HomeMy WebLinkAboutORD NO 3862ORDINANCE NO. 3 8 § 2
AN ORDINANCE OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
BAKERSFIELD AMENDING CHAPTER 5.50 OF THE
BAKERSFIELD MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO TAXICABS.
BE IT ORDAINED by-the Council of the City of Bakersfield as follows:
SECTION 1.
Chapter 5.50 of the Bakersfield Municipal Code is hereby amended to read as follows:
Chapter 5.50
TAXICABS
Sections:
5.50.010
5.50.020
5.50.030
5.50.040
5.50.050
5.50.060
5.50.070
5.50.080
5.50.090
5.50.100
5.50.110
5.50.120
5.50.130
5.50.140
5.50.150
5.50.160
5.50.170
5.50.180
5.50.190
5.50.200
5.50.210
Definitions.
Permit w Required -- Exceptions.
Permit -- Petition -- Requirements -- Investigation and issuance.
Permit m Additional or substitute.
Permit -- Revocation, suspension and cancellation -- Notice --
Hearing.
Permit w Appeal hearing.
Permit entitles holder to license.
Insurance.
Vehicle identification.
Advertising on.
Numbers.
Identity lights.
Vehicle equipment -- Inspection.
Taximeter m Operation, placement, inspection, flag and charges.
Receipts given upon request.
Trip sheets -- Driver's report.
Route -- Passenger limit in taxicabs.
Availability of service.
Cruising or stopping to solicit passengers -- Loading.
Establishment of rates.
Waiting time.
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5.50.240 Charging other than established fare prohibited.
5.50.250 Display of rates.
5.50.260 Refusal to pay fare.
5.50.270 Carrier responsibility requiring operation by permit holder.
5.50.280 Employment of drivers.
5.50.290 Driver's permit--Application -- Fee--Age restrictions -- Drug testing
-- Expiration -- Renewal -- Change of carrier -- Duplicates.
5.50.300 Driver's permit M Revocation or suspension -- Appeal M Hearing.
5.50.310 Uniform and cap m General appearance.
5.50.320 Taxistands -- Permit -- Standing restfictions.
5.50.330 Nonliability.
5.50.010 Definitions.
For the purpose of this chapter the following terms shall be deemed and construed to
have the meanings respectively ascribed to them in this section, unless from the particular
context it clearly appears that some other meaning is intended.
A. "Carrier" means and includes every person, corporation, partnership, joint venture
or other form of business organization, their lessees, receivers or trustees, engaged in
operating for hire, taxicabs as defined in subsection C of this section.
B. "Driver" means and includes every person driving, operating, or in charge of any
vehicle as defined by this section as a taxicab.
C. "Taxicab" means and includes every vehicle used for the transportation of
passengers over the streets of the City, but not over defined routes, at rates for distance
traveled, or for waiting time, or for both, the charge to patrons being determined and
indicated by the mechanical calculation of a taximeter as defined in Subsection D of this
section.
D. "Taximeter" means and includes a mechanical instrument, or device, by which the
charge for hire of a taxicab is mechanically calculated, either for distance traveled, or for
waiting time, or both, and upon which such charge is plainly registered by means of
figures, indicating dollars and cents.
E. "Taxistand" means a place on a public street designated by the City Manager for
the use, while awaiting employment, of any vehicle covered by this chapter. (Ord. 3189
§ 1, 1988: prior code § 7.52.310).
5.50.020 Permit -- Required -- Exceptions.
No person shall drive, operate or cause to be operated, nor shall any person employ,
permit or allow another to drive, operate or cause to be operated, any vehicle covered by
this chapter over any street of the City for the purpose of transporting a passenger, or
passengers, for compensation, regardless of whether such operation extends beyond the
boundary limits of the City, without a permit first obtained from the City Manager
authorizing such operation except:
A. A vehicle which is lawfully transporting a passenger or passengers from a point
outside Bakersfield city limits, to a destination within City limits, or is en route through this
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City to a destination outside the City; provided, that no such vehicle shall, without such
permit, solicit, or accept a passenger, or passengers, from within Bakersfield city limits for
transportation to any destination whatsoever;
B. A vehicle being operated pursuant to a franchise issued by the City, pursuant to
authority of the Public Utilities Commission of the state, or pursuant to regulations of the
Interstate Commerce Commission, unless authorized by law;
C. A vehicle being operated for the purpose of transporting bona fide pupils attending
an institution of learning between their homes and such institutions. (Ord. 2598 § 10,
1980; prior code § 7.52.010).
