Chapter 5 TAXICAB REGULATION

3. Owner. Every person, firm or corporation having proprietary control or right to proprietary control of any passenger-carrying automobile or motor propelled vehicle, as herein defined.

4. Taxicab. A motor propelled vehicle which is used for the transportation of passengers for hire over and along public streets, not over a defined route, but as to route and destination in accordance with and under the direction of the person hiring such vehicle.

5. Taximeter. A mechanical instrument or device by which the charge for the hire of a taxicab is registered, calculated, or indicated by figures in accordance with the distance traveled and/or the time elapsed and the number of passengers carried.

6. Stand. A place upon a public street in the City for the use, while awaiting employment, of the particular taxicabs authorized to utilize the same.

7. Person. Any natural person, firm, corporation or association of persons. (Ord. 50, § 6500)

6501 Definitions.

All words, terms and phrases not defined in the foregoing section shall, where used in this Chapter, have the meanings or meaning commonly ascribed to them. (Ord. 50, § 6501)

6502 Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity.

It shall be unlawful for any person to engage in the business of operating any taxicab in the City of Carson without first having obtained from the City Council a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity. All persons applying for such a Certificate shall file with the City Council a sworn application which shall set forth:

(a) Name and residence address of the owner, person applying and financially interested in the operating of said taxicabs.

(b) The fictitious name, if any, under which such applicant does business or proposes to do business.

(c) The business address of all persons, directors, officers, trustees and/or other individuals connected or professed to be connected directly or indirectly, with the business.

(d) The number of vehicles actually owned and the number of vehicles actually operated by such owner on the date of application.

(e) The number of vehicles for which a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity is desired.

(f) A description of each vehicle for which a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity is requested giving name, type, make, year of manufacture and passenger seating capacity.

(g) The color scheme, insignia, name, monogram or other distinguishing characteristics proposed to be used on each vehicle.

(h) The make and type of taximeter intended to be installed in each taxicab.

(i) The street number and exact location of each taxicab stand which applicant proposed to use.

(j) The proposed schedule of rates to be charged which shall not exceed that established and set from time to time by resolution of the City Council.

(k) A statement of the applicant’s estimate of the need for taxicab service, supported by factual data.

(l) A financial report of the applicant.

(m) The experience of the applicant in the transportation of passengers.

(n) Any facts which the applicant believes would show that public convenience and necessity require the granting of a certificate.

(o) Such other information as the City Council or City Administrator may require. (Ord. 50, § 6502).

6503 Application Fee.

Each application for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity shall be accompanied by an initial application fee of $100.00, an annual fee of $150.00 and $50.00 for each taxicab covered by the initial application. (Ord. 50, § 6503; Ord. 00-1199, § 2)

6504 Public Hearing.

Upon receipt of the fully completed application for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity to engage in the business of operating a taxicab, the City Clerk shall set a time not sooner than ten (10), nor more than thirty (30) days thereafter, for the hearing of said application before the City Council. (Ord. 50, § 6504)

6505 Notice of Public Hearing.

Written notice of each hearing shall be given to all persons to whom Certificates of Public Convenience and Necessity for operation of a taxicab have been theretofore issued. Due notice of the time and place of the public hearing before the City Council shall be given to the general public by causing a notice of such hearing to be posted in at least three (3) public places within the City. (Ord. 50, § 6505)

6506 Council Hearing.

No Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity shall be granted until the Council shall, after the hearing, declare by resolution that the public convenience and necessity requires the proposed service and that the following conditions exist:

(a) That the applicant is financially responsible and that the officers of said applicant are of good moral character.

(b) That the persons holding permits or licenses for the operation of motor vehicles for hire are under an experienced and efficient management earning a fair and reasonable return on the capital devoted to such service.

(c) That the applicant has complied with the provisions of all City, State and Federal laws applicable to the proposed operations.

(d) That the service requested will not result in a greater hazard to the public and will not create traffic congestion or parking problems.

(e) That the vehicles described in the application and proposed to be used are adequate and safe for the purpose intended.

(f) That the color scheme, insignia, name, monogram, or other distinguishing characteristics proposed to be used on such vehicle or vehicles is not in conflict with and does not imitate any color scheme, insignia, name, monogram or other distinguishing characteristics used by any person, in such manner as to mislead or tend to mislead, deceive or defraud the public; and that no other color scheme, insignia, name, monogram or other distinguishing characteristic has heretofore been designated for such applicant.

