Los Angeles County Municipal Code Part 2 Taxicab Drivers

"Taxicab driver" means an individual who drives or is in actual physical control of a taxicab, either as agent, association member, employee, or otherwise, in providing taxicab service such that passengers are accepted for transportation in such taxicab within the unincorporated area of the county of Los Angeles.

(Ord. 11730 § 1 (part), 1978: Ord. 5860 Ch. 8 Art. 2 § 1531, 1951.)

Every taxicab driver is responsible for complying with the provisions of this chapter, and with any rules or regulations adopted by the business license commission pursuant thereto.

(Ord. 11730 § 1 (part), 1978: Ord. 5860 Ch. 8 Art. 2 § 1550, 1951.)

Every taxicab driver shall first procure a taxicab driver's license and pay an annual license fee in the amount set forth in Section 7.14.010 of this title, under the appropriate heading.

(Ord. 11730 § 1 (part), 1978: Ord. 5860 Ch. 8 Art. 2 § 1532, 1951.)

A.

Every taxicab driver who is a member of an association shall also procure a vehicle permit and pay an annual permit fee in the amount set forth in Section 7.14.010 of this title, under the appropriate heading, provided that:

Every member of the association pays for his own vehicle permit;

Every taxicab for which a vehicle permit is sought is authorized under the taxicab operator's license of said association; and

A policy of insurance is on file with the tax collector in accordance with Sections 7.80.220 and 7.80.230 of this chapter.

B.

Provided that the requirements of subdivisions 2 and 3 of subsection A are met with respect to each taxicab, an association licensed as a taxicab operator may pay for the vehicle permits of its entire membership.

(Ord. 11730 § 1 (part), 1978: Ord. 5860 Ch. 8 Art. 2 § 1532.1, 1951.)

Every applicant for a taxicab driver's license shall file an application with the tax collector accompanied by the required fee(s). Such application shall contain the following information:

A.

Name, home address, business address, home telephone number, and business telephone number of the applicant;

B.

Statement in writing of applicant's experience as a taxicab driver;

C.

A copy of applicant's driving record as compiled by the California Department of Motor Vehicles provided by the applicant as proof that applicant holds a valid, current driver's license of the appropriate class issued pursuant to the California Vehicle Code, and any other taxicab driver's licenses or permits held by the applicant;

D.

Affiliation with taxicab operator, if any;

E.

Statement in writing that applicant is familiar with the Los Angeles and surrounding area, the operating procedures of any taxicab operator with whom the applicant is affiliated, and the provisions of Parts 1 and 2 of this chapter;

F.

Identification photographs;

G.

Where applicable, a description of the taxicab to be driven by the applicant;

H.

Where applicable, a policy of insurance for the taxicab to be driven by the applicant;

I.

Such further information as the tax collector or the commission may require.

(Ord. 88-0184 § 7, 1988; Ord. 88-0126 § 34, 1988: Ord. 11730 § 1 (part), 1978: Ord. 9714 § 15 (part), 1969: Ord. 6822 § 8 (part), 1955: Ord. 5860 Ch. 8 Art. 2 § 1533, 1951.)

The tax collector shall conduct an investigation and thereafter make a recommendation that the application be granted, denied or granted subject to conditions, and the reason for such recommendation. The tax collector may rely on the results of the investigation of the applicant by another public agency.

(Ord. 88-0126 § 37, 1988: Ord. 11730 § 1 (part), 1978: Ord. 9714 § 15 (part), 1969: Ord. 5860 Ch. 8 Art. 2 § 1534, 1951.)

The tax collector shall not issue a taxicab driver's license to any person who does not possess a valid current driver's license of the appropriate class issued pursuant to the California Vehicle Code.

(Ord. 11730 § 1 (part), 1978: Ord. 9714 § 15 (part), 1969: Ord. 7848 § 4 (part), 1960: Ord. 5860 Ch. 8 Art. 2 § 1534.5, 1951.)

Upon receipt of an application with a recommendation by the tax collector to grant the license, the tax collector shall issue to the applicant a taxicab driver's license and a taxicab driver's identification card. Otherwise, the tax collector shall proceed in accordance with Section 7.08.010 of this title.

