[HISTORY: Adopted by the Board of Trustees of the Village of Atlantic Beach 6-22-1981 by L.L. No. 4-1981. Amendments noted where applicable.]
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
MEDALLION
An identification of legality, issued by the Village of Atlantic Beach, to be affixed to the licensed vehicle.
OWNER
The registered owner, according to the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, and/or the lessee of the motor vehicle sought to be used as a taxicab within the confines of the Incorporated Village of Atlantic Beach.
OWNER'S LICENSE
A license issued by the Village of Atlantic Beach to operate a taxicab business, under the provisions of the taxicab ordinances.
PERSON
Any natural person, corporation, partnership, form of business entity and any other form of organization.
STREET
Any street, avenue, bridge, highway, public way or public place within the confines of the Village of Atlantic Beach.
TAXICAB
Any motor vehicle engaged in the business of transporting persons for hire, except vehicles subject to the provisions of the Public Service or Transportation Corporation Laws or vehicles under an express written contract to provide transportation for weddings, funerals or similar functions.
It shall be unlawful for any person to engage in the business of transporting people for hire by taxicab, from a point originating within the confines of the Village of Atlantic Beach, without having first obtained a license to conduct such business from the Village Clerk.
A. 
To obtain an owner's license required by this section, or any renewal thereof, a verified application shall be made to the Village Clerk, upon a form to be furnished by the Village Clerk, which application shall set forth the following information:
(1) 
The name and address of the applicant and of all officers, partners, directors and stockholders, if there are any, and that they number 10 or less of the applicant.
(2) 
The make, model, year, seating capacity, vehicle identification number and license plate number of each vehicle to be used in said taxicab business.
(3) 
The registered owner of each such vehicle.
(4) 
The business address of the applicant.
B. 
At the time each application is filed, it shall be accompanied by a nonrefundable application fee as set by resolution of the Board of Trustees from time to time.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I).
Prior to the issuance of an owner's license pursuant to this chapter, the Village Clerk shall forward a copy of the application to the Board of Trustees. The Board of Trustees may meet with the applicant, and all other persons affected by such application, and determine the need for the operation of a taxi company within the village. If it shall determine that there is no need or necessity for a taxi company within the village, the application shall be denied by the Board of Trustees.
A. 
No fares greater than the fares approved by the Village Board of Trustees shall be charged by any person licensed under this chapter. A schedule of the fares shall be posted in the office of the Village Clerk. The Village Board of Trustees shall have the authority to adjust the fares from time to time upon 10 days' written notice to the owners before the fares become effective.
B. 
Form. An owner's license shall state the name and address of the licensee and a listing of all the taxicabs used in said business by license plate numbers and the dates of the issuance and expiration of said owner's license.
C. 
Fee and term. The license fee for each owner's license under this section, or renewal, shall be $50 per year, and no license fee shall be prorated. The renewal of each additional medallion shall be $20 per year, and no medallion fee shall be prorated. The term of the owner's license and medallions shall be from June 1 to the following May 31.
D. 
Posting of fares and business office. An owner's license and schedule of fares shall be conspicuously posted, in full public view, in the main office of the licensee. Each applicant for an owner's license shall maintain an office which will remain open seven days a week, 24 hours a day.
E. 
Renewal. Application for renewal of any owner's license shall be filed no later than May 1 of each year. The application shall be verified and shall set forth the information listed in § 215-3A(1) through (4) of this chapter. Forms for the renewal application shall be supplied by the Village Clerk, no later than April 15 of each year.
A. 
It shall be unlawful for any person to operate, or permit to be operated, a taxicab, from a point originating within the confines of the Village of Atlantic Beach, without first having obtained therefore a taxicab medallion from the Village Clerk, which medallion shall be paid for by the licensee. All taxicabs medallioned by the Village of Atlantic Beach, shall have "T-" or taxicab license plates, as issued by the New York Department of Motor Vehicles.
B. 
To obtain a taxicab medallion as required by this section, or any renewal thereof, a verified application shall be made to the Village Clerk, which application shall set forth the following information:
(1) 
The name and resident address of the applicant and the registered owner of the vehicle.
(2) 
The business address from which the taxicab will be used and the owner's license under which it will be used.
(3) 
The make, model, year, seating capacity, vehicle identification number and the license plate number.
(4) 
A New York State Inspection pertaining to the vehicle.
(5) 
Proof of liability and property damage insurance, the amount of insurance, the insurance company and the policy number and expiration date. The policy must also contain a clause stating that the Village of Atlantic Beach is to be notified of any change in the policy, its terms or its status. Said notice must be filed with the Village Clerk.
C. 
When issuing a taxicab license, the Village Clerk shall also deliver to the licensee a medallion bearing the taxicab license number and the expiration date of the taxicab medallion. Each such medallion must be securely affixed to the left front quarter panel near the driver's door. The medallion is to remain there and shall be kept clearly visible at all times.
