San Rafael Municipal Code Ch. 10.60 Vehicles for Hire

For the purpose of this chapter, the words and phrases defined in this section shall be construed in accordance with the following definitions.

"City" means the city of San Rafael.

"Company" means any entity operating a taxicab business, including without limitation, a natural person, firm, association, organization, partnership, business, trust, corporation, or public entity.

"Company permit" means a valid permit issued by the JPA authorizing a company to operate a taxicab business.

"Driver" means a person who drives or controls the movements of a taxicab.

"Driver's permit" means a valid permit issued by the JPA authorizing a person to drive or control the movements of a taxicab.

"JPA" means the Marin Streetlight Acquisition Joint Powers Authority or successor entity.

"Operate a taxicab" means to drive a taxicab and either solicit or pick up passengers for hire in the city.

"Program" means the Marin Street Light Acquisition Joint Powers Authority Taxicab Regulation Program adopted and administered by the JPA.

"Taxicab" means a motor vehicle regularly engaged in the business of carrying passengers for hire, designed for carrying not more than eight persons, excluding the driver.

"Vehicle permit" means a valid permit issued by the JPA authorizing a particular vehicle to be operated as a taxicab.

(Ord. 1834 §§ 1 (part), 2 (part), 2005).

The program as adopted by the JPA and as amended from time to time, is hereby incorporated herein as if fully set forth in this chapter. A copy of the program and amendments thereto shall be kept in the city clerk's office and shall be available for review.

(Ord. 1834 §§ 1 (part), 2 (part), 2005).

No driver or company shall operate or cause the operation of a taxicab in the city unless such operation complies with all of the regulations, requirements and other conditions of the program.

(Ord. 1834 §§ 1 (part), 2 (part), 2005).

A person shall only operate a taxicab in the city if that person possesses a driver's permit. A company shall only allow a driver to operate a taxicab if that driver possesses a driver's permit.

(Ord. 1834 §§ 1 (part), 2 (part), 2005).

A driver shall only operate a taxicab in the city if that vehicle displays a vehicle permit. A company shall only allow a taxicab to be operated in the city on its behalf if that vehicle displays a vehicle permit.

(Ord. 1834 §§ 1 (part), 2 (part), 2005).

A company shall only operate a taxicab business in the city if that company possesses a company permit.

(Ord. 1834 §§ 1 (part), 2 (part), 2005).

Application for a driver's permit, vehicle permit and/or company permit shall be made to the JPA, upon a form provided by the JPA and shall be accompanied by payment of a fee, established by the JPA, sufficient to cover the costs of processing such application and administering the program. If necessary, the fee schedule established by the JPA shall be adopted by separate resolution of the city council.

(Ord. 1834 §§ 1 (part), 2 (part), 2005).

A driver shall test negative for controlled substances and alcohol as required by the program and any and all applicable state statutes.

(Ord. 1834 §§ 1 (part), 2 (part), 2005).

A driver operating a taxicab in the city shall carry with him or her at all times proof of insurance covering that vehicle, with such policy limits and coverage as established by the JPA. Said proof of insurance must clearly identify that particular vehicle as covered.

(Ord. 1834 §§ 1 (part), 2 (part), 2005).

A taxicab operated under the authority of this chapter shall be equipped according to the standards established by the JPA.

(Ord. 1834 §§ 1 (part), 2 (part), 2005).

A taxicab operated under the authority of this chapter shall be maintained according to the standards established by the JPA.

(Ord. 1834 §§ 1 (part), 2 (part), 2005).

A. A driver shall only carry a passenger to his or her destination by the most direct and accessible route.

B. A taxicab shall have all permits issued by the JPA conspicuously displayed according to the standards established by the JPA.

C. A taxicab shall have the following information continuously posted in a prominent location in the taxicab passenger compartment according to the standards established by the JPA.

1. A schedule of rates and charges for the hire of said taxicab;

2. The company's name, address and telephone number;

3. The company permit;

4. The taxicab identification number;

5. The driver's permit issued by the JPA; and

6. The vehicle permit issued by the JPA.

D. A driver shall give a receipt for the amount charged upon the request of the person paying the fare.

E. A taxicab shall only be operated if the passenger compartment is kept in a clean and sanitary condition free from offensive odors in accordance with the standards established by the JPA.

F. The name or trade name of the company shall be printed, stamped or stenciled conspicuously on the outside of each taxicab according to the standards established by the JPA.

(Ord. 1834 §§ 1 (part), 2 (part), 2005).

The requirements of this chapter are separate and independent from the business licensing and any other provisions under the city code. Any company and/or driver operating a taxicab in the city shall obtain a business license to the extent required under the terms of this code.

(Ord. 1834 §§ 1 (part), 2 (part), 2005).

The city intends to secure compliance with the provisions of this chapter by any of the following alternate, separate and distinct methods. Each method set forth herein is not intended to be mutually exclusive and does not prevent concurrent or consecutive methods being used to achieve compliance nor does it prevent utilization of any other enforcement mechanisms and/or penalties available by law. Each day a violation exists constitutes a separate offense.

Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, each violation of the provisions of this chapter may be enforced and penalties imposed, pursuant to Chapters 1.40, 1.42, 1.44 and 1.46 of the San Rafael Municipal Code.

(Ord. 1834 §§ 1 (part), 2 (part), 2005).