5.50.030 Permit -- Petition -- Requirements -- Investigation and issuance.
A. Any person desiring a permit to operate vehicles covered by this chapter shall file
a petition with the City Manager. Such petition shall be verified by oath of the applicant,
if a natural person; or by oath of an officer or partner of the applicant, if the applicant is a
corporation, partnership, association or unincorporated company, and which petition shall
set forth the name, age and address of the petitioner, if a natural person; or if a
corporation, its name, date and place of incorporation, address of its principal place of
business and the names of all its officers together with their respective addresses; or if a
partnership association or unincorporated company, then the names of the partners
comprising the partnership, association or company, together with their respective ages
and addresses. The petition shall also state the trade name or style, if any, under which
the applicant proposes to operate, full information pertaining to the extent, character and
quality of the proposed operations and the manner in which such proposed operations are
to be conducted, the type, model, capacity and condition of the vehicles proposed to be
operated, a full statement of the petitioner's assets and liabilities, and such other additional
information as the City Manager may require.
B. The City Manager shall, upon receipt of such petition, make full and complete
inquiry into the facts set forth therein and shall either grant or deny the permit. Such permit
shall be for a specified number of vehicles which shall only be increased by authority of
the City Manager. Such permit may, at the pleasure of the City Manager, be for a
prescribed period or for an indefinite period; provided, that in either event, the permit shall
contain a clause authorizing its revocation, or suspension, in accordance with the
ordinances of the City either in effect at the date of granting the permit or thereafter
adopted. When issued, such permit shall constitute evidence of compliance with the terms
of this chapter and shall authorize the permittee to operate vehicles under the conditions
therein specified; subject, however, to the requirements, obligations and limitations
imposed by other applicable law, ordinances, and orders of the City Manager, and shall
become effective only upon payment of the fees required by the provisions of the license
ordinance of the City (Chapter 5.02). (Prior code § 7.52.020).
5.50.040 Permit -- Additional or substitute.
A Any person holding a permit to operate one or more vehicles covered by this
chapter, or who desires to add to the number of taxistands to be occupied, shall do so only
upon obtaining from the City Manager permission, which shall be granted only upon
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application made in the same manner and under the same proceedings as are required
in this chapter for obtaining the original permit.
B. Any owner holding a permit to operate one or more vehicles covered by this
chapter, who desires to substitute a different vehicle for a vehicle operating under such
permit shall do so only upon obtaining from the City Manger permission therefor, which
shall be granted only upon the written application setting forth the particulars of such
proposed substitution, and upon otherwise complying with the requirements of this chapter.
The City Manager shall have the same authority in granting or denying such application
for permission to add or substitute as is vested in him in this chapter in the matter of
original applications, and the applicant shall have the same right for review of said
decision as set out in this chapter. (Prior code § 7.52.030).
5.50.050 Permit -- Revocation, suspension and cancellation -- Notice -- Hearing.
A. The City Manager shall have the power to suspend any carrier permit for a period
of time not longer than five days, or to revoke any or all of the carrier permits granted
under the provisions of this chapter when he has determined that any of the provisions of
this chapter have been violated, or that any holder of such a permit has failed to comply
with the terms of such permit or the rules and regulations of the City Manager pertaining
to the operation, and to the extent, character and quality of the service, of any such
vehicles. Before revocation of such permit said carrier shall be entitled to a hearing before
the City Manager, and shall be notified.
B. Notice of hearing on such revocation, shall be in writing and served upon the holder
of such permit, or its manager, or agent, which notice shall state the grounds of complaint
against the holder of such permit and shall also state the time when, and the place where,
such hearing will be held; said hearing shall in no event be later than five days from the
date of said notice. In the event the holder of such permit cannot be found, or service of
such notice cannot be made upon it, or him, in the manner provided in this chapter, then
a copy of such notice shall be mailed, postage fully prepaid, addressed to such carrier at
his or its last known address. (Prior code § 7.52040).
5.50.060 Permit-- Appeal hearing.
A. Should any applicant or applicants be dissatisfied with the decision of the City
Manager not to grant a permit or for the revocation of a permit, then said applicant may
make written objection to the Bakersfield City Council setting forth the grounds for
dissatisfaction, whereupon the City Council shall hear said objections at its next regular
meeting, giving written notice thereof to said applicant, and upon such hearing may
sustain, suspend or overrule the decision of the City Manager, which said decision shall
be final and conclusive.
B. Pending the hearing before the City Council, the decision of the City Manager shall
remain in full force and effect and any reversal by the City Council, shall not be retroactive
but shall take effect as of the date of the City Council's decision. (Prior code § 7.52.050).