D. 
Should this medallion become lost, stolen or destroyed through no fault of the licensee, the Village Clerk shall issue a replacement medallion at a fee as set, from time to time, by resolution by the Board of Trustees.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: The current fee schedule is on file in the village offices. Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I).
A. 
It shall be unlawful for any person to drive or operate or, as an owner, to allow any person to drive or operate a taxicab, or other motor vehicle engaged in the transportation of persons, for hire, from point originating within the confines of the Village of Atlantic Beach, without having first obtained a taxi driver's hack license to drive or operate such a taxicab from the Village Clerk.
B. 
Application. To obtain a driver's hack license required by this section or any renewal thereof, a verified application shall be made to the Village Clerk, upon a form furnished by the Village Clerk, which application shall set forth the following information:
(1) 
The name and resident address of the applicant.
(2) 
Any other names ever used by the applicant.
(3) 
The applicant's place of residence for the past five years.
(4) 
The applicant's age, date of birth, color, height, weight, color of eyes, color of hair, place of birth and citizenship.
(5) 
Whether or not the applicant has ever been convicted of a crime and, if so, the details of such conviction. Any conviction for a felony or any conviction for a violation of § 1192 or 1190 of the Vehicle and Traffic Law or of any conviction under Articles 120, 125, 130, 135, 155 or 160 of the New York State Penal Law may act as a bar to the granting of a taxicab driver's license.
(6) 
The applicant's chauffeur's license classification and license number.
(7) 
The applicant's marital status.
(8) 
Whether or not the applicant has been previously licensed in such occupation, and, if so, the details of where, when and for what period. If such license was ever suspended or revoked, the reason therefore and the date thereof.
C. 
Driver's photograph. All license applications shall be accompanied by two unmounted, unretouched photographs of the applicant, showing head and shoulders, taken within 30 days of the date of the application. Said photographs shall be 2 inches by 2 inches in size.
D. 
Form. The driver's license shall contain the name, address, date of birth, signature and photograph of the licensee. It shall state the dates of issuance and expiration of the license.
E. 
Fee and term. The license fee for each driver's license issued under this section shall be as set, from time to time, by resolution by the Board of Trustees.[1] and no license fee shall be prorated. The term of the driver's license shall be from June 1 to the following May 31.[2]
[1]
Editor's Note: The current fee schedule is on file in the village offices.
[2]
Editor's Note: Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I).
F. 
Posting. The driver's license shall be conspicuously posted in or about the vehicle the driver is operating.
G. 
Renewal. Application for renewal of a driver's license shall be filed no later than May 1 of each year. The application shall be verified on a form furnished by the Village Clerk and shall contain the information listed in Subsection B(1) through (8) of this chapter, and must be in the Village Clerk's office no later than April 15 of each year.
A. 
The Village Clerk may issue a temporary license to an applicant who is otherwise qualified, pending the investigation of the applicant's application for a full taxicab driver's license. Such a temporary license should only be issued when the applicant has demonstrated an immediate need and after a full application has been filed.
B. 
The holder of a temporary license shall be subject to all the provisions of this chapter. In no event shall a temporary license remain in effect for more than 45 days, and said temporary license may be revoked by the Village Clerk, for cause shown, at any time.
A driver shall:
A. 
Keep the interior and exterior of his taxicab clean at all times.
B. 
Transport all orderly persons upon request, unless already under hire.
C. 
Inform the Village Clerk, in writing, of any change in address within 72 hours.
D. 
Thoroughly search his taxicab for lost or misplaced items after the end of each shift.
E. 
Inform the Village Clerk, in writing, within 24 hours, of the loss or theft of his or her driver's license.
F. 
Not transport a greater number of persons than the rated capacity of the taxicab, as listed on the license.
G. 
Maintain a written record of all trips, showing the time and place he leaves the taxicab, as well as the fare charge. The driver shall deliver a copy of this record to the owner of the taxicab company or his appointed representative.
H. 
Not conduct himself or herself in any manner or way that is either dangerous or offensive to the general public.
It shall be the duty of every owner or lessee of a taxicab subject to the provisions of this chapter to:
A. 
Not allow the taxicab to be used in business if not in proper working condition.
B. 
Equip and maintain each taxicab with the following:
(1) 
Interior lights, under the control of the driver, which shall fully illuminate the passenger area when a passenger is boarding or alighting from the vehicle.
(2) 
Vehicle identification, the exact name of the owner's license under which the taxicab is being operated shall be conspicuously lettered on each longitudinal side of the exterior of the vehicle in letters at least four inches in height, unless otherwise authorized by the Village Clerk.
(3) 
Not allow any unlicensed taxicab driver or other unauthorized person to operate the taxicab.
(4) 
Maintain the driver's fare record, which has been delivered to him or her for a period of one month.
