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(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)
At least once a month every taxicab operator shall notify the Issuing Officer in writing of the name and driver's identification card number of each taxicab driver who has left the taxicab operator's employment or is no longer driving for his or her company.
(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) Has a driving record showing a violation point count as provided by California Vehicle Code sections 12810 and 12810.5,
(b) Alters, tampers with or duplicates a taxicab driver's identification card,
(c) Displays or causes to be displayed or has in his possession any taxicab driver's identification card of the type described in paragraph (b) above,
(d) Fails to comply with section 21.315 of this chapter or any other section of this chapter that regulates the conduct of taxicab drivers,
(e) Has his California driver's license suspended or revoked,
(f) Has his taxicab driver's privileges suspended or revoked by any other jurisdiction in San Diego County that regulates taxicab drivers in its jurisdiction, or
(g) Fails to promptly obey all lawful orders or instructions of any peace officer, fire department official or regulating official.
(Amended by Ord. No. 4313 (N.S.), effective 6-20-74; 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. 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. 7882 (N.S.), effective 5-2-91; 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 person to operate a taxicab business within the unincorporated areas of the County unless the person has in effect insurance coverage issued by a company authorized to transact insurance business in the State of California with coverage amounts that meet the requirements of paragraph (b) below. The insurance coverage required by this section shall insure the public against any loss or damage that may result to any person or property from the operation of all taxicabs used by the operator in the operator's business. A taxicab operator shall furnish the Issuing Officer with a certificate of insurance coverage as a prerequisite to obtaining a taxicab operator's license. The certificate shall provide that the insurer will notify the Issuing Officer in writing of any policy cancellation and the notice shall be sent to the Issuing Officer by registered mail at least 30 days prior to cancellation of the policy. The certificate shall also state:
(1) The full name of the insurer;
(2) The name and address of the insured;
(3) The insurance policy number;
(4) The type and limits of coverage;
(5) The specific vehicle(s) insured;
(6) The effective dates of the certificate; and
(7) The certificate issue date.
(b) The insurance shall provide coverage for each taxicab in an amount not less than $350,000 per occurrence, combined single limit for bodily injury and property damage.
(c) In addition to the requirements in subsection (a) of this section, insurer must also meet the following criteria:
(1) Admitted in California by the California Department of Insurance
(2) Insurers must have an A.M. Best Company Financial strength rating of A- (excellent), or better.
(3) All companies must have a financial size category of not less than VII (seven -$50- $100 million), or similar Standard and Poors rating.
(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. 10134 (N.S.), effective 4-14-11; amended by Ord. No. 10312 (N.S.), effective 2-6-14; amended by Ord. No. 10540 (N.S.), effective 7-19-18)
(a) Each taxicab operator shall have his taxicab(s) painted a distinctive color or colors approved by the Issuing Officer and shall have permanently affixed to each taxicab the operator's name or the name under which the operator does business. If the operator has more than one taxicab, each taxicab shall be numbered. The color scheme of a taxicab may not be changed without the prior written permission of Issuing Officer.
(b) It shall be unlawful for any person to knowingly modify or alter any taxicab with the intent to deceive the public as to the taxicab operator's identity or to conceal the fact that a vehicle is a taxicab.
(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) A taxicab operator shall file with the operator's license application a statement of the "posted rate" the operator charges to transport passengers. The "posted rate" shall apply to all taxicabs operated under the taxicab operator's license. Posted rates shall be in effect for not less than three months. The operator shall file a rate amendment with the Issuing Officer at least 14 days before any new "posted rate" is to take effect.
(b) The operator shall prominently post the rate schedule on the interior of both rear doors of all taxicabs in letters at least one inch high. The rates shall be in dollars and cents and shall be broken down as follows:
(1) Flag drop rate
(2) Travel charge rate
(3) Time charge rate
(c) The fare shall be displayed on a taximeter in dollars and cents. The figures that display the fare shall be easily readable by persons in the passenger compartment of the taxicab.
(d) It shall be unlawful for a passenger who has hired a taxicab to refuse to pay the fare.
(e) It shall be unlawful for the taxicab operator or the taxicab driver to request the passenger pay a fare in excess of the posted rate.
(f) Every taxicab operator, driver, agent and employee shall accurately state the "posted rate" in effect in response to any inquiry.
(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)
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