Editor's Note: Amended in entirety 10-8-2019 by Ord. No. 3550. Prior ordinance history includes portions of Ordinance Nos. 116K; 1972; 2092; Ord. No. 2870; Ord. No. 3339; and Ord. No. 3363.
[Amended 10-8-2019 by Ord. No. 3550]
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
CHIEF OF POLICE
The Chief of Police of the Township of Belleville.
LIVERY
Any automobile, limousine or motorcar, other than a bus or taxicab, which is engaged in the business of transporting passengers for hire, other than in the conduct of a funeral, and operates out of closed premises, and which is hired by charter or for a particular contract or by the day or hour or other fixed period, or charges a fare or price agreed upon in advance between the operator and the passenger.
MANAGER
The Township Manager of the Township of Belleville.
TAXICAB
Any automobile or motorcar, other than a bus or livery or limousine, which is engaged in the business of transporting passengers for hire.
[Amended 10-8-2019 by Ord. No. 3550]
The Manager shall have charge of and shall control the examination of applicants for licenses for taxicabs, liveries, limousines and drivers thereof; the licensing, regulation and inspection of taxicabs, limousines and liveries; the licensing of drivers; and the enforcement of all the provisions of this chapter. The Manager shall have the power to approve, deny, suspend or revoke any taxicab, limousine or livery license or the licenses of drivers of taxicabs, limousines or liveries, for cause, as hereinafter provided. The powers conferred on the Municipal Clerk by this chapter shall be exercised under the control of the Manager.
[Amended 10-8-2019 by Ord. No. 3550]
No person shall hire out or keep or use for hire or pay, or cause to be kept or used for hire or pay, any taxicab, limousine or livery without first having obtained a license for that purpose from the Municipal Clerk. A separate license shall be required for each taxicab, limousine or livery.
[Amended 10-8-2019 by Ord. No. 3550]
a. 
Each application for a taxicab, limousine or livery license shall be in writing and filed with the Municipal Clerk, in duplicate, on forms provided by the Police Department. The application shall contain:
1. 
The name and address of the owner.
2. 
The name and address of the lessee, if any.
3. 
The business or trade name, if any, under which the owner or lessee will operate the taxicab, limousine or livery.
4. 
The serial number, make, model, year and color of the taxicab, limousine or livery.
5. 
The automobile registration number issued for said vehicle by the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission.
6. 
The maximum number of persons it is to carry.
b. 
In the event that, after the filing of said application and before the expiration of the license issued thereunder, any change in circumstances shall occur with respect to any information submitted on the application, the applicant shall, no later than 10 days following the occurrence of such change, give written notice thereof to the Municipal Clerk, indicating the nature thereof and the manner in which the information set forth on the original application should be amended, modified or corrected to conform to such change in circumstances.
[Amended 10-8-2019 by Ord. No. 3550]
No taxicab, limousine or livery shall be licensed until a policy of insurance shall have been filed with the Municipal Clerk in accordance with the provisions of N.J.S.A. 48:16-1 to 48:16-22, inclusive, as now or hereafter amended or supplemented. Such policy of insurance shall not be filed unless it is approved by the Law Department of the Township.
[Amended 10-8-2019 by Ord. No. 3550]
No taxicab, limousine or livery license shall be approved or issued until the vehicle has been thoroughly inspected and found to be in a clean and sanitary condition and mechanically safe for the transportation of passengers, to be evidenced by a current inspection sticker issued by the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission. Each vehicle shall also contain a first aid kit, fire extinguisher and some sort of equipment allowing for emergency contact.
[Amended 10-8-2019 by Ord. No. 3550]
No taxicab license shall be approved or issued until the taxicab has been inspected in the manner provided in subsection 7-3.4 and is found to meet the following requirements:
a. 
Every taxicab shall bear the following identification:
1. 
Each taxicab shall bear on the outside of each rear door and in the center of the rear trunk deck lid, in painted letters, in contrasting colors, not less than eight inches in length, the taxi identification number assigned by the Township Clerk, which number shall run in sequence and not be duplicated. Additionally, each taxicab shall bear on the outside of each front door, in painted letters, not less than three inches in height, in contrasting colors, the name of the owner, association of which the owner is a member or registered trade name by which the owner conducts business.
2. 
The name of the owner or corporate owner shall be painted in legible letters two inches in height on the rear doors.
3. 
The schedule of rates as established in subsection 7-5.5 of the Revised General Ordinances shall be painted on each of the rear doors of every taxicab operating in the Township of Belleville.
b. 
Each taxicab shall be painted a distinctive color so that it can be easily distinguished by the public. Said colors shall first be approved by the Municipal Council or its designee.
c. 