(Ord. 88-0126 § 38, 1988: Ord. 11730 § 1 (part), 1978: Ord. 9714 § 15 (part), 1969: Ord. 5860 Ch. 8 Art. 2 § 1535, 1951.)

In lieu of issuing a separate and distinct identification card, the tax collector may endorse in an appropriate manner a current identification card previously issued by the city of Los Angeles or other incorporated city, subject to the approval of the business license commission.

(Ord. 11730 § 1 (part), 1978: Ord. 5860 Ch. 8 Art. 2 § 1535.1, 1951.)

Every taxicab driver, while in charge of or driving a taxicab, shall have in his possession a valid taxicab driver's license issued by the tax collector and a valid driver's license issued by the California Department of Motor Vehicles, and shall post his identification card, issued or endorsed by the tax collector, in a permanent fixture in prominent view of passengers in such taxicab.

(Ord. 11730 § 1 (part), 1978: Ord. 9714 § 15 (part), 1969: Ord. 5860 Ch. 8 Art. 2 § 1536, 1951.)

A taxicab driver shall display his required taxicab driver's license upon request of a passenger, the tax collector or peace officer.

(Ord. 92-0132 § 53, 1992: Ord. 11730 § 1 (part), 1978: Ord. 5860 Ch. 8 Art. 2 § 1537, 1951.)

A taxicab driver shall notify the tax collector, either in person or by mail, of any change in address, change of name, or change in affiliation with a taxicab operator.

(Ord. 11730 § 1 (part), 1978: Ord. 5860 Ch. 8 Art. 2 § 1549, 1951.)

A taxicab driver shall keep the radio turned to the correct frequency for the area in which the taxicab is operating so that it shall be audible at all times the taxicab is available for service.

(Ord. 11730 § 1 (part), 1978: Ord. 9714 § 15 (part), 1969: Ord. 5860 Ch.8 Art. 2 § 1539, 1951.)

A taxicab driver shall not solicit a customer's patronage on any public street in a loud or annoying manner.

(Ord. 11730 § 1 (part), 1978: Ord. 5860 Ch. 8 Art. 2 § 1538, 1951.)

A taxicab driver shall not inquire of trip destination until a passenger is seated in the taxicab. A taxicab driver shall comply with the instruction of a passenger regarding destination and shall not attempt in any way to influence destination.

(Ord. 11730 § 1 (part), 1978: Ord. 5860 Ch. 8 Art. 2 § 1542, 1951.)

A taxicab driver shall use the most direct available route on all trips unless otherwise specifically requested by the passenger.

(Ord. 11730 § 1 (part), 1978: Ord. 5860 Ch. 8 Art. 2 § 1541, 1951.)

A taxicab driver shall not solicit, demand or arrange for any compensation in an amount greater or less than the schedule of rates as specified in the taxicab operator's license.

(Ord. 92-0132 § 54, 1992: Ord. 11730 § 1 (part), 1978: Ord. 5860 Ch. 8 Art. 2 § 1543, 1951.)

A taxicab driver shall make an accurate, legible record of all trips and all service calls directed to him by dispatching personnel, as they occur. The information shall be recorded on waybills and shall be complete as to all items indicated, and shall reflect appropriate information for all responses including "no goes" or "no loads." Such records shall be available for inspection by the business license commission and the tax collector for a period of at least six months.

(Ord. 88-0126 § 39, 1988: Ord. 11730 § 1 (part), 1978: Ord. 5860 Ch. 8 Art. 2 § 1540, 1951.)

A taxicab driver shall not refuse to transport any passenger requiring transportation except:

A.

When the driver has already been dispatched on another call;

B.

The passenger appears to be, in the opinion of the driver, under the influence of intoxicating liquors, a disorderly person, or a person who may cause the taxicab to become stained or malodorous;

C.

The passenger requires use of a litter or stretcher;

D.

The passenger can, upon request, show no ability to pay fare.

(Ord. 11730 § 1 (part), 1978: Ord. 5860 Ch. 8 Art. 2 § 1545, 1951.)

