Chapter 5.32 — VEHICLES FOR HIRE

Sections:

• 5.32.010 Definitions.

• 5.32.020 Permits--Required--Exceptions.

• 5.32.030 Carrier permit--Petition contents.

• 5.32.040 Carrier permit--Petition investigation--Terms of issuance.

• 5.32.050 Carrier permit--Hearing to determine need.

• 5.32.060 Carrier permit--Compliance with terms required.

• 5.32.070 Carrier permit--Suspension or revocation.

• 5.32.080 Permits--Entitlement to obtain licenses.

• 5.32.090 License plate or sticker required.

• 5.32.100 Vehicle numbering required.

• 5.32.110 Advertisements on or in vehicles.

• 5.32.120 Availability of service.

• 5.32.130 Permitted and prohibited methods of engagement.

• 5.32.140 Rates--Establishment authority.

• 5.32.150 Rates--Council review and approval required--Criteria.

• 5.32.160 Rates--Alterations.

• 5.32.170 Rates--Compliance with provisions required.

• 5.32.180 Rates--Display in vehicles required.

• 5.32.190 Refusal to pay fare prohibited.

• 5.32.200 Restrictions on employment of drivers.

• 5.32.210 Driver's permit--Required.

• 5.32.220 Driver's permit--Fee deposit--Application.

• 5.32.230 Driver's permit--Issuance of temporary permit.

• 5.32.240 Driver's permit--Applicant investigation.

• 5.32.250 Driver's permit--Issuance--Restrictions.

• 5.32.260 Driver's permit--Issuance--Terms.

• 5.32.270 Driver's permit--Issuance deemed evidence of compliance with chapter.

• 5.32.280 Driver's permit--Badge issuance.

• 5.32.290 Driver's permit and badge--Expiration and suspension.

• 5.32.300 Driver's permit--Renewal.

• 5.32.310 Driver's permit--Revocation--Grounds--Method.

• 5.32.320 Driver's permit--Appeals from actions of chief of police.

• 5.32.330 Driver's permit--Suspension or revocation by council.

• 5.32.340 Driver's permit and badge--Display and possession.

• 5.32.350 Carrier's responsibility regarding driver's permits.

• 5.32.360 Vehicle identification--Restrictions.

• 5.32.370 Identity lights.

• 5.32.380 Direct travel route required.

• 5.32.390 Grouping of passengers.

• 5.32.400 Number of passengers restricted.

• 5.32.410 Inspection of equipment--Unsafe vehicles.

• 5.32.420 Taximeters--Required--Operation.

• 5.32.430 Taximeters--Location and readability.

• 5.32.440 Taximeters--Inspections--Labeling.

• 5.32.450 Taximeters--Use of flag.

• 5.32.460 Taximeters--Computation of charges.

• 5.32.470 Waiting time--Defined--Allowances.

• 5.32.480 Receipts for fares.

• 5.32.490 Trip sheets and drivers' reports.

• 5.32.500 Taxistands--Required.

• 5.32.510 Taxistands--Permits.

• 5.32.520 Taxistands--Use restricted to assignee.

• 5.32.530 Notices.

• 5.32.540 Rates--Enforcement.

• 5.32.550 Penalty for violations.

