No license shall be issued for a taxicab unless it shall comply with the following rules and regulations.
(A) Generally. Owners of taxicabs shall be responsible for the interior and exterior appearance and cleanliness and the safe mechanical condition of each vehicle licensed by the city. All vehicles must satisfy any and all federal and state laws, codes and regulations.
(B) Dome light. Every taxicab shall be equipped with an interior dome light of sufficient candlepower to illuminate the entire interior.
(C) Name and number of cab. No license shall be issued for any taxicab unless the name of the owner operating the taxicab and the number of the cab shall be painted in letters at least 2 inches in height on both sides of the taxicab and is equipped with a top (roof) light.
(D) License. No taxicab license shall be issued for a vehicle which is older than 8 years (2,920 days) immediately prior to the issuing of the license. The age of the vehicle shall be determined by the model year shown on its certificate of registration legally required at the time of license issuance. (Example: A 1990 vehicle has a permitted use until 12/31/1998).
(E) Taximeter. No taxicab license shall be issued for any vehicle unless the vehicle shall have affixed thereto a taximeter of standard size and design. The taximeter shall be illuminated by a suitable light or arranged so as to throw a continuous steady light on the face of the dial thereof which shall be visible to the passenger. The case of the taximeter shall be sealed and its cover and gear must be intact and in proper working order at all times.
(F) The Lake County Sealer of Weights and Measures shall inspect all vehicles to be licensed and shall verify to the City Controller that each vehicle to be licensed has met all requirements of this section before the license for any vehicle is issued.
(G) Owners of taxicabs which are licensed by the city are required to provide taxicab service 24 hours per day, 7 days per week and 52 weeks per year to the residents of and callers within the city.
(Prior Code, § 125.21) (Ord. 3316, passed 2-27-1961; Am. Ord. 3997, passed 6-10-1974; Am. Ord. 7644, passed 12-20-1993; Am. Ord. 7882, passed 6-10-1996; Am. Ord. 8637, passed 12-14-2004)