HomeMy Public PortalAbout130_040_48-A-2014 Vehicle for Hire Ord; Option A; redline 07.29.14 Article VI: TAXIS AND VEHICLES FOR HIRE
34 -191. Title. This Ordinance shall be known as the "Taxicab/Vehicle for Hire License
and Regulatory Ordinance."
34-192. Applicability of chapter. The operating of taxicabs or vehicles for the
transportation of passengers for hire within the City shall be subject to the conditions, regulations
and restrictions contained in this chapter.
When the term "vehicle", "operator", or other terms and definitions with common meaning
are used in this section, it is to be limited to the conditions, regulations and restrictions in this
Article and shall not have any application outside this Article.
34-193. Definitions. For the purposes of this chapter only, the following definitions
apply:
(1) "Taxicab" or "vehicle for hire" shall be defined as any vehicle for transportation
for hire for passengers and which is operated in the corporate limits of the City. The term
includes, but is not limited to, any taxi, cab, taxicab, shuttle, tour service vehicle, vehicle offering
shuttle and/or transportation services, motorized cart, personal transportation vehicle, pedicab or
low speed vehicle that offer shuttle and/or transportation services. The terms "taxicab" and
"vehicle for hire" shall be used interchangeably in this ordinance.
(2) "Vehicle"means both motorized and non-motorized vehicles.
(3) "Operate," "to operate," "operating in the City," or any similar term shall be
defined as picking up or dropping off a passenger or any person within the City for a fee or fare,
regardless of the originating point or eventual destination of the person. Notwithstanding
the foregoing, this shall not include any taxicab licensed in another jurisdiction, located outside
of a fifty mile radius from the City of Tybee Island, as a taxicab or vehicle for hire, or similarly
licensed, who solely delivers or drops off passengers within the City of Tybee Island.
(4) "Owner" means the one who holds the license to operate a taxicab or vehicle for
hire.
(5) "Transportation for Hire"means to transport at least one (1) person in a vehicle in
exchange for money.
(6) "Tour service vehicle"means a vehicle engaged in the business of carrying
passengers for hire or offering to carry passengers for hire, through any part of the city where the
primary purpose is touring and sight-seeing; including motor coaches which are operated as a
part of special tours and are not operated as a part of a tour service licensed by the city;
excluding limousines (as they are defined by the laws of the state)which are operated primarily
as a transportation service vehicle and which conduct tours on a reservation basis only; provided,
however, that nothing contained herein shall exempt the conduct of the tours by limousine from
the provisions of this article as it pertains to the conduct of tours by tour guides.
(7) "License" and"License for operation"means an occupation tax certificate. In this
Article, License does not mean"operator's license."
(8) "Vehicle for Hire/Taxicab Regulatory Decal" means the decal granted by the City for
the privilege of operating a Vehicle for Hire or Taxicab within the corporate limits of the City of
Tybee Island, issued upon the receipt of a regulatory fee, if any, and compliance with the
requirements of the Vehicle for Hire ordinance.
(9) "Taxi Stand"means a reserved area where taxis and vehicles for hire may be parked
upon the streets and parking areas of the City of Tybee while awaiting hire.
34-194. License.
(1) No taxicab, tour service vehicle or other vehicle for hire shall be operated on the
streets of the City unless a license for operation has first been obtained from the designated city
official.
(2) In order to obtain a license, application must be made to the designated city
official, containing the following information:
(a) Name, address and place of business of the applicant. If the applicant is a
partnership, the name, address and place of business of each partner or
limited partner. If the applicant is a corporation, the name and address of
each of the officers of such corporation and those shareholders holding 50
percent or more of the stock in the corporation, and the principal place of
business of the corporation.
(b) The trade name under which the applicant proposes to operate.
(c) The maximum number and type of vehicles to be operated.
(d) The name of any insurance or surety providing coverage to the applicant for
operation of taxicabs or vehicles for hire.
34-195. Issuance of License.
(1) The designated city official shall determine whether issuance of a license is
appropriate and shall be approved or denied, based upon the minimum requirements contained in
this Article.
