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*Note--Repealed and reenacted by Ord. No. 3209 (N.S.), effective 7-17-68; amended by Ord. No. 3377 (N.S.), effective 6-30-69; repealed and reenacted by Ord. No. 3905 (N.S.), effective 7-20-72.
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The following definitions shall apply to this chapter:
(a) "Medallion" means the pre-numbered decal placed on a taxicab by the Issuing Officer annually, signifying that the "taxicab operator" is authorized to operate the vehicle as a taxicab in the unincorporated areas of the County.
(b) "Posted rate" means the rate the operator has registered with the Issuing Officer for transporting passengers and which is posted in the taxicab. The "posted rate" includes flat rate fares and the fares at which the taximeter has been calibrated and inspected by the Sealer of Weights and Measures.
(c) "Taxicab" means a motor vehicle as the term is defined by the California Vehicle Code, used for transportation of passengers for hire, equipped with a taximeter. A taxicab shall be a vehicle designed to transport no more than eight passengers, excluding the driver.
(d) "Taxicab driver" means any person who drives or controls the movements of a taxicab.
(e) "Taxicab driver's identification card" means the annual license issued to a taxicab driver under this chapter authorizing the driver to operate a taxicab in the unincorporated area of the County.
(f) "Taxicab operator" means a person engaged in the taxicab business.
(g) "Taxicab operator's license" means the annual license issued by the Issuing Officer authorizing a taxicab operator to pick up passengers in the unincorporated areas of San Diego County.
(h) "Taxicab permit" means the annual permit issued by the Issuing Officer to a taxicab operator for each taxicab that has satisfactorily passed inspection.
(i) "Taxicab stand" means an area designated by the County Road Commissioner for the exclusive use by taxicabs to load or unload passengers or to park or stand while waiting for employment by passengers.
(j) "Taximeter" means a device on the inside of a taxicab that is calibrated to calculate the fare earned by the taxicab operator for transporting passengers.
(Amended by Ord. No. 4738 (N.S.), effective 9-9-76; amended by Ord. No. 5307 (N.S.), effective 12-21-78; amended by Ord. No. 5931 (N.S.), effective 11-18-80; Ord. No. 5938 (N.S.), adopted 11-25-80, effective 12-25-80, supersedes Ord. No. 5931; amended by Ord. No. 7309 (N.S.), effective 7-2-87; amended by Ord. No. 7428 (N.S.), effective 2-4-88; amended by Ord. No. 9889 (N.S.), effective 10-26-07; amended by Ord. No. 10312 (N.S.), effective 2-6-14)
The taxicab operator's license is governed by sections 21.101 to 21.117 and any additional conditions in this chapter. In addition to the grounds for denying a new or renewal license provided in sections 21.108 and 21.109 respectively, the Issuing Officer may deny a new or renewal taxicab operator's license if the applicant does not have the insurance coverage required by this chapter. The Sheriff shall be the Issuing Officer for licenses under this section and for taxicab driver's identification cards required by section 21.307.
(Amended by Ord. No. 5307 (N.S.), effective 12-21-78; amended by Ord. No. 5931 (N.S.), effective 11-18-80; Ord. No. 5938 (N.S.), adopted 11-25-80, effective 12-25-80, supersedes Ord. No. 5931; amended by Ord. No. 7309 (N.S.), effective 7-2-87; amended by Ord. No. 9889 (N.S.), effective 10-26-07; amended by Ord. No. 10312 (N.S.), effective 2-6-14)
In addition to the reasons in section 21.112 for revoking or suspending a taxicab operator's license the Issuing Officer may revoke or suspend the license if the operator, his agents, or employees are responsible for any of the following:
(a) Charging or demanding a passenger pay a fare exceeding the posted rate.
(b) Driving or controlling the movements of a taxicab without a valid driver's identification card issued pursuant to this code.
(c) Allowing a person to drive or control the movements of a taxicab without a valid driver's identification card issued pursuant to this code.
(d) Operating or allowing another person to operate a taxicab without the insurance coverage required by this chapter.
(e) Operating or allowing another person to operate a taxicab that has not been issued a valid taxicab permit or a valid medallion by the Issuing Officer.
(f) Operating a taxicab without a current taximeter registration certificate issued by the Sealer of Weights and Measures or without the registration certificate in the vehicle.
(g) Violating any other provision of this code.
(Amended by Ord. No. 5200 (N.S.), effective 8-10-78; amended by Ord. No. 5307 (N.S.), effective 12-21-78; amended by Ord. No. 5931 (N.S.), effective 11-18-80; Ord. No. 5938 (N.S.), adopted 11-25-80, effective 12-25-80, supersedes Ord. No. 5931; amended by Ord. No. 7309 (N.S.), effective 7-2-87; amended by Ord. No. 8316 (N.S.), effective 11-25-93; amended by Ord. No. 9889 (N.S.), effective 10-26-07; amended by Ord. No. 10312 (N.S.), effective 2-6-14)
(a) It shall be unlawful for any taxicab operator to refuse a prospective or actual fare, take any action to actively discourage a prospective or actual fare or refuse to dispatch a driver:
(1) Based on any discriminatory means, including race, creed, color, age, sex, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or military status of any prospective passenger.