A taxicab driver shall not accept any passenger while en route to fill an order, nor accept any additional passengers while the taxicab is engaged unless so directed by an occupant of the taxicab.

(Ord. 11730 § 1 (part), 1978: Ord. 5860 Ch. 8 Art. 2 § 1544, 1951.)

Upon application, notice, and public hearing as provided in Part 2 of this chapter, the business license commission may waive all or parts of Sections 7.80.570, 7.80.580, 7.80.590 or 7.80.620, subject to the imposition of other conditions, for the limited and specified purpose of enabling taxicab operators or taxicab drivers to participate in specified community service programs.

(Ord. 11730 § 1 (part), 1978: Ord. 5860 Ch. 8 Art. 2 § 1551, 1951.)

A taxicab driver shall inspect a taxicab to assure that it is in a safe operating condition and that the taximeter is in good working order before starting each shift. Any deficiency in operating condition of the taxicab or taximeter shall be immediately reported to the taxicab operator. A taxicab driver shall not drive a taxicab in an unsafe operating condition or with a defective taximeter. A taxicab driver shall at all times drive in a safe, prudent and lawful manner.

(Ord. 11730 § 1 (part), 1978: Ord. 5860 Ch. 8 Art. 2 § 1546, 1951.)

A taxicab driver shall not commit any unlawful act while in charge of a taxicab.

(Ord. 11730 § 1 (part), 1978: Ord. 5860 Ch. 8 Art. 2 § 1547, 1951.)

A.

It shall be unlawful for any person, association or individual:

To operate or drive a taxicab in which passengers are accepted for transportation within the unincorporated area of the county without having procured, obtained and maintained in full force and effect the license(s) required by the provisions of Parts 1 and 2 of this chapter;

To operate or drive a taxicab in which passengers are accepted for transportation within the unincorporated area of the county outside the operating area specified in the taxicab operator's license under which said taxicab is authorized;

To take an order for taxicab service and to dispatch a taxicab to accept passengers for transportation within the unincorporated area of the county outside the operating area specified in the taxicab operator's license under which said taxicab service and taxicab are authorized; or

To solicit, demand or arrange for any compensation in an amount greater or less than the schedule of rates specified in the taxicab operator's license under which any taxicab is authorized within the unincorporated area of the county.

B.

Any person violating paragraphs 1 and 4 of subsection A of this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction thereof shall be punished by a fine of $1,000.00 or by imprisonment in the County Jail for a period of not exceeding six months, or by both such fine and imprisonment. Each such person is guilty of a separate offense for every day during any portion of which any violation of any of the provisions of this section or of any such regulation is committed, continued or permitted by such person.

C.

Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 7.04.020 and 7.04.320 of this title, any person violating subsections A2 and A3 of this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction thereof shall be punished by a fine of $500.00 or by imprisonment in the County Jail for a period of not exceeding six months, or by both such fine and imprisonment.

D.

Upon conviction for the offense of operating without a valid taxicab certificate, permit or license, and upon determination by the court that the operator has the ability to pay, the following additional penalties shall be imposed as is provided under the provisions of Section 5412.2 of the Public Utilities Code:

An additional $1,000.00 for the first conviction;

For the second conviction, $2,000.00;

For the third conviction, $3,000.00;

For the fourth conviction, $4,000.00; and

For the fifth conviction, $5,000.00.

(Ord. 97-0054 § 1, 1997: Ord. 11730 § 1 (part), 1978: Ord. 5860 Ch. 8 Art. 2 § 1548, 1951.)

A.

It is unlawful for any individual, person or association to operate a taxicab within the unincorporated area of the county without a valid county taxicab license as provided in this code.

B.

Notwithstanding the provisions of Sections 7.04.020. 7.04.320 and 7.80.660, any person violating subsection A of this section shall be subject to having his vehicle impounded by the sheriff. Said vehicle may be recovered only upon payment of the annual license fee in the amounts set forth in Section 7.14.010, under the appropriate heading.

(Ord. 84-0045 § 2, 1984.)