§ 31-609. 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 insure 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)

License, permit 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, rate card, passenger advisory, and any additional information as may be required shall be displayed within the vehicle in accordance with the instructions of the RER.

(b)

Exterior vehicle signage and markings shall be as required by the RER.

(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.

(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 four (4) wheels. If not on the vehicle, the operator must put them on the vehicle the next day.

(10)

Bumpers/mouldings/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.

(14)

The driver's vision must be unobstructed on all four (4) sides.

(15)

Safe tires no recaps shall be used. Maximum allowable treadwear shall be where tread is level with wear bar, or 2/32 inches 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)

Limousines shall not display the word(s) "taxicab," "taxi," or "cab" on the vehicle exterior or interior and shall not be equipped with a taximeter.

(b)

Vehicle age limits and inspection schedules. Vehicle age limits and frequency of for-hire vehicle inspections are as follows; provided however, that the RER may inspect a for-hire vehicle at any time:

(1)

No luxury limousine sedan, stretch limousine, or super-stretch limousine in service shall be older than ten (10) model years of age.

(2)

Ancient, antique, or collectible limousines are exempt from the vehicle age requirements of this article.

(3)

Limousines shall be inspected annually.

(c)

Inspection fees. The RER shall charge non-refundable fees for inspection and re-inspection of any for-hire 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)

Display of information identifying vehicle number and company. The operating permit number, fares, or rates, for-hire license holder's name, and business telephone number shall be permanently displayed in the interior of the vehicle in accordance with instructions issued by the RER.

(e)

Telecommunication devices. Limousines shall be equipped with a two-way radio or cellular telephone.

(Ord. No. 00-139, § 1, 11-14-00; Ord. No. 11-77, § 2, 10-4-11; Ord. No. 12-66, § 1, 9-6-12; Ord. No. 16-44, § 1, 5-3-16)