(g) That existing transportation is inadequate to meet the public need.

(h) That all the information contained in the application has been verified as true and sufficient.

(i) That the location of any proposed taxicab stand or stands are such that they will not congest or interfere with travel on any street or use thereof by the public, and the proposed stands are not within three hundred (300) feet of any other stand on the same street (except that at and across any intersection, stands may be permitted within two hundred (200) feet of one another). (Ord. 50, § 6506)

6507 Issuance of Certificate.

If the Council finds that the taxicab service applied for is required by the public convenience and necessity, and that the applicant is fit, willing, and able to perform such public transportation and to conform to the provisions of the Carson Municipal Code and all rules promulgated by the City Administrator, then the City Council shall by resolution declare that the Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity be issued by the City Administrator. Such certificate shall specifically designate the number of taxicabs authorized by the certificate. (Ord. 50, § 6506; Ord. 69-66, § 2)

6508 Denial of Certificate.

If the Council finds that the public convenience and necessity does not justify the granting of a Certificate, it shall deny the application and forthwith notify the applicant of said finding. (Ord. 50, § 6507; Ord. 69-66, § 2)

6509 Modification of Certificate.

The Council may, upon a showing at a public hearing as provided for in CMC 6504 that the public convenience and necessity justify the operation of additional taxicabs, amend an existing Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity to authorize such additional taxicabs. Each application for a modification of a Certificate of Public Necessity shall be accompanied by an application fee of $25.00 plus $15.00 for each additional taxicab requested. (Ord. 50, § 6508)

6510 Public Liability Insurance.

It shall be unlawful to operate any taxicab, as defined in CMC 6500, unless there shall be filed with the Director of Finance a liability insurance policy issued by a solvent corporation holding a certificate of authority to do insurance business in the State of California, which policy shall conform in all respects to the requirements of this Section and which meets the approval of the Director of Risk Management or her/his designee. In lieu of filing the insurance policy herein referred to, a Certificate of Insurance issued by an insurance corporation meeting the approval of the Director of Risk Management or her/his designee may be filed. The Certificate must show that a policy meeting the requirements of this Section has been issued and shall set forth the expiration date of such policy. The liability policy required under this Section shall name the City as additional insured and shall insure against loss from the liability imposed by law for injury to or death of any person or damage to any property caused by the operation of any vehicle operated under the provisions hereof in the following amounts, to wit:

(a) $250,000 for death or injury to any one (1) person in any one (1) accident.

(b) $500,000 for death or injuries to two (2) or more persons in any one (1) accident or occurrence.

The policy of insurance so provided shall contain a provision that such policy may not be cancelled or reduced in amount except after thirty (30) days’ (or as soon as possible) notice in writing, to be given to the City Manager of the City of Carson. (Ord. 50, § 1; Ord. 61, § 1; Ord. 69-66, § 2; Ord. 00-1199, § 3; Ord. 16-1593, § 2)

6510.1 Self-Insurance Against Public Liability.

Notwithstanding the requirements for public liability insurance set forth in CMC 6510, a Certificate holder may, in lieu thereof, self-insure against liability in accordance with the following provisions:

(a) The Certificate holder shall file with the Finance Director a current balance sheet, certified by a certified public accountant, which indicates that the Certificate holder has a net worth of not less than $750,000. Said certified balance sheet shall be filed periodically, as required by the Finance Director, but not less than annually. Whenever the City shall find that the Certificate holder’s net worth appears to be less than $750,000, the Finance Director may revoke the authority of the Certificate holder to file certified balance sheets in lieu of a policy of liability insurance, and shall require the Certificate holder to file a policy of liability insurance as provided in CMC 6510.

(b) The Certificate holder shall file evidence satisfactory to the City that the Certificate holder shall pay damages which it or the operators of the Certificate holder’s vehicles may become legally obligated to pay as a result of injury to third persons, or damage to real or personal property of third persons, resulting from the operation of any vehicles by the Certificate holder or its operators.

(c) The Certificate holder shall comply with all requirements, rules and regulations of the Finance Director, including, but not necessarily limited to, the maintenance of adequate reserves, notice of claims, adjusting policy, and claims management procedures.