For the purpose of this chapter, the following terms shall be deemed and construed to 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. "Bus fare" means a fixed route bus transportation service for residents of the city, age sixty-two or older, funded by Proposition "A" funds, administered by the city, and performed by a transportation company. B. "Carrier" means and includes 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 taxicabs, as defined in subsection N of this section. C. "Charter vehicle" means and includes every vehicle other than taxicabs, chauffeured limousines and sightseeing vehicles used for the transportation of passengers for compensation over the streets of the city, not over defined routes, to a destination or over a route or routes designated by the hirer thereof when the point of origin is within this city. D. "Chauffeured limousine" means and includes every vehicle the seating capacity of which has been specified by the manufacturer thereof to be seven persons or less, not equipped with a taximeter, and used for the transportation of passengers for compensation over defined or undefined routes, when the point of origin is within this city. E. "Compensation" means and includes any money, thing of value, payment, consideration, reward, tip, donation, gratuity, or profit paid to or accepted or received by the driver of any vehicle in exchange for transportation of a person, whether paid upon solicitation, demand or contract, or voluntarily, or intended as a gratuity or donation. F. "Dial-a-lift" means a demand-responsive transportation service for disabled residents of the city, age eighteen or older, funded by Proposition "A" funds, administered by the city, and performed by a transportation company under contract or franchise with the city. G. "Dial-a-taxi" means a demand-responsive transportation service for residents of the city, age sixty-two or older, funded by Proposition "A" funds, administered by the city, and performed by a transportation company under contract or franchise with the city. H. "Driver" means and includes every person driving, operating, or in charge of any vehicle as defined by this chapter. I. "Driver's permit" means and includes the permit issued by the chief of police to any person operating or driving any vehicle as defined by this chapter. J. "Driver's permit, temporary" means and includes a permit issued by the chief of police to any person to temporarily operate or drive any vehicle as defined by this chapter. K. "Motor vehicle" or "vehicle" means every motor-propelled vehicle used for the transportation of persons over the public streets. L. "Private ambulance" means and includes 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. M. "Sightseeing vehicle" means and includes every vehicle other than taxicabs, chauffeured limousines and charter vehicles used for the transportation of passengers for compensation over the streets of the city whether or not over defined routes for sightseeing purposes or showing points of interest when the route is designated by the carrier and when the point of origin is within this city. N. "Taxicab" means and includes every vehicle used for the transportation of passengers over the streets of the city, but not over defined routes, for compensation. O. "Taximeter" means and includes a mechanical instrument or device by which the charge for hire of a taxicab is mechanically calculated, whether 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. P. "Taxistand" means a place on a public street designated by the city council for the use, while awaiting employment, of any vehicle covered by this chapter. (Ord. 96-10-1213 § 1; Ord. 84-06-924 § 1: prior code §§ 5.28.010, 5.28.020--5.28.110 (Ord. 309 § 1, 1948))

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 a passenger 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 as follows:

A. A vehicle which is lawfully transporting a passenger from a point outside to a destination within this city, or which is enroute to a destination outside this city; provided, that no such vehicle shall, without such permit, solicit or accept a passenger from within this city for transportation to any destination whatsoever; B. A vehicle being operated pursuant to a franchise, contract, or permit issued by the city, and vehicles operated by city or state public agencies, including dial-a-taxi, dial-a-lift, and fixed-route buses, provided that the city council may, by resolution, establish fares for such services and shall establish appropriate regulations and standards within the franchise, contract, or permit; 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 enroute from his place of residence to his place of business, or vice versa, transports another person living and working in the same general vicinity upon payment of a sum estimated to cover the actual or approximate cost of operation of the vehicle; E. Vehicles being used as ambulances and being operated by any public agency; F. 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. (Ord. 96-10-1213 § 2; Ord. 84-06-924 § 2: prior code § 5.28.140 (Ord. 309 § 2, 1948))

A. Any person desiring a permit to operate vehicles covered by this chapter shall file a petition therefor 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 the applicant is a corporation, partnership, association or unincorporated company. B. The petition shall set forth the following:

1. The name, age, and address of the petitioner, 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 ages and addresses;
2. The trade name or style, if any, under which the applicant proposes to operate;
3. 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;
4. The type, model, capacity, and condition of the vehicles proposed to be operated;
5. A full statement of petitioner's assets and liabilities; and
6. Such other or additional information as the city council may require. (Prior code § 5.28.150 (part) (Ord. 309 § 3 (part), 1948))