(2) Each taxicab or vehicle for hire company, as a condition precedent to receiving a
license to operate a vehicle, must have a physical fixed place of business located within Chatham
County and comply with the provisions of this ordinance. If approved, and upon payment of the
license fee or occupation tax, the license shall be issued. Any license issued is not transferable
by the applicant.
(a) If the license holder relocates or plans to move from the physical fixed
address enumerated in this subsection, then the license holder shall notify
the designated city official fourteen (14) days prior to re-location.
(3) The applicant shall pay all annual regulatory fee(s) at a rate set by the Mayor and
City Council, if the Mayor and Council shall so prescribe.
(4) If the application for a license is denied by the designated city official, within
thirty (30) days following the receipt of written notice of the denial from the designated city
official, the applicant may appeal the decision to the Mayor and Council. Mayor and Council
shall consider whether the designated city official abused his or her discretion in denying the
applicant a permit.
(5) Any license shall be valid for one (1) year, and thereafter any license holder will
be subject to renewals, and upon renewal, the applicant shall comply with the terms of the
ordinance as it exists upon the date of the renewal.
(6) For every vehicle the applicant intends to operate as a vehicle for hire or tour
service vehicle, the applicant shall submit the taxicab or vehicle for hire to the designated city
official for inspection and for compliance with 34-211 of this Article. No vehicle shall be issued
a decal until the vehicle has been registered and passed inspection.
(7) If a license holder has any information concerning any traffic citations, including but
not limited to the operating of a motor vehicle while under the influence of intoxicating
beverages or drugs, or any information concerning a change in the qualifying status by any
operator hired or otherwise employed or contracted by the licensee under this ordinance, then the
licensee shall immediately notify the designated city official.
34-196. Suspension or revocation of license. Following notice to the applicant and
hearing before the designated city official, a license may be suspended or revoked if it is
determined that the application or other documents provided to the City are inaccurate or
falsified or if a taxicab is found to be operating in violation of any provision of this chapter, the
laws of the state or the United States or other law or ordinance of this City. The designated city
official may further suspend or revoke a license or operator license issued hereinunder if it is
determined that an unsafe vehicle is being operated as a taxicab or vehicle for hire or a vehicle
has been operated in an unsafe manner. Within thirty (30) days of receipt by the licensee of a
written determination by the designated city official revoking the license, the licensee whose
license has been revoked may appeal to Mayor and Council of the City of Tybee Island, by
delivering a signed Notice of Appeal to the Clerk of Council for the City of Tybee.
34-197. Vehicle operators. No person shall operate a taxicab, tour service vehicle or
other vehicle for hire within the City without having first registered with the designated city
official, and securing an operator's license.
(1) A vehicle operator must:
(a) Be at least twenty-one (21)years of age;
(b) Hold a valid driver's license;
(c) Submit to a criminal background check;
(d) Submit a seven (7) year Motor Vehicle Record issued by the State;
(e) Submit a form signed by a physician certifying physical fitness; and,
(f) Any other requirement placed upon the operator of a motor vehicle by
State law.
(g) Submit any forms required by the City by state and federal laws pertaining
to immigration status.
(2) An applicant for an operator's license under this article must:
(a) Not have physical infirmities which make said applicant unsafe or
unsatisfactory as an operator of a vehicle for hire;
(b) Not have been convicted of operating a motor vehicle while under the
influence of intoxicating beverages or drugs within two years prior to the
date of the application for such permit, or have been convicted of reckless
driving within one year prior to the date of the application for such permit,
or have been convicted of any of these offenses three or more times within
three years prior to the date of the application for such permit. Nor shall a
permit be issued to any person who has within three years prior to the date
of the application for such permit been convicted of any crime relating to
transporting persons for immoral purposes (prostitution, solicitation for
prostitution, or any sex-related offense), or who has within three years
prior to the date of the application for such permit been convicted of, been
on probation, parole, or served time on a sentence for a felony. A plea of
nolo contender to any of the offenses set out in this section shall be
deemed a conviction; and
(d) Be a citizen of the United States or an alien admitted for permanent
residence or who has otherwise been granted employment authorization by
the United States Immigration and Naturalization Services.
