(A) Every person who transports passengers for a taxi service shall obtain a driver's permit from the chief. The chief will conduct an investigation to determine applicant's qualifications. Submission of an application for a driver's permit shall constitute a waiver of any privileges and rights of privacy with respect to any document in existence reasonably related to the determination of the applicant's qualifications and shall serve as an authorization to the chief to make inquiry of any person or entity, and to receive any oral or written reports from any person or entity, regarding any facts, evidence or information reasonably related to the determination of the applicant's qualifications. If needed, the applicant shall sign a separate written authorization for the release of documents or information concerning the applicant.
(B) No driver's permit shall be issued unless the applicant meets the following criteria:
(1) The applicant is at least 18 years of age or is otherwise legally emancipated and is a U.S. citizen or possesses documentation of eligibility to work in the United States;
(2) The applicant has not been convicted within the last ten years of any of the following:
(a) Any felony against the state or any offense against another state which would have been a felony if committed in North Carolina; and
(b) Any federal or state law relating to the use, possession, or sale of alcoholic beverages or narcotic or barbiturate drugs.
(3) The applicant has not been convicted within the last seven years of any of the following:
(a) Operation of a motor vehicle under the influence of intoxicants or narcotics or operating a motor vehicle after license has been suspended or revoked and before reinstatement.
(b) Violation of any of the provisions of G.S. § 14-204 in regard to prostitution or assignation.
(c) Assault with an automobile.
(d) Any three convictions of violating any traffic laws or regulations.
(C) If at any time a driver is criminally charged with any traffic or criminal violation, the driver shall notify chief within ten days of such violations.
(D) The driver's permit and driver's photograph shall be displayed in such a manner as to be in full view of all passengers at all times while the driver is on duty.
(E) Driver's permits are not transferable from one person to another. Driver's permits shall expire on June 30 of each year. Requests for renewal shall be made at least 30 days prior to the expiration date.
(Ord. passed 2-5-2013)