A. The city council, upon receipt of such petition, may 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 other than those proposed. B. Such permit shall be for a specified number of vehicles which shall only be increased by authority of the city council pursuant to the procedure provided in Section 5.32.050. C. Such permit may, at the pleasure of the city council, be for a prescribed period or for an indefinite period; provided, that in either event the permit shall contain a clause authorizing its revocation or suspension in accordance with the ordinances of the city either in effect at the date of granting the permit or thereafter adopted. D. 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. E. The permit shall become effective only upon payment of the fees required by the provisions of the license ordinances of the city. (Prior code § 5.28.150 (part) (Ord. 309 § 3 (part), 1948))

A. No permit shall be granted to any carrier for the operation of taxicabs except after a hearing thereon by the city council and a finding that the public necessity and convenience require such service and such permit may be granted for the

number of taxicabs that the city council finds is required. B. The city council in determining the matter shall take into consideration the need for such transportation, the convenience of the public, adequacy of the service then being provided, the financial responsibility of the applicant and any and all facts and conditions deemed relevant by the city council. 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 such applicant. (Prior code § 5.28.160 (Ord. 309 § 4, 1948))

It is unlawful for any carrier granted a permit under this chapter to conduct any operation or give any service other than the service authorized by its permit granted by the city council in accordance with the provisions of this chapter. (Prior code § 5.28.170 (Ord. 309 § 5, 1948))

A. The city council shall have the power to suspend or revoke any or all of the carrier permits granted under the provisions of this chapter when it shall have determined that any of the provisions of this chapter have been violated, or that any holder of such a permit shall have 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. B. Before revocation of such permit, the carrier shall be entitled to a hearing thereon before the city council and shall be notified thereof. Notice of hearing on such suspension or revocation shall be in writing, and shall be served at least ten days prior to the date of the hearing thereon, such service to be upon the holder of such permit, or its manager or agent, and which notice shall state the grounds of complaint against the holder of such permit and shall also state the time when and the place where such hearing will be held. C. In the event the holder of such permit cannot be found, or service of such notice cannot be made upon it, or him, in the manner provided in subsection B of this section, then a copy of such notice shall be mailed, postage fully prepaid, address to such carrier at its last known address, at least ten days prior to the date of such hearing. (Prior code § 5.28.180 (Ord. 309 § 6, 1948))

The permits mentioned in this chapter shall entitle the holder thereof to obtain licenses to engage in the business described in the permits upon payment of the required license fees, providing the holder of such permits complies with all other terms and conditions applying thereto contained in other laws and ordinances. (Prior code § 5.28.190 (Ord. 309 § 7, 1948))

There shall be displayed upon each taxicab operated pursuant to the terms of this chapter a numbered license plate or sticker for the current year, to be issued by the city upon payment of the required license fee. Such plate or sticker shall be of a material and of a form and design prescribed by the city council from time to time. Each such plate or sticker shall be securely attached to the taxicab in a position at the rear thereof and shall be plainly visible. (Prior code § 5.28.200 (Ord. 309 § 8, 1948))

Each taxicab operated pursuant to the terms of this chapter shall be numbered to correspond with the number appearing on the city license plate attached to each taxicab. Such number shall be painted upon the body of the taxicab in numerals not less than four inches nor more than six inches in height in a position approved from time to time by the city council. (Prior code § 5.28.210 (Ord. 309 § 9, 1948))

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 council. (Prior code § 5.28.220 (Ord. 309 § 10, 1948))

A. Taxicab service shall be available at all times by telephone call, by engagement of the taxicab when standing at a

regularly assigned stand, or when properly hailed from the street or curb. B. It is unlawful for any carrier or driver of a taxicab to refuse or neglect to transport any orderly person or persons upon request anywhere in the city when a taxicab of such carrier is standing in a regularly assigned taxistand and such service shall be rendered immediately upon request. (Prior code § 5.28.230 (Ord. 309 § 11, 1948))