(5) 
Report to the Village Clerk the loss or the theft of the owner's license or taxicab medallion, in writing, within 24 hours.
A. 
Each license issued pursuant to the provisions of this chapter shall be stamped with the Seal of the Village of Atlantic Beach.
B. 
In addition, the Village Clerk shall keep a record of all licenses issued pursuant to this chapter. Such record shall list complaints, suspensions and revocations recorded against each licensee and shall be open to view by the public during regular business hours.
Should any license or medallion issued pursuant to this chapter be lost or stolen, through no fault of the licensee, the Village Clerk shall issue a replacement license or medallion for the fee of as set by resolution of the Board of Trustees from time to time.
[1]
Editor's Note: Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I).
All property which is lost or misplaced in the taxicab shall be kept at the address listed on the owner's license under which the taxicab is operated for a period of 30 days. After this period, if the property is still not claimed, it shall be brought to the Nassau County Police Department and a receipt obtained.
A. 
A license issued pursuant to the provisions of this chapter may be suspended or revoked for cause after a hearing, notice of which stating the charges alleged, shall be mailed to the licensee by registered mail, at the address listed on the license application at least 15 days prior to the hearing.
B. 
Said hearing shall be held before the Village Board of Trustees. At the close of the hearing, the Village Board of Trustees may suspend or revoke the owner's license or one or more of his medallions, or dismiss the charges alleged. The Village Board of Trustees shall state the facts upon which the ruling is based.
C. 
Failure to comply with the provisions of this chapter shall be seen as sufficient cause for revocation or suspension of such license.
Nothing proposed by this chapter shall apply to persons or taxicabs engaged in the business of transporting persons, for hire or pay, from a point outside the Village of Atlantic Beach, to a point within the village nor a point outside the village and passing through the Village of Atlantic Beach.
The provisions of this chapter shall take effect immediately, except that those licenses which have been duly issued and are presently in full force and effect within the village, shall remain so until the expiration date printed upon them.
The following regulations shall be observed in the operation and driving of every taxicab upon the public highways of the village:
A. 
Each taxicab operated hereunder shall have one securely affixed roof light with only the word "taxicab" or "taxi" or "cab" and, in addition, the telephone number or name of the licensee may be printed thereon in such manner as to be visible at all times.
B. 
At the time a taxicab owner submits his application and on succeeding renewal applications, a schedule of rates for that license period shall be filed with the Village Clerk of the Village of Atlantic Beach.
C. 
On both rear doors in letters not more than two inches in height, the full name of the owner.
D. 
No taxicab driver shall solicit passengers except while parked or standing at a taxi stand and except when sitting in the driver's compartment of such taxicab or while standing immediately adjacent thereto, nor in a loud or annoying tone of voice nor by sign nor in any manner annoy, obstruct the movement of or follow any person for the purpose of soliciting.
E. 
All taxicab driver's shall have the right to cruise in search of passengers.
F. 
All taxicabs operating under this chapter shall be used in a shared-ride capacity, unless specifically hired for a designated period of time.
G. 
No taxicab shall permit more persons to be carried in this taxicab than the number for which he has seating facilities.
H. 
No taxicab driver shall refuse or neglect to convey any orderly person upon request, unless previously engaged to full capacity or unless transportation of such person shall substantially delay or inconvenience passengers who have already engaged his taxicab.
I. 
If a taxicab is carrying two or more persons to different destinations, the driver shall be the sole judge of the order in which such persons shall be delivered to their destination, and the shortest possible route shall be followed.
J. 
No passenger in a taxicab shall be kept waiting longer than five minutes before proceeding to his announced destination.
K. 
Every taxicab driver shall obey all laws and ordinances, rules and regulations, while operating such vehicle, and upon conviction of any misdemeanor or felony, shall report the same within five working days to the Village Clerk, advising him or her of the nature of the offense and the name and location of the court and the date on which such conviction was held.
L. 
Every taxicab driver licensed as such pursuant to this chapter shall within 48 hours notify the Village Clerk of any change of his address or loss of either his taxicab driver's license or his chauffeur's license.
M. 
Any taxi company licensed in the Village of Atlantic Beach should be enrolled with the Anti-Crime Patrol program sponsored by Citibank.
N. 
Consecutive and uninterrupted service shall be maintained by each licensed owner from at least one depot or terminal as follows:
(1) 
One or two licensed taxicabs for at least eight consecutive hours for not less than five days each week.
(2) 
One or more licensed taxicabs, 24 consecutive hours each consecutive day.
Every person convicted of a violation of any provision of this chapter shall be punished by and subject to a fine of not more than $500 or by imprisonment for not more than 15 days, or by both such fine and imprisonment for each violation. In addition to the penalties aforesaid, any person who shall violate any provision of this chapter, who at the time of such violation shall be the holder of any license issued hereunder, shall be subject to suspension or revocation of such license.
[1]
Editor's Note: Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I).