Long Beach Municipal Code Ch. 5.80 Vehicles for Hire

Footnotes:

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Charter reference— Provisions on franchises, see the City Charter.

State Law reference— Provisions authorizing local authorities to license and regulate the operation of taxicabs, Veh. C. §§ 16501 and 21100.

For the purpose of this Chapter the following terms shall have the meanings respectively ascribed to them in this Section unless, from the particular context, it clearly appears that some other meaning is intended.

A. "Vehicles for hire" means every motor vehicle designed for carrying not more than eight (8) persons, excluding the driver, which is covered by this Chapter, and where the destination and route are under the control of the passenger(s) being carried or other person hiring the vehicle for compensation.

B. "Carrier" means every person, corporation, partnership, joint venture or other form of business organization, their lessees, receivers or trustees, engaged in operating, or causing to be operated, any vehicle required by the provisions of this Chapter to obtain a permit.

C. "Chauffeured limousine" means a motor vehicle used for the transportation of passengers for hire along public streets, not over a defined route, but a route under the control of the person hiring such a vehicle, and the point of origin is within the City. A chauffeured limousine shall not bear any distinguishing insignia or monogram or top lights, and shall operate and be dispatched from a fixed location, and shall be hired by contract on a minimum hourly basis only; the minimum rates shall be approved by the City Council.

D. "City Council" means the City Council of the City of Long Beach.

E. "Compensation" means any money, thing of value, payment, consideration, reward, tip, donation, gratuity or profit paid to, accepted, or received by the driver of any vehicle in exchange for transportation of a person or persons, whether paid upon solicitation, demand or contract or voluntarily, or intended as a gratuity or donation.

F. "Driver" means every person driving, operating or in charge of any vehicle as defined by this Chapter.

G. "Driver's permit" means the permit issued by the Chief of Police to any persons operating or driving any vehicle as defined by this Chapter.

H. "Institution of learning" means a school wherein is conducted a regular program of general education and instruction in the public schools of the State.

I. "Jitney" means every motor vehicle of a distinct color or commercial appearance used in the business of carrying passengers; and which is hired from any fixed stand or location, or is hailed; and which travels along a fixed route; for a compensation which is fixed according to the distance traveled.

J. "Motor vehicle" or "vehicle" means every motor-propelled vehicle used for the transportation of persons over the public streets, and not upon rails or tracks.

K. "Permittee" means every person to whom a permit has been issued pursuant to this Chapter.

L. "Person" means a natural person, his heirs, executors, administrators or assigns, and also includes a firm, partnership or corporation, its or their successors or assigns or the agent of any of the aforesaid.

M. "Ambulance" means a vehicle designed and used for the purpose of transporting sick, disabled or injured persons for compensation over the streets of the City, other than vehicles operated by the City or any public agency. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, this definition includes those vehicles commonly referred to as "gurney vans" and "wheelchair vans".

N. "Sightseeing vehicle" means every vehicle other than taxicabs, jitneys, chauffeured limousines and automobiles for hire used for the transportation of passengers for compensation over the streets of the City whether or not over defined routes for sightseeing purposes or for showing points of interest when the route is designated by the carrier and when the point of origin is within this City.

O. "Taxicab" means every motor vehicle of a distinct color or commercial appearance used for the transportation of passengers and/or baggage and packages over the streets of the City for compensation irrespective of whether or not the operation extends beyond the boundaries of the City; and whose service is demand-responsive; and whose fare is determined and indicated by a taximeter, or by posted rates pertaining to a shared ride; and which has a top light; and a uniform monogram or insignia, a vehicle number, and telephone number clearly visible on the body of the vehicle; and whose route and destination are under the exclusive control of the passengers being transported.

P. "Taximeter" means a mechanical or electronic device by which the charge for hire of a taxicab is automatically calculated, either for distance traveled or for waiting time, or both, and upon which such charge is plainly registered by means of figures indicating dollars and cents.

Q. "Stand" means a particular place on a public street in the City which has been designated by the City Council for the use of the particular vehicles authorized by this Chapter to stop or stand in said place while awaiting employment.

R. "Taxicab operator" means any person driving, operating, or in charge of a taxicab, as defined in this Section.

S. "Authorized City Licensed Fleet" means any person or entity approved by the City Council and holding a valid permit under this Chapter authorizing the operation of a fleet of taxicabs under common branding to provide taxicab services within the City.

(ORD-26-0007 §§ 1—3, 2026; Ord. C-7277 §§ 1, 4, 1994; Ord. C-7001 § 1, 1992: Ord. C-6260 § 1 (part), 1986)

No person shall drive, operate or cause to be operated, nor shall any person employ, permit or allow another to drive, operate or cause to be operated, any vehicle over any street of this City for the purpose of transporting any passenger or passengers for compensation, regardless of whether such operation extends beyond the boundary limits of the City, nor shall any person solicit, induce, persuade, invite or procure such transportation of passengers for compensation or accept compensation therefor without a permit first having been obtained from the City Council authorizing such operations and acts, except:

A. A vehicle which is lawfully transporting a passenger or passengers from a point outside the City to a destination within the City or is en route to a destination outside the City; provided that no driver shall, without such permit, solicit, or accept a passenger or passengers from within this City for transportation to any destination whatsoever;

B. A vehicle being operated pursuant to a franchise or permit issued by the City and vehicles operated by public agencies;

C. A vehicle being operated for the purpose of transporting bona fide pupils attending an institution of learning between their homes and such institutions;

D. A vehicle being operated under what is commonly referred to as a "share the ride" plan or arrangement, where a person en route from his place of residence to his place of business, or vice versa, transports another person or other persons living and working in the same general vicinities upon payment of a sum estimated to cover the actual or approximate cost of operation of the vehicle;

E. Vehicles rented or leased for self-operation by a person using such vehicle under a plan commonly known as a U drive, but not when transporting other persons for compensation;

F. Vehicles used exclusively in funerals by a person engaged in the business of undertaker or funeral director;

G. Vehicles operating pursuant to a certificate of public convenience and necessity issued by the California Public Utilities Commission, but only to the extent, character and type of operation and regulation expressly prescribed by the certificate issued by said Commission. No person shall be exempt from the provisions of the ordinance codified in this Chapter if operating pursuant to an exemption certificate issued by either the State Public Utilities Commission or Interstate Commerce Commission.

