(a) No person shall operate any public vehicle unless there is attached thereto a taximeter which is used in determining the fare to be charged, except automobiles for hire for which the hourly charge shall be made as hereinafter provided, and no person shall charge any other or different fare than is recorded in the reading face of the taximeter, except, however, that the hourly rate or special trip rate hereinafter described may be used.
(b) After sundown the face of every taximeter shall be illuminated by suitable lights, so as to throw a continuous steady light thereon. No person shall use, or permit to be used, or drive for hire, a taxicab equipped with a taximeter which shall be inaccurate by more than five percent to the prejudice of the passenger.
(c) No driver of a public vehicle equipped with a taximeter or other similar device, while carrying passengers or under employment, shall display the signal affixed to such taimeter in such a position as to denote that such vehicle is not employed, or in such a position as to denote that his or her vehicle is employed at a rate different from that to which the passenger or user is entitled under the provisions of this chapter.
(Ord. 10505. Passed 12-6-54.)