Gilroy Municipal Code Art. III Inspections and Maintenance

(a) Each taxicab operated under a taxicab permit issued pursuant to this chapter shall at all times be maintained in compliance with the conditions and equipment requirements as set forth in Division 12, Chapters 1 through 5, of the California Vehicle Code. The chief of police retains his authority under California Vehicle Code Section 2806 to inspect any vehicle upon reasonable cause. All taxicabs shall be safety inspected annually in the manner provided for by section 23.7(h) and (i) of this chapter. The inspection shall be completed prior to any application for renewal of the taxicab permit.

(b) The owner and the driver of a taxicab shall not allow a taxicab with any unsafe condition to be used until necessary repairs are made. The driver of a taxicab shall inspect the taxicab and its equipment at least once each day.

(c) Each taxicab operated under a taxicab permit issued pursuant to this chapter shall at all times have:

(1) One operable safety belt for each passenger carried.

(2) A spare tire, capable of being used at any of the wheels of the vehicle, and a set of tools for changing tires.

(3) Safety or shatter-proof glass in the wind-shields and windows.

(4) A two-way radio in an “on and operating” position for the entire time the taxicab is in service and available to the public.

(d) Each taxicab operated under a taxicab permit issued pursuant to this chapter shall be maintained in such condition so that:

(1) All doors, windows, hood and trunk will open and close securely.

(2) The inside of the taxicab and the luggage compartment is clean and does not soil, rip or otherwise damage the passenger’s clothing or effects.

(3) The exterior of the taxicab is clean and in good repair.

(4) Taximeters shall not be required; provided, however, that any taximeter employed in any taxicab shall be in proper working order.

(Ord. No. 94-2, § II, 2-22-1994)

(a) Upon receipt of a citizen’s complaint or police officer’s observation regarding the mechanical condition of a taxicab, or following the taxicab’s involvement in an accident, the chief of police may require any or all of the following:

(1) A visual inspection of the taxicab by a member of the police department.

(2) An interview by a member of the police department with the owner or driver of the taxicab regarding the mechanical condition of the taxicab.

(3) A sworn statement that the taxicab is in safe operating condition and a completed taxicab inspection form as required in section 27.7(h) and (i).

(b) If the owner or driver of the taxicab refuses to submit to an inspection as required above, the chief of police may issue an order prohibiting such vehicle from use in taxicab service.

(c) Upon determination that any vehicle operated under a taxicab permit is not in safe operating condition, the chief of police may issue an order requiring that such vehicle not be used in taxicab service until it has been repaired to the satisfaction of the chief of police.

(d) The chief of police shall have the authority to impound vehicles which continue to be used for taxicab service in violation of an order.

(Ord. No. 94-2, § II, 2-22-1994)

(a) The order of the chief of police issued under section 23.21 of this chapter may be appealed to the city council. The procedures for the appeal and the requirements of notice and hearing are set forth in Article VII of this chapter.

(b) The vehicle(s) in question shall not be used for taxicab service pending the appeal.

(Ord. No. 94-2, § II, 2-22-1994)

Each holder of a taxicab permit and the driver of a taxicab involved in an accident resulting in property damage exceeding five hundred dollars ($500.00) or personal injury of any kind shall immediately report the accident to the chief of police.

(Ord. No. 94-2, § II, 2-22-1994)

(a) The owner shall maintain at all times complete and accurate records of:

(1) The names, addresses, and dates of commencement and termination of employment or contract of all drivers employed or engaged under contract by the owner;

(2) The description of the taxicab driven by each driver, including the make, model, serial number and permit number;

(3) The hours during which each driver is on duty; and

(4) All dispatch calls received and made by the owner including the starting and destination points and times.

(b) The owner shall maintain such records for a minimum period of three (3) years, and shall make them available for inspection during normal business hours upon request by the chief of police.

(Ord. No. 94-2, § II, 2-22-1994)

§ 23.25. through § 23.29. (Reserved)