(Ord. C-6260 § 1 (part), 1986)

A. Any person desiring a permit to operate vehicles covered by this Chapter shall file an application therefore with the City Council. Such petition shall be verified by oath of the applicant, if a natural person; or by oath of an officer or partner of the applicant, if applicant is a corporation, partnership, association or unincorporated company, and which application shall set forth the name, age and address of the applicant, if a natural person; or if a corporation, its name, date and place of incorporation, address of its principal place of business and the names of all its officers together with their respective addresses and, if the applicant is an association or cooperative of taxicab operators, the name and residence address of each member; or if a partnership, association or unincorporated company, then the names of the partners comprising the partnership, association or company, together with their respective addresses.

The application shall also state:

1. The trade name or style under which the applicant proposes to operate;

2. Full information pertaining to the extent, character, and quality of the proposed operations and the manner in which such proposed operations are to be conducted;

3. The type(s) of motor vehicle(s) and the name(s) of the manufacturer or popular name;

4. The vehicle factory and State license numbers;

5. The vehicle manufacturer's seating capacity;

6. The color and unique monogram or insignia proposed;

7. The condition of vehicle(s) proposed to be operated;

8. A full statement of the applicant's assets and liabilities;

9. Such other or additional information as the City Council may require.

B. The City Council shall, upon receipt of the application, make full and complete inquiry into the facts set forth therein and shall either grant or deny a permit upon the proposed terms, or upon terms and conditions other than those proposed. The permit shall authorize the operation of a specified number of vehicles which may be increased only by action of the City Council. When issued the permit shall constitute evidence of compliance with the terms of this Chapter and shall authorize the permittee to operate vehicles under the conditions therein specified; subject, however, to the requirements, obligations and limitations imposed by other applicable laws, ordinances, and orders of the City Council, and shall become effective only upon payment of the applicable fees as prescribed by resolution of the City Council.

(ORD-26-0007 § 4, 2026; Ord. C-6260 § 1 (part), 1986)

A. Notwithstanding the provisions of Sections 5.80.030 and 5.80.060 to the contrary, any person desiring a permit to operate ambulances within the City shall file an application with the City Manager. The application shall be verified by the oath of the applicant, if a natural person; or by oath of an officer or partner of the applicant, if applicant is a corporation, partnership association or unincorporated company, and which application shall set forth the name, age and address of the applicant, if a natural person; or if a corporation, its name, date and place of incorporation, address of its principal place of business and the names of all its officers, together with their respective addresses; or if a partnership, association or unincorporated company, then the names of the partners comprising the partnership, association or company, together with their respective addresses. The application shall also include:

1. The trade name or style under which the applicant proposes to operate;

2. Complete details regarding the service proposed, including the days and hours, service area, dispatch procedures, employee training, safety record, and method for monitoring the quality of service;

3. A business plan for operation in the City. This must include financial statements, indicating viability of the company;

4. Proof of liability insurance, as required by Section 5.80.050;

5. Proof of inspection and certification of vehicles as required by law and a statement that there are no outstanding parking and registration violations on any of the proposed vehicles.

B. The application shall be submitted to those City departments as determined necessary by the City Manager. Upon the review of the application and recommendation by those departments, and upon compliance by the applicant with all of the requirements of this Section and all applicable provisions of this Chapter, the City Manager or his designated representative shall issue a permit for the operation of the ambulance service.

(Ord. C-7277 § 3, 1994)

All permits issued under the provisions of this Chapter shall be for a period of not to exceed one (1) year and all permits shall expire on December 31 at twelve o'clock (12:00) midnight; however, such permits shall be renewed annually by the City Manager upon application of the permittee, provided the City Manager determines that the permittee during the prior permit period has operated in conformity with the provisions of this Chapter and that permittee is capable of such continued operation in the succeeding year. Renewal applications shall be filed on or before November 1 and shall be made on a form provided or otherwise approved by the City Manager or his designee and taxicab and ambulance first shall provide a report on the prior year's operations and a current financial statement in a form approved by the City Manager.

A determination by the City Manager that a permit shall not be renewed shall be final unless an appeal therefrom is taken to the City Council by the filing of a notice of appeal with the City Clerk after notice of City Manager's decision in writing. Permittee shall be notified in writing by the City Clerk of the date, time and place of hearing. At the time set, the Council shall hear the permittee, City Manager, and other interested persons and may either affirm or annul the City Manager's decision. The decision of the City Council shall be final.

(Ord. C-6260 § 1 (part), 1986)

A. The applicant shall file with the Director of Financial Management insurance as prescribed in regulations issued by the City Manager pursuant to Section 2.84.040.

B. The applicant shall maintain the insurance in full force and effect during the time any vehicles are operated pursuant to a permit issued under this Chapter. Failure to maintain such insurance shall be cause for suspension and revocation of a permit pursuant to Section 5.80.100.

C. Prior to the issuance or renewal of a permit, the applicant or permittee shall execute an indemnity agreement on a form provided by the City which provides that, by the acceptance or use of the permit, permittee shall defend, indemnify and hold harmless the City, its officials, agents, and employees from and against any and all claims, demands, damage, causes of action, proceedings, loss, liability, costs and expenses (including reasonable attorney fees) (collectively in this Subsection, "claim") alleging injury to or death of persons or damage to property and that such injury, death or damage arises from or is attributable to or caused by the operations conducted pursuant to said permit and provides that permittee shall notify the City of any claim within ten (10) days.

D. No person shall operate or permit the operation of any vehicle described in this Chapter unless there is, on file, insurance as prescribed in regulations issued by the City Manager pursuant to Section 2.84.040.