(2) Based upon the length of any trip if the trip is within the area normally serviced by the operator.
(b) A taxicab operator shall require taxicab drivers using the operator's taxicabs to maintain trip logs and turn them in at least once a week, as required by section 21.315(n). A taxicab operator shall maintain the trip logs for one year from the date they are turned in and shall have them available for inspection by the Issuing Officer.
(Amended by Ord. No. 5200 (N.S.), effective 8-10-78; amended by Ord. No. 5290 (N.S.), effective 11-30-78; amended by Ord. No. 5931 (N.S.), effective 11-18-80; Ord. No. 5938 (N.S.), adopted 11-25-80, effective 12-25-80, supersedes Ord. No. 5931; amended by Ord. No. 7309 (N.S.), effective 7-2-87; amended by Ord. No. 9889 (N.S.), effective 10-26-07; amended by Ord. No. 10312 (N.S.), effective 2-6-14)
(a) It shall be unlawful for a taxicab operator to operate a taxicab unless the taxicab has passed an initial inspection either by the Issuing Officer or another person approved by the Issuing Officer. The inspection may include but not be limited to the taxicab operating conditions listed in this chapter and any other conditions the Issuing Officer reasonably determines a taxicab must comply with to operate safely. If the taxicab passes the initial inspection the Issuing Officer shall issue a taxicab permit for one year.
(b) After passing the initial inspection a taxicab shall pass an annual inspection to satisfy the same conditions required by the initial inspection. It shall be unlawful for a taxicab operator to operate a taxicab that has not passed its annual inspection and been issued an annual permit.
(c) If the Issuing Officer is satisfied that a taxicab has passed an inspection required by this section the Issuing Officer shall issue an annual taxicab permit and affix a medallion on the vehicle authorizing the operator to place the taxicab in service for one year.
(d) It shall be unlawful for any person other than the Issuing Officer or his designee to place a medallion on or remove a medallion from a taxicab. It shall also be unlawful to tamper with or alter a medallion.
(e) The absence of a medallion on a taxicab that complies with paragraph (c) above shall be prima facie evidence in a proceeding to suspend or revoke a taxicab operator's license for operating a taxicab without a valid medallion.
(Amended by Ord. No. 5931 (N.S.), effective 11-18-80; Ord. No. 5938 (N.S.), adopted 11-25-80, effective 12-25-80, supersedes Ord. No. 5931; amended by Ord. No. 7309 (N.S.), effective 7-2-87; amended by Ord. No. 9889 (N.S.), effective 10-26-07; amended by Ord. No. 10312 (N.S.), effective 2-6-14)
(a) The taxicab operator shall not allow any taxicab to remain in service unless the vehicle meets all the minimum requirements to pass inspection contained in paragraph (b) below.
(b) The minimum requirements for the initial inspection and annual inspections that all taxicabs must meet are as follows:
(1) Hubcaps or wheel covers are on all wheels for which hubcaps or wheel covers are standard equipment.
(2) There are no tears or rust holes in the vehicle body and no loose pieces hanging from the vehicle body. Fenders, bumpers and light trim are securely fixed to the vehicle. No taxicab has extensive un-repaired body damage. The vehicle is equipped with front and rear bumpers. The exterior of the vehicle is in a reasonably clean condition so as not to obscure the company or owner's name on the vehicle and any number assigned to the vehicle.
(3) The vehicle is painted and marked in accordance with the color scheme approved by the Issuing Officer. Paint and markings are not faded or deteriorated in such a manner as to preclude immediate recognition of the approved color scheme, the company or owner's name and any number assigned to the vehicle.
(4) Headlights are operable on both high and low beam. Taillights, parking lights, signal lights, and interior lights are all operable.
(5) The vehicle is equipped with adequate windshield wipers maintained in good operating condition.
(6) All brake systems are operable.
(7) Excessive play in the steering mechanism does not exceed three inches free play in turning the steering wheel from side to side.
(8) The engine compartment is reasonably clean and free of uncontained combustible materials.
(9) Mufflers are in good operating condition.
(10) The windshield is without cracks or chips that could interfere with the driver's vision. All other windows are intact and able to be opened and closed as intended by the manufacturer. The windows and windshield are in a reasonably clean condition so as not to obstruct visibility.
(11) All door latches and door handles are operable from both the interior and exterior of the vehicle.
(12) The vehicle's suspension system does not sag because of weak or broken springs or excessive motion when the vehicle is in operation, due to weak or defective shock absorbers.
(13) All seats are securely fastened to the vehicle. Seat belts, when required by the California Vehicle Code, are installed. The upholstery is free of grease, holes, rips, torn seams and burns.
(14) The interior of each vehicle and the trunk or luggage area is in a reasonably clean condition, free of foreign matter, offensive odors and litter. The seats are reasonably clean and without large wear spots. The door handles and doors are intact and clean. The trunk or luggage area is empty except for a spare tire, a personal container for the driver not exceeding one cubic foot in volume and emergency equipment, to allow maximum space for passenger luggage and belongings.
(15) The tires comply with the California Vehicle Code.