It shall be unlawful for any person to operate any vehicle not licensed under this chapter in such a manner as to mislead or tend to mislead, deceive or defraud the public into believing that said vehicle is a taxicab or is being operated as a taxicab.
d. 
In the event the name of the owner or the trade name of the owner or association includes the name of a color and said name is painted or placed on the outside front doors of the taxicab, then the color referred to in the name or association shall be the dominant color scheme of the body of the taxicab. This provision shall become effective and applied to new taxicab vehicles acquired after the effective date of the chapter.
e. 
No taxicab covered by the terms of this chapter shall be licensed if the color scheme or the name, monogram or insignia to be used thereon shall conflict with or imitate any color scheme, monogram, name or insignia used by any other person, firm or corporation operating a taxicab or taxicabs in the Township in such a manner as to mislead or tend to mislead, deceive or defraud the public.
f. 
If, after a license has been issued for a taxicab hereunder, the color scheme, name, monogram or insignia used by such person, firm or corporation operating a taxicab or taxicabs in the Township mislead or tends to mislead, deceive or defraud the public, the license for such taxicab or taxicabs may be revoked by the Municipal Council after notice to the owner.
g. 
The taximeter of every taxicab operating on a meter shall be in proper condition and accurate. The face of the taximeter shall be illuminated by suitable light after sundown. No taximeter shall be approved unless the case thereof is sealed and gears are enclosed. All taxicabs acquired after the effective date of this amendment must be equipped with a taximeter.
[Amended 10-8-2019 by Ord. No. 3550]
Licenses for taxicabs, limousines and liveries shall be issued by the Municipal Clerk and shall be signed by him or her, in the name of the Township.
[Amended 10-8-2019 by Ord. No. 3550]
Upon issuance of a taxicab license, the Municipal Clerk shall issue to the licensee a card containing the name of the owner, the license number of the vehicle, year of issue and the rates of fare as provide in subsection 7-5.5 hereof. The card shall be inserted in a card rack or frame provided by the owner and attached on the inside of the taxicab on the front dashboard.
[Amended 10-8-2019 by Ord. No. 3550]
Upon issuance of a livery or limousine license, the Municipal Clerk shall issue to the licensee a card containing the name of the owner or lessee, the license number of the vehicle and year of issue. The card shall remain in the livery or limousine for which issued. It shall be exhibited by the owner or lessee or driver thereof upon request.
[Amended 10-8-2019 by Ord. No. 3550]
A taxicab license shall be for a period of one year or for such lesser period of time as the insurance required pursuant to subsection 7-3.3 remains in full force.
[Amended 10-8-2019 by Ord. No. 3550]
Each taxicab, limousine or livery license shall apply only to the person to whom granted and shall not be transferable to any other persons. With the approval of the Township Manager, the holder of a taxicab, limousine or livery license applicable to a particular taxicab, limousine or livery may transfer the same to another taxicab, limousine or livery owned or leased by him or her upon payment of a transfer fee of $100.
[Amended 10-8-2019 by Ord. No. 3550]
The licenses fee for each taxicab shall be as set forth in Chapter 4, General Licensing.
[Amended 10-8-2019 by Ord. No. 3550]
No taxicab, limousine or livery licensed under this chapter shall be operated on the streets of the Township except by a driver who shall have first obtained a license for that purpose from the Municipal Clerk.
[Amended 10-8-2019 by Ord. No. 3550]
All applications for drivers' licenses shall be in writing and shall be filed with the Municipal Clerk, in duplicate, on forms provided by the Police Department. No person shall be licensed as a driver under this chapter unless he or she:
a. 
Furnishes with his or her application three copies of a recent photograph of himself or herself, of a size not less than 1 3/4 inches in length and 1 1/4 inches in width, and the certificate of a reputable physician certifying that the applicant has been examined within the preceding 60 days and that he or she has no infirmity of body or mind which might render him or her unfit for the safe operation of a taxicab or livery.
b. 
Is at least 18 years of age.
c. 
Is a holder of a New Jersey auto driver's license.
d. 
Is able to understand, read and write the English language.
e. 
Is possessed of a satisfactory knowledge of traffic regulations and of the geography of the Township.
f. 
Is of good character.
g. 
Is not addicted to the use of drugs or intoxicating liquors.
h. 
Is not an habitual violator of the Motor Vehicle Act.
i. 
Has not been convicted of an indictable offense or any criminal offense involving moral turpitude.
j. 
Pays all required fees required by this chapter.
[Amended 10-8-2019 by Ord. No. 3550]
Before issuance of a driver's license, an applicant shall be subject to a name and credential check by the Police Department.