5.50.070 Permit entitles holder to license.
The permits mentioned in this chapter shall entitle the holder thereof to obtain licenses
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to engage in the business described in said permits upon payment of the required license
fees, providing the holder of such permits complies with all other terms and conditions
apply thereto contained in other laws and ordinances. (Prior code § 7.52.060).
5.50.080 Insurance.
A. It shall be unlawful for an owner or driver to operate a taxicab unless there is in full
force and effect a policy of insurance whereby the owner and driver of each taxicab
operated within the City are insured against liability for damage to property and for injury
to or death of any person as as a result of the ownership, operation or other use thereof.
The minimum liability limits upon each such vehicle shall be subject to the approval of the
City Manager and City Attorney. Such policy of insurance shall also contain an
endorsement providing that the policy shall not be canceled or materially modified until
notice in writing has been given to the City, addressed to the Risk Manager of the City of
Bakersfield, at least thirty (30) days immediately prior to the time such cancellation or
material modification becomes effective. Furthermore, such policy of insurance shall name
the City, its Mayor, its officers, agents and employees as additional named insureds.
Additionally, a vehicle owner and driver shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless the
City, its mayor, officers, agents and employees from claims arising from or alleged to arise
from the operation of the vehicle owner or driver.
B. The motor vehicle liability policy shall inure to the benefit of any and all persons
suffering loss or damage, either to person or property, as provided in this chapter, and the
liability of the insurance carrier shall be in no manner abrogated or abated by the death
of the tort feasor and/or the owner. The motor vehicle liability insurance shall be a
continuing liability up to the full amount thereof notwithstanding any recovery thereon, and
the policy shall so certify.
C. The policy and policy amounts shall be subject to the approval of the City Manager
and City Attorney.
D. In addition to liability insurance, an owner or carrier shall also provide proof of
Worker's Compensation Insurance to City Manager, if applicable.
E. If, at any time, the policy of insurance required under this Chapter is canceled or
materially modified by the company issuing the same, the owner shall, within ten days of
notice of such cancellation or modification, replace such policy with another policy
satisfactory to the City Manager and City Attorney. Failure to maintain the minimum levels
and standards of required insurance for any period of time is a violation of this chapter
and shall be sufficient grounds for suspension, revocation, or non-renewal of a permit.
5.50.090 Vehicle identification.
No permit shall be granted to any carrier to operate any vehicle covered by this chapter
whose color scheme, name, trade name, monogram or insignia is in conflict with, or in
imitation of, any color scheme, name, trade name, monogram or insignia used by any other
carrier as defined in subsection A of Section 5.50.010, and which shall be of such
character and nature as to be misleading or deceptive to the public. (Prior code §
7.52.080).
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5.50.100 Advertising on.
Advertising may be carried on the outside or inside of taxicabs, provided only that the
advertising shall first be approved as to size and form by the City Manager. (Prior code
§ 7.52.090).
5.50.110 Numbers.
A. Each taxicab operated pursuant to the terms of this chapter shall be numbered.
B. The numbers shall be painted upon the body of the taxicab in numerals of a size,
color, visibility and position or positions approved from time to time by the Chief of Police.
C. A series of numbers shall be assigned by the Chief of Police to carriers for use on
their taxicabs. (Prior code § 7.52.100).
5.50.120 Identity lights.
A. Every taxicab shall be equipped with an identity light attached to the top of such
taxicab. The identity light shall be constructed in one unit consisting of an illuminater plate
or cylinder upon which is printed the name of the carrier and/or the words "For Hire."
B. The overall dimensions for such identity light shall not exceed six inches in height
by twenty inches in length.
C. The lights of the identity unit shall be connected to a contact switch attached to the
taximeter, and such contact switch shall operate automatically to illuminate the identity
light when the taximeter is not in operation indicating the cab is vacant and for hire, and
to extinguish the identity light when the taximeter is in operation.
D. It is unlawful to drive or operate any taxicab with the identity light illuminated while
carrying passengers for compensation, and it is unlawful to drive, operate or be in charge
of any taxicab unless the identity light is illuminated when the taxicab is for hire. (Prior
code § 7.52.110).
5.50.130 Vehicle equipment -- Inspection.
A. All vehicles operated by any carrier as defined in subsection A of Section 5.50.010
shall, before being placed in service, be approved by the Chief of Police of the City. All the
vehicles shall be of a design and type of construction as shall comply with orders and
regulations pertaining to the equipment adopted from time to time by the City Manager.