A. It is unlawful for any driver of a taxicab, while driving such vehicle, to cruise, loiter, or stop on a public street for the purpose of soliciting passengers or seeking a place in a taxistand which is already occupied. B. It is unlawful, however, for such vehicle, while proceeding to a regularly assigned taxistand, regularly established call station or to the carrier's principal place of business, to accept employment when hailed from the street or curb. C. It is unlawful for such driver to accept passengers at any of the following places:

1. In any marked or unmarked crosswalk;
2. At any regularly established bus stop;
3. At any place in a street except alongside a curb;
4. Alongside any curb opposite a regularly established and marked traffic safety zone;
5. Within twenty-five feet of a taxicab stand assigned to another carrier. (Prior code § 5.28.240 (Ord. 309 § 12, 1948))

The rates or fares to be charged the public by taxicabs shall be such as are approved by resolution of the city council. (Ord. 74-4-724 § 1: Ord. 73-4-698 § 1: Ord. 71-12-685 § 1: Ord. 69-12-650 § 1: prior code § 5.28.250 (Ord. 309 § 13, 1948))

A. No rate or fare shall be placed in effect, charged, demanded, or collected by any carrier for the transportation of passengers by vehicles as covered by this chapter until the city council, after a hearing upon its own motion or upon application, or upon complaint, shall have found and determined the rate to be just, reasonable, and nondiscriminatory, nor in anywise in violation of any provision contained in this chapter or any provision of law; nor until the rate or fare to be placed in effect, charged, demanded, or collected shall have been established and authorized by the city council. B. In establishing and authorizing such rates or fares, the city council shall take into account and give due and reasonable consideration to the cost of all comparable transportation services performed by all persons, firms, or corporations engaged in the transportation of persons for compensation in the city, whether by virtue of any franchise granted by the city council or otherwise, including length of haul, any additional transportation service performed or to be performed, or of any accessorial service, and the value of the facilities reasonably necessary to perform such transportation service. (Prior code § 5.28.260 (Ord. 309 § 14, 1948))

A. The city council shall have power, upon a hearing upon its own motion, or upon application or upon complaint, to 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. B. Nothing contained in this chapter shall be construed to empower the city council to establish or authorize any rate or fare, or any schedule of fares that will, by means of rebate, discount, allowance, premium, or penalty, violate the rates or fares specified in the carrier's permit, or the provisions contained in this chapter or any applicable provision of law. (Prior code § 5.28.270 (Ord. 309 § 15, 1948))

It is unlawful for any carrier, or any agent or employee thereof, or any driver or operator of any vehicle covered by this chapter to 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.

(Prior code § 5.28.280 (Ord. 309 § 16, 1948))

A. Every taxicab used or operated under this chapter shall at all times have displayed therein, in a location and manner which shall have been approved by the city council, the rates to be charged for such taxicab service, and which rates shall always be visible to all passengers. B. The driver of every other vehicle for hire shall have in his possession at all times rate cards upon which shall be printed the name and address of the owner of the vehicle and the rates authorized to be charged for the service. Every person making inquiry regarding the rates charged by the operator of the service shall be furnished with a copy of the printed rates. (Ord. 84-06-924 § 3: prior code § 5.28.290 (Ord. 309 § 17, 1948))

It is unlawful for any person to refuse to pay the authorized fare of any of the vehicles mentioned in this chapter after having employed the same, and it is unlawful for any person to 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. (Prior code § 5.28.300 (Ord. 309 § 18, 1948))

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. (Prior code § 5.28.310 (Ord. 309 § 19, 1948))

It is unlawful for any person to drive, operate, or be in charge of any vehicle operated by any carrier which is required by Section 5.32.020 without first having obtained a driver's permit or a temporary driver's permit issued pursuant to this chapter. (Prior code § 5.28.320 (Ord. 390 § 20(a), 1948))

An applicant for a driver's permit or temporary driver's permit shall do the following: A. Deposit the fee required for such permit and secure a receipt therefor; fees so deposited are to cover the expense incurred and no refund shall be made for any reason; B. Appear personally and file with the chief of police an application in writing upon blanks to be furnished by the chief of police, containing such information as said officer may require, and the applicant shall satisfy the chief of police that the deposit required has been made. (Prior code § 5.28.330 (Ord. 309 § 20(b), 1948))

