For the purpose of this chapter the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
“BUS.” A motor vehicle which has the capacity to transport more than 15 passengers, for hire at a fixed rate on regular routes, with a fixed schedule or between fixed terminals on the streets of the town. A van, trolley or jitney with the capacity to transport more than 15 persons shall be classified as a “BUS”.
“CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT.” The geographic areas of the Town of Wrightsville Beach located between the northern line of Salisbury Street (located between its easternmost point and the eastern end of the bridge crossing Banks Channel) and the northern line of Latimer Street (extended eastwardly to the 1939 Property Line and westwardly to the high water mark of Banks Channel).
“HORSE-DRAWN VEHICLES FOR HIRE.” Any hack, carriage, wagon or similar vehicle which is operated by being drawn by a horse or mule or other beast of burden, for the transportation “for hire” of passengers.
“LIMOUSINE.” A motor vehicle for hire with the capacity to seat no more than 15 persons, which does not accept passengers indiscriminately between points and along streets, provided that compensation is not computed by means of a taximeter.
“LOW SPEED VEHICLE.” A four-wheeled electric or gas vehicle that can only be operated on streets or roads with speeds of 35 miles per hour or less.
“OWNER.” The person or entity engaging in the vehicle for hire business in the town by causing vehicles for hire which are under the owner’s ownership or control to be used by the owner or someone under his or her direction or supervision for the purpose of carrying passengers for hire. The “OWNER” is also referred to herein as the “holder of the vehicle for hire license.”
“PEDICAB.” A cycle with three or more wheels operated by one person for the purpose of, or capable of, transporting passengers for hire in seats or on a platform made part of any “PEDICAB”.
“RICKSHAW.” A two-wheeled vehicle pulled by one person for the purpose of, or capable of, transporting not more than two passengers for hire.
"TAXI STAND." A parking area located on a public street reserved exclusively for a designated period of time for the parking of taxicabs.
“TAXICAB.” A motor vehicle for hire which transports passengers for a fare, which fare is determined in whole or in part, by a measurement to be made during the trip, of the distance over which the passenger is transported.
“TAXIMETER.” A mechanical instrument or device by which the charge for the hire of a taxicab at a predetermined rate is mechanically calculated and registered for the distance travelled and for the waiting time separately and upon which such a charge shall be indicated by means of figures.
“TOUR SERVICE MOTOR VEHICLE.” A motor vehicle engaged in the business of carrying passengers for hire or offering to carry passengers for hire through any part of the town when the primary purpose of riding in such vehicle is not transportation but touring and sightseeing.
“VEHICLE FOR HIRE.” Any motor vehicle, horse-drawn vehicle, or other vehicle or device designed or used for the transportation of passengers for hire, the charges for which are determined by agreement, mileage or by the length of time, or donation for which the vehicle is engaged. As used in this chapter a vehicle for hire does not include:
(1) School buses;
(2) Vehicles used or operated under the control of the United States, the State of North Carolina, or any political subdivision of the State of North Carolina;
(3) Vehicles used for ride-sharing programs on a non-profit basis;
(4) Vehicles used for commuter services operated by an employer for the exclusive use of its employees;
(5) Vehicles used as ambulances;
(6) Vehicles without a taximeter that are used exclusively to provide transportation for persons with a mental or physical disability or illness, older adults, or persons who require non-emergency medical treatment and are operated by a non-profit corporation or a state or local social service agency;
(7) Vehicles which are the subject of a cost sharing arrangement between passengers and drivers, which arrangements are not designed to generate a profit;
(8) Vehicles providing shuttle transportation of passengers to or from prescribed locations such as hotels, motels, shopping centers, business or commercial buildings, factories or theaters pursuant to a contract with a business at the prescribed location where the passengers are not charged a fee and passengers are not accepted or discharged indiscriminately between prescribed locations; and
(9) Vehicles excluded from the town’s regulatory authority by state law, including vehicles regulated by the Utilities Commission under the provisions of G.S. § 62-260.
“VEHICLE FOR HIRE LICENSE.” The license issued to any person who is the owner of any vehicle for hire under this chapter.
“‘W’ STICKER.” A sticker issued by the City of Wilmington to taxicabs which serves as proof of passing the safety checks performed by the City of Wilmington. All such stickers shall have an assigned number which is displayed on the sticker.
(Ord. 1630, passed 6-24-10; Am. Ord. 1655, passed 5-12-11; Am. Ord. 1664, passed 11-16-11; Am. Ord. 1689, passed 8-16-12; Am. Ord. 1712, passed 6-13-13)