(a) Each taxicab shall be equipped with at least one (1) of the following:
(1) A safety partition meeting the requirements of division (b) to completely separate the driver from the passenger section of the taxicab, and power windows and door locks that can be operated by the driver; or
(2) A surveillance camera or cameras meeting the requirements of division (c); or
(3) A safe meeting the requirements of division (d).
The Commissioner shall inspect each taxicab for compliance with these requirements as part of the vehicle inspections conducted pursuant to Section 443.05.
(b) All safety partitions installed in taxicabs shall meet the following design standards, and such additional requirements as may be established by regulation:
(1) The partition shall be constructed of a bullet-resistant material;
(2) The partition shall be designed to prevent a person in the passenger compartment from reaching the driver;
(3) The partition shall be designed to afford the driver safe rearview vision;
(4) The design of the partition shall allow for ventilation and heat to the passenger compartment of the vehicle;
(5) The partition shall be designed to enable the driver to collect payment without leaving the vehicle, by use of a change slot, sliding partition, or similar means;
(6) The partition shall not contain any sharp edges or sharp points that may injure the driver or passengers.
(c) All surveillance cameras installed in taxicabs shall be suitable in design and placement to record the actions of the driver and passengers and, without limiting the scope of this requirement, suitable in design and placement to record acts or attempted acts of violence or criminal conduct. The camera(s) shall meet such additional requirements as may be established by regulation.
(d) All safes installed in taxicabs shall be suitable in design to provide a taxicab driver with the ability to deposit money in a safe that may not be removed from the taxicab and may only be opened under limited circumstances so as to protect the driver of the taxicab. The safe shall meet any additional requirements that may be established by regulation. Each taxicab driver with a safe shall possess no more than ten dollars ($10.00) in cash and a sign shall be posted conspicuously stating, "Driver carries no more than $10.00 in cash." Such sign shall be legible from the interior and exterior of the taxicab.
(e) Equipment necessary to enable the driver to accept and process credit and debit card payments for all fares and charges due.
(f) No taxicab company, association or independent operator shall increase its drivers' lease rates for the cost of compliance with this section. Any increase in drivers' expenses that may otherwise be allowable under Section 443.261 may not be implemented unless the taxicab company, association or independent operator first certifies to the Commissioner by affidavit that the costs of compliance with this section will not be borne by the taxicab drivers. The Commissioner may require the taxicab company, association or independent operator to produce books and records to demonstrate compliance with this division.
(g) The Commissioner of Assessments and Licenses is hereby authorized to issue such rules and regulations, not inconsistent with the provisions of this chapter, as the Commissioner deems necessary to carry out the provisions of this section, including equipment specifications, card payment processing rules, and regulations related to credit card surcharges. Such rules and regulations shall become effective ten (10) days after their publication in the City Record.
(Ord. No. 598-13. Passed 5-20-13, eff. 5-23-13)