(A) Restricted. No person shall operate or cause to be operated for hire any vehicle, of whatever nature, drawn by animals for the purpose of conveying passengers or any other purpose within the limits of the city, except vehicles complying with the terms of this chapter.
(B) Route limitations. Before a horse-drawn vehicle is operated on any street within the city, the route must first be approved by the City Engineer of the city.
(C) Drivers. All drivers of horse-drawn vehicles shall meet the following minimum qualifications:
(1) Have a current motor vehicle operator’s license for the State of North Carolina;
(2) Be at least 21 years of age;
(3) Have good eyesight and not be subject to any infirmity of body or mind which might render him or her unfit for the safe operation of the vehicle;
(4) Not be addicted to drugs or intoxicating liquors; and
(5) Be able to operate a horse-drawn vehicle in a safe, prudent and humane manner.
(D) Driver responsibilities. Each driver of a horse-drawn vehicle shall, while on duty, do the following:
(1) Conduct himself or herself in a reasonable and prudent manner;
(2) Not consume alcoholic beverages or drugs while operating a horse-drawn vehicle and not be under the influence of alcoholic beverages or drugs in any amount while operating the horse-drawn vehicle;
(3) Not solicit passengers in a loud or annoying tone of voice and not obstruct the movement of any person or follow any person for the purpose of soliciting patrons;
(4) Not permit any unauthorized person to operate any horse-drawn vehicle under the driver’s control;
(5) Not permit persons to ride on the back of any horse under his or her control;
(6) Empty diapers of all excrement when half full and at least hourly, whichever occurs first. The disposal is to be made in a manner and at a site approved by the Animal Control Supervisor;
(7) Keep all routes and vehicle stands clean and free of animal excrement;
(8) Travel at a walk or at a pace not faster than a slow trot, except when traveling through intersections;
(9) Not leave any horse-drawn vehicle unattended at any time;
(10) Inspect the vehicle and its equipment at least once daily to determine that it is mechanically fit and in good working order;
(11) Keep the interior of the vehicle clean at all times;
(12) Report all accidents to the owner of the horse-drawn vehicle and to the Police Department immediately;
(13) Provide promptly a written receipt upon payment of fare at the request of the passenger;
(14) Search thoroughly the interior of the vehicle after termination of each trip for any article left or lost in the vehicle. Any such article which remains unclaimed shall be turned in to the Police Department within 24 hours;
(15) Be responsible for the proper and humane care and treatment of the horses under his or her direct supervision and control; and
(16) Display company name, phone number, rates and passenger capacity in plain view and ensure that the passenger(s) are aware of the rate before any trip begins.
(1971 Code, § 11-13-2)