§ 220.212. Equipment and safety requirements of vehicles for hire.

(a)

A motor vehicle in service as a taxicab shall be a four-door sedan or station wagon with center posts, having a wheelbase of not less than 105 inches, mini-van, sport utility vehicle or similar vehicle having not more than seven passengers including driver.

(b)

A motor vehicle in service as a vehicle for hire shall have the following equipment on the motor vehicle, which equipment shall be maintained in good repair:

(1)

Adequate heater and an air conditioner.

(2)

Adequate brakes on all wheels.

(3)

Except for limousines, decals or monograms, with lettering at least four inches in height, so as to reflect lights shined on them in the dark.

(4)

Tires of a quality sufficient to pass inspection by the Department or better.

(5)

Speedometer in good working order.

(6)

Seat belts for the driver and all passengers.

(7)

For taxicabs and shuttles only, a two-way radio. No taxicab or shuttle shall be operated on the streets of the City unless its radio or other approved communication device is installed and operating properly.

(8)

An A, B, C type fire extinguisher (minimum size allowed is 2.5 lbs.).

(9)

Reserved.

(10)

All seats in a shuttle vehicle shall be factory installed only.

(c)

Metered taxicabs shall contain a taximeter of standard construction installed in accordance with the directions of the Department, which meter shall operate accurately. The taximeter shall be located so that the fare numerals can be easily read by a person of normal vision from the rear seat.

(d)

A vehicle for hire shall be maintained in a clean, well-painted manner so as to provide a generally good appearance.

(e)

Reserved.

(f)

Except for limousines, there shall be no shades, blinds or curtains between the rear seat or seats and the driver's seat, nor shall any shades, blinds or curtains installed on the vehicle for hire be capable of manipulation in such a way as to shield the occupants or the for-hire driver from observation or to obstruct the view through the rear window.

(Ord. 82-1121-571, § 2; Ord. 83-591-400, § 1; Ord. 85-1561-830, § 7; Ord. 86-752-382, § 1; Ord. 87-1498-880, § 1; Ord. 90-215-235, § 3; Ord. 2002-1214-E, § 1)

Note— Former § 426.212.