Sec. 18-69. - Taxicab operation requirements.

All taxicabs and taxicab drivers must comply with California Vehicle Code requirements and the requirements of this article while in operation, including the following non-exclusive mandates.

(a)

Display Permits or Certificates. Taxicabs shall display the taxicab vehicle and taxicab driver's permits or certificates of exemption issued under this article so that they are visible both from the inside and outside the vehicle. The sheriff's office may require permits and certificates of exemption to be displayed in particular locations on vehicles.

(b)

Taxicab Identification. All taxicabs shall have painted or otherwise permanently affixed to the exterior of the vehicle the following information: (i) language designating the vehicle as a taxicab; (ii) the name of the taxicab business owner, or the name of the company or business; and (iii) if the taxicab business operates more than one (1) taxicab, a visible number that separately identifies each of the business' taxicabs. Such information shall be displayed in numbering and lettering not less than three (3) inches in height, and in a color that contrasts with the paint color of the vehicle. Additional display requirements may be established by the sheriff's office to allow for proper identification of taxicabs.

(c)

Rates of Fare. Taxicabs shall prominently display, both inside and outside the vehicle, the rates of fare charged for carrying passengers. Any additional fees which may be applicable, such as bridge toll fees, shall also be posted inside the vehicle. Rates of fare and additional fees charged to passengers must not exceed the posted rates or the rates provided to the county as part of the application for a taxicab vehicle permit or certificate of exemption.

(d)

Taximeters. All taxicabs must have an operating taximeter which has been properly calibrated and is in compliance with all regulations and requirements of the county agricultural commissioner, weights and measures division, pursuant to chapter 30 of the County Code, including but not limited to its testing requirements. The taximeter must be operating properly at all times of service and may not be tampered with in any fashion. The taximeter must clearly display the fare as it is being calculated. The taximeter must be calibrated so as not to exceed the maximum allowable rates of fare.

(e)

Receipts. All taxicab drivers shall have passenger receipts in all of their taxicabs that are imprinted with the name, address, telephone number of the taxicab owner or business. The receipt shall provide space for the taxicab driver's name, date and time of service, and the fare charged. Each customer shall be offered a receipt following payment.

(f)

Taxicab Safety, Comfort and Cleanliness. All taxicabs must be maintained in a safe operating condition. All taxicabs must have an operable seat belt for each passenger and the driver. Taxicab seats must not be torn or soiled, and must not have broken or missing springs or cushions. The doors, windows, hoods and trunks of all taxicabs must open and close securely. Gasoline, diesel or smoke odors must not be noticeable from the interior of any taxicab. The interiors of all taxicabs must be clean and clear of debris before a driver may accept passengers for transport.

(g)

No Smoking in Taxicabs. No smoking shall be permitted in taxicabs at any time, either by the taxicab drivers or their passengers.

(Ord. No. 6029, § I, 4-23-2013.)