[Amended 10-8-2019 by Ord. No. 3550]
Licenses issued to drivers shall be of one type. They shall permit the operation by the licensed driver of either a taxicab, limousine or livery.
[Amended 10-8-2019 by Ord. No. 3550]
Upon approval of the application for license and payment of the license fee hereinafter provided, the Municipal Clerk shall issue a license in the name of the Township. The Municipal Clerk shall issue to the licensee an identification card. The card shall contain the name of the licensee, a straight-view photograph of the licensee and the Township license number of the licensee.
[Amended 10-8-2019 by Ord. No. 3550]
While engaged as a taxicab driver, the licensee shall insert his or her license identification in a card rack or frame provided by the owners and attached on the back of the front seat in a place readily visible to a passenger. The driver of any taxicab shall be responsible for keeping his or her identification card in the taxicab operated by him or her at the time. While engaged as a livery or limousine driver, the licensee shall have his or her identification card in his or her possession and shall exhibit it upon request.
[Amended 10-8-2019 by Ord. No. 3550]
All drivers' licenses issued pursuant to this chapter shall expire on December 31 next succeeding the date issued; unless sooner suspended or revoked.
[Amended 10-8-2019 by Ord. No. 3550]
The fee for a driver's license shall be as set forth in Chapter 4, General Licensing.
[Amended 10-8-2019 by Ord. No. 3550]
Licensed taxicabs, limousines and liveries may be inspected and reinspected at any time for cleanliness, sanitary condition, mechanical safety for the transportation of passengers and general safety and fitness for public patronage. Such inspections shall be made and records thereof shall be kept by the Police Department.
[Amended 10-8-2019 by Ord. No. 3550]
Taximeters may be inspected at any time, in the manner provided in subsection 7-3.4, to determine whether they are in proper condition and accurate as provided in subsection 7-3.5g.
[Amended 10-8-2019 by Ord. No. 3550]
The name, monogram, insignia or color scheme of a licensed taxicab shall not be changed after the issuance of a license therefor so as to be in conflict with the name, monogram, insignia or color scheme used by any other licensee.
[Amended 10-8-2019 by Ord. No. 3550]
Any change of address of the owner of any taxicab, limousine or livery or of any driver, occurring after the issuance of a license under this chapter, shall be reported by said licensee to the Municipal Clerk, in writing, within three days after such change. The Municipal Clerk shall immediately report such change of address to the Chief of Police.
[Amended 10-8-2019 by Ord. No. 3550]
a. 
It shall be unlawful for the owner or driver of a taxicab to charge or cause to be charged for the use of a taxicab a sum greater than the following rates:
1. 
Between points within the Township. For conveying the first one or more passengers between any two points within the corporate limits of the Township, the rates shall be a flat rate of $6.
2. 
For each minute of waiting time: $0.25.
3. 
Notwithstanding the foregoing rates, there shall be a minimum charge of $2.50.
b. 
If one or more passengers is a senior citizen 65 years or older, a discount of 10% of the final charge shall be granted upon proof of age.
c. 
A legible printed schedule of the rates shall be conspicuously posted within the taxicab so that it is visible to the passengers, which printed schedule shall be provided by the Township Clerk. Said schedule shall also be conspicuously posted in the office of the Township Clerk and at the principal place of business of each taxicab company operating within the Township of Belleville.
[Amended 10-8-2019 by Ord. No. 3550]
Every licensed taxicab driver shall record in writing the time and place each passenger is accepted and the time and place of discharge of the passenger. Such records shall be kept intact for one year from the date thereof. Such records shall be kept open for inspection at all times during the one-year period by a duly authorized representative of the Police Department.
[Amended 10-8-2019 by Ord. No. 3550]
No driver of any licensed taxicab in soliciting employment shall so operate a taxicab as to interfere with or impeded unnecessarily the movement of other vehicles or pedestrians. Employment may be solicited by driving through any public street or place at a rate of speed that will not interfere with or impeded traffic. No passenger shall be solicited unless within six feet of a taxicab.
[Amended 10-8-2019 by Ord. No. 3550]
No licensed taxicab may park in any public street or public place in the Township except in such place or places as may be designated by ordinance, resolution or regulation adopted in accordance with law. Only such taxicabs as are for hire may remain at designated taxicab stands while waiting for employment. After the first taxicab in line leaves the stand, those behind shall move up. Any other taxicab seeking parking space in such stand shall approach it only from the rear thereof.
[Amended 10-8-2019 by Ord. No. 3550]
The driver of any licensed taxicab shall have the authority to demand payment of legal fare in advance and may refuse employment unless such fare is so prepaid, but no driver of a taxicab shall otherwise refuse employment by an orderly person for transportation anywhere in the Township. No driver of a taxicab shall carry any person other than the first passenger employing him or her without the consent of the first passenger.