(Amended by Ord. No. 5931 (N.S.), effective 11-18-80; Ord. No. 5938 (N.S.), adopted 11-25-80, effective 12-25-80, supersedes Ord. No. 5931; amended by Ord. No. 7309 (N.S.), effective 7-2-87; amended by Ord. No. 7428 (N.S.), effective 2-4-88; amended by Ord. No. 9889 (N.S.), effective 10-26-07; amended by Ord. No. 10312 (N.S.), effective 2-6-14)
(a) It shall be unlawful for any taxicab driver to pick up or discharge passengers in the unincorporated areas of the County of San Diego without first obtaining a taxicab driver's identification card from the Issuing Officer. The Issuing Officer may issue an applicant a temporary identification card for up to 90 days, while an investigation is pending.
(b) To be eligible for a taxicab driver's identification card a person must be at least 18 years of age, have a valid California vehicle operator's license, have successfully completed a drug screening test pursuant to Government Code section 53075.5(b)(3) and have obtained employment with at least one licensed taxicab operator. A taxicab driver may be employed by up to four licensed taxicab operators at one time, including being self-employed.
(1) The applicant has been convicted of an offense requiring the applicant to register as a sex offender under Penal Code section 290 and notwithstanding the time that has elapsed since the conviction the applicant presents a threat to the safety of passengers.
(2) The applicant has been convicted of an offense requiring registration for violation of the Uniform Controlled Substances Act pursuant to Health and Safety Code section 11590 and notwithstanding the time that has elapsed since the conviction the applicant presents a threat to the safety of passengers.
(3) The applicant has within five years of the date of the application been convicted of any of the following motor vehicle offenses: operating a motor vehicle under the influence of any alcoholic beverage or drug, or under the combined influence of any alcoholic beverage and drug, reckless driving, fleeing from a police officer or failing to fulfill the duty required after being involved in a motor vehicle accident involving property damage, injury or death.
(4) The applicant has within five years of the date of the application been convicted of assault or battery.
(5) The applicant addicted to any substance prohibited by the Uniform Controlled Substances Act (Health and Safety Code Section 11000 et seq.) unless the applicant is enrolled and successfully participating in a drug treatment program approved by the Court.
(6) The applicant within 12 months of the date of the application, has been convicted of, or held by any final administrative determination to have committed an act listed in section 21.315 below that would be grounds for suspending or revoking a taxicab driver's identification card.
(d) The Issuing Officer may also require an applicant to demonstrate that the applicant is knowledgeable about the provisions of this chapter, State and local traffic regulations and geography of the County, in order to qualify for the identification card.
(Amended by Ord. No. 4622 (N.S.), effective 1-15-76; amended by Ord. No. 4738 (N.S.), effective 9-9-76; amended by Ord. No. 5200 (N.S.), effective 8-10-78; amended by Ord. No. 5931 (N.S.), effective 11-18-80; Ord. No. 5938 (N.S.), adopted 11-25-80, effective 12-25-80, supersedes Ord. No. 5931; amended by Ord. No. 7309 (N.S.), effective 7-2-87; amended by Ord. No. 7428 (N.S.), effective 2-4-88; amended by Ord. No. 8784 (N.S.), effective 4-29-97; amended by Ord. No. 9599 (N.S.), effective 10-23-03; amended by Ord. No. 9889 (N.S.), effective 10-26-07; amended by Ord. No. 10312 (N.S.), effective 2-6-14)
State law reference(s)--Prohibited substances, Health and Safety Code, § 11000 et seq; offenses requiring registration, etc., Health and Safety Code, § 11590; approved programs, Welfare and Institutions Code, §§ 4351, 4352.
(a) A taxicab driver's identification card shall be valid for one calendar year from the date it is issued. If the Issuing Officer suspends the card, it shall not extend the one-year term.
(b) The identification card may be renewed within the 30 days prior to its expiration date by submitting a renewal application with the Issuing Officer.
(c) The identification card shall contain the taxicab driver's full name, date of birth, physical description, thumbprint, names of the companies he works for, expiration date and be laminated.
(d) A new laminated taxicab driver's identification card shall be issued each time a valid identification card must be replaced because it is lost, damaged or the driver changes employers between the date of issue and the date of expiration. The driver must pay the renewal fee as provided by section 21.1901 to cover the cost of the new card.
(Amended by Ord. No. 4622 (N.S.), effective 1-15-76; amended by Ord. No. 4729 (N.S.), effective 8-13-76; amended by Ord. No. 4738 (N.S.), effective 9-9-76; amended by Ord. No. 5737 (N.S.), effective 5-29-80; amended by Ord. No. 5931 (N.S.), effective 11-18-80; Ord. No. 5938 (N.S.), adopted 11-25-80, effective 12-25-80, supersedes Ord. No. 5931; amended by Ord. No. 7309 (N.S.), effective 7-2-87; amended by Ord. No. 7603 (N.S.), effective 4-13-89; amended by Ord. No. 8049 (N.S.), effective 5-7-92; amended by Ord. No. 9889 (N.S.), effective 10-26-07; amended by Ord. No. 10312 (N.S.), effective 2-6-14)
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