The vehicles shall at all times be kept in a clean and sanitary condition and in good state
of repair, and shall be subject to constant inspection by the Chief of Police. Any vehicle
which becomes unsafe, or unserviceable, either from the standpoint of its state of repair,
or its condition of obsolescence, may be retired from service upon order of the Chief of
Police, and no vehicle which has been so retired shall be again operated in such service
except with approval of the Chief of Police.
B. In the event the condition of any vehicle shall, in the opinion of the Chief of Police,
be so unclean, unsightly or mechanically defective as to be undesirable for use by the
public, the Chief of Police may require such vehicle to be immediately withdrawn from
service and such vehicle shall not be again placed in service until approved by the Chief
of Police. (Prior code § 7.52.120).
C. It is unlawful for a taxicab or its driver to carry, contain or otherwise possess or
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receive information from any type of device which monitors other taxicab activities or public
safety calls.
5.50.140 Taximeter -- Operation, placement, inspection, flag and charges.
A. It is unlawful for any carrier to operate any taxicab in the City unless and until such
taxicab is equipped with a taximeter of a design which has been approved by the Chief of
Police, and it shall be the duty of the carrier operating such taxicab, and also the driver
thereof, to keep such meter operating at all times within such standard of accuracy as may
be prescribed from time to time by the Chief of Police. No passenger shall be carried in
any such taxicab unless said taximeter is in operation. This provision shall apply
regardless of whether the taxicab is engaged for a trip entirely within the boundaries of the
City or partially outside thereof, and such meter shall be kept operating continuously
during the entire time that it is engaged in the transportation of passengers for
compensation, regardless of the point of destination, provided such destination is within
five miles of any exterior boundary of the City.
B. The taximeter shall be placed in each taxicab so that the reading dial showing the
amount to be charged is well-lighted and readily discernible to a passenger riding in any
such taxicab.
C. Every taximeter used in the operation of taxicabs shall be subject to inspection at
any time by the Chief of Police, or his representatives. Upon discovery of any inaccuracy
of such taximeter, the operator thereof shall remove, or cause to be removed from service
any vehicle equipped with said taximeter until such taximeter has been repaired and
accurately adjusted.
D. Every taximeter shall be inspected and tested for accuracy by the carrier at least
once each year. Upon the completion of such inspection and of any adjustments necessary
to cause such taximeter to operate within the standards of accuracy approved by the Chief
of Police, the carrier shall cause to be placed upon such meter a gummed label having
printed thereon the following:
This taximeter was inspected and tested on , (date), and found to
comply with standard of accuracy prescribed by the Chief of Police of the City of
Bakersfield, California.
The date on which such inspection was made shall be stamped in the blank space
provided for that purpose. No such label shall be removed except at the time a subsequent
inspection is made.
E. It is unlawful for any driver of any taxicab, while carrying passengers, to display the
"flag" attached to the taximeter in such a position as to denote that such vehicle is not
employed, or to fail to throw the "flag" of the taximeter to a position indicating said vehicle
is unemployed at the termination of each and every service.
F. All charges for taxicab service shall be calculated and indicated by a taximeter, and
at all times while the taxicab is engaged, the "flag" of the taximeter shall be thrown into a
position to register charges for mileage, or into a position to register charges for waiting
time. No taximeter shall be used whose mechanism will register a combined charge for
mileage and waiting time in any single position, and no taximeter shall be so operated as
to cause any charge to be registered thereon except during the time while the taxicab is
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engaged by a passenger, or passengers. (Ord. 2598 § 11, 1980; prior code § 7.52.130).
5.50.150 Receipts given upon request.
It is unlawful for the driver of any taxicab, upon receiving full payment for a fare as
indicated by the taximeter, to refuse to give a receipt upon the request of any passenger
making such payment. (Prior code § 7.52.140).
5.50.160 Trip sheets -- Driver's report.
A. The driver of every vehicle covered by this chapter shall keep a complete and
accurate record of each trip upon a daily trip sheet, the form of which shall be approved
by the Chief of Police, showing the time and place of origin and destination of the trip, the
number of passengers carried, the mileage and the amount of the fare collected.
B. This record shall be filed daily by the driver with the company by whom he is
employed or with the carrier from whom he leases the vehicle, and such record shall be
kept on file available for inspection by the Chief of Police or his representatives, for a
period of not less than six months. (Ord. 2799 § 1, 1983; prior code § 7.52.150).