(d) Prior to the issuance or renewal of a Certificate, the applicant or Certificate holder shall execute an indemnity agreement on a form provided by the City which provides that, by the acceptance or use of the Certificate, the applicant or Certificate holder agrees to indemnify, hold harmless and defend the City, its officers and employees, against any and all claims, demands or causes of action which may be asserted against them, or any of them, for damages to persons or property of whatsoever nature arising out of the operations conducted pursuant to said Certificate. (Ord. 87-786, § 1)

6511 Transfer of Certificates.

No Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity may be sold, assigned, mortgaged or otherwise transferred without the consent of the City Council. (Ord. 50, § 6510; Ord. 69-66, § 2)

6512 Duration of Certificates.

The initial Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity issued hereunder to any applicant shall be for a period of one (1) year, at the end of which time the certificate holder may reapply for a new certificate. Every certificate issued other than as an initial certificate, shall be for an indefinite period of time. All certificates are subject to revocation in the manner prescribed herein. (Ord. 50, § 6511; Ord. 69-66, § 2; Ord. 69-89, § 1)

6513 Discontinuance of Service Automatically Cancels Certificate.

After the service for which a certificate is granted hereunder is discontinued, or if the person sells his business or discontinues his or its business for a period of forty-five (45) days, the certificate granted hereunder shall be automatically null and void and shall be reissued only in accordance with the provisions hereof. (Ord. 50, § 6512; Ord. 69-66, § 2)

6514 Suspension and Revocation of Certificates.

A certificate issued under the provisions of this Chapter may be suspended or revoked at any time by the City Council if the holder thereof has:

(a) Violated any of the provisions of the Carson Municipal Code;

(b) Discontinued operations for more than thirty (30) days;

(c) Violated any laws of the City of Carson, or of the State of California, or of the United States, the violations of which reflect unfavorably on the fitness of the holder to offer public transportation;

(d) Operated the taxicab or taxicabs at a rate of fare in excess of that established and set from time to time by resolution of the City Council. (Ord. 50, § 6513; Ord. 69-66, § 2)

6515 Suspension of Revocation Hearing.

Upon being informed that sufficient justification exists to suspend or revoke a Certificate, the City Council shall fix a time and place for a public hearing thereon. At least five (5) days’ written notice setting forth the grounds for suspension or revocation and information regarding the time and place where such hearing will be held shall be given the holder of the Certificate in question and to all persons holding valid Certificates. Notice of the time and place of such public hearing before the City Council shall be posted in at least three (3) public places within the City. (Ord. 50, § 6514; Ord. 69-66, § 2)

6516 Surrender of Certificate.

If the City Council finds that sufficient justification does exist for the suspension or revocation of a Certificate, then the City Council shall by resolution demand that such Certificate be surrendered to the City Administrator. Certificates which shall have been suspended or revoked by the City Council shall forthwith be surrendered to the City Administrator and the operation of any taxicab or taxicabs covered by such Certificate shall cease and be unlawful. (Ord. 50, § 6515; Ord. 69-66, § 2)

6517 Sale or Transfer of Business.

If an owner to whom a Certificate of Convenience and Necessity has been issued desires to sell or transfer his business, the intended Buyer must make application to the City of a Certificate of Convenience and Necessity as required by CMC 6502. The seller and holder of the Certificate must file an affidavit of intention to surrender and cancel the existing certificate and licenses conditionally upon and concurrently with consummation of sale and issuance of a new Certificate and licenses in the name of the buyer.

If the buyer applicant meets the requirements as set forth in CMC 6505 for the issuance of a Certificate of Convenience and Necessity, the Council shall issue a new Certificate to the buyer and concurrently herewith shall cancel the seller’s Certificate. (Ord. 50, § 6516; Ord. 69-66, § 2)

6518 Renewal Fee.

Notwithstanding CMC 6511, the holder of every Certificate shall annually apply to the City Manager for a renewal of his Certificate and his application shall include an annual renewal fee of $150.00 plus $50.00 per taxicab, authorized in the Certificate. The deadline for filing a renewal application and submitting the renewal fee shall be the expiration date of the holder’s Certificate. Failure to meet such deadline shall result in a penalty fee in the amount of fifty (50) percent of the total renewal fee. (Ord. 50, § 6517; Ord. 69-66, § 2; Ord. 00-1199, § 4)

6519 Substitution of Vehicles.

If a taxicab owner desires to substitute one (1) vehicle in place of another and if such vehicle to be substituted complies with all requirements of the Carson Municipal Code, the City Administrator is authorized to approve the substitution. (Ord. 50, § 6518; Ord. 69-66, § 2)