A. When an applicant has applied for a driver's permit and has paid the fee for such permit as required by Chapter 5.04, the chief of police shall, subject to the conditions contained in Section 5.32.250, issue a temporary driver's permit. B. Such temporary driver's permit shall have written or printed thereon the expiration date, which shall be thirty days from the date of issuance, and also the fact that such permit shall automatically become null and void upon the expiration date. C. After the expiration of the time so allotted, the temporary permit shall be of no further force or effect and shall not be renewed or extended. It shall also be subject to suspension and revocation as provided in this chapter and notice of this fact shall likewise be noted upon the face of such permit. (Prior code § 5.28.340 (Ord. 309 § 20(c), 1948))

As soon as possible after application as provided in Section 5.32.230, the chief of police shall make an investigation regarding the character and moral fitness of 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, on or before the expiration of the applicant's temporary driver's permit, issue to the applicant a driver's permit in the manner

provided in this chapter. Otherwise he shall deny the application. (Prior code § 5.28.350. (Ord. 309 § 20(d), 1948))

No driver's permit or temporary driver's permit shall be issued to any applicant who is under the age of twenty-one years or who has failed to obtain a chauffeur's permit from the state or who has to the knowledge of the chief of police, been convicted of a felony, or who shall be deemed by him to be morally unfit. (Prior code § 5.28.360 (Ord. 309 § 20(e), 1948))

If the chief of police determines that he will approve an application for a driver's permit, he shall issue to the applicant such permit bearing an identification number identical with that appearing upon the badge issued by the director of finance as provided in Section 5.32.280 authorizing the applicant to drive, operate, or be in charge of any vehicle in the city operated pursuant to the terms of this chapter. There shall be noted on the face of such permit that it shall be ineffective for any purpose if it has expired or has been suspended or revoked as provided in this chapter. (Prior code § 5.28.370 (Ord. 543 § 8 (part), 1963; Ord. 309 § 20(f), 1948))

The chief of police shall keep a copy of the driver's permit on file in his office. The driver's permit shall constitute evidence of compliance with the terms of this chapter but shall be subject to all other applicable laws, ordinances, or order of the city council. The driver's permit shall be effective until the expiration date printed thereon, or until suspended pursuant to Section 5.32.390, unless suspended or revoked as provided elsewhere in this chapter. (Prior code § 5.28.380 (Ord. 309 § 20(g), 1948))

Upon presentation to the director of finance of the driver's permit properly executed, the director of finance shall issue to the applicant a numbered badge of distinctive design, bearing the expiration date thereof, and with the words "Taxi Driver" thereon. (Prior code § 5.28.390 (Ord. 543 § 8 (part), 1963; Ord. 309 § 20(h), 1948))

All driver's permits and badges issued as provided in this chapter shall expire on the thirty-first day of December next following the date of issuance unless previously suspended or revoked. All driver's permits and temporary driver's permits authorized to be issued under this chapter shall be effective only while the driver to whom such permit is issued is employed by a carrier holding a valid permit issued pursuant to Section 5.32.020. Upon termination of his employment with such carrier, the driver's permit or temporary driver's permit shall be automatically suspended and shall become effective again only when and if such driver shall again be reemployed by such a carrier during the term for which the driver's permit or temporary driver's permit was issued. (Prior code § 5.28.400 (Ord. 309 § 20(i), 1948))

A renewal driver's permit shall be issued by the chief of police to any permittee who has paid the fee for such renewal, as provided by Chapter 5.04 and who, on the thirty-first day of December last preceding had a valid driver's permit. (Prior code § 5.28.410 (Ord. 309 § 20(j), 1948))