(Ord. C-7934 § 12, 2004: Ord. C-7277, § 2, 1994; Ord. C-6317 § 1 (part), 1986: Ord. C-6305 § 1, 1986: Ord. C-6260 § 1 (part), 1986)

No permit shall be granted to any "carrier", as defined in this Chapter, except after a hearing thereon conducted under and in accordance with such rules and regulations as may from time to time be prescribed by the City Council, nor until the City Council has determined that the public convenience and necessity require the operation proposed by the applicant for the permit. The City Council, in determining whether or not such facts exist, shall take into consideration the public demand for the service, the adequacy or inadequacy of service being rendered by other carriers, the effect of the service upon traffic, the financial responsibility of the applicant, the amount of wages to be paid to employees, the character of equipment proposed to be furnished, the history of claims, insurance and accidents, and any and all other facts which the City Council may deem relevant. In addition, the City Council may consider whether the applicant is capable of providing safe and prompt taxicab service and whether any proposed schedule of rates is fair and reasonable. Before granting any such permit, the City Manager or his designated representative shall present to the City Council, either orally or in writing, a report, together with his opinion, as to the existence of public convenience and necessity for the operation of additional vehicles. However, the burden of establishing the existence of public convenience and necessity shall always be borne by the applicant for a permit, and no such permit shall be issued unless there has been an affirmative showing of the existence of such public convenience and necessity by the applicant.

(ORD-26-0007 § 5, 2026; Ord. C-7691 § 1, 2000: Ord. C-6260 § 1 (part), 1986)

A. A nonrefundable application fee to defray the cost of processing the application for a permit under this Chapter shall be required to be paid by every applicant seeking such a permit.

B. A permit fee shall be required to be paid by each applicant whose application for a permit has been granted and for permit renewals, pursuant to the provisions of this Chapter, to defray the cost of processing the permit.

C. The City Manager is authorized to establish the amount of the application and permit fees which amount shall not exceed the actual cost of processing the application and the permit.

(Ord. C-6260 § 1 (part), 1986)

A. Notwithstanding any provision in this Chapter to the contrary, any person who has been authorized by proper governmental authority to operate vehicles for hire in an unincorporated area which is later annexed to the City, and who is so authorized at the completion of such annexation proceedings, may, upon the application of such person therefor, and at the discretion of the City Council, be issued a permit to operate vehicles for hire in the annexed area. Application for such permit shall be made and the permit may be issued in accordance with the provisions of this Chapter, except that no hearing thereon is required and no such person shall be required to establish the existence of public convenience and necessity for such operation in the annexed area. In such case, the City Council shall be under no duty, as a condition precedent to the issuance of such permit, of determining that the public convenience and necessity require the operation.

B. Nothing in this Section nor in any permit issued pursuant to this Section shall be construed as authorizing the permittee to operate in any portion of the City other than the annexed area, except when transporting a passenger or passengers from a point within such area to any other point within the City. In no event shall the permit authorize the permittee to solicit or accept a passenger or passengers from within any portion of this City, other than the annexed area, for transportation to any destination whatever. Nothing in this Section nor in any permit issued pursuant to this Section shall exempt the permittee from the necessity of complying with the remainder of the provisions of this Chapter or the provisions of any other ordinance of the City applicable to his operation or lawful rule or regulation of the City Council.

(Ord. C-6260 § 1 (part), 1986)

There shall be displayed upon each vehicle for hire operated pursuant to the terms of this Chapter, an identifying decal for the permitted period in the lower right corner of the windshield in such a manner that a serial number shall be clearly visible from the exterior of the vehicle.

In addition, each taxicab shall display the Taxicab Operator's identification card and/or permit in a manner approved by the City Manager. The City Manager may authorize display through a City-approved digital platform or application, provided the required information is continuously and readily available for inspection and passenger viewing, and provided a physical display remains available upon request by the City.

(ORD-26-0007 § 6, 2026; Ord. C-6260 § 1 (part), 1986)

The City Manager shall have the power to suspend or revoke any or all of the carrier permits granted under the provisions of this Chapter when it has been determined that any of the provisions of this Chapter have been violated, or that any holder of such a permit has failed to comply with the terms of such permit or the rules and regulations of the City Council pertaining to the operation and to the extent, character and quality of the service of any such vehicles. The City Manager shall give notice of the suspension or revocation in writing to the permittee and the notice shall state the grounds upon which the suspension or revocation is based. A determination by the City Manager that a permit shall be suspended or revoked shall be final unless an appeal therefrom is taken to the City Council by the filing of a notice of appeal with the City Clerk within ten days after notice of suspension or revocation. Permittee shall be notified in writing by the City Clerk of the date, time and place of the hearing. At the time set, the Council shall hear the permittee, City Manager, and other interested persons and may either affirm or annul the City Manager's order. The decision of the City Council shall be final.

(Ord. C-6260 § 1 (part), 1986)

Each permit issued pursuant to the requirements of this Chapter shall entitle the holder thereof to obtain a license to engage in the business described in the permit upon payment of the tax required by the licensing provisions of this Code, provided the holder of the permit complies with all other applicable provisions of law or ordinance.

(Ord. C-6260 § 1 (part), 1986)

No carrier granted a permit under this Chapter shall conduct any operation or engage in, furnish, or render any service other than the service authorized by its permit granted by the City Council in accordance with the provisions of this Chapter.

(Ord. C-6260 § 1 (part), 1986)

Taxicab service shall be available twenty-four (24) hours a day by telephone through a radio dispatch service, online booking, and/or a smartphone application, or by engagement of the taxicab when standing at a stand or when properly hailed from the street or curb. All taxicabs shall be equipped with a means of communication with the dispatch office, which may include a two-way radio or cellular system. Telephone calls for service shall be answered in a reasonable time. No driver shall work any shift which exceeds twelve hours, and all shifts are to begin and end at the garage. When a taxicab of such carrier is standing in a stand, no carrier or driver of a taxicab shall refuse or neglect to transport any orderly person or persons upon request anywhere in the City, and such service shall be rendered immediately upon request unless the driver is in physical danger.

