Chapter 5.52
TAXICABS1
Sections:
5.52.020 Permit required—Application—Deposit—Badge nontransferable.
5.52.030 Revocation of permit.
5.52.040 Display of permit—Information to be shown.
5.52.050 Duration of permits—Renewals.
5.52.060 Change of employment of drivers.
5.52.010 Definitions.
For the purposes of this chapter the following words and phrases shall have the meanings respectively ascribed to them by this section:
(1) "Driver" is any person in charge of or operating any passenger carrying motor propelled vehicle as herein defined, either as owner or employee or under the direction of owners or employees;
(2) "Jitney" is included in the definition "taxicab" except that such vehicle may or may not be equipped with a taximeter, and the transportation of passengers may be over either a definite or indefinite route;
(3) "Owner" is any person who in any manner has the proprietary use, ownership or control of any passenger-carrying motor propelled vehicle;
(4) "Taxicab" is a motor-propelled vehicle equipped with a taximeter, and which is used for the transportation of passengers for hire over and along the public streets, not over a definite route, but as to route and destination in accordance with and under the direction of the person hiring such vehicle;
(5) "Taximeter" is a mechanical device attached to a vehicle for hire, by means of which device the authorized charge for hire of such vehicle is mechanically calculated on the basis of distance traveled, or for waiting time, or a combination of both, which charges shall be indicated upon such mechanical device by means of figures in dollars and cents. (Prior code § 27.1).
5.52.020 Permit required—Application—Deposit—Badge nontransferable.
It shall be unlawful for any person to operate or drive a taxicab in the city without having first obtained written permission to do so from the chief of police. To secure such permission, a written application must be filed with the chief of police and accompanied by a deposit in an amount established by resolution of the City Council to cover the cost of a photograph, and a badge to be issued and conspicuously worn by the permittee during all working hours. Such badge shall not be transferable. (Prior code § 27.2).
5.52.030 Revocation of permit.
The chief of police shall not issue a driver’s or operator’s permit and must revoke a permit theretofore granted:
(1) If the applicant is under eighteen years of age; or
(2) If the applicant is not a citizen of the United States; or
(3) If the applicant does not possess a valid operator’s license issued by the state; or
(4) If the applicant is a reckless driver or has been convicted of reckless driving or driving while under the influence of intoxicating liquors or narcotics; or
(5) If the applicant is guilty or has been convicted of a felony or crime involving moral turpitude; or
(6) If the applicant is not a fit and proper person to drive a taxicab; or
(7) If the applicant violates any provisions of this chapter.
(8) The chief of police may require a certificate of a physician that the applicant is in good physical condition. (Ord. 512 § 1(e), 1971: Prior code § 27.3).
5.52.040 Display of permit—Information to be shown.
Upon satisfying the requirements of the preceding sections, the applicant shall be photographed and fingerprinted, and his photograph and record filed in the office of the police department and thereupon a permit shall be issued which permit shall be fixed in a conspicuous place in the taxicab so as to be seen from the passenger’s compartment, and which permit shall set forth the name, address and telephone number of the owner of the taxicab. (Prior code § 27.4).
5.52.050 Duration of permits—Renewals.
When issued, the driver’s permit shall be valid for one year from the date of issuance unless the same has been revoked for any of the causes herein set forth. The driver, in making application for a renewal of his permit, shall follow the same procedure as set forth in making his original application except he shall not be required to pay the badge deposit, be fingerprinted or furnish a photograph. He shall pay a fee in an amount established by resolution of the City Council for the issuance of the renewal permit. (Prior code § 27.5).
5.52.060 Change of employment of drivers.
If a driver changes his employment to a different owner, he shall, within twenty-four hours thereafter, notify the chief of police for the purpose of having his driver’s certificate changed so as to properly designate the name of the new employer. (Prior code § 27.6).
For statutory provisions allowing local authorities, within the reasonable exercises of their police power, to license and regulate the operation of any vehicle for hire and the drivers of passenger vehicles for hire, see Veh. Code § 16501. For provisions regarding carriers, generally, see West’s Comm. Code § 2085 et seq., see also Pub. Util. Code § 200 et seq. For provisions regarding financial responsibility, see Veh. Code § 16500 et seq.