Division II. Taxicab Drivers

6520 Driver’s Permit Required.

It shall be unlawful for any person to operate or drive a taxicab in the City of Carson without first having obtained a driver’s permit from the City Administrator. All persons applying for such a permit shall file with the City Administrator a sworn application which shall set forth:

(a) The experience of the applicant in the transportation of passengers;

(b) A concise history of his employment;

(d) Two (2) recent photographs (size one and one-half (1-1/2) inch by one and one-half (1-1/2) inch);

(e) The names and addresses of four (4) Carson residents who have known the applicant for a period of at least one (1) year and who will vouch for the sobriety, honesty, and general good character of the applicant;

(f) An application fee of $25.00 shall accompany each application for a driver’s permit. (Ord. 50, § 6519; Ord. 69-66, § 2; Ord. 00-1199, § 5)

6521 Driver Requirements.

The City Administrator shall not issue a permit to:

(a) Any person under the age of twenty-one (21) years;

(b) Any person not a citizen of the United States or who has not filed a Petition for Naturalization;

(d) Any person who has been convicted of driving a vehicle recklessly or while under the influence of intoxicating liquors or narcotics;

(e) Any person who has been convicted of a felony or crime involving moral turpitude;

(f) Any person who has violated any provisions of the Carson Municipal Code which in the City Administrator’s opinion affects the applicant’s qualifications as a driver. (Ord. 50, § 6520; Ord. 69-66, § 2)

6522 Issuance of Permit.

Upon completion of his investigation, which shall include a complete review of a police report on the applicant, if the City Administrator finds the applicant is a fit and proper person to be a taxicab driver in the City of Carson, he shall issue or cause to be issued to said applicant a Taxicab Driver’s Permit. Such permit shall have affixed thereto a photograph as required by CMC 6519. It shall be unlawful for any person to drive or operate any of the vehicles approved on any Certificate without having such permit displayed in said vehicle in such a way as to be easily seen by any passenger. (Ord. 50, § 6521; Ord. 69-66, § 2)

6523 Denial of Permit.

If, upon completion of his investigation, the City Administrator finds the applicant is not a fit and proper person to be a taxicab driver, he shall refuse to issue a Taxicab Driver’s Permit to the applicant. (Ord. 50, § 6522; Ord. 69-66, § 2)

6524 Display of Permit.

Every driver issued a permit under CMC 6522 shall post his driver’s permit in such a place as to be in full view of all passengers while such driver is operating a taxicab. (Ord. 50, § 6523; Ord. 69-66, § 2)

6525 Change of Employment.

If a driver changes his employment to a different owner, he shall within twenty-four (24) hours thereafter notify the City Administrator for the purpose of having his driver’s permit changed so as to properly designate the name of the new employer. (Ord. 50, § 6524; Ord. 69-66, § 2)

6526 Change of Address.

If a driver changes his residential address, he shall within ten (10) days thereafter notify the City Administrator for the purpose of having his driver’s permit changed so as to properly designate his residential address. (Ord. 50, § 6525; Ord. 69-66, § 2)

6527 Suspension and Revocation of Driver’s Permit.

A driver’s permit issued under the provisions of this Division of the Code may be suspended or revoked at any time by the City Administrator if the holder thereof has:

(a) Been convicted of a felony or a crime involving moral turpitude; using, possessing, selling or transporting narcotics; or imparting information for obtaining narcotics;

(b) Been convicted of driving recklessly or while under the influence of liquor or narcotics;

(d) Been convicted of any of the offenses set forth in Sections 20001, 22350, 22351, 23102 and/or 23103 of the Vehicle Code of the State of California and amendments thereto, or any combination of either or any of the said offenses;

(e) Charged or received a fare in excess of the rates provided for herein or violated any of the other provisions hereof;

(f) Been determined by the City Administrator, for any reason, including, but not limited to those reasons set forth in CMC 6520, whether specifically set forth herein or not, after due investigation, to be an unfit person to drive a taxicab. (Ord. 50, § 6526; Ord. 69-66, § 2)

6528 Revocation – Hearing.

Revocation of a Taxicab Driver’s Permit shall be made only after a hearing granted to the holder of such permit before the City Administrator, after five (5) days notice to said permit holder setting forth the grounds of complaint against him and stating the time and place where such hearing will be held. Upon revocation of any permit, such permit shall be surrendered forthwith to the City Administrator. The decision of the City Administrator shall be final and conclusive. (Ord. 50, § 6527; Ord. 69-66, § 2)