(ORD-26-0007 § 7, 2026; Ord. C-6260 § 1 (part), 1986)

There shall be displayed in each taxicab, in a place easily read by passengers, a notice, in both English and Spanish, which informs passengers of their right to make customer service inquiries or complaints to the City. Said notice shall provide a telephone number of the appropriate City department. The form and content of the notice shall be approved by the City Manager before it is posted in any taxicab.

The City Manager may require additional languages based on community need and operational feasibility, and shall approve the form and content of any such notice before it is posted.

(ORD-26-0007 § 8, 2026; Ord. C-7691 § 2, 2000)

No rate or fare shall be placed in effect, charged, demanded or collected by any carrier for the transportation of passengers by vehicle covered by this Chapter until the rate or fare has been established and authorized by City Council and the City Council, after a hearing upon its own motion, or upon application, or upon complaint, has found and determined the rate to be just, reasonable and nondiscriminatory, and not in violation of any provisions contained in this Chapter or any other provision of law. In establishing and authorizing such rates or fares the City Council must take into account and give due and reasonable consideration to the cost of all comparable transportation services performed by all persons engaged in the transportation of persons for compensation in the City, whether by virtue of any franchise or permit granted by the City Council or otherwise, including length of haul, any additional transportation service performed or to be performed, or of any accessory service and the value of facilities reasonably necessary to perform such transportation service.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, a taxicab permittee or Authorized City Licensed Fleet may establish and charge variable or demand-based rates provided that such rates are just, reasonable, and nondiscriminatory, and not in violation of any provision of this Chapter or other applicable law.

A. Rates filing. Rates shall be filed with the City on a schedule established by the City Manager (which may be monthly) and shall be promptly available to the public through the permittee's or fleet's website and/or mobile application.

B. Notice of rate changes. The permittee or fleet shall provide at least thirty (30) days' advance notice to the City of any material rate change, in a form approved by the City Manager.

C. Rate transparency. The City Manager may require sufficient information to verify compliance with this Chapter, including a description of rate components, variations, and surcharges; provided, however, that nothing in this Section requires disclosure of proprietary trade secret information beyond what is reasonably necessary to verify compliance.

(ORD-26-0007 § 9, 2026; Ord. C-6260 § 1 (part), 1986)

Upon the granting of any permit to any carrier as provided by this Chapter, a copy of the permit setting forth the rates established and authorized by the City Council shall be transmitted by the City Clerk to the Chief of Police, who shall, thereupon, be charged with the duty of enforcement of the rates and the applicable provisions of this Code and other ordinances pertaining to the operation of vehicles for hire.

(Ord. C-6260 § 1 (part), 1986)

A. Every taxicab used or operated under this Chapter shall, at all times, have displayed therein in a location or locations and in a manner prescribed by the City Manager, the rates to be charged for the taxicab service, which rates shall be visible to all passengers in the taxicab at all times.

B. The driver of every chauffeured limousine shall at all times have in his or her possession rate cards upon which shall be printed the name and address of the permittee and the rates authorized to be charged for the chauffeured limousine service. Every person making inquiry regarding the rates charged by the chauffeured limousine service shall be furnished with a copy of the printed rates.

(Ord. C-6260 § 1 (part), 1986)

The City Council shall, upon a hearing upon its own motion, or upon application, or upon complaint, investigate a single rate or fare, or the entire schedule of fares in effect, charged, demanded or collected for the transportation of passengers by vehicles covered by this Chapter and to establish a new rate, fare or schedule of fares in lieu thereof.

(Ord. C-6260 § 1 (part), 1986)

No carrier, or any agent or employee thereof, or any driver or operator of any vehicle covered by this Chapter, shall charge, collect, demand, receive, arrange, solicit or bargain for any amount of compensation other than the rates or fares established and authorized by the City Council or lawfully established and filed pursuant to Section 5.80.140.

(ORD-26-0007 § 10, 2026; Ord. C-6260 § 1 (part), 1986)

A. No carrier shall operate any taxicab in the City unless and until the taxicab is equipped with a taximeter of a type and design which has been approved by the City Manager, and it shall be the duty of the carrier operating such taxicab, and also the driver taxicab operator thereof, to keep the meter operating at all times within such standard of accuracy as may be prescribed from time to time by the City Manager. No passengers shall be carried in any such cab unless the taximeter is in operation, unless the taxicab is carrying multiple passengers and the meter and flat rate schedule for this service is clearly posted for passenger viewing. This provision shall apply whether the taxicab is engaged for a trip entirely within the boundaries of the City or partially outside thereof, and the meter shall be kept operating continuously during the entire time that the vehicle is engaged in the transportation of passengers for compensation, regardless of the point of destination.

B. The taximeter shall be placed in each taxicab so that the reading dial showing the amount to be charged shall be well lighted and readily discernible to any passenger riding in such taxicab.

C. Every taximeter used in the operation of taxicabs shall be subject to inspection at any time by the City, or any of its agents or employees. Upon discovery or notification of any inaccuracy of the taximeter, the operator thereof shall remove, or cause to be removed from service any vehicle equipped with said taximeter until the taximeter has been repaired and accurately adjusted.

D. Every taximeter shall be inspected and tested for accuracy by the carrier at least once every six (6) months. Upon the completion of such inspection and of any adjustments necessary to cause the taximeter to operate within the standards of accuracy approved by the City Council, the carrier shall cause to be placed upon the meter an adhesive label having printed thereon the following:

The taximeter was inspected and tested on _______ (date), and found to comply with standard of accuracy prescribed by the City Council of the City of Long Beach.

The date on which the inspection was made shall be stamped in the blank space provided for that purpose. No such label shall be removed except at the time a subsequent inspection is made.

E. No driver of any taxicab, while carrying passengers, shall display the flag attached to the taximeter in such a position as to denote that the vehicle is not employed, or fail to throw the flag of the taximeter to a position indicating the vehicle is unemployed at the termination of each and every service.