5.50.170 Route -- Passenger limit in taxicabs.
A. Every driver of a taxicab who is engaged to carry passengers shall take the most
direct route possible that will carry the passengers safely and expeditiously to their
destinations, unless otherwise directed by such passengers.
B. When a taxicab is engaged, the person or persons engaging such taxicab shall
have the exclusive right to the full and complete use of the taxicab and it is unlawful for the
carrier or driver of such taxicab to solicit or carry additional passengers therein; it is
unlawful for the carrier or driver of the taxicab to permit any person other than the carrier
or driver or a paying passenger, to occupy a taxicab whether such taxicab is waiting
employment in a regular designated stand or in motion upon the public streets; provided,
however, that where the City Manager finds that public necessity requires the grouping of
passengers in such taxicabs, the City Manager may issue a special written permit, which
permit shall specifically set forth the rules and regulations under which such passenger
grouping is permitted. It is unlawful for any driver or carrier to operate, or permit to be
operated, any taxicab in violation of any of the rules and regulations set forth in such
special permits.
C. The number of passengers which may be carried in any vehicle covered by this
chapter shall be limited to the seating capacity of such vehicle as specified by the
manufacturer. No person shall be carried in such vehicle who is required to share in any
way the seating space occupied by another, nor shall any person be carried who is
required to occupy any space in or on such vehicle which does not provide a seat. (Prior
code § 7.52.160).
5.50.180 Availability of service.
A. Taxicab service shall be available at all times by telephone call, by engagement of
the taxicab when standing at a regularly assigned stand, or when properly hailed from the
street or curb.
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B. It is unlawful for any carrier or driver of a taxicab to refuse or neglect to transport
any orderly person or persons upon request anywhere in the City when a taxicab of such
carrier is standing in a regularly assigned taxistand and such service shall be rendered
immediately upon request. (Prior code § 7.52.170).
5.50.190 Cruising or stopping to solicit passengers m Loading.
It is unlawful for any driver of a taxicab while driving such vehicle to cruise, loiter or
stop on a public street for the purpose of soliciting passengers or seeking a place in a
taxistand which is already occupied. It is lawful, however, for such vehicle while
proceeding to a regularly assigned taxistand, regularly established call station or to the
cartleds principal place of business to accept employment when hailed from the street or
curb; provided, that it is unlawful for such driver to accept passengers at any of the
following places:
A. In any marked or unmarked crosswalk;
B. At any regularly established bus stop;
C. At any place in a street except alongside a curb;
D. Alongside any curb opposite to a regularly established and marked traffic safety
zone. (Ord. 3189 § 3, 1988: prior code § 7.52.180).
5.50.200 Establishment of rates.
A. Rates and fares charged to the public must be established by filing a rate schedule
with the City by the person/entity holding a valid permit. The proposed rates and fares
shall also be published in a local newspaper of a general circulation at the time of filing
same with the City so as to provide adequate public notice.
B. The City Council must review such rates at a noticed public meeting within sixty
days of the filing of the rate schedule. If no such review is held by the City Council, the
rates shall remain as set forth in the schedule and shall take effect sixty days from the date
said rate schedule was filed with the City1 If the City Council reviews the rate schedule
within the sixty day period, the City Council may increase, decrease or accept the rates
as submitted. The rate, as increased, decreased or accepted by the City Council, shall
take effect sixty days from the date said rate schedule was originally filed with the City.
(Ord. 3490 § 1, 1992: prior code § 7.52.180).
5.50.210 Waiting time.
For the purpose of this chapter "waiting time" means the time consumed while the
taxicab is not in motion at the direction of a passenger and also the time consumed while
waiting for a passenger after having responded to a cell, but no charge shall be made for
the time consumed by the premature response to a call, or for the first three minutes
following timely arrival at any location in response to a cell or for the time lost through
traffic interruptions or for delays caused by the inefficiency of the taxicab or its driver.
(Prior code § 7.52.200).
5.50.240 Charging other than established fares prohibited.
It is unlawful for any carrier, or any agent or employee thereof, or any driver or operator
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of any vehicle covered by this chapter, to charge, collect, demand, receive, arrange, solicit
or bargain for any amount of compensation other than the rates or fares established and
authorized by this chapter. (Prior code § 7.52.220).
5.50.250 Display of rates.
Every taxicab used or operated under this chapter shall, at all times, have displayed
therein a location, or locations, and in a manner, which has been approved by the Chief
of Police, the rates to be charged for such taxicab service, and which rates shall always
be visible to all passengers in such taxicab. (Ord 3189 § 8, 1988; prior code § 7.52.230).
