The following rules and regulations shall be observed by all individuals operating taxicabs or vehicles for hire governed under this chapter:
A. The driver permit shall be displayed in the vehicle in full view of the passenger;
B. Every taxicab shall have visible from the outside a schedule of all rates and charges, established pursuant to Section 5.48.220 of this Ordinance, in a minimum of one inch numeral and letter size on each side of the taxicab. One additional schedule of all rates and charges shall be posted in full view of the passenger while seated in the taxicab;
C. No charge shall be made by any driver or owner in excess of the posted rates established pursuant to Section 5.48.220;
D. No taxicab or vehicle for hire shall be operated unless kept in a clean, sanitary and mechanically safe condition;
E. The driver of any taxicab or vehicle for hire shall transport passengers in a safe and expeditious manner to their destination by the most direct and accessible route;
F. No individual shall operate a taxicab or vehicle for hire in violation for any law or ordinance;
G. No owner or operator of any taxicab or vehicle for hire shall indulge in unfair competition or commit fraud upon the public. The city manager, or designee, shall determine what constitutes unfair competition or fraud;
H. Drivers shall provide receipts to passengers so requesting;
I. The individual(s) engaging a taxicab or vehicle for hire shall have the exclusive right to the full and complete use of the taxicab or vehicle for hire and it is unlawful for the driver to solicit or carry additional individuals without the prior permission of the passenger;
J. Display of Flag--When Unlawful.
1. The driver of a taxicab shall not display the flag or device attached to such taximeter in a recording position when such taxicab is not actually employed. The driver of a taxicab shall throw the flag or other device of such taximeter to the non-recording position at the termination of each service.
2. The driver of a taxicab while carrying passengers or under employment, except on an hourly basis or contract basis, shall not display the flag or device affixed to such taximeter in such position as to denote that he/she is employed at a rate of fare different from that to which he/she is entitled;
K. All taxicabs shall operate under a two-way radio dispatch system;
L. The taxicab or vehicle for hire driver shall immediately return any property of value left in his vehicle to its owner or report such an incident to the police department within twenty-four (24) hours. (Ord. 9517 § 1 (part), 1995: prior code § 6564)