(A) Vehicles to be utilized as taxicabs shall be marked and equipped as follows:
(1) The taxicab permit number assigned to the vehicle and the service identification shall be permanently affixed to each side of the vehicle in type that is at least six (6) inches in height. The word “taxi” or the name of the permit holder and/or business name shall be illuminated by a top light structure affixed to the vehicle, in readable letters which are not less than two (2) nor more than twelve (12) inches high. The top light structure shall have not less than five (5) candle power. No detachable signs or lights may be used to satisfy this requirement;
(2) A light of not less than two (2) candle power shall be arranged so as to illuminate the entire passenger compartment of the vehicle while passengers are entering or exiting the vehicle;
(3) No sight-obscuring shades, blinds or glazing materials may obstruct vision into the interior of the vehicle from the exterior of the vehicle; and
(4) The vehicle must meet the equipment requirements set forth in 13 AAC 04.001 through 04.310 and may have no more than the number of seat belts installed by the manufacturer of the vehicle.
(B) Mandatory Vehicle Safety Inspections. Prior to issuance of a taxicab permit, and prior to the renewal of a taxicab permit, the permit holder must have conducted and the vehicle assigned to the permit passed, a vehicle safety inspection by a Qualified Mechanic (from a list supplied by the City). This vehicle examination shall determine if the vehicle assigned or to be assigned to a permit is mechanically safe for operation, properly equipped to comply with all existing requirements pursuant to state law, federal law and this Chapter, and appropriately lettered and numbered for public patronage and occupancy.
(C) The Department of Public Safety may require and conduct additional inspections at such times as may reasonably appear to be necessary due to accidents, repairs, or when there is reasonable cause to believe that conditions of the vehicle assigned to a permit adversely affect the safety of the vehicle or the vehicle no longer conforms to the requirements of this Chapter.
(Am. Ord. 2003-14, passed 10-28-03; Am. Ord. 2005-15, passed 7-16-05; Am. Ord. 2006-15, passed 9-12-06)