§ 37-181. Sanitation and repair.

(a)

Every taxicab and livery vehicle shall at all times be kept in a clean and sanitary condition, shall be well-painted in the colors specified in the application for license, shall be properly heated in winter, shall be maintained in good repair and safe operating condition and shall be equipped with sufficient nonglare headlights and proper rear lights. Taxicabs shall be equipped with a cruising light on top. Every taxicab and every livery vehicle shall be equipped with brakes capable of stopping and holding the same under all reasonable conditions. To ensure compliance with the foregoing provisions, every taxicab and livery vehicle shall be subject to regular inspection by the license administrator or a designated representative. The cost of such inspections shall be borne by the applicant for license. Final authority for determining the acceptability and serviceability of a taxicab or livery vehicle in compliance with the provisions of this chapter, including the frequency of inspection of vehicles to be used as taxicabs or livery vehicles, shall rest with the license administrator.

(b)

The condition of each vehicle inspected shall be recorded on a taxicab or livery inspection sheet. The inspection check sheet record shall be retained by the license administrator, and a copy shall be provided to the taxicab or livery vehicle licensee.

(c)

The results of inspections performed on vehicles by the city shall be recognized by the unified government if such inspection reports are filed with the license administrator.

(d)

If it is determined after a proper inspection that a taxicab or livery vehicle fails to comply with the foregoing provisions, the license administrator shall have the authority to direct such vehicle to be taken out of service until the improper conditions and appearance of the vehicle shall have been corrected, reinspected and approved. Such inspection and reinspection shall be performed as frequently as the license administrator may deem necessary to assure compliance with the foregoing provisions and to maintain the safety and appearance of taxicabs and livery vehicles operated by taxicab and livery vehicle businesses licensed by the unified government.

(e)

All taxicabs and livery vehicles shall be required to have three sets of safety seat belts in the rear and two sets of safety seat belts in the front, excluding the safety seat belts of the driver. The safety seat belts shall at all times be maintained in an orderly manner and neatly displayed by the driver in order that the passengers can conveniently see and use them.

(f)

Any taxicabs or livery vehicles taken out of service for any reason shall be repainted or have all distinctive markings and colors removed by the owner or operators within 48 hours after being taken out of service or having the license revoked.

(Code 1988, § 37-164; Ord. No. O-30-03, § 1, 8-7-2003)