F. All charges for taxicab service shall be calculated and indicated by a taximeter or a rate schedule for multiple passenger service, and at all times which the taxicab is engaged, the taximeter shall register charges for mileage or charges for waiting time. No taximeter shall be so operated as to cause any charge to be registered thereon except during the time while the taxicab is engaged by a passenger or passengers.

(ORD-26-0007 § 11, 2026; Ord. C-6260 § 1 (part), 1986)

For the purpose of this Chapter, "waiting time" means the time consumed while the taxicab is not in motion at the direction of a passenger and also the time consumed while waiting for a passenger after having responded to a call; but no charge shall be made for the time consumed by the premature response to a call or for the first three (3) minutes following timely arrival at any location in response to a call or for delays caused by the inefficiency of the taxicab or its driver.

(Ord. C-6260 § 1 (part), 1986)

No driver of any taxicab, upon receiving full payment for a fare as indicated by the taximeter, shall refuse to give a receipt upon the request of any passenger making such payment. When the taximeter is of the so-called "receipt type," a receipt shall be offered the passenger upon receiving payment without a request being made for said receipt.

(Ord. C-6260 § 1 (part), 1986)

No person shall refuse to pay the authorized fare of any of the vehicles mentioned in this Chapter after having employed the same, and no person shall hire any vehicle defined in this Chapter with intent to defraud the person, from whom it is hired or engaged, of the value of such service.

(Ord. C-6260 § 1 (part), 1986)

A. Every driver of a taxicab who is engaged to carry passengers shall take the most direct route possible that will carry the passengers safely and expeditiously to their destinations, unless otherwise directed by a passenger.

B. When a taxicab is engaged, the person engaging the taxicab shall have the exclusive right to the full and complete use of the passenger compartment, and it shall be unlawful for the carrier or driver of the taxicab to solicit or carry additional passengers.

C. The driver of a taxicab may transport two (2) or more passengers who voluntarily agree to share the vehicle from the same pickup point to one (1) discharge point. The rate schedule for point-to-point service must be clearly posted in passenger's view. A passenger who first engages a taxicab has the exclusive right to conveyance therein to a destination and the driver may not solicit additional passengers without the express permission of the first passenger.

D. The number of adult passengers which may be carried in any vehicle covered by this Chapter shall be limited to the seating capacity of the vehicle as specified by the manufacturer. The number of passengers consisting of children attending schools below the junior high school level which may be carried in any vehicle covered by this Chapter, shall be limited to adult seating capacity of the vehicle as specified by the manufacturer plus one. No person shall be carried in such vehicle who is required to share in any way the seating space occupied by another, nor shall any person be carried who is required to occupy a space in or on the vehicle which is not a seat.

(Ord. C-6260 § 1 (part), 1986)

No driver of a vehicle permitted to operate under this Chapter, while driving such vehicle, shall cruise, loiter or stop on a public street for the purpose of soliciting passengers or seeking a place in a stand which is already occupied. However, employment may be accepted when such vehicles are hailed from the street or curb, while proceeding to a regularly assigned stand for taxis or a regularly established call station or to the carrier's principal place of business; provided that no driver shall accept passengers at any of the following places:

A. In any marked or unmarked crosswalk;

B. At any regularly established bus stop;

C. At any place in a street except alongside a curb;

D. Alongside any curb opposite a regularly established and marked traffic safety zone.

(Ord. C-6260 § 1 (part), 1986)

The driver of every vehicle covered by this Chapter shall keep a complete and accurate record of each trip upon a daily trip sheet the form of which shall be approved by the City Manager, showing the time and place of origin and destination of the trip, the number of passengers carried, the mileage and the amount of fare collected and all telephone orders. This record shall be filed daily by the driver with the company by whom he is employed and such record shall be kept on file available for inspection by the City, or any of its agents or employees, for a period of not less than six (6) months.

(Ord. C-6260 § 1 (part), 1986)

Each taxicab operated pursuant to the terms of this Chapter shall be numbered. Such number shall be painted upon the body of the taxicab in numerals not less than four inches (4") nor more than six inches (6") in height in a position, or positions, approved from time to time by the City Manager.

(Ord. C-6260 § 1 (part), 1986)

A. All vehicles operated by any carrier as defined in this Chapter shall, before being placed in service, be approved by the City Manager or his designee. All such vehicles shall be of a design and type of construction as shall comply with orders and regulations pertaining to such equipment adopted from time to time by the City Council. Such vehicles shall at all times be kept in a clean and sanitary condition and in good state of repair and shall be subject to constant inspection by the City Manager or his designee. Any vehicle which becomes unsafe or unserviceable, either from the standpoint of state of repair or obsolescence, may be retired from service upon order of the City, and no vehicle which has been so retired shall be again operated in such service except with approval of the City.

B. In the event the condition of any vehicle, in the opinion of the City Manager or his designee, is so unclean, unsightly or mechanically defective as to be undesirable for use by the public, the City Manager or his designee may require the vehicle to be immediately withdrawn from service and the vehicle shall not be again placed in service until approved by the City Manager or his designee.

(Ord. C-6260 § 1 (part), 1986)

A. No permit shall be granted to any carrier to operate any vehicle covered by this Chapter whose color scheme, name, trade name, monogram or insignia is in conflict with or in imitation of any color scheme, name, trade name, monogram or insignia used by any other carrier, and which is of such character and nature as to be misleading or deceptive to the public.

B. It shall be unlawful for any owner of any taxicab to make or cause to be made any change whatever in the color scheme, name, trade name, monogram or insignia of said taxicab unless the approval of the City Council has been obtained.

(Ord. C-6260 § 1 (part), 1986)

Every taxicab shall be equipped with an identity light attached to the top of such taxicab. The identity light shall be constructed in one (1) unit consisting of an illuminated plate or cylinder upon which shall be printed either the words "For Hire", "Taxi", the name of the carrier or the telephone number of the carrier. The overall dimensions of the identity light shall not exceed six inches (6") in height by twenty inches (20") in length. The lights of the identity light unit shall be connected to a contact switch attached to the taximeter, and the contact switch shall operate automatically to illuminate the identity light when the taximeter is not in operation indicating the cab is vacant and for hire, and to extinguish the identity light when the taximeter is in operation. No person shall drive or operate any taxicab with the identity light illuminated while carrying passengers for compensation; and when the taxicab is for hire, no person shall drive, operate or be in charge of any taxicab unless the identity light is illuminated.

