Chapter 5.03
FOR-HIRE (TAXI) AND LIMOUSINE DRIVERS
Sections:
5.03.020 Driver and operator license—Required.
5.03.010 Definitions.
A. “Driver” and “operator” mean the person physically engaged in driving a for-hire or limousine vehicle, whether or not the person is the owner of or has any financial interest in the vehicle.
B. “For-hire vehicle” includes all vehicles used for the transportation of passengers for compensation, except auto stages, buses, limousines, and ride share vehicles. The term primarily includes taxicabs.
C. “Limousine” means a vehicle operated at a contracted cost per hour or trip, and used for the transportation of passengers who have prearranged for their transportation through the business office of the limousine carrier business.
D. Operator. See “Driver.” (Ord. 691 § 3, 2020; Ord. 518 § 2 (part), 2004. Recodified in part from 5.02.010)
5.03.020 Driver and operator license—Required.
No person may drive or operate a for-hire vehicle, including limousines, within the city without first obtaining a license therefor from the city.
A. Each applicant for a for-hire and/or limousine driver license must:
1. Submit to fingerprinting by the Rainier police department; or by such other contracted police department as the city may utilize for that purpose;
2. File with the application three recent photographs of the applicant of a size designated by the clerk-treasurer, which may be easily attached to the license. One such photograph will be attached to the license when issued; another will be filed with the police department; and the third will accompany the application;
3. Be at least eighteen (18) years of age;
4. Have no physical or mental infirmity which jeopardizes or impairs the ability to operate a for-hire vehicle;
5. Have a valid Washington State driver license;
6. Not have been convicted of a felony, or of operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs or of being in actual physical control of a motor vehicle while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs, or of reckless driving or negligent driving, or of vehicular homicide or vehicular assault, within five years preceding the date of application for a license;
7. Not have been convicted of three or more moving violations during any one-year period within the five years preceding the date of the application for a license.
B. The application and license fee must be submitted to the clerk-treasurer, on a form supplied by the clerk-treasurer. A renewal application must be made in the same manner as the submittal of the fee and other information and items required for the initial application, including photographs. (Ord. 691 § 3, 2020; Ord. 518 § 2 (part), 2004. Formerly 5.02.030)