(a) Licensees are required to equip all their taxicabs, while the vehicles are operating as a taxicab, with at least one of the following safety features or combination of safety features, all of which must be in compliance with specifications set forth in rules promulgated by the commissioner:
(1) A safety shield device capable of completely separating the driver's seat from the rear passenger compartment; or
(2) A mounted camera unit that will take a visual record or photograph(s) of the passenger(s); or
(3) Such other system that the commissioner determines by rule which provides at least as much protection as the systems described above.
The specifications of the safety system that the commissioner promulgates by rules pursuant to this section shall be designed to maximize chauffeur and passenger safety in light of current technology and reasonable economic concerns.
(b) The equipment required by this section shall be maintained in good working order at all times. The license of any licensee who violates this section shall be subject to immediate suspension until the licensee demonstrates compliance with this section.
(c) The requirements of this section do not apply to an owner-operator.
(Added Coun. J. 1-18-12, p. 19118, § 1)