§ 31-107. Vehicle standards.

(a)

In addition to the applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety requirements in 49 Code of Federal Regulations, part 571, and Florida Statutes, the following vehicle standards shall apply to all for-hire motor vehicles operated under the provisions of this article. It is the operator's responsibility to ensure that each vehicle meets the following standards and minimum inspection requirements:

(1)

Brakes within allowable parameters as provided by test equipment readings for stopping effectiveness. There shall be no leaks in lines, hoses, fittings, or parts; hoses shall not be cracked or frayed; there shall be no audible air leaks in air brake system.

(2)

Certificate, permit, identifying vehicle number and company, or inspection decals, as applicable, shall be correctly displayed and be clearly visible from the outside of the vehicle;

(a)

chauffeur registration, operating permit number, for-hire certificate holder's name and business telephone number, and any additional information as may be required shall be displayed within the vehicle in accordance with the instructions of the DTPW.

(b)

permanent exterior vehicle signage and markings shall be as required by the DTPW.

(3)

Inside rear-view mirror and a mirror on each side of vehicle.

(4)

A functioning speedometer and odometer indicating speed in miles per hour and a functioning odometer indicating distance in miles.

(5)

Functioning windows, door handles, and latches. The primary and secondary hood/trunk/rear access door latches shall be fully operable.

(6)

A functioning interior light within the passenger compartment. If the light becomes defective, the operator must correct the defect on the very next day or remove the vehicle from service at that time.

(7)

An operating air-conditioning system that provides cooled and heated air. If the air-conditioning system becomes inoperable, the vehicle must be removed from service until such system is repaired. Maximum output temperature will be based on a sliding scale chart which takes outside air temperature and relative humidity into account. Output temperature will be taken at center duct with controls set for maximum cooling. This requirement shall become effective when placing a vehicle in service.

(8)

The vehicle exterior must be free of grime, oil, or other substances and free from cracks, breaks, dents and damaged paint that detracts from the overall appearance of the vehicle and that could harm, injure, soil, or impair the passenger or his or her personal belongings.

(9)

Equipped with hubcaps or wheel covers, on all 4 wheels. If not on the vehicle, the operator must put them on the vehicle the next day.

(10)

Bumpers/moldings/guards shall be installed/replaced as originally manufactured except for moldings on side panel doors.

(11)

The interior of the trunk, or rear portion of for-hire vehicles, shall be free from dirt, grime, oil, trash, or other material which could soil items placed therein and free of protruding metal or other objects that could damage items placed therein.

(12)

The passenger compartment must be clean, free from torn upholstery or floor coverings, damaged or broken seats, and protruding sharp edges. All equipment in the interior of the vehicle shall be safely and adequately secured. There shall be no holes opening to the passenger compartment from the underbody.

(13)

A horn which shall be audible at a distance of 50 feet.

(14)

The driver's vision must be unobstructed on all four sides.

(15)

Safe tires - no regrooved, retreaded or recapped tires shall be used. Maximum allowable treadwear shall be where tread is level with wear bar, or 2/32" when measured at three random places in tire tread. The tires shall be inflated to manufacturer's specifications and free of cuts, cracks, bulges or exposed belts.

(16)

Front-end and rear-end alignment shall be within allowable parameters as provided by test equipment readings for alignment.

(17)

Wiper blades must be able to clean glass when wet and the rubber element shall not be torn, ripped, or loose.

(18)

All lights shall be operable including four-way flasher, turn and signal, clearance, warning, marker, brakes, taillight, license plate, backup, and parking light. All lights must be of correct color and properly positioned as required by Florida Statutes and regulations. All dome lights must be operable with lens in place.

(19)

Reflectors and lenses shall not be cracked or missing and must be of correct color and properly positioned.

(20)

Both low and high beam headlights shall be operable, and within test equipment allowable readings.

(21)

Glass shall not be broken or cracked and chips must be capable of being ground out, leaving a smooth, clear finish.

(22)

Doors shall be operable with all weather stripping and rubber seals.

(23)

Vehicle steering and suspension shall be functional.

(24)

Seat belts for all persons transported shall be in place and functional, unless otherwise exempted by regulation.