5.50.260 Refusal to pay fare.
It is unlawful for any person to refuse to pay the authorized fare of any of the vehicles
mentioned in this chapter after having employed the same, and it is unlawful for any
person to hire any vehicle covered by this chapter with intent to defraud the person from
whom it is hired, or engaged, of the value of such service. (Prior code § 7.52.240).
5.20.270 Carrier responsibility requiring operation by permit holder.
It is unlawful for any carrier, as defined in subsection A of Section 5.50.010, to permit
the operation of any vehicle governed or affected by this chapter by any person other than
a holder of a driver's permit as required by Section 5.50.290. (Prior code § 7.52.250).
5.20.275. Carrier shall, at its sole cost, comply with all the requirements of municipal,
state and federal authorities now in force, or which may hereafter be in force, governing
the taxicab industry, including but not limited to laws governing independent contracting.
5.50.280
Employment of drivers.
A. Vehicles covered by this chapter, including leased vehicles, shall be operated only
by the carrier or by a person, or persons, employed by the carrier.
5.50.290 Driver's permit -- Application -- Fee -- Age restrictions -- Expiration --
Renewal -- Change of carrier -- Duplicates.
A. It is unlawful for any person to drive, operate or be in charge of, any taxicab
governed or affected by this chapter, without having first obtained a driver's permit, issued
pursuant to this chapter to do so.
B. The applicant for such permit shall appear personally and file with the Chief of
Police an application in writing, upon a form furnished by the Chief of Police, containing
such information as the Chief of Police may require. Such application shall be
accompanied by a service fee pursuant to Chapter 3.70 herein. Said fee shall not
berefunded for any reason. In addition to his application, the applicant shall furnish to the
police department at the time he submits his application three passport-size recent
photographs of acceptable quality and shall be further required to furnish new photographs
upon request of the police department when the original photographs are no longer
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suitable.
C. Upon the receipt of such application accompanied by the required fee and deposit
as provided in subsection B of this section, the Chief of Police shall, subject to the
conditions contained in subsection D of this section, issue to such applicant a driver's
permit. Such permit shall state the name of the carrier by whom the holder thereof is to be
employed and shall authorize the applicant to drive, operate or be in charge of any vehicle
operated pursuant to the provisions of this chapter only by the carrier named in the permit;
provided, however, that the permit holder may change his employer and drive, operate or
be in charge of vehicles operated pursuant to this chapter by another carrier after securing
from the Chief of Police an endorsement on his driver's permit of a change of carrier as
provided in this chapter.
D. No driver's permit shall be issued to any such applicant who is under the age of
eighteen years, or who is not the holder of a valid, unrevoked and unsuspended class C
license issued by the state. A prior conviction of any of the offenses mentioned in
subsection A of Section 5.50.300 shall be a good cause for denial of the driver's permit,
provided the Chief of Police shall deem the applicant unfit to be the holder of such permit
by reason of such conviction. The Chief of Police shall consult such records and consider
evidence as is available to him at the time of acting on the application to determine the
fitness of the applicant. In addition, all applicants shall take and pass with negative results
a controlled substance and alcohol test in accordance with California Government Code
Section 53075.5 as it may be amended or renumbered. Such test shall be taken no more
than thirty days preceding the date the application is filed for a new permit or renewal of
an expired permit and the negative results must be received by the Chief of Police no later
than thirty days after the date the application is filed. Failure to meet these deadlines shall
result in the invalidation of the permit process. The test shall be taken in a certified
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) laboratory, and certified documentation of the
results shall be submitted to the Chief of Police in the time frames outlined herein along
with sufficient identifying factors to match the test results with the permittee.
E. As soon as possible after the issuance of a driver's permit, the Chief of Police shall
make such further investigation of the character and fitness of the applicant as he deems
necessary. After the completion of such further investigation, if he is satisfied that the
operation by the applicant of a vehicle authorized to be operated under the terms of this
chapter will be detrimental to the public health, peace, safety or welfare, or that the holder
of such driver's permit is unfit to hold the same, he shall revoke such driver's permit as
provided in Section 5.50.300.
F. The Chief of Police shall keep a copy of such driver's permit on file in his office.
Such driver's permit shall constitute evidence of compliance with the terms of this chapter.
Such driver's permit shall be effective until the expiration date printed thereon pursuant to
subsection G of this section, or until suspended or revoked as provided in Section
5.50.300.
G All permits issued pursuant to this chapter shall expire on the three hundred
sixty-fifth day following the date of its issuance, unless suspended or revoked as provided
herein.
