(A) The Taxicab Administrator shall have the authority to inspect vehicles according to the following provisions. For the purposes of this section, the term TAXICAB ADMINISTRATOR shall also include any designee of the Administrator.
(1) The Taxicab Administrator may inspect each taxicab before it is placed into service, annually thereafter, and at such other reasonable times as the Administrator determines necessary for compliance with this chapter.
(2) At all times when a taxicab is in service, it must be in compliance with all state safety inspection standards. The Taxicab Administrator may require inspections to be made and shall take any action necessary to determine compliance.
(3) If, upon inspection of a taxicab, the Taxicab Administrator determines that the vehicle does not meet the requirements of this chapter, the Administrator may order the vehicle to be taken out of service until the requirements are met and the vehicle is re-inspected and approved by the Administrator.
(4) If a taxicab operator-driver or a business that operates taxicabs, fails to make a taxicab available for inspection within 24 hours after being requested to do so, the Taxicab Administrator may order the taxicab removed from service until it is made available for inspection.
(5) All vehicle components and equipment shall operate properly and meet original manufacturer’s specifications. All replacement components and equipment shall also meet manufacturer’s original specifications. All taxicabs shall comply with the following requirements, each of which is subject to inspection by the Taxicab Administrator:
(a) Color scheme and logos (as required);
(b) Company name and phone number (not less than two inches) (as required);
(c) Vehicle number markings (not less than two inches) (as required);
(d) Vehicle exterior clean, polished and well-painted;
(e) Metal taxicab or commercial taxicab license plate;
(f) Current taxi rate information posted;
(g) Contact information for the Taxicab Administrator posted. A sign or notice approved by the Administrator containing the name, address and telephone number of the taxicab company, the vehicle number and the telephone number of the Administrator shall be placed in each vehicle in a place visible to all passengers to assist any passenger who wishes to file a complaint;
(h) Windshield wiper and defroster operable and adequate;
(i) Mirrors, rear and left side view free of cracks and defects;
(j) Windshield shall be clean and clear from both the outside and inside, free of cracks, chips, scratches or any other condition that reduces clarity of vision. All windows of the vehicle must have a light transmittance of 70% or more, with the exception of the uppermost six inches of the front windshield;
(k) Windows shall be intact and must open and close properly: no decals, posters or other materials on windows. Window gaskets shall not have any dry rot or leak;
(l) Taxicab windows shall not be equipped with shades, curtains, film or coatings to such extent that the occupants of the vehicle cannot be seen from the outside of the vehicle;
(m) Every taxicab shall be equipped with a meter of a size and design which properly and accurately computes and registers on its face the charge for distance traveled by and the waiting period of the taxicab. All meters shall be sealed. Taximeters must be approved by the Taxicab Administrator;
(n) A light shall be installed on the top of the taxicab that identifies same as a taxicab. Such light shall be illuminated at night. The Taxicab Administrator shall approve the size, shape and construction of such light;
(o) Heater and air conditioner operable. Heater must not produce smell of coolant in interior of vehicle. Air conditioner must cool interior air to 65°F at the vent face without using the interior air recycle feature;
(p) Headlights, tail lights, parking lights, turn signal lights, brake lights, back-up lights, license plate lights, side lights and emergency flashers operable. Must also be covered with undamaged lenses of appropriate type and color;
(q) Door handles and locks. All doors shall operate easily, shall close securely from both the outside and inside of the vehicle and shall be accessible to passengers. No devices that restrict the ability of a passenger from readily exiting the vehicle in an emergency are allowed;
(r) Braking system including emergency brake capable of holding vehicle on a 30-degree incline with gear selector in neutral;
(s) Tires, including spare (with tire jack and handle), properly inflated and having minimum tread depth of 2/32-inch and free of defects. Spare tire and jack shall be properly secured using manufacturer’s equipment in designated trunk area;
(t) Vehicle wheels properly aligned, matching hubcaps or wheel covers, wheel rims of uniform type, size and color. All shall have hubcaps attached unless the wheels are of a design which do not require hubcaps;
(u) Horn operable; loud, clear sound;
(v) Interior panels properly secured, free of tears and dirt;
(w) Interior lights and driver instrument displays (speedometer, odometer, gear selection indicator, seat belt warning light and engine warning system) operable;
(x) Floor covering. No metal showing, undamaged, clean rubber-backed floor mats;
(y) Headliner clean, completely attached to interior ceiling and along edges;
(z) Upholstery must be of a leather or other non-absorbent and washable material. Upholstered area must be clean with no tears;
(aa) Seats clean, unbroken and fastened securely, no exposed springs, wires or framework;
(bb) Seat belts for driver and each passenger position clean, accessible and operable;
(cc) Accelerator, brake, emergency brake and clutch pedals. Rubber pads in good condition, no exposed metal;
(dd) Trunk or luggage area. Floor covering, clean, free of offensive odors, litter and items or materials that could damage or stain the passenger’s baggage and shall be free of any flammable liquids or other hazardous materials. Trunk shall contain nothing except spare tire, tire jack and handle, emergency tools and child car seat. Spare tire and jack shall be secured in proper location using manufacturer’s equipment;
(ee) Bumpers, grills and body molding. No decals, bumper stickers or advertisements unless specifically approved by the Taxicab Administrator;
(ff) All bumpers and body moldings shall be in good condition and properly attached as when manufactured;
(gg) Vehicle body shall be free from dents, rust and holes which impair its safety or appearance. Unacceptable body defects (dents, creases, blemishes, ripples, rust or holes) which impair the appearance or serviceability of the vehicle include:
1. Exterior paint which is not uniform in color, does not completely cover the vehicle or is not in compliance with approved color scheme; and
2. Any body panel, trunk or hood misalignment;
(hh) Steering system. No excessive play in steering column or front wheel assemblies;
(ii) Suspension system meets manufacturer’s specifications, components provide steady ride without excessive bouncing;
(jj) Transmission. No slippage, proper function of each gear including the “park” position;
(kk) Exhaust system. No exhaust leaks, no missing support for tail pipe;
(ll) Two-way radio in good working order;
(mm) All taxicabs shall have a rigid roof and at least four doors; and
(nn) Gas cap for fuel fill.
(6) Violations that are determined to present a clear, substantial and imminent hazard to life, safety or property shall result in the taxicab being removed from service by the Taxicab Administrator until the requirements are met. These safety violations include, but are not limited to:
(a) Inoperable windshield wiper or defroster;
(b) Damaged or missing mirrors;
(c) Windshield with crack or defect;
(d) Inoperable door handles or locks;
(e) Inadequate brake or emergency brake;
(f) Inoperable headlight (low beam), tail light, turn signal light or brake light;
(g) Inoperable horn;
(h) Inoperable speedometer or gear selection indicator;
(i) Seats broken or not fastened securely;
(j) Inoperable or missing seat belts;
(k) Rubber pads worn to exposed metal from accelerator, brake, emergency brake or clutch pedals;
(l) Steering system defect;
(m) Suspension system defect;
(n) Inoperable two-way radio;
(o) Missing gas cap for fuel fill;
(p) Exhaust system leak; or
(q) Bumper damaged so that it reduces protection from low speed collisions.
(7) In the event that a provision of this section imposes a different standard or requirement, than does a state inspection standard or requirement, the provision imposing the more restrictive standard or requirement shall govern.