6529 Term of Permit.

Each permit approved by the City Manager shall be an annual permit and shall be automatically renewable by the City Manager if, in the opinion of the City Manager, said driver should receive a subsequent permit. A renewal fee of $25.00 shall be required for each renewal. (Ord. 50, § 6528; Ord. 69-66, § 2; Ord. 00-1199, § 6)

Division III. Operating Requirements
and Regulations

6530 Taximeters.

It shall be unlawful for any owner or driver to operate any taxicab in the City of Carson unless such vehicle is equipped with a taximeter of such type, style, and design as may be approved by the City Administrator of said City, and it shall be the duty of every owner operating a taxicab to keep such taximeter in perfect condition so that said taximeter will, at all times, correctly and accurately indicate the correct charge for the distance traveled and waiting time, and such taximeter shall be at all times subject to inspection by the Chief of Police of the City of Carson, and said Chief of Police is hereby authorized at his instance or upon complaint of any person to investigate or cause to be investigated such taximeter, and upon the discovery of any inaccuracy in said meter, to remove or cause to be removed such vehicle equipped with such taximeter from the streets of the City of Carson until such time as said taximeter shall have been correctly adjusted. (Ord. 50, § 6530)

6531 Registration of Fares.

Every taximeter shall register the charge to the nearest $0.10 and be equipped with a flag or other mechanical device with the words “For Hire” printed or stamped thereon, and said flag shall be so attached and connected to the mechanism of said taximeter as to cause said mechanism to operate when said flag is in a position other than upright and indicate that the taxicab is not for hire, and which said flag shall, when moved forward or downward, start the operation of said taximeter so that the same will operate in the manner defined herein. (Ord. 50, § 6531)

6532 Unlawful Display of Flag.

It shall be unlawful for any driver of a taxicab while carrying passengers to display the flag or device attached to such taximeter in such a position as to denote that such vehicle is for hire, or is not employed, or to have such flag or other attached device in such a position as to prevent said taximeter from operating, and it will be unlawful for any driver to throw such flag or other device of a taximeter into a position which causes said taximeter to record when such vehicle is not actually employed or fail to throw said flag or other device on such taximeter into a nonrecording position at the termination of each and every service. (Ord. 50, § 6532)

6533 Charges Based on Taximeters.

The charges for transportation of passengers in taxicabs operated in the City of Carson must be based on the charges indicated on said taximeters and it shall be unlawful for any owner, driver, or operator of any taxicab to charge any passenger or passengers any sum in excess of the sum indicated on said taximeter. (Ord. 50, § 6533)

6534 Placement of Taximeter.

The taximeter must be placed in said taxicab so that the reading dial showing the amount to be charged shall be well-lighted and readily discernible by the passenger riding in such taxicab. (Ord. 50, § 6534)

6535 Posting Schedule of Fares.

There shall be displayed in the passenger compartment of each taxicab in full view of the passenger a card not less than four (4) inches by six (6) inches in size which shall have plainly printed thereon the name of the owner, or the fictitious name under which said owner operates, the business address and telephone number of said owner, and a correct schedule of the rates to be charged for conveyance in said vehicle, including rates for minimum flag drop, mileage and waiting time.

In addition thereto, such rates, including rates for minimum flag drop, mileage and waiting time shall be displayed on each side of the taxicab on the exterior of the front doors in letters not less than one-half inch in size in a color contrasting with the color of the taxicab. (Ord. 50, § 6535; Ord. 72-225, § 1)

6536 Rates.

It shall be unlawful for the owner or driver of any taxicab as defined in CMC 6500 to fix or charge or collect or receive a rate in excess of rates established and set from time to time by resolution of the City Council. (Ord. 50, § 6536)

6537 Acceptance of Personal Property – Prohibited.

It is unlawful for any driver of a taxicab, or other vehicle regulated hereby, to purchase, accept, receive, acquire, or to agree to purchase, accept, receive, or acquire any jewelry, watches, cameras, firearms, clothing, or any articles of personal property in payment of or as a pledge for the payment of any fares due and payable for conveyance in any taxicab or vehicle regulated hereby. (Ord. 50, § 6537)

6538 Direct Route of Travel.

Any driver employed to transport passengers to a definite point shall take the most direct route that will take the passengers to their destination safely and expeditiously. (Ord. 50, § 6538)