[Amended 10-8-2019 by Ord. No. 3550]
No owner or driver of any licensed taxicab, limousine or livery shall induce any person to employ him or her by knowingly misinforming or misleading such person. No driver shall convey any passenger to any place or by any route other than the most direct route, unless otherwise directed by said passenger.
[Amended 10-8-2019 by Ord. No. 3550]
The driver of any licensed taxicab, limousine or livery, immediately after the termination of any hiring or employment, shall carefully search his or her taxicab or livery for any property lost or abandoned therein. Such property, unless sooner claimed or delivered to the owner, shall be reported in writing by the driver or by the owner of the taxicab, limousine or livery to the Police Department, giving particulars and a brief description of said property, within 24 hours after the finding of same. All such property not claimed within said twenty-four-hour period shall be turned over by such driver or owner of a taxicab, limousine or livery to the Property Clerk of the Police Department.
[Amended 10-8-2019 by Ord. No. 3550]
Nothing contained in this chapter shall prohibit the use of a taxicab, limousine or livery for private purposes, provided that there is no solicitation of patronage.
[Amended 10-8-2019 by Ord. No. 3550]
a. 
No licensed driver shall commit an act or acts which would disqualify him or her for a driver's license under subsection 7-4.2 paragraphs g, h or i (drug or liquor addition, habitual violation of the Motor Vehicle Act, conviction of an indictable offense or conviction of any criminal offense involving moral turpitude) or shall permit a taxicab or livery driven by him or her to be used for any illegal or immoral purpose.
b. 
No owner of a licensed taxicab, limousine or livery shall permit the use of such taxicab, limousine or livery for illegal or immoral purposes.
[Amended 10-8-2019 by Ord. No. 3550]
The license of any taxicab issued pursuant to this chapter may be suspended or revoked by the Manager for any of the following causes:
a. 
A violation of any provision of this chapter, a violation of any provision of any other ordinance of the Township of Belleville or a violation of any of the laws of the State of New Jersey.
b. 
The falsification of any information contained in the application for a license.
c. 
Permitting or suffering any taxicab to be used for any illegal or immoral purpose or purposes.
d. 
If the vehicle is found to be unsafe or unfit for public patronage.
e. 
If inspection discloses that the taximeter is not in proper working condition or is operating inaccurately.
[Amended 10-8-2019 by Ord. No. 3550]
The license of any livery or limousine may be suspended or revoked by the Manager for any of the following causes:
a. 
A violation of any provision of this chapter, a violation of any provision of any other ordinance of the Township of Belleville or a violation of any of the laws of the State of New Jersey.
b. 
The falsification of any information contained in the application for a license.
c. 
Permitting or suffering any livery or limousine to be used for any illegal or immoral purpose or purposes.
d. 
If the vehicle is found to be unsafe or unfit for public patronage.
[Amended 10-8-2019 by Ord. No. 3550]
The license of any driver may be suspended or revoked by the Manger for any of the following causes:
a. 
A violation of any of the provisions of this chapter, a violation of any provisions of any other ordinance of the Township of Belleville or a violation of any of the laws of the State of New Jersey.
b. 
Falsification of any information contained in the application for a driver's license under this chapter.
c. 
Permitting or suffering a taxicab, limousine or livery operated by him or her to be used for any illegal or immoral purpose or purposes.
[Amended 10-8-2019 by Ord. No. 3550]
a. 
No license issued pursuant to this chapter shall be revoked except after due notice and opportunity for a hearing. Pending such hearing, licenses may be suspended.
b. 
Whenever any license issued pursuant to this chapter has been suspended, it shall be forthwith surrendered to the Municipal Clerk and held by him or her until the expiration of the period of suspension; and whenever any license issued pursuant to this chapter shall be revoked, said license shall be forthwith surrendered to the Municipal Clerk, who shall cancel the same.
[Amended 10-8-2019 by Ord. No. 3550]
a. 
Any person who violates any provision of this chapter shall, upon conviction thereof, be punished by a fine not exceeding $2,000, imprisonment in the county/municipal jail for a term not exceeding 90 days, or a period of community service not exceeding 90 days, or any combination thereof as determined by the Municipal Court Judge. Each day on which a violation of an ordinance exists shall be considered a separate and distinct violation and shall be subject to imposition of a separate penalty for each day of the violation as the Municipal Court Judge may determine.
b. 
The penalty provided for in this section shall be deemed in addition to the provisions for suspension and revocation of licenses set forth in subsection 7-6.1 to subsection 7-6.4, both inclusive.