No taxicab for hire shall be licensed under the provisions of this chapter until it has been thoroughly and carefully inspected and examined and found to be in a thoroughly safe condition. The Chief of Police of the city is hereby authorized and empowered to make, or cause to be made, the inspection and shall certify in writing to the Board of Public Works and Safety the results of the inspection.
(`81 Code, § 119.12) Penalty, see § 10.99