(25)

Vehicles shall not display the word(s) "taxicab", "taxi", or "cab" on the vehicle exterior or interior; shall not be equipped with a taximeter; shall not stop, stand, park or await employment at a marked taxicab stand; and shall not operate as a taxicab as defined in this chapter.

(26)

Vehicles used to transport individuals in wheelchairs shall meet the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act and be equipped with the following:

(a)

Ramp or lift facility which is operated electrically, hydraulically or manually with sufficient capacity to safely and smoothly lift passengers into and out of the vehicle and is in compliance with the lift and ramp requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

(b)

For each wheelchair passenger transported, four points of securement of latching or locking to the vehicle and the wheelchair in which the passenger will ride. The latching or locking devices shall be designed to minimize any lateral, longitudinal, or vertical motion of the passenger conveyance within the vehicle.

(c)

For each wheelchair passenger being transported, there shall be sufficient restraining belts or straps designed to securely confine the passenger to the wheelchair in which he or she is transported. The restraining belts or straps shall be utilized.

(27)

Vehicles shall be equipped with a functioning two and one-half pound fire extinguisher, certified and ABC rated.

(b)

Vehicle age limits and inspection schedules. Vehicle age limits and frequency of for-hire vehicle inspections are as stated in this subsection; provided, however, that the DTPW may inspect a for-hire vehicle at any time. All motor vehicles currently in service as of the effective date of this ordinance shall be permitted to remain in service until the motor vehicle reaches its fifteenth model year. Said motor vehicles must continue to pass inspection and meet all applicable vehicle standards. Any vehicle initially placed into service following the effective date of this ordinance shall be no greater than 10 model years of age. Any vehicle over 10 model years of age shall not be operated as a passenger motor carrier vehicle. Notwithstanding the foregoing, passenger motor carrier vehicles providing circulator service or fixed route service shall meet the following vehicle age requirements: any vehicle over 15 model years of age providing circulator service or fixed route service shall neither be placed into service nor operate as a passenger motor carrier vehicle. Passenger motor carrier vehicles shall be inspected annually.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Department and any other person authorized to enforce this article pursuant to Section 31-110 may inspect a passenger motor carrier vehicle at any time to confirm compliance with this section. Upon notification by the Department, the passenger motor carrier certificate holder shall suspend the authorization of any driver whose vehicle fails an inspection until the driver demonstrates that his or her vehicle has passed an inspection pursuant to this article.

(c)

Inspection fees. The DTPW shall charge non-refundable fees for inspection and re-inspection of any motor vehicle for compliance with the vehicle standards and requirements of this subsection. Inspection results shall be recorded and a copy provided. Any vehicle failing to meet any required vehicle safety standard shall not be operated until it passes a re-inspection.

(d)

Telecommunication devices. Passenger motor vehicles shall be equipped with a two-way radio or cellular telephone.

(e)

Each operator shall adopt and use, after approval by the DTPW, a distinctive, decorative color scheme and uniform signage or business logo, for all passenger motor carrier vehicles licensed pursuant to this article. No other color scheme shall be employed until approved by the DTPW. Advertisement on behalf of third parties may be displayed on the outside or inside of a for-hire vehicle provided approval is given by the DTPW and any display is installed pursuant to instruction of the DTPW.

(f)

No operator shall use for the purpose of advertising or requesting services to be provided under this article telephone number(s) used to request or furnish taxicab services.

(Ord. No. 17-30, § 1, 6-6-17; Ord. No. 18-91, § 1, 9-5-18)

Editor's note

Ord. No. 17-30, § 1, adopted June 6, 2017, repealed the former § 31-107, and enacted a new § 31-107 as set out herein. The former § 31-107 pertained to safety regulations and derived from Ord. No. 81-17, § 8, adopted Feb. 17, 1981; Ord. No. 87-11, § 2, adopted March 17, 1987; Ord. No. 88-118, § 2, adopted Dec. 6, 1988; Ord. No. 90-134, § 1, adopted Dec. 4, 1990; Ord. No. 92-66, § 3, adopted July 7, 1992; Ord. No. 93-85, § 2, adopted Sept. 7, 1993; Ord. No. 94-190, § 2, adopted Oct. 7, 1994; Ord. No. 95-99, § 2, adopted June 6, 1995; and Ord. No. 96-186, § 2, adopted Dec. 17, 1996.