(a) 
A person may not represent that a vehicle is a taxicab if the vehicle is not in fact a taxicab authorized by operating authority granted under this chapter.
(b) 
A person may not drive a vehicle that is not a taxicab in the city if the vehicle is marked, painted, or equipped in a way that is likely to result in mistaking the vehicle for a taxicab.
(Ordinance O-19-032, sec. 3, adopted 9/5/19)
(a) 
The director may by regulation establish requirements for size, condition, and accessories of taxicabs used by a taxicab owner or driver.
(b) 
The director shall inspect each taxicab for compliance with this chapter and regulations before it is placed in service, at regular inspections, and at such times as determined by the director. The director shall complete a city inspection form and shall maintain such form as a public record. If any inspection reveals that the vehicle is unsafe or does not comply with the provisions of this chapter or state law the vehicle owner shall remove the vehicle from service.
(c) 
A holder, owner, or driver shall make a taxicab available for inspection when ordered by the director. It shall be unlawful for any person to refuse to allow the director to inspect any vehicle used as a taxicab operating in the city pursuant to this chapter.
(d) 
If, upon inspection, the director determines that a taxicab is not in compliance with this chapter or regulations, the director shall order the taxicab to be brought into compliance within a reasonable period of time and require it to be re-inspected. The owner shall pay a ten dollar ($10.00) fee for each re-inspection of a taxicab that is required before it is brought into compliance.
(e) 
If a holder, owner, or driver fails to make a taxicab available for inspection or if the director determines that a taxicab is not in compliance with this chapter or regulations, the director may order the taxicab removed from service until it is made available for inspection and brought into compliance.
(f) 
If the director determines that inspection of the mechanical condition or safety equipment of a taxicab by an expert mechanic or technician is necessary, the holder, owner, or driver shall pay the cost of the inspection.
(g) 
Before any taxicab will be approved for service, the holder or owner shall provide the director with a copy of the registration for the vehicle with the state, or a bill of sale if the vehicle is new and has not yet been registered, showing the name of the individual or holder owning the vehicle. The owner shown on the registration or bill of sale provided to the director shall notify the director of any change in ownership of the taxicab within ten (10) business days.
(h) 
Taxicab inspections conducted by the director shall be limited to those items observable by a layperson by external visual inspection. Items to be inspected shall include, but not be limited to, the following: vehicle identification number; taxicab number; head lamps; tail lamps; license plate lights; dome light; horn; windshield wipers; heating, ventilating, and air conditioning systems; presence of fire extinguisher; spare tire; the condition of the tires, passenger compartment, rearview mirrors; all windows; overall cleanliness; safety; condition of paint; color scheme; taximeter readings; rate card; required signage; fumes; permanent state license plates and current registration sticker; mileage; accuracy of taximeter, and condition of the body of the vehicle.
(i) 
Each inspection may include a ride-along inspection ride of up to one (1) hour’s duration as deemed necessary by the director.
(Ordinance O-19-032, sec. 3, adopted 9/5/19)
(a) 
Unless otherwise specified in the operating authority under which a taxicab is operated or by regulation of the director, and in addition to other equipment required by this chapter, a holder, owner, or driver shall provide and maintain in good operating condition the following equipment for each taxicab:
(1) 
Seat belts for each passenger, the number of which is determined by the designed seating capacity of the taxicab;
(2) 
Heater and air conditioner;
(3) 
Chemical-type fire extinguisher, of at least one (1) quart capacity, readily accessible for immediate use;
(4) 
Map of the city;
(5) 
Permit card complying with section 27-95 of this chapter;
(6) 
Taxicab display receptacle;
(7) 
Rates of fare cards or stickers; and
(8) 
Taximeter.
(Ordinance O-19-032, sec. 3, adopted 9/5/19)
A holder shall develop the design of a color scheme and distinctive markings for taxicabs operating under its authority, and shall submit the design to the director for approval to insure that the design is readily distinguishable from the design used by other holders.
(Ordinance O-19-032, sec. 3, adopted 9/5/19)
A holder shall cause each taxicab operating under its authority to be provided with the following uniform vehicle identification:
(1) 
Every taxicab shall have on the door of the cab the name of the owner or the assumed name under which the owner operates, together with the company’s telephone number and the cab number.
(2) 
The number of the cab and the owner or the assumed name under which the owner operates, shall be stenciled or painted upon the rear of any such vehicle. Such lettering, stencil and/or paint must be kept legible at all times.
(Ordinance O-19-032, sec. 3, adopted 9/5/19)
(a) 
The holder, owner, or driver of a taxicab shall obtain a permit card from the city secretary’s office, indicating the taxicab’s authority to operate, which shall show there on the date of expiration of the permit to operate a taxicab applicable to such vehicle. The permit card must be attached to the front windshield of the taxicab in a manner approved by the director.
(b) 
A person commits an offense if he:
(1) 
Operates a taxicab with an expired permit card or with no permit card affixed to it;
(2) 
Attaches a permit card to a vehicle not authorized to operate as a taxicab;
(3) 
Forges, alters, or counterfeits a taxicab permit card required by this section;
(4) 
Possesses a forged, altered, or counterfeited taxicab permit card required by this section; or
(5) 
Displays more than one (1) taxicab permit cards issued by the city on a vehicle at the same time.
(c) 
A taxicab permit card assigned to one (1) person is not transferable to another without consent of the director.
(Ordinance O-19-032, sec. 3, adopted 9/5/19)
(a) 
Whenever a vehicle is removed from service or is no longer authorized to operate as a taxicab, the holder, owner, or driver shall remove from the vehicle all taxicab signs, markings, and equipment that would distinguish the vehicle as a taxicab, including, but not limited to, radios, top lights, meters, and decals.
(b) 
A holder, owner, or driver of a taxicab shall not sell or transfer to a driver any radio, top light, meter, or other equipment that would distinguish a vehicle as a taxicab.
(Ordinance O-19-032, sec. 3, adopted 9/5/19)