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H A renewal driver's permit shall be issued by the Chief of Police to any permittee who
has paid a renewal fee pursuant to Chapter 3.70 herein and completed all of the
requirements, including but not limited to the controlled substance and alcohol test as
indicated in subsection D. above.
I. An endorsement of a change of carrier by whom a permit holder may be employed
shall be made on a permit by the Chief of Police whenever the holder thereof makes
application therefor and pays a transfer fee pursuant to Chapter 3.70 herein.
J. A fee pursuant to Chapter 3.70 herein shall be collected for the issuance of each
duplicate driver's permit.
K. In the event that a driver holding a valid permit issued by the county requests a
transfer to a company operating within the City, the Chief of Police may accept the results
of the investigation made by the county and issue a City permit to said driver or may
require an investigation similar to that required for a new permit; however, in either case,
a transfer fee pursuant to Chapter 3.70 herein is required.
L. If a driver works for a company which is located outside the corporate limits of the
City, but licensed to operate both in the City and county, said driver will be required to
obtain a permit from the Chief of Police without regard to any other permit he may have or
be required to have by any other agency.
M. Not withstanding subsection G. above, permits issued in 1996, pursuant to this
chapter, shall expire on March 31, 1997. (Ord. 3744 § 1, 1997: Oral 3725 §§ 1, 2, 1996:
Ord. 3189 § 4, 1988; prior code § 7.52.270).
N. 1. An employer shall notify the Chief of Police, in writing, of the termination of
employment of any taxi driver, and driver shall return his/her permit to City.
2. Upon termination of employment, a driver's permit shall become void.
5.50.300 Driver's permit -- Revocation or suspension -- Appeal -- Hearing.
A. 1. The Chief of Police may summarily revoke or suspend any driver's permit issued
under the provisions of this chapter; provided, that he has knowledge that the holder
thereof, either before or after issuance of his driver's permit, has been convicted of
violating any of the provisions of this chapter, or has been convicted of a felony or the
violation of any of the provisions of the State Alcoholic Beverage Control Act, the State
Narcotic Law, or of assault, battery, pandering, driving vehicle while under the influence
of intoxicants or narcotics, reckless driving, or any other charge or act sufficiently irregular
to justify revocation or suspension of said permit.
2. It is unlawful for any person to drive, operate, or be in charge of any vehicle
governed or affected by this chapter during the time that his driver's permit has been
suspended or after the same has been revoked.
B. Any driver who may be aggrieved by the action of the Chief of Police in suspending
or revoking his driver's permit or temporary driver's permit, or any applicant who may be
aggrieved by the denial by the Chief of Police of his application, may within ten days from
such denial, suspension or revocation, make written objection to the Bakersfield City
Council setting up the grounds for grievance, whereupon the City Council shall fix a date
for hearing said objections, giving written notice thereof to said applicant, and upon such
hearing may sustain, suspend or overrule the decision of the Chief of Police, which said
Page12of 15
decision shall be final and conclusive. Such order of suspension or revocation by the Chief
of Police, shall remain in full force and effect unless and until acted upon and reversed or
modified by the City Council. (Prior code § 7.52.280).
5.50.310 Uniform and cap -- General appearance.
A. It is unlawful for any driver to operate or be in charge of any taxicab governed or
affected by this chapter without wearing a distinctive cap and cap insignia or distinctive
badge having a minimum size of 2" x 4" along with the name of the driver and the
company, in a conspicuous area on the upper body; and it is unlawful for such driver to fail
to at all times while operating or in charge of such vehicle, to have in his immediate
possession the driver's permit required by this chapter to be secured from the Chief of
Police. It is also unlawful for any driver operating or in charge of, any vehicle governed or
affected by this chapter to use for the purpose of operating such vehicle a driver's permit
issued to another person.
B. Any uniform worn by drivers of taxicabs must be approved by the Chief of Police.
C. Drivers shall keep themselves physically clean and neat appearing at all times while
on duty. (Ord. 3189 § 5, 1988; prior code § 7.52.290).
5.50.320 Taxistands -- Permit m Standing restrictions.
A. It is unlawful for any carrier, or driver of any vehicle operated pursuant to the terms
of this chapter, to stand, or permit to stand, any such vehicle at any place upon any portion
of the streets of the City, other than at a certain place designated by the City Manager and
assigned to the carrier operating such vehicle.