A. The chief of police shall summarily revoke any driver's permit or temporary driver's permit issued under the provisions of this chapter, provided he shall have knowledge that the holder thereof has been convicted of violating any of the provisions of this chapter or has been convicted of a felony, or the violation of any of the provisions of the State Alcoholic Beverage Control Act, the State Narcotic Law, or of assault, battery, pandering, driving a vehicle while under the influence of intoxicants or narcotics, or reckless driving. B. Whenever charges involving any of the above offenses are formally made by the filing of a complaint, indictment, or information against the holder of a driver's permit or temporary driver's permit, and the chief of police has knowledge thereof, he shall temporarily suspend the driver's permit pending determination of such charges, but such suspension shall not remain in force after an acquittal or dismissal of charges.

C. Notice of such suspension of revocation shall be given to the person involved. (Prior code § 5.28.420 (Ord. 309 § 21(a), 1948))

A. Any driver who may be aggrieved by the action of the chief of police in suspending or revoking his driver's permit or temporary driver's permit, or any applicant who may be aggrieved by the denial by the chief of police of his application, within ten 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 days thereafter, at which time a full and complete hearing shall be held before the city council. B. At the conclusion of the hearing the city council may 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. C. 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 reversed or modified by the city council. (Prior code § 5.28.430 (Ord. 309 § 21 (b) 1948))

The city council shall likewise have power to suspend or revoke a driver's permit or temporary driver's permit either for any of the reasons set forth in Section 5.32.310 or others from which the city council shall conclude that a continuation of a driver's activities as such driver are, or may be, detrimental to the public health, peace, safety, or welfare; provided, however, the city council may take such action only after a hearing for such purpose, which shall be held after five days' notice, and an opportunity to be heard shall have been given to such driver. (Prior code § 5.28.440 (Ord. 309 § 21(c),1948))

A. It is unlawful for any driver to operate or to be in charge of any vehicle required by Section 5.32.020 to obtain a permit without displaying in a conspicuous place upon his person the license badge provided to be issued under this chapter; and it shall also be unlawful for such driver to fail at any time while operating or in charge of such vehicle to have in his immediate possession the driver's permit, or temporary driver's permit required by this chapter to be secured from the chief of police. B. It is also unlawful for any driver operating or in charge of any vehicle covered by this chapter to display upon his person a driver's badge issued to another, or to use for the purpose of operating such vehicle a driver's permit or temporary driver's permit issued to another. (Prior code § 5.28.450 (Ord. 309 § 22, 1948))

It is unlawful for any carrier, as defined in Section 5.32.010, to permit the operation of any vehicle covered by this chapter by any person other than a holder of a driver's permit or temporary driver's permit, as required by Section 5.32.020. (Prior code § 5.28.460 (Ord. 309 § 23, 1948))

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 as defined in Section 5.32.010 and which is of such character and nature as to be misleading or deceptive to the public. (Prior code § 5.28.470 (Ord. 309 § 24, 1948))

A. Every taxicab shall be equipped with an identity light attached to the top of such taxicab. B. The identity light shall be constructed in one unit consisting of an illuminated plate or cylinder upon which is printed the words "For Hire." C. The overall dimensions of the identity lights shall not exceed six inches in height by twenty inches in length. D. The lights of the identity light unit shall be connected to a contact switch attached to the taximeter, and such 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.

E. It is unlawful to drive or operate any taxicab with the identity light illuminated while carrying passengers for compensation, and it is unlawful to drive, operate, or be in charge of any taxicab unless the identity light is illuminated when the taxicab is for hire. (Prior code § 5.28.480 (Ord. 309 § 25, 1948))

Every driver of a taxicab who is engaged to carry passengers shall take the most direct route possible to carry the passengers safely and expeditiously to their destinations, unless otherwise directed by a passenger. (Prior code § 5.28.490(A) (Ord. 309 § 26(a), 1948))

