In addition to the other regulatory provisions of this code, and the regulatory provisions of section 7-4-213 of this chapter, the following restrictions and prohibitions are specifically applicable to taxis:
A. No taxicab shall stand in a taxicab zone or taxicab stand unless the vehicle both: 1) is authorized by a franchise pursuant to this code; and 2) has been issued a public transportation vehicle permit pursuant to this code. More than one taxicab from each franchisee may simultaneously stand in a queue in any designated taxicab zone or taxicab stand unless one or more taxicabs from a franchisee or franchisees which are unrepresented in the taxicab zone or taxicab stand approach to park at the taxicab zone or taxicab stand. In such event, the taxicab which is standing last in the queue in the taxicab zone or taxicab stand and which is represented by the same franchisee shall relinquish its space to the taxicab which is not represented in the taxicab zone or taxicab stand. Every driver shall remain inside their cab while waiting at a taxicab zone or taxicab stand.
B. Every taxicab shall be identified by marking on both sides of the vehicle the name and telephone number of the taxi company, and a number designating the specific taxicab; and with the number designating the specific taxicab also placed on the rear of the vehicle. The numbering method shall be approved by the city and shall allow easy determination that the taxicab is one permitted for operation in Beverly Hills. Lettering shall be not less than two and one-fourth inches (21/4") in height and not less than five-sixteenths inch (5/16") in stroke.
C. No sign shall be displayed upon any taxicab; except a sign identifying the vehicle as a taxi may be displayed on the top of such vehicles, and provided that such sign does not exceed six inches (6") high and twenty four inches (24") in length.
D. Every taxi driver while transporting any passenger to a destination shall proceed with the most direct route which will deliver the passenger safely and expeditiously to the destination.
E. Any person engaging a taxicab shall have the full and exclusive use of such vehicle, and the taxi driver shall not solicit or carry any additional passenger without the consent of the person first engaging the taxi.
F. Taxi passengers shall be seated in the rear seat of the taxi, except when the rear seat of the taxicab is fully occupied, or except for student drivers, supervisors, or aged, infirm, or handicapped persons who cannot readily enter the rear compartment of the taxicab.
G. Each taxicab shall be equipped with a computer dispatch system capable of two-way voice communication and two-way data communication with the franchisee base computer dispatch system, from all locations within the city limits. Every driver of a taxicab shall monitor the computer dispatch system at all times, and the computer dispatch system shall be in operation at all times that the vehicle is in service.
H. Each taxicab shall be equipped with a taximeter which shall at all times accurately reflect the taxi service charges. Taximeters shall be of a type and design approved by the city. Taximeters shall be illuminated with charges readily discernible by any passenger in the taxicab. Where the approved taximeter is capable of a setting to rates other than approved by the city, the taximeter shall by sign, or other device clearly indicate when the rates authorized by this chapter are being charged when operating within the city.
I. The documents required by subsection 7-4-213A of this chapter shall be displayed in each taxicab, by placing in a holder permanently affixed to the dash of the vehicle, and in full view of passengers. A taxicab service evaluation notice, identifying the telephone number to contact in the event of passenger complaint or comment, in the form required by the city, shall be conspicuously displayed in the taxicab vehicle. Additional passenger notices shall be displayed as requested by the city.
J. No vehicle shall be issued a public transportation vehicle permit for taxicab use where such vehicle is in excess of five (5) years of age from its model year unless such vehicle passes a special inspection by a mechanic selected by the city and not affiliated with the taxicab operator before the end of the vehicle's fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth and ninth years, as applicable, and obtains a certificate certifying that the vehicle meets the city's standards for mechanical condition, appearance, and passenger comfort. This special vehicle inspection shall be in addition to the inspections required by subsection 7-4-202D and section 7-4-216 of this chapter and shall be based upon standards established by the city. Notwithstanding any previously issued public transportation vehicle permits, taxicab vehicles shall be removed from service by midnight on December 31 at the conclusion of the vehicle's eighth model year; provided, however, vehicles that are wheelchair accessible under ADA standards may remain in operation until twelve o'clock (12:00) midnight on December 31 at the conclusion of the vehicle's tenth model year.
K. Any vehicle operated as a taxi shall be equipped with functioning air conditioning.
L. No taxicab shall be operated without a distinctive name, monogram, uniform color scheme or other identification which designates the company responsible for the taxicab and which has been approved by the city. No name, monogram, color scheme, or identification shall be in conflict with or imitate those used by another taxicab company in the city or any jurisdiction within five (5) miles of the city limits in such a manner as to be misleading or to tend to confuse or defraud the public, as determined solely by the city. Once an identifying name, monogram, color scheme or other identification has been approved by the city, no change will be required based on adoption of a similar name, monogram, color scheme or other identification by a company operating in another jurisdiction.
M. Each taxicab operated under a franchise shall be identified as a city of Beverly Hills authorized taxicab by decals or other suitable means as specified by the city. Identifying decals shall be provided by the city for such purpose upon payment of the fee specified in section 7-4-202 of this chapter. No person shall identify any vehicle by means of a city of Beverly Hills decal or facsimile thereof unless authorized to do so by the city.
N. Each taxicab shall be equipped with a terminal facing the back seat that provides passengers the ability to pay for any trip using a credit or debit card, without providing prior notice of their intent to do so, without assistance from the driver. The amount charged shall be the amount displayed on the taximeter plus any tip amount, or no tip, as chosen by the passenger.
O. Smoking is forbidden in taxicabs at all times. "Smoking" has the same meaning as defined in title 5, chapter 4 of this code.
P. A taxicab driver shall not refuse to transport any person except for the following reasons: 1) the driver has already been dispatched on another call; 2) the passenger is acting in a disorderly or threatening manner, or otherwise causes the driver to reasonably believe that his/her health or safety, or that of others, may be endangered; 3) the passenger requires the use of a litter or stretcher; or 4) the passenger indicates inability to pay fare. A driver shall not refuse a request for service because of the driver's position in line at a taxicab zone or taxicab stand; a passenger may select any cab in line.
Q. The transportation official shall promulgate rules defining the requirements for taxi drivers to assist passengers, including passengers with disabilities. Violations of such rules shall be considered a violation of this code. (Ord. 15-O-2671, eff. 2-6-2015)