(a) Each licensee must notify the Department in writing at least 3 business days before placing a taxicab in service.
(b) Each licensee must place a taxicab in service within 90 days after a license is approved for issuance. Issuance of the license take effect when the vehicle is placed in service; if the vehicle is not actually placed in service, the license has not been issued. The Director may extend the time to place a taxicab in service for no more than 90 additional days:
(1) to allow a vehicle to be retrofitted for use as an accessible taxicab; or
(2) in the case of a fleet, to allow the fleet to buy the taxicab and prepare it to be placed in service;
The Director must not otherwise waive or extend this requirement.
(c) Each licensee must notify the Department at least 3 business days before removing a taxicab permanently from service, whether the owner junks the vehicle, sells it, or transfers its title.
(d) Each licensee must notify the Department if a vehicle’s license plates have been stolen or its registration or license has been suspended or revoked. Any vehicle without a valid registration or with expired, revoked or suspended license plates must not be used to provide taxicab service.
(e) When a taxicab is permanently out of service, the licensee must return the license to the Department and must remove the meter, cruising lights, and any other marking or sign that identifies the vehicle as a taxicab.
(f) Each licensee must receive the Department’s approval before taking a taxicab out of service for a period longer than 30 days. The licensee must explain why the taxicab is out of service and list its license number, assigned vehicle number, and registration numbers. If the Department finds that the licensee has good cause, as defined by applicable regulations, to take the taxicab out of service, the Department may approve that action. If the Department rejects the application, the licensee must promptly reinstate the taxicab in service or return the license.
(g) Any vehicle placed in service as a taxicab must not be more than five model years old. (2004 L.M.C., ch. 27, § 1; 2015 L.M.C., ch. 39, § 1.)