A. When a taxicab is engaged the person engaging such taxicab shall have the exclusive right to the full and complete use of the passenger compartment, and it is unlawful for the carrier or driver of the taxicab to solicit or carry additional passengers therein; provided, however, that where the city council finds that public necessity requires the grouping of passengers in such taxicabs, the city council may issue a special written permit which shall specifically set forth the rules and regulations under which such passenger grouping is permitted. B. It is unlawful for any driver or carrier to operate or permit to be operated any taxicab in violation of any of the rules and regulations set forth in such special permits. (Prior code § 5.28.490(B) (Ord. 309 § 26(b), 1948))

The number of passengers which may be carried in any vehicle covered by this chapter shall be limited to the seating capacity of such vehicle as specified by the manufacturer. 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 any space in or on such vehicle which does not provide a seat. (Prior code § 5.28.490 (C) (Ord. 309 § 26(c), 1948))

A. All vehicles operated by any carrier as defined in Section 5.32.010 shall, before being placed in service, be approved by the chief of police. B. 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. C. 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 chief of police or a duly authorized representative. D. Any vehicle which becomes unsafe or unserviceable, either from the standpoint of its state of repair or its condition or obsolescence, may be retired from service upon order of the chief of police and no vehicle which has been so retired shall again be operated in such service except with approval of the chief of police. E. In the event the condition of any vehicle shall in the opinion of the chief of police be so unclean, unsightly, or mechanically defective as to be undesirable for use, the police chief may require such vehicle to be immediately withdrawn from service and it shall not be again placed in service until approved by the chief of police. (Prior code § 5.28.500 (Ord. 309 § 27, 1948))

A. It is unlawful for any carrier to operate any taxicab in the city unless such taxicab is equipped with a taximeter of a type and design which has been approved by the city council. B. The taximeter shall be of a type which will print and issue a receipt, and it shall be the duty of the carrier operating such taxicab, and the driver thereof, to keep such meter operating at all times within such standard of accuracy as may be prescribed from time to time by the city council. C. No passenger shall be carried in any cab unless the taximeter is in operation. This provision shall apply regardless of whether the taxicab is engaged for a trip entirely within the boundaries of the city or partially outside thereof, and such meter shall be kept operating continuously during the entire time it is engaged in the transportation of passengers for compensation regardless of the point of destination. (Prior code § 5.28.510 (Ord. 309 § 28(a), 1948))

The taximeter shall be placed in the taxicab so that the reading dial showing the amount to be charged is well-lighted and readily discernible to a passenger riding in the cab. (Prior code § 5.28.520 (Ord. 309 § 28(b), 1948))

A. Every taximeter used in the operation of taxicabs shall be subject to inspection at any time by the chief of police or any of his agents or employees. Upon discovery of any inaccuracy of such taximeter the operator thereof shall remove or cause to be removed from service any vehicle equipped with said taximeter until such taximeter has been repaired and accurately adjusted. B. Every taximeter shall be inspected and tested for accuracy by the carrier at least once every six months. Upon the completion of such inspection and of any adjustment necessary to cause such taximeter to operate within the standards of accuracy approved by the chief of police, the carrier shall cause to be placed upon such meter a gummed label having printed thereon the following: "This taximeter was inspected and tested on (date) and found to comply with standard of accuracy prescribed by the Chief of Police of the City of Signal Hill." The date on which such 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. (Prior code 5.28.530 (Ord. 309 § 28(c), (d), 1948))

It is unlawful for any driver of any taxicab, while carrying passengers, to display the flag attached to the taximeter in such a position as to denote that such vehicle is not employed, or to fail to throw the flag of the taximeter to a position indicating the vehicle is unemployed at the termination of each and every service. (Prior code § 5.28.540 (Ord. 309 § 28(e), 1948))

All charges for taxicab service shall be calculated and indicated by a taximeter, and at all times while the taxicab is engaged the flag of the taximeter shall be thrown into a position to register charges for mileage, or into a position to register charges for waiting time. No taximeter shall be used whose mechanism will register a combined charge for mileage and waiting time in any single position, and 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. (Prior code § 5.28.550 (Ord. 309 § 28(f), 1948))