(3) Fees; Before any license is granted under this article, the following fee(s) shall be
paid by the applicant:
(a) Background investigation fee. A background investigation fee in the
amount of$10.00 shall be paid by the applicant upon application being
made and prior to issuance of license;
(b) A current 7 year M.V.R. is required at the time of the application and
renewal. This is the responsibility of the license holder; and
(c) A regulatory fee of as defined in Section 58-179; Regulatory Fee
Schedule.
34-198. Issuance of operator's license.
(1) The designated city official, shall determine whether issuance of an operator's
license is warranted.
(2) The operator must maintain a valid driver's license to continue operating a vehicle
for hire. In the event the operator's license is suspended or expires, any license issued pursuant to
this chapter shall immediately expire and be revoked.
(3) Operator licenses are non-transferable. Any operator license issued under this
article is not transferable from one driver to another, and is to be used solely by the person to
whom it is issued. Any licensed driver shall notify the designated city official prior to
beginning employment with another company. An operator may not utilize his or her
operator's license with more than one person or entity licensed to operate pursuant to 34-194,
unless the operator has separate operator licenses for each person or entity licensed to operate
pursuant to 34-194.
(4) Duration of license. The driver's license shall be in effect for twelve (12) months
from the date of issue. Licenses may be renewed upon application and payment of the required
fee, for each twelve (12) month period thereafter, unless the license for the preceding period
has been revoked or is suspended.
(5) Photograph and Display of License. Before any operator's license is issued, the
operator shall submit two passport style photographs to the designated city official. One
photograph shall be attached permanently to the operator's permit for display in the vehicle or on
the operator's person at all times in which the applicant is the operator. The second photograph
shall be filed for record by the designated city official. It shall be unlawful for any person
willfully to alter, deface, obliterate, or destroy an operator's license or any notice displayed to
passengers, or cause the same to be.
(6) If the licensed operator receives any legal citation for a moving violation or other
traffic violation, including operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of intoxicating
beverages or drugs, the licensed operator shall immediately notify the designated city official of
such citation.
34-199. Penalty for operating without licensure. No vehicle shall be operated as a
vehicle for hire upon the streets of the City unless such vehicle has been licensed under the
provisions of this article for use as a vehicle for hire. The operator of any vehicle operating as a
vehicle for hire without having a current valid operator's license for that vehicle shall be subject
to a fine pursuant to Sec. 34-49. This paragraph shall not apply to a Taxicab or Vehicle for Hire
licensed in another jurisdiction, located outside of a fifty mile radius from the City of Tybee
Island, as a taxicab or vehicle for hire, or similarly licensed, who solely delivers or drops off
passengers within the City of Tybee Island, and does not pick up and drop off any passengers
within the jurisdictional limits of the City of Tybee Island.
34-200. Operator identification. Each operator of a vehicle for hire in the City shall be
issued an identification badge which shall either be worn around the neck of the operator while
working as a vehicle for hire operator, or placed in a conspicuous place on the front dash of the
vehicle that the operator is operating.
34-201. Vehicle registration.
(1) If required by Georgia Law, prior to the use and operation of any vehicle as a
taxicab under the provisions of this article, the owner of said vehicle shall secure and display on
the vehicle a current Georgia license registration tag.
(2) It shall be unlawful to operate a taxicab or vehicle for hire for transporting
passengers unless the vehicle has been registered with the designated city official as available for
use as a taxicab or vehicle for hire, and has affixed to it a taxicab regulatory decal, on the lower
left portion of the front windshield, as so determined by the designated city official. If placement
of the regulatory decal in this location is not feasible, the designated city official shall exercise
discretion in determining placement of the decal. Violation of this section shall result in
revocation of the applicant's license.
34-202. Vehicle Parking Location and Taxi Stands. Notwithstanding whether a
vehicle for hire has a city parking decal, a vehicle for hire may not be parked on city property,
including the roadways, parking lots and curbs for more than one (1) hour continuously, unless
the driver is in the vehicle. At the discretion of the designated city official, vehicles for hire may
be parked on city property for more than one (1) hour continuously during special events or
when otherwise authorized by the designated city official.
The designated city official shall have the authority to designate areas within the City of
Tybee Island as Taxi Stands, subject to the limitation that one stand always be located within one
hundred(100) feet of the Tybrisa/Strand traffic circle. Otherwise, taxi stand locations are subject
to change, following ten (10) days written notice to all vehicle for hire companies that are then
currently licensed under this ordinance. In addition, during the hours of 7:00 p.m. until 5:00
a.m., vehicles for hire may use areas within the City of Tybee designated as "Loading Zones" as
a place to load and unload passengers, subject to the same rules and time constraints that are in
effect for each loading zone.