(Ord. C-6260 § 1 (part), 1986)

Every Taxicab Operator and/or Authorized City Licensed Fleet to whom a taxicab permit is issued pursuant to this Chapter shall submit to the City Manager for approval prior to commencing operations, a distinctive Taxicab Operator appearance standard which clearly identifies the Taxicab Operator and his/her affiliation with the permittee and/or Authorized City Licensed Fleet. Every Taxicab Operator, while on duty, shall conform to the taxicab permittee's or fleet's appearance standard and shall wear clothes that are neat and clean and shall be well groomed at all times while on duty.

(ORD-26-0007 § 12, 2026; Ord. C-7633 § 1, 1999)

No advertising device shall be placed on or in any taxicab operated pursuant to the terms of this Chapter without the approval of the City Manager or his designated representative.

(Ord. C-6260 § 1 (part), 1986)

A. No person shall drive, operate or lease a taxicab which is subject to this Chapter, and no person shall own any share or be a member of a taxicab cooperative carrier to which a taxicab permit has been issued pursuant to this Chapter, without having first obtained a driver's permit issued pursuant to this Chapter to do so. For purposes of this Chapter, Taxicab Operators are "drivers" and must obtain and maintain a valid driver's permit.

B. Applicants for such permit shall:

1. Deposit the fee required for the background investigation and secure a receipt therefor. The fees to be deposited are to cover the expenses incurred and no refund shall be made for any reason; and

2. Appear personally and file with the Chief of Police an application, in writing, upon forms to be approved by the Chief of Police, containing such information as said officer may require, and shall satisfy the Chief of Police that the deposit required in this Chapter has been made.

C. When an applicant has applied for a driver's permit and has paid the fee required for such permit, the Chief of Police shall, subject to the conditions contained in Subsection 5.80.310.E, issue a temporary driver's permit. Such temporary driver's permit shall have written or printed thereon the expiration date.

D. As soon as possible thereafter, the Chief of Police shall make an investigation regarding the applicant. If satisfied that the operation by applicant of a vehicle authorized to be operated under the terms of this Chapter will not be detrimental to the public health, peace, safety or welfare, he shall issue to applicant a driver's permit in the manner provided in this Section; otherwise he shall deny the application.

E. No driver's permit shall be issued to any such applicant who is under the age of eighteen (18) years, or who has failed to obtain a valid California driver's license, or for any of the reasons known to the Chief of Police which are grounds for revocation as set forth in Subsection 5.80.320.A.

F. If the Chief of Police has determined that he will approve an application for a driver's permit, he shall issue to applicant an identification card authorizing the applicant to drive, operate or be in the charge of any vehicle operated pursuant to the terms of this Chapter. The driver's permit shall be effective until the expiration date printed thereon unless suspended or revoked as provided elsewhere in this Chapter.

G. All permits issued as provided in this Section shall initially expire one (1) year from the applicant's next birthday. The permit may be renewed biennially thereafter, provided that the permittee pays all applicable fees and submits to a background investigation and that the Chief of Police finds no basis for denial of the permit.

H. All drivers' permits authorized to be issued under this Section shall be effective only while the driver to whom the permit is issued is employed by, is leasing a vehicle as an independent driver from, or is otherwise authorized to operate a taxicab by a carrier holding a valid permit issued pursuant to the provisions of this Chapter. Upon the driver terminating his employment, his independent contractor status with a carrier, or a lease with a carrier, or otherwise ceasing to be a member or owner of a taxicab cooperative carrier authorized by this Chapter, then the driver's permit shall automatically be suspended and shall become effective again only when and if the driver again is reemployed, otherwise assumes his independent driver status with a carrier, or assumes an ownership or membership interest in a taxicab cooperative carrier authorized by this Chapter, during the term for which the driver's permit or temporary driver's permit was issued. All driver's permits shall be returned to the Chief of Police by the driver upon their suspension or revocation. A carrier shall notify the Chief of Police upon the termination of employment, the termination of independent ownership status or termination of any ownership or membership status with the carrier.

(ORD-26-0007 § 13, 2026; Ord. C-7574 §§ 1, 2, 1998; Ord. C-7423 § 11, 1996: Ord. C-7372 § 1, 1995; Ord. C-6260 § 1 (part), 1986)

A. As used in this Section, the following definitions shall apply:

1. "Controlled substance" shall mean those substances specified in Part 40 (commencing with Section 40.1) of Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations, as it exists on the effective date of this Ordinance, or as it may be amended.

2. "Negative test for alcohol" shall mean an alcohol screening test showing a breath alcohol concentration of less than 0.02 percent.

B. Drivers shall test negative for each of the controlled substances specified in Part 40 (commencing with Section 40.1) of Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations, as it exists on the effective date of this Ordinance, or as it may be amended, before employment. Drivers shall test negative for these controlled substances and for alcohol as a condition of granting a permit or permit renewal of their driver's permit issued by the Chief of Police.

C. Testing procedures shall be substantially as in Part 40 (commencing with Section 40.1) of Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations, as it exists on the effective date of this Ordinance, or as it may be amended, except that the driver shall show a valid California driver's license at the time and place of testing, and except as provided otherwise in this Section. Requirements for rehabilitation and for return-to-duty and follow-up testing and other requirements, except as provided otherwise in this Section, shall be substantially as in Part 382 (commencing with Section 382.101) of Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations, as it exists on the effective date of this Ordinance, or as it may be amended.

D. The holder of a taxi carrier's permit, or an applicant therefor, shall be responsible for ensuring that all persons employed by them as drivers, all applicants who have been offered positions of employment as drivers, all persons to whom vehicles are leased to be used as taxicabs and all persons otherwise entitled to drive a vehicle authorized to be operated within the City by a carrier holding a valid permit issued pursuant to the provisions of this Chapter, have provided the Chief of Police with satisfactory proof of compliance with the drug and alcohol testing requirements contained in this Section.

