(a) It is unlawful for any person to operate a motor vehicle, or for the registered owner thereof to permit it to be operated, for the transportation of passengers for hire within the city unless it is licensed by the city as a taxicab pursuant to this chapter, or as a public passenger vehicle pursuant to Chapter 9-114, or used to provide a transportation network service pursuant to Chapter 9-115.
(b) Subject to the conditions and limitations of this chapter, the city grants exclusive permission and authority to the licensees hereunder to operate the taxicab vehicles licensed hereunder unless rescinded, terminated, or revoked as hereinafter provided.
(c) It shall be unlawful for any taxicab or public passenger vehicle not licensed as such by the city to solicit or accept business within the corporate boundaries of the City of Chicago, except where the passengers have as their destination the community in which such vehicle is licensed and then only when such transportation has been arranged in advance.
(d) A taxicab licensed by another jurisdiction may come into the city to discharge passengers whose trip originated outside of the city. While the vehicle is in the city no roof light or other special light shall be used to indicate that the vehicle is vacant or subject to hire, and a white card printed in black letters, or a digital sign, bearing the words "Not For Hire" with text size not less than two inches in height shall be displayed at the windshield of the vehicle.
(e) Any person who solicits or transports passengers for hire, and the registered owner of any motor vehicle who permits such solicitation and transportation, in violation of this chapter, are subject to fines, vehicle impoundment, and other applicable penalties.
(Added Coun. J. 1-18-12, p. 19118, § 1; Amend Coun. J. 6-6-12, p. 28356, § 15; Amend Coun. J. 5-28-14, p. 82771, § 4)