Porterville Municipal Code Art. I In General

For the purposes of this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings respectively set forth in this section:

AUTOMOBILE FOR HIRE: Shall include every automobile or motor propelled vehicle by means of which passengers are transported for hire upon any public street in the city and not over a regular or defined route and irrespective of whether the operations extend beyond the boundaries of the city or not, excepting vehicle of highway contract carriers as defined in this section.

HIGHWAY CONTRACT CARRIER: Every highway common carrier subject to the regulations as such by the railroad commission under the public utilities act of the state.

TAXICAB: Shall include every automobile or motor propelled vehicle by means of which passengers are transported for hire upon any public street in the city and not over a regular or defined route and irrespective of whether the operations extend beyond the boundary limits of the city or not and where a charge for such transportation is measured by the distance traveled or by the time required for such transportation, or both, or where any other goods are received or charged for such transportation excepting vehicles of "highway contract carriers" as defined in this section. (Ord. Code § 7710)

The rules and regulations in this chapter shall be observed by all persons operating taxicabs or automobiles for hire, and it shall be unlawful to operate such taxicab or automobile for hire in violation of any of the rules in this chapter. (Ord. Code § 7730)

Any person operating a vehicle for hire or a taxicab shall have the taxi driver identification card issued by the city and displayed in the cab while said person is operating the cab. The identification card shall be affixed to the visor in the driver's area or, if no such visor exists, attached to the top of the cab in that area. (Ord. Code § 7731.1; Ord. 973 § B, 6-5-1970; Ord. 1215 § B, 9-16-1980)

No taxicab or automobile for hire shall be operated by any person under the age of eighteen (18) years; or by any person who does not possess a valid California driver's license; or by any person who does not possess a valid taxicab driver permit; or by any person who is known to be habitually under the influence of intoxicating drugs, liquors or combination of both. (Ord. Code § 7731.2; Ord. 1215 § B, 9-16-1980; Ord. 1666 § 1, 4-19-2005)

The driver of any automobile for hire or taxicab in the city of Porterville shall refrain from drinking spirituous, malt, vinous or intoxicating liquors of any kind or character, or the taking of any type of medication that manifests a narcotic tranquilizing effect, during the period of time that such person is on duty or prior to going on duty when the effects of such liquor or medication would still be in effect on the driver, or when the subject driver is subject to call in the operation of such automobile for hire or taxicab. (Ord. Code § 7731.3; Ord. 1215 § B, 9-16-1980)

No automobile for hire or taxicab shall remain standing upon any portion of any public street within the city, except for loading and unloading passengers and then not for a period of more than five (5) minutes, excepting at such stand as may be designated and described in the permit. This section shall not apply to any automobile for hire or taxicab while the same is engaged by or being paid for by a passenger. During operating hours, taxicabs shall not be parked in residential areas unless during the course of business. During nonoperating hours the taxicabs shall be parked at the business location. Taxi drivers who are "on call" may park the taxicab in front of their residence during the time during which they are on call, provided no more than one taxicab is parked at that location. (Ord. Code § 7732.1; Ord. 1666 § 2, 4-19-2005)

The operator of any taxicab shall carry any passenger engaging the same safely and expeditiously to his destination by the most direct and accessible route. (Ord. Code § 7732.3)

The operator or owner of a taxicab shall post charges and rates in both the front and rear passenger sections of said vehicle and in a manner so that the same shall be clearly visible to passengers.

The city council shall have the power and right at all times for the duration of the taxi license to regulate and establish reasonable rates and charges. The taxi company licensee shall submit a list of all proposed rates increases to the city no less than thirty (30) days prior to the proposed increase taking effect. If the licensee does not receive any notification from the city, such licensee may presume that there are no objections on the part of the city to the rate increase. The establishment of rates and charges shall be discretionary with the city council. (Ord. Code § 7732.5; Ord. 973 § A, 6-5-1970; Ord. 1032 § B, 2-20-1973; Ord. 1215 § B, 9-16-1980; Ord. 1666 § 6, 4-19-2005)

No owner or operator of any automobile for hire or taxicab shall solicit patronage for the same from the vehicle or within one hundred (100) yards therefrom upon any public street, save and except at railroad and interurban depots and within the boundaries of the space to be designated by the chief of police for such purposes. (Ord. Code § 7733.1)

No operator or owner of any automobile for hire or taxicab shall solicit or take on or carry any passenger after such automobile for hire or taxicab shall have been engaged or while in use for another passenger, without the consent of the passenger first engaging the same, having been first obtained. A passenger engaging such automobile shall have the exclusive right to full and free use of the passenger compartment and the whole thereof if he desires the same. (Ord. Code § 7733.2)