E. Taxicab companies approved to operate in the City of Long Beach shall be responsible for the cost of drug and alcohol testing of drivers employed by them.

F. Self-employed independent drivers shall be responsible for compliance with, and shall pay all costs of, this program with regard to themselves. Employing taxicab carriers shall be responsible for compliance with, and shall pay all costs of, this program with respect to their employees and potential employees, except that a carrier may require employees who test positive to pay the costs of rehabilitation and of return-to-duty and follow-up testing.

G. Test results shall be reported directly to the employing taxicab carrier, who shall, within five (5) days of receipt of results, notify the Chief of Police of same. In the case of self-employed independent drivers all test results shall be submitted by the testing facility to the Chief of Police, who shall notify the taxicab carrier company of record, of any positive results.

H. The driver's permit of any person convicted of illegally using, possessing, selling, or driving under the influence of, any controlled substance or alcohol, shall be subject to suspension or revocation pursuant to the provisions of this Code.

I. A test in any jurisdiction shall be accepted as meeting the requirements of this Ordinance. Any negative test result shall be accepted for one (1) year as meeting a requirement for periodic permit renewal testing or any other periodic testing in any jurisdiction, if the driver has not tested positive subsequent to a negative result. However, an alternative negative result shall not be accepted as meeting the preemployment testing requirement for any subsequent employment, or any testing requirements under the program, other than periodic testing.

J. Upon the request of a driver applying for a permit, the Chief of Police shall provide the driver with a list of the consortia certified pursuant to Part 382 (commencing with Section 382.101) of Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations that the City knows offer tests in or near the jurisdiction.

K. All test results are confidential and shall not be released without the consent of the driver, except as authorized or required by law.

L. No evidence derived from a positive test result pursuant to the program shall be admissible in a criminal prosecution concerning unlawful possession, sale or distribution of controlled substances.

(Ord. C-7574 § 4, 1998)

A. The Chief of Police shall summarily revoke any driver's permit issued under the provisions of this Chapter provided he has knowledge that the holder thereof:

1. Has been convicted of violating any of the applicable provisions of this Code, or

2. Has been convicted within the last seven (7) years of a felony, or the violation of any of the provisions of the State narcotic laws, or of assault, battery, or a crime involving moral turpitude, or

3. Has been convicted within the last five (5) years of driving while under the influence of intoxicants or narcotics or reckless driving, or

4. Has a driving record which shows a negligent operator point count as specified in Sections 12810 and 12810.5 of the California Vehicle Code. For the purposes of this paragraph, a plea or verdict of guilty, a finding of guilty by a court, a plea of nolo contendere, or a forfeiture of bail is deemed a conviction.

5. Has had more than three (3) chargeable vehicle accidents within the last three (3) years or more than one (1) such accident within the last year.

6. Has tested positive for alcohol or controlled substances as provided in Section 5.80.315.

B. Notwithstanding the provisions of this Section and Section 5.80.310, the Chief of Police may, using his sound discretion, take into account any mitigating circumstances concerning any of the criminal convictions, moving violations and accidents enumerated therein, in deciding whether the applicant for a taxi driver's permit is a competent person to operate a taxi under the provisions of this Code, and in issuing, revoking or suspending the driver's permit. In utilizing his discretion, the Chief of Police shall take into account the following factors:

1. The severity of the crime in question;

2. The extent of the applicant's prior criminal record;

3. The nature of and circumstances surrounding the crime in relation to the type of permit sought by the applicant.

C. Any driver who may be aggrieved by the action of the Chief of Police in suspending or revoking his driver's permit, or any applicant who may be aggrieved by the denial by the Chief of Police of this application, within ten (10) days from such denial, suspension or revocation, may apply to the City Council for a hearing as to the matters in question, whereupon a time for the hearing shall be set, which shall be not later than thirty (30) days thereafter, at which time a full and complete hearing shall be held before the City Council. At the conclusion of the hearing the City Council may, exercising its sound discretion, affirm, modify or overrule the action of the Chief of Police, in which latter event the driver's permit shall be granted or reinstated, as the case may be, and the decision of the City Council shall be final. Such hearing, or application therefor, shall not, however, affect the order of suspension or revocation of the Chief of Police, unless and until acted upon and revoked or modified by the City Council.

D. The City Manager or his designee shall have power to suspend a driver's permit issued pursuant to the terms of this Chapter when he has personal knowledge of any violation of law or of this Chapter by the holder thereof. Such suspension shall be subject to ratification, modification or rescission by the City Council at any meeting thereof following such suspension and within thirty (30) days thereafter.

E. Any driver whose driver's permit is revoked pursuant to the provisions of this Chapter shall not be reinstated or granted a new permit before the expiration of one (1) year from the date of any such revocation.

(Ord. C-7574 § 3, 1998; Ord. C-7372 § 2, 1995: Ord. C-6260 § 1 (part), 1986)

No driver shall operate or be in charge of any vehicle without displaying in a conspicuous place a valid driver's ID issued pursuant to this Chapter, and no driver shall fail, while operating or in charge of such vehicle, to have in his immediate possession such driver's permit.

(Ord. C-7423 § 12, 1996: Ord. C-6260 § 1 (part), 1986)

No driver operating or in charge of any vehicle covered by this Chapter shall display upon his person a driver's ID issued to another or use for the purpose of operating such vehicle a driver's permit issued to another.

(Ord. C-7423 § 31, 1996: C-6260 § 1 (part), 1986)

No carrier, as defined in this Chapter, shall permit the operation of any vehicle covered by this Chapter by any person other than a holder of a driver's permit required by this Chapter.

(Ord. C-6260 § 1 (part), 1986)

A. Vehicles covered by this Chapter shall be operated only by the carrier or by a person employed by the carrier. Neither the carrier nor any person operating such vehicle shall enter into any contract, agreement or understanding between themselves by the terms of which any such person pays to, or for the account of, the carrier a fixed or determinable sum for the use or operation of such vehicle.

