§ 3.84.190. Taximeters.

The following requirements shall be adhered to for taximeters in taxicabs:

1.

The taximeter shall be an instrument or device, mechanical or electronic, which is connected to the taxicab in such a manner that it is capable of measuring the distance upon which the fare to be charged the passenger shall be based, and on the recording of figures on the dial the fare (in dollars and cents) as it accrues.

2.

The accuracy of the taximeter shall not be allowed to vary by more than two percent to the prejudice of the passenger, nor more than four percent in favor of the passenger. Taxicab company licensees shall be responsible for the accuracy of taximeters installed in taxicabs operated under their license.

3.

All taximeters shall be subject to inspection and test by the Director of Public Works and Utilities. Any taxicab bearing a taximeter found not to conform to the tolerance established in this section may be ordered out of service and not returned to service until the taximeter is re-inspected and conforms to the established tolerance values.

4.

The taximeter shall be set according to the schedule of rates posted in the taxicab and as are specified by this chapter. When used for the calculation of a fare, no other or different fare shall be charged to a passenger than is recorded on the reading face of the taximeter for the trip.

5.

Each taximeter shall be so mounted in the taxicab that the amount of fare to be charged shall, at all times, be plainly visible from the inside of the vehicle to all occupants of the vehicle. Every taximeter shall be so attached to the taxicab that it is possible for a person standing outside the vehicle to tell whether the taximeter is in use or not. Between the hours of sunset and sunrise, the dial of the taximeter shall be illuminated whenever it is in use.

6.

Taximeters shall be inspected at least once a year or as often as necessary, by the Director of Public Works and Utilities and following testing and inspecting any meter, the company licensee shall seal the same. Meters will be tested and calibrated at the time of issuance or renewal of a vehicle permit or at least once a year by the Director of Public Works and Utilities. It is unlawful for any person to break the seal on a taximeter or to tamper with the taximeter in any manner, or to knowingly change the calculation rate to any rate other than as provided by this chapter, except that such seal may be broken for the sole purpose of repairing the taximeter. A vehicle may be returned to service following repairs of the taximeter but must be re-inspected by the Director of Public Works and Utilities and the taximeter sealed no later than five days from the date of such repair. A re-inspection fee of twenty-five dollars ($25.00) shall be assessed for any re-inspections of the taximeter required by this section.

7.

It is unlawful for any person operating a taxicab in the city equipped with a taximeter and for which a metered fare is applicable to fail to have the meter in operation while carrying any person other than the driver or student driver thereof, the owner, or its authorized agent or employee, or any member of the police department while on duty and in uniform.

8.

The taximeter shall be set in operation at the time a passenger enters the taxicab and be stopped when the taxicab is halted to discharge such passenger; provided, that no waiting time shall be charged for the time consumed by unavoidable traffic delay.

(Ord. No. 40-380 § 3; Ord. No. 49-278, § 22, 5-22-2012)