Vehicles for hire may not be parked in areas designated by signage as "Vehicle for Hire: No
Parking Zone" or similar language.
34-203. Indemnification. Any vehicle for hire operating under this article shall hold the
City harmless against any and all liability, loss, costs, damages, or expense which may accrue to
the City by reason of the negligence, default, or misconduct of the company or operator in
connection with the rights granted to such company hereunder. Nothing in this article shall be
considered to make the City liable for damages because of any negligent act or omission or
commission by any hire operating under this article, its servants, agents, drivers, or other
employees, during the operation by the company of a vehicle for hire business or service, either
in respect to injuries to persons or with respect to damage to property which may be sustained.
34-204. Liability insurance.
(1) It shall be unlawful for any person to operate any vehicle for hire upon the streets
of the City unless the license holder shall, before the vehicle is placed in operation, file with the
designated city official for each such vehicle a liability insurance policy for the injury of persons
or property, a policy of indemnity insurance with an indemnity insurance company authorized to
do business in the state for each vehicle in use as a vehicle for hire, or a self insurance certificate
issued under State guidelines and regulated by the Insurance Commissioner of Georgia. Proof of
insurance shall be kept in the vehicle and on file at City Hall. The minimum insurance coverage
for any vehicle for hire covered under this ordinance shall be in accordance with Georgia State
Law applicable to all automobiles and/or motor vehicles. Such indemnity insurance shall inure
to the benefit of any person who is injured or who sustains damage to property caused by the
negligence of a taxicab, tour service vehicle or vehicle for hire company or the operator, whether
servant, agent, or independent contractor.
(2) Blanket Policy. Any company or person operating a vehicle for hire in the City
shall give a separate policy of indemnity insurance or certificate of self insurance for each
separate vehicle, except where such company or person actually owns or holds legal title to more
than one vehicle, in which event, such company or person may give one policy of indemnity
insurance or certificate or self insurance covering all the vehicles actually owned. This latter
provision, however, shall not apply to any group of persons separately owning vehicles who may
be jointly operating or doing business under a licensed taxicab, tour service vehicle or vehicle for
hire company name. The vehicle for hire company is responsible for ensuring that individual
persons operating vehicles under said license shall comply with all state laws and local
ordinances governing insurance coverage.
(3) Proof of the original indemnity policy required shall be on file with the designated
city official.
(4) Each certificate of insurance submitted to the designated city official prior to the
issuance of a license shall include, by endorsement to the policy, a statement that written notice
shall be given to the City by certified mail thirty (30) days prior to cancellation or upon any
material change in coverage.
(5) Violation of this section shall result in revocation of the applicant's license.
34-205. Signs and Identifying Markings.
(1) It shall be unlawful to operate in the City a taxicab or vehicle for hire unless the
vehicle contains at least two signs measuring at least 12 inches in height by 18 inches in width
clearly indicating that the vehicle is a taxicab or vehicle for hire, the name of the operator or
company and a telephone number where the vehicle's services may be procured. The signs may
be painted on the vehicle or attachable, but must be in place at all times the vehicle is operated as
or available for hire. The operation of a taxicab or vehicle for hire for transporting passengers
which does not bear the signage required by this chapter shall result in revocation of the
operator's license.
(2) The requirements in subsection (1) of this section shall not apply to motorized
carts,personal transportation vehicles or low speed vehicles. For these vehicles, it shall be
unlawful to operate in the City as a taxicab or other vehicle for hire for transporting passengers
unless the vehicle contains the words Taxi located on two opposing sides of the vehicle. The
sign shall be in accordance with the sign regulations specifically enumerated in section (1) of this
subsection, except where dimensions of the vehicle require a smaller sign. In addition, all of
these vehicles must be in compliance with the requirements placed on motorized carts under this
Code (Sec. 66-8).
(3) Color Scheme.