B. Notwithstanding the provisions of Subsection 5.80.350.A, a carrier having a valid taxicab permit issued pursuant to the provisions of this Chapter may operate or cause to be operated vehicles by persons who are other than employees of the carrier; provided, however, that the carrier shall be fully responsible to the City for the operations conducted by the drivers and operators of any permitted vehicles. Further, should the operations of permittee fail to provide taxicab service to the public as required by public convenience and necessity, the terms of the permit and any other applicable laws, ordinances and orders of the City Council, the carrier's permit is subject to revocation or suspension pursuant to the terms of Section 5.80.100.

(Ord. C-6317 § 1 (part), 1986: Ord. C-6305 § 2, 1986: Ord. C-6260 § 1 (part), 1986)

No carrier or driver of any vehicle operated pursuant to the terms of this Chapter shall stand any such vehicle while awaiting employment at any place upon any portion of the street of the City other than at a place designated as a stand by the City Council for the nonexclusive use of such vehicles.

(Ord. C-6260 § 1 (part), 1986)

Notwithstanding any other provision contained in this Chapter, whenever, by reason of strikes, lockouts, public disaster, or other cause beyond the control of the City, there is a substantial reduction in public transportation facilities available for mass transportation in the City or if, by reason of special, temporary circumstances within the City which require increased transportation facilities and the presently authorized providers are unable to meet the increased demand for such services and the City Council determines that, by reason thereof, the public convenience and necessity require augmentation of the then-operating transportation facilities, the City Council shall have the power to grant special, temporary revocable permits to carrier; other than those permitted under the terms of this Chapter to operate their vehicles. Such special and limited operations shall be conducted as authorized by the City Council, and shall be governed by all applicable provisions as to rates, cruising, loading, operation of meters or passenger limits in cabs as may be provided by the City Council and contained in such special permits.

(Ord. C-6260 § 1 (part), 1986)

Whenever a notice is required to be given, unless different provisions are otherwise specifically made in this Chapter, such notice may be given either by personal delivery thereof to the person to be notified, or by deposit in the United States mail in a sealed envelope, postage prepaid, addressed to the person to be notified at his last known business or residence address as the same appears in the public records, or other records pertaining to the matter to which the notice is directed. Service by mail shall be deemed to have been completed at the time of deposit in the post office. Proof of giving such notice may be made by an affidavit of any person over the age of eighteen (18) years, which affidavit shows service in conformity with this Chapter or other provisions of law applicable to the subject matter concerned.

(Ord. C-6260 § 1 (part), 1986)

Any person who violates any of the provisions of this Chapter, or of any permit issued by the City Council under this Chapter to any carrier, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.

(Ord. C-6260 § 1 (part), 1986)

Authorized City Licensed Fleet shall have the ability to designate any operator within county jurisdiction to pick up pre-arranged trips requesting wheelchair accommodations.

(ORD-26-0007 § 14, 2026)

Editor's note— ORD-26-0007 § 14, amended § 5.80.400 in its entirety to read as herein set out. Former § 5.80.400 was entitled "Taxi Regulation Modernization Pilot Program," and derived from ORD-15-0014 § 1, 2015.

A. Vehicle safety equipment. Every taxicab operated under this Chapter shall be equipped with and maintain in good working order all safety equipment required by applicable federal, state, and local law, including but not limited to seat belts, lighting, mirrors, windshield wipers, horns, braking systems, and emergency warning devices.

B. On-board security camera systems.

1. The City Manager may, by regulation, require Authorized City Licensed Fleets and taxicab permittees to install and maintain an on-board video security camera system in taxicabs, for the purpose of promoting public safety and deterring criminal activity.

2. Any camera system shall be approved by the City Manager.

3. Audio recording shall not be required unless expressly authorized by law.

C. Use and access to recordings.

1. Recordings from any required security camera system may be used solely for legitimate safety, law enforcement, regulatory, or investigatory purposes.

2. Access to recordings by the City shall be limited to circumstances authorized by law, including pursuant to a subpoena, warrant, court order, or other lawful process.

3. Nothing in this Section authorizes general or routine monitoring of drivers or passengers by the City.

D. Notice to passengers. Each taxicab equipped with a security camera system shall display signage, in a form approved by the City Manager, informing passengers that video recording may occur for safety purposes.

E. Maintenance and compliance. Authorized City Licensed Fleets and permittees shall ensure that all required safety equipment and security systems are properly maintained, operational, and promptly repaired or replaced when defective. Failure to comply with this Section shall constitute grounds for administrative enforcement, permit suspension, or revocation pursuant to this Chapter.

(ORD-26-0007 § 15, 2026)

A. A taxicab operator shall not refuse to transport a passenger's foldable wheelchair, personal luggage, groceries, or packages when accompanied by a passenger, or small pets in carriers, unless the item would reasonably cause damage, unsafe conditions, or unsanitary conditions in the vehicle.

B. A taxicab operator shall not refuse to transport a service animal, and shall not intentionally interfere with the use of a service animal, except as permitted by applicable law, including the Americans with Disabilities Act and the California Unruh Civil Rights Act.

C. Upon request, a taxicab operator shall provide reasonable assistance to a passenger by placing luggage, packages, and wheelchairs in and out of the taxicab, unless doing so would be unsafe for the operator or passenger.

(ORD-26-0007 § 16, 2026)

Authorized City Licensed Fleets and taxicab permittees shall ensure that each Taxicab Operator maintains a valid California driver's license issued by the California Department of Motor Vehicles, and shall provide proof in a manner approved by the Chief of Police.

(ORD-26-0007 § 17, 2026)

The City may establish procedures, administered by the Police Department, for expedited review of applications for driver permits for taxicab operators, consistent with public safety and background investigation requirements. The City may also establish expedited vehicle inspection scheduling through the City Manager or designee. Nothing in this Section creates an entitlement to expedited processing or limits the City's discretion to require additional review.

(ORD-26-0007 § 18, 2026)