6539 Receipts.

If requested, every driver shall give a receipt upon payment of the correct fare. In case of dispute the matter shall be determined by the Watch Commander at the Sheriff’s Station. Failure to comply with such determination shall subject the offending party to a charge of misdemeanor. (Ord. 50, § 6539)

6540 Refusal to Pay Fare.

It shall be unlawful for any person to refuse to pay the lawful fare of any of the vehicles regulated by this Code after employing or hiring such vehicle, and any person who shall hire such vehicle with intent to defraud the person from whom it is hired shall be guilty of a misdemeanor. (Ord. 50, § 6540)

6541 Number of Passengers.

No driver of any taxicab shall accept, take into his vehicle or transport any larger number of passengers than the rated seated capacity of his vehicle. Rated capacity shall mean: three (3) passengers in the back seat and two (2) in the front seat of the taxicab unless the rated capacity of a taxicab is otherwise designated in writing by the Chief of Police. (Ord. 50, § 6541)

6542 Additional Passengers.

Whenever any taxicab is occupied by a passenger, or passengers, the driver shall not permit any other person to occupy, or ride, in said taxicab, except at the specific request of, and originating with, the original passenger or passengers. (Ord. 50, § 6542)

6543 Unattended Taxicabs.

It shall be unlawful for any taxicab to remain unattended at any place other than at a duly designated taxicab stand. It shall also be unlawful for any taxicab to remain unattended in a designated taxicab stand for a period of time longer than five (5) minutes, except when the Chief of Police grants, in his sole discretion upon written request a temporary waiver which would permit unattended parking in a stand for a longer period of time. (Ord. 50, § 6543)

6544 Deception of Passengers.

No driver shall deceive, or attempt to deceive any passengers who may ride in his taxicab as to his destination, or the rate of fare to be charged, or cause him to be conveyed to a place other than directed by him. (Ord. 50, § 6544)

6545 Manifests.

The driver of every taxicab shall keep a separate Manifest of every service rendered as such driver, which Manifest shall include the following information:

(a) Location where passengers entered vehicle.

(b) Time of entry.

(d) Number of passengers.

(e) Amount of fare collected.

The owner of every such taxicab shall keep said Manifests in his office files for a period of ninety (90) days after date of service rendered, and the same shall at all convenient times be open to examination by any authorized representative of the City Administrator. The falsifying of any Manifest by an owner or by a driver shall be grounds for revocation of the owner’s certificate. (Ord. 50, § 6545)

6546 Taxicab Driver to Accept Qualified Passengers.

It shall be the duty of the driver of every taxicab, occupied, to receive and carry on such taxicab all persons who apply for passage thereon along its route and tender the proper fare therefor, except persons who are intoxicated or are conducting themselves in a boisterous or disorderly manner. (Ord. 50, § 6546)

6547 Hiring of Taxicab.

The services of a taxicab operating pursuant to any Certificate granted under the provisions of this Code shall be available only upon telephone call, engagement of the taxicab when parked at a regular stand or when hailed from the street, sidewalk, or curb, but not otherwise. No taxicab driver, owner, or his agent shall solicit passengers. (Ord. 50, § 6547)

6548 Hours of Service.

The number of taxicabs authorized by a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity shall be based on twenty-four (24) hour service unless otherwise specified by the City Council. (Ord. 50, § 6548)

Division IV. Taxicab Specifications
and Equipment

6549 Replacement of Broken or Faulty Taximeter.

Taximeters placed upon taxicabs to replace broken or faulty meters shall under no conditions be operated more than twenty-four (24) hours prior to being inspected, tested, approved and sealed by an authorized representative of the City Administrator. (Ord. 50, § 6549)

6550 Conformance to Color Scheme.

All taxicabs must be and conform to the color scheme, insignia, or any other distinguishing characteristics approved by the City Council at the same time as the Certificate was approved. (Ord. 50, § 6550)

6551 Inspection of Taxicabs.

To insure continued maintenance of safe operating conditions, taxicabs, their equipment, and taximeters operating or used pursuant to this Section shall be inspected semi-annually at a garage or garages approved by the Chief of Police. The garage or garages shall after such semi-annual inspection issue a “Certificate of Safety” certifying that said vehicle, its equipment, and taximeter comply with the safety requirements of the Carson City Code. The cost of said inspections shall be paid by owner of said vehicle. (Ord. 50, § 6551)