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 minutes following timely arrival at any location in response to a call or for time lost through traffic interruptions or for delays caused by the inefficiency of the taxicab or its driver. (Prior code § 5.28.560 (Ord. 309 § 29, 1948))

It is unlawful for the driver of any taxicab, upon receiving full payment for a fare as indicated by the taximeter, to refuse to give a receipt upon request of any passenger making such payment. It is unlawful to fail to offer a receipt to the passenger. (Prior code § 5.28.570 (Ord. 309 § 30, 1948))

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 chief of police, showing the time and place of origin, destination of the trip, number of passengers carried, and the amount of fare collected. 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 chief of police or any of his agents or employees, for a period of not less than six months.

(Prior code § 5.28.580 (Ord. 309 § 31, 1948))

It is unlawful for any carrier or driver of any vehicle operated pursuant to the terms of this chapter to stand or permit to stand any such vehicle while awaiting employment at any place upon any portion of the streets of the city other than at a certain place designated by the chief of police and assigned to the carrier operating such vehicle. (Prior code § 5.28.590 (Ord. 309 § 32(a), 1948))

A. Permits may be issued by the chief of police to carriers operating pursuant to the terms of this chapter allowing the vehicles of such carriers while awaiting employment to stand at certain designated places upon the streets of the city; provided, how ever, that no such permit shall be granted except upon written application of the carrier desiring such stand, filed with the city council, stating the proposed location of such stand. B. Any application for a taxistand may be acted upon by the city council at any of its regular meetings without notice, providing such application is accompanied by the written consent of the occupant of the first floor of any building of that property in front of which it is desired to establish such vehicle stand or, if any such building is a hotel, the written consent of the manager of the hotel, or if there is no building on the premises in front of which it is desired that such vehicle shall stand, or if there is a building and the first floor is not occupied, then the written consent of the owner, agent, or lessee of such building or premises. C. In the event that the occupant, manager, owner, agent or lessee mentioned above refuses, fails, or neglects to grant consent to the establishing of a taxistand at the location proposed, the city council shall set a time of hearing on such application which shall not be less than ten days nor more than thirty days from the time of filing such application and each and every person qualified under these provisions to make or offer a formal objection to establishing such taxistand at the location proposed shall be notified in writing not less than five days prior to the hearing, at which time he shall be given an opportunity to be heard. D. Notwithstanding the failure or refusal of the occupant, manager, owner, agent or lessee as mentioned above to grant consent to the establishing of a taxistand in front of the building or premises as proposed, or any formal objection offered thereto, the city council shall have the right to grant or deny any application for a taxistand, and may issue or refuse to issue such permit. E. All permits for taxistands so issued shall contain a provision to the effect that they are subject to revocation by the city council at any time. (Prior code § 5.28.600 (Ord. 309 § 32 (b), (c), 1948))

It is unlawful for any vehicle as defined in this chapter, or otherwise, to occupy any regularly established taxistand unless such vehicle is one being operated by the carrier to which such taxistand has been assigned as provided in this chapter. (Prior code § 5.28.610 (Ord. 309 § 32(d), 1948))

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 such 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 years, which affidavit shows service in conformity with this chapter or other provisions of law applicable to the subject matter concerned. (Prior code § 5.28.620 (Ord. 309 § 33, 1948))

Upon the granting of any permit to any carrier as provided by this chapter a copy of such permit defining the rates shall be transmitted by the city council to the chief of police who shall thereupon be charged with the duty of enforcement of such rates and the provisions of this chapter and other ordinances pertaining to the operation of vehicles for hire. (Prior code § 5.28.630 (Ord. 309 § 34, 1948))

The penalty for the violation of any provision of this chapter shall be as provided in Chapter 1.16. (Ord. 586 § D (part), 1966: prior code § 5.28.650 (Ord. 309 § 36, 1948))