(A) Any person operating a taxi company, operating as a taxi driver, or operating a vehicle as a taxi without a current license, in violation of § 113.06 or this section, shall be fined $500 for the violation. Any person violating any other provisions of this section shall be fined not more than $100 per violation. Each day that a violation is permitted to exist shall constitute a separate violation.
(B) Any fines issued for a violation of this section’s provisions must be paid before a driver’s license, taxicab license, or company license may be issued or renewed. If the person or entity receiving a fine does not pay the fine within ten days after it is issued, the person or entity shall be required to pay a late fee in the amount of $50.
(C) If the driver of a taxicab operates the taxicab in an unsafe manner or condition or fails to produce a valid driver’s license or taxicab license issued pursuant to this section at the request of any member of the Police Department, Department of Code Enforcement, or an officer commissioned to issue ordinance violation citations the vehicle shall be impounded.
(D) Before a person may recover possession of the impounded vehicle, the person shall provide proof that the person is the title holder or lessor of the vehicle and proof of a vehicle license and taxi driver’s license for the driver from whom the vehicle was impounded. The owner or lessor shall also pay all outstanding fines and all costs incurred in the impoundment and storage of the vehicle before the vehicle is returned to the owner or lessor. A vehicle impounded because it was operated by an unlicensed driver may be returned to the owner or lessor without proof of the driver obtaining a license only if the holder of the company license first shows proof to the city that the driver is not or is no longer employed or authorized by the company to drive a taxicab for the company.
(Ord. 24-2016, passed 11-21-16)