6552 Authority of Police to Inspect Taxicabs.

The Chief of Police of Carson or any member of the Sheriff’s Department under his direction shall have the right, at any time after displaying proper identification, to enter into or upon any taxicab for the purpose of ascertaining whether or not any of the provisions set forth herein are being violated. (Ord. 50, § 6552)

6553 Unsafe or Unsuitable Taxicab.

Any taxicab which is found, in the opinion of the City Administrator or the Police Chief or their agents, after such inspection, to be unsafe or in any way unsuitable for taxicab service shall be immediately ordered out of service, and before again being placed in service owner shall obtain a “Certificate of Safety” for said vehicle. (Ord. 50, § 6553)

6554 Things Deemed to Make a Taxicab Unsafe or Unsuitable.

For the purposes of this Section the existence of the following named things, but not to the exclusion of other things, shall be deemed to make a taxicab unsafe or unsuitable for taxicab service:

1. Excessive leakage of oil, grease, gas or any other substances from any part of the taxicab.

2. The existence of any defects in the frame of the taxicab.

3. The failure of any movable parts of the car, including doors, windows, hoods, trunk, lights, etc., to function in the proper working order.

4. Failure to maintain the tires, lights, turning signals, or brakes in good and safe operating condition.

5. Failure to maintain the motor and other mechanical parts of the car in good and safe operating condition.

6. The failure to have an adequate exhaust system, that complies with State Law, properly installed and in good working condition.

7. The existence of large or excessive dents or scratches in the body of the taxicab.

8. Improper maintenance of the exterior paint, in the proper color scheme.

9. The existence of excessive wear and tear on the upholstery, floor mats and other parts of the interior of the taxicab.

10. Failure to have adequate interior lighting in proper working condition. (Ord. 50, § 6554)

6555 Cleaning of Interior.

The interior of every taxicab shall be thoroughly cleaned at least once in every twenty-four (24) hours. (Ord. 50, § 6555)

6556 Cleaning of Exterior.

The exterior of every taxicab shall be thoroughly cleaned at least once in every seven (7) days. (Ord. 50, § 6556)

Division V. Taxicab Stands

6557 Standing or Parking in Other than Designated Stands.

It shall be unlawful for the operator of any taxicab or vehicle for hire to stand or park the same upon any public street, other public place or on any private property within the City of Carson while awaiting employment except in spaces or stands set apart for that purpose; provided, however, that nothing contained herein shall prevent any taxicab or vehicle for hire from parking on private property if the owner of the private property gives permission in writing, and a copy of such written permission is filed with the City Administrator, provided further, that nothing contained herein shall prevent any taxicab or vehicle for hire from parking in spaces legally available for other passenger vehicles or on any private property when said taxicab or vehicle for hire is out of service and the driver is not soliciting. (Ord. 50, § 6557)

6558 Permits for Taxicab Stands.

Jurisdiction to issue permits for taxicab stands or places shall be vested in the City Council. All permits shall be revocable at the pleasure of the City Council and all applications therefor shall be referred to the City Traffic Engineer for his recommendation. The City Council shall not grant a taxicab stand permit without taking into consideration the need for such stand by the applicant and the convenience of the general public and shall not grant such stand where it would tend to create a traffic hazard. Such permits shall not be transferable. (Ord. 50, § 6558)

6559 Permit License Fee.

For each permit for a taxicab stand or parking space or place upon any public street or other public place, the owner of the taxicab company using said space shall pay to the City of Carson an annual fee of $5.00. (Ord. 50, § 6559)

6560 Parking Other Vehicles in Taxicab Stands.

It shall be unlawful for the operator of any other vehicle to park in a taxicab, or vehicle for hire, space or stand. (Ord. 50, § 6560)

Division VI. Enforcement and Penalties

6561 Enforcing Official.

The Police Chief or his agents of the City of Carson is hereby given the authority and is instructed to watch and observe the conduct of holders and drivers operating under this Chapter. Upon discovering a violation of any section of this Code, the Police Chief or his agents shall report same to the City Administrator and initiate appropriate action. (Ord. 50, § 6561; Ord. 69-66, § 2)

6562 Additional Rules and Regulations.

The City Administrator may in his discretion promulgate any rules or regulations pertaining to the operation of taxicabs not inconsistent with this Chapter. (Ord. 50, § 6562)