall
show, at a minimum, the trip designation, time and fare charged.
L.
Vehicles must be kept clean. Each licensed driver, while on duty,
shall be clean in person and shall maintain the vehicle in a repaired
condition free of debris and safe for the transportation of passengers.
M.
Smoke-free environment. Operators and passengers shall refrain from
smoking while transporting passengers.
N.
Lost or misplaced items. Every driver of a taxicab shall, immediately
after termination of employment, carefully search the taxicab for
any property lost or left therein, and shall, within 24 hours after
finding any property, advise the West Windsor Township Traffic Bureau
of the nature of property and where it may be collected.
O.
Response of taxicab service.
(1)
All taxicab licensees or their representatives shall respond to all
calls received for taxi service inside the Township limits without
unreasonable delay. If such service cannot be rendered within a reasonable
time, they shall notify the prospective passenger as to how long it
will be before the call can be answered and give the reason.
(2)
All taxicab licensees shall maintain either an answering machine
or a voicemail facility that contains a greeting specifying the amount
of time the caller can expect to wait for a return phone call.
(3)
All taxicab licensees shall respond to an inquiry from West Windsor
Township by the end of the next following business day. A charge in
the amount of $25 shall be levied for each calendar day after one
business day that any such response is not made to the Township.
P.
Maintenance of vehicles. The owner and driver of a taxicab shall
maintain such vehicle in a safe and clean condition and shall maintain
such vehicle in a good appearance, including proper painting and the
prompt repair of dents. Any taxicab which has sustained damage to
the vehicle, such as dents, or is in need of painting shall be repaired
within eight weeks after the date of the accident.
Q.
Taxicab overcharges. No person shall charge or attempt to charge
any taxicab passenger a greater rate of fare than that to which the
operator is entitled under the provisions of this chapter.
R.
Receipts.
(1)
The driver of any taxicab shall render to all passengers a receipt
which shall be in the form of a postcard addressed to West Windsor
Police Division, 20 Municipal Drive, West Windsor, NJ 08550. Receipts
can be acquired through the Township Clerk's office at cost or
driver and/or owners can purchase receipts in the same form as below
which need to be approved by the Township Clerk.
(2)
The receipt shall contain the information in the format as follows:
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PASSENGER NOTICE: This is your receipt for cab fare in West
Windsor, NJ. West Windsor wants your cab ride to be a good one and
wants you to be charged no more than the amount stated in the West
Windsor rate sheet. If you feel that your fare was not right or if
you have a compliment or complaint about your cab ride, complete the
information below, make a copy of this receipt for your records, affix
a stamp to the other side, and drop this card in the mail to West
Windsor Township.
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Received From: (Name of Taxicab Business)
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Fare: $
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Tip: $
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Date:
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From:
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To:
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Comments:
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Name:
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Phone #:
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Address:
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Email:
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(3)
All taxicab licensees who are found to not give a receipt to a passenger
shall be charged in the amount of $100 per reported incident to West
Windsor Township.
(4)
A notice shall be prominently displayed either in or on the vehicle containing the statement that "the receipt specified by § 165-8R(4) of the West Windsor Township Ordinances must be provided to patrons" and such other information as may be required by the West Windsor Clerk's Office. The form of notice shall either be provided by West Windsor Township or shall be obtained by the taxi owner, as directed by West Windsor Township.
A.
Revocation or suspension for cause. Any license issued under this
chapter may be revoked or suspended at any time for cause or if the
vehicle for hire shall be found to be unfit or unsuited for public
patronage. Such license when so suspended or revoked shall not be
reissued except for good reasons shown. Any violation of this chapter
shall be considered good cause for suspension or revocation of a license.
B.
Revocation after hearing. Licenses may be suspended by the Director
of Public Safety (or the Director's designee) after notice to
the licensee and the opportunity for a hearing before the Director.
C.
Owner's license. Owner's licenses may be suspended or revoked
if the vehicle for hire is not in a safe condition for the transportation
of passengers, not kept in conformity with the terms of this chapter,
if used or permitted to be used for any improper, immoral or illegal
business or purpose or for the violation of any federal or state statute
or for the violation of any of the provisions of this chapter.
D.
License suspensions based on insurance cancellation or non-renewal.
All notices of cancellation or non-renewal received from insurance
companies and not reinstated by the cancellation date shall be subject
to the following penalties:
Rates, including but not limited to minimum allowable fees,
shall be determined by the Council by resolution and upon notice to
all licensees. The Council shall not amend rates more than once each
year.
A.
All complaints are to be made to the Traffic Bureau of the West Windsor
Police Division.
B.
The Division of Police shall enforce this chapter.
C.
Except as otherwise provided, a charge for West Windsor Township
taxi drivers and owners of $100 shall be levied for the first violation;
$250 for the second violation; and $500 for the third violation of
any provision of this chapter.
[Amended 12-23-2013 by Ord. No. 2013-15]