(a) No two taxicab or vehicle for hire companies may operate with the same
color scheme. Color schemes shall be recorded and controlled by the
designated city official. Upon an application for a license, the applicant
shall be provided with the color scheme of all reserved or taken color
schemes. The color scheme shall be a selection of two colors. Upon the
adoption of this ordinance, the designated city official put together a list
based upon the seniority of the license holders, with the oldest
continuously held license holders having first selection on color scheme,
and the second oldest having the second selection, and continuing thereon
until all license holders who held a license at the adoption of this
ordinance have reserved a color scheme.
(b) Amortization. This provision related to color schemes [34-205(3)(a)] shall
have no effect on those vehicles for hire or taxicabs already licensed and
validly operating within the City of Tybee's jurisdiction when this
ordinance is adopted. Provided however, that all taxicabs or vehicles for
hire shall be compliant with the aforementioned color scheme within
eighteen(18) months of the adoption of this ordinance.
(c) Personal Transportation Vehicles, motorized carts and low speed vehicles
are not subject to the color scheme specified in this subsection. However,
all personal transportation vehicles, motorized carts and low speed
vehicles shall be of uniform color if they are held out for operation by the
same license holder.
(4) Uniforms. During the time that they are operating a vehicle for hire or taxicab
with the city limits of the City of Tybee operators shall wear a shirt or uniform which has
emblazoned upon the shirt the name of the taxicab or vehicle for hire company or license holder.
(5) A license to operate pursuant to 34-194 is non-transferable, and every sign on a
taxicab or vehicle for hire must reflect the name of the entity or person licensed pursuant to 34-
194.
34-206. Citations for violations of Taxicab and Vehicle for Hire Ordinance. In
addition to law enforcement, the designated city official, or other agents authorized by the City
Council and Mayor, shall have the authority to cite or suspend vehicle operators and/or taxicab,
tour service vehicles or vehicles for hire companies for violations of this ordinance.
34-207. Authority for removal from streets. The designated city official shall have the
authority to remove from operation on the streets of the City any vehicle or operator which is in
violation of this article and to prohibit operation of such vehicle until all deficiencies have been
corrected. An order of the designated city official to remove a vehicle from the City streets may
be appealed to the City Council. Until the appeal has been heard and ruled upon, the vehicle or
operator ordered to be removed from service shall not be used for operations.
34-208. Speakers and Recorded Messages
(1) It shall be unlawful to operate loudspeakers outside any vehicle for hire within the
city; speakers may be operated within the confines of vehicles for the sole benefit of the
passengers within the confines.
(2) It shall be unlawful to utilize amplified sound to the extent it is audible outside of
the vehicle for hire.
(3) All activity associated with a tour, including but not limited to interaction with
people, actors, other tours and props must be contained within the vehicle or method of
conveyance (motor coach, bus, trolley, automobile, van, segways,bicycle, carriage, walking
tours, etc.).
34-209. Soliciting passengers prohibited. It shall be unlawful for any person to solicit
passengers verbally or by gesture, directly or indirectly, upon the streets of the city, or within and
adjacent to, any publicly owned facility.
(1) Unlawful solicitation occurs when a driver solicits passengers:
(a) from a location other than the driver's compartment or the immediate
vicinity of the driver's Vehicle for Hire; or,
(b) in a way that obstructs the movement of a person, or follows any person
for the purpose of unlawful soliciting.
(c) Anyone guilty of the offense of Soliciting passengers is subject to a fine or
fines as specified in Chapter 42 - Fees for violations of Vehicle for Hire
Ordinance.
34-210. Requirements on Motor Common or Contract Carriers. Any requirements
specifically enumerated in this Section shall be cumulative, or in addition to any requirements
placed on motor common or contract carriers by State or Federal Law.
34-211. Safe and Mechanical Operation. All taxicabs or vehicles for hire shall be
maintained in a safe and mechanical condition, with all safety and pollution equipment required
by law remaining intact through service and operation. This inspection shall be performed
annually by the designated city official, and shall be an additional condition precedent to the
issuance of a decal establishing registration under the ordinance pursuant to 34-202.
34-212. Motorized Cart Use. In order to utilize a motorized cart, or personal
transportation vehicle as a vehicle for hire, the motorized cart of personal transportation vehicle
must be equipped to seat at least six people, the driver included.