B. Permits may be issued by the City Manager to carriers operating pursuant to the
terms of this chapter allowing the vehicles of such carriers, while awaiting employment, to
stand at certain designated places upon the streets of the City; provided, however that no
such permit shall be granted except upon the written application of the carrier desiring
such stand, filed with the City Manager, stating the proposed location of such stand. The
application shall be accompanied by the written consent of the occupant of the first floor
of any building of that property in front of which it is desired to establish such vehicle
stand, or if any such building is a hotel, the written consent of the manager of said hotel,
or if there is no building on the premises in front of which it is desired that such vehicle
shall stand, or if there is a building and the first floor is not occupied, then the written
consent of the owner, agent, or lessee of such building or premises. In the event that the
occupant, manager, owner, agent, or lessee mentioned above in this subsection refuses,
fails or neglects to grant consent to the establishing of a taxistand at the location
proposed, the City Manager shall set a time of hearing on such application, which shall be
not less than ten days nor more than thirty days from the time of filing such application,
and each and every person qualified under these provisions to make or offer a formal
objection to establishing such taxistand at the location proposed shall be notified in writing
not less than five days prior to said hearing, at which time he shall be given an opportunity
to be heard. Notwithstanding the failure or refusal of the occupant, manager, owner, agent,
or lessee as mentioned in this subsection to grant consent to the establishing of a
taxistand in front of the building or premises as proposed, or any formal objection offered
Page 13 of 15
thereto, the City Manager shall have the right to grant or deny any application for a
taxistand, and may issue or refuse to issue such permit.
C. At the time of making application for a permit as provided for in this section, the
applicant shall vedfy, under oath, that he has not, nor has anyone for him or on his behalf
paid, or promised to pay, or offered to pay, nor agreed to pay, deliver or give anything of
value for obtaining the consent or endorsement by the occupant or person required to
given such consent to the granting of a permit to occupy any stand upon the streets as
required in subsection B of this section, and for the violation of subsection B of this
section, such person shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor.
D. All permits for taxistands so issued shall contain a provision to the effect that they
are, and they shall be, subject to revocation by the City Manager at any time.
E. It is unlawful for any vehicle to occupy any regularly established taxistand unless
such vehicle is one being operated by the carrier to which such taxistand has been
assigned as provided in this section.
F. It is unlawful for the driver of any taxicab to allow such taxicab to remain in any
taxistand, as set out in this section, unattended for a period of time longer than ten
minutes.
G. No carrier or driver of any taxicab shall solicit passerxgers at a distance greater than
ten feet from his taxicab. (Ord. 3189 § 6, '1988; prior code § 7.52.300).
5.$0,330. Nonliability.
City obligations described in this chapter shall not be considered mandatory duties for
purposes of the California Torts Claim Act, Government Code Section 815, et seq.,
including but not limited to the failure of the City to inspect any taxicab, negligent
inspection of any taxicab by the City, the issuance of any permit or the failure to suspend
or revoke any permit.
.......... ooOOOoo
Page 14 of 15
I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing Ordinance was passed and adopt~ by the
Council of the City of Bakersfield at a regular meeting thereof held on ~EP 0 9 , by the
following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
COUNCILMEMBER CAR{~ON, DEMOND, SMITH, MCDERMOTT, ROWLES, SULLIVAN, SALVAGOIO
COUNCILMEMBER
COUNCILMEMBER
COUNCILMEMBER
CITY CLERK and EX OFFICIO of t~/e
Council of the City of Bakersfield b'
APPROVED:
CITY OF BAKERSFIELD
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
ROBERT M. SH~ERFY
CHIEF AS~S!~.,ANT CITY ATTORNEY
By:/~..,~ ~t~, ,~,~. : , ,~..~
Deputy City Attorney
GG:cj
September 1, 1998
S:\COU NClL\Ords\TaxiCabOrd.wpd
Page 15 of 15
ORtGrNAL
AFFIDAVIT OF POSTING DOCUMENTS
STATE OF CALIFORNIA)
) SS.
County of Kern )
PAMELA A. McCARTHY, being duly sworn, deposes and says:
That she is the duly appointed, acting and qualified City Clerk of the City of Bakersfield; and
that on the 9th .day of September ,1998 she posted on the Bulletin Board at City
Hall, a full, true and correct copy of the following: Ordinance No. 3862, passed by the
Bakersfield City Council at a meeting held on September 9, 1998 and entitled:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BAKERSFIELD AMENDING
CHAPTER 5.50 OF THE BAKERSFIELD MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO
TAXICABS.
Is/PAMELA A. McCARTHY
City Clerk of the City of Bakersfield
Deputy City Clerk
S:\DOCUMENT~AOPOSTING
September 10, 1998