The following rules and regulations shall be observed by all persons operating taxicabs or automobiles for hire, and it shall be unlawful to operate such taxicabs or vehicles for hire in violation of any of the following rules:
A. Identification: Any person operating a taxicab must have in plain view within the vehicle, picture identification including his/her name, permit number, description, etc.
B. Stop At Railroad Crossings: All taxicabs and vehicles for hire shall, while carrying passengers, come to a full stop within thirty feet (30') of the nearest rail before crossing any railroad tracks where no gates are maintained.
C. Vehicles Left Standing: No vehicle for hire or taxicab shall remain standing upon any portion of any public street except for loading and unloading passengers, and then not for a period of more than five (5) minutes, except at such stand as may be described in the application for license and designated by the City Council. The provisions of the subsection shall not apply to any vehicle for hire or taxicab while the same is engaged by or being paid for by a passenger or while a licensed operator is seated at the vehicle's seat in the taxicab or vehicle for hire awaiting engagement by a passenger.
D. Exclusive Right To Full Use: No operator or owner of any vehicle for hire or taxicab shall solicit, take or carry any passengers after such vehicle shall have been engaged or while in use for another passenger, without the consent of the passenger first engaging the same having been first obtained. A passenger engaging such vehicle shall have the exclusive right to full and free use of the passenger compartment and the whole thereof if he/she desires the same. The operator of any taxicab, shall carry any passenger engaging the same safely and expeditiously to his/her destination by the most direct and accessible route.
E. Inspection Required: All vehicles affected by this Chapter shall be maintained in good working order and must be inspected by the Chief of Police or his/her deputy each month. (Ord. 272, 1970)
F. Age Requirement: No taxicab or vehicle for hire shall be operated by any person under the age of twenty one (21) years or by any person who does not have a valid driver's license as prescribed by the California State Motor Vehicle Code or by any person under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs or by any person who is for any reason whatsoever unable or incompetent to safely handle such vehicle. (Ord. 272, 1970; 1996 Code)
G. Unfair Competition Or Fraud: No owner or operator of any vehicle for hire or taxicab shall indulge in unfair competition with competitors or shall commit any fraud upon the public or upon persons engaged in the same business, and the City Council shall be the sole judge as to what constitutes fraud or unfair competition pursuant to the provisions of this subsection. Any complaint or violation of the provisions of this subsection shall be heard upon written complaint specifying the act complained of and sworn to by the complainant before a notary public or other officer authorized to administer oaths.
H. Schedule Of Rates: A taxicab shall have posted in the passenger's compartment a schedule of rates for the hire of such vehicle.
I. Charge In Excess Of Rates: No charge shall be made by any operator or owner of a taxicab or vehicle for hire in excess of the rates posted in the passenger compartment of such vehicle and approved by the City Council.
J. Condition Of Vehicle: No vehicle for hire shall be operated unless the passenger compartment shall be kept clean and in a sanitary condition. (Ord. 272, 1970)
K. Vehicle And Driver Requirements:
1. Every automobile for hire, dial-a-ride vehicle, jitney or taxicab shall be maintained in a safe, neat, clean and sanitary condition.
2. Every automobile for hire, dial-a-ride vehicle, jitney or taxicab shall be equipped with an air conditioning unit. These air conditioning units are to be in good working condition at all times.
3. The driver of all such vehicles shall be courteous and clean of body and wearing apparel.
4. Smoking by drivers or passengers in any such vehicle while same is available for, or actually hired for use, shall be prohibited.
5. All vehicle for hire operations shall have handicapped accessible vehicles as required by Federal law as it now exists or may hereafter be amended. (1996 Code)