§ 290-28. General requirements of operators and owners.

A. 

Doors. All bodies shall have four doors, two leading into the driver's compartment, so constructed that they may be opened from the inside and the outside.

B. 

Heater. Every taxicab shall be equipped with an adequate heater of the type which will not permit the exhaust gases to enter the interior of the vehicle.

C. 

Rearview mirrors. Every vehicle licensed as a taxicab shall be equipped with two adjustable rearview mirrors, one in the driver's compartment and one installed on the exterior of the vehicle on the driver's side.

D. 

Speedometer. Every taxicab shall be equipped with a standard speedometer properly installed and maintained in good working order. No taxicab shall be operated in public hiring service while such speedometer is out for repair or disconnected.

E. 

Tires. Every taxicab shall require the use of either an acceptable snow tire, radial tire or chains on the two rear wheels when pavement conditions are such as to require their use for the safety of the driver, passengers and the general public.

F. 

Windshield wipers. Every taxicab shall be equipped with dual windshield wipers properly installed and maintained in good working order and shall be operated whenever weather conditions require.

G. 

Upholstery and floor mats. When the original upholstery or floor mats are found to be worn out or otherwise unsatisfactory for public use, they shall be replaced.

H. 

Interior light. Every taxicab shall be equipped with an interior light to illuminate the interior of said public vehicle after sundown. Said light shall be so arranged as to be automatically turned on by the opening of the right rear door of said vehicle and shall also have a switch easily accessible to the passengers.

I. 

Safety glass. Wherever glass is used in body construction, it shall be safety glass, clearly and permanently marked as such, and of a type approved by the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles of New York State. Glass in windows and doors shall be in good condition with regard to air bubbles, cracks and fractures.

J. 

Fender and body. Fender and body must be rigid, tightly fastened, free from dents or mutilation and so constructed as to allow the full opening of the doors. The exterior of the vehicle must be well painted and the finish in good condition.

K. 

View of license unobstructed. The view of the state license plates and the City vehicle medallion shall at all times be unobstructed.

L. 

Mechanically fit. All vehicles licensed by this City must be kept mechanically fit, with brakes, lights and signaling devices in good working order.

M. 

Radio. A radio, if there is one in the vehicle, except a radio used by the operator in dispatching calls in connection with the business of the operator, shall be played at the discretion of the passenger and at no other time.

N. 

Prohibited. No taxicab shall be equipped with any equipment which is not reasonably useful and necessary in the furnishing of safe, adequate and convenient hiring service.

O. 

Illegal acts. It shall be unlawful for any licensed driver of any taxicab to misrepresent the name of his employer or knowingly to receive or transport any person or persons who intend to commit an unlawful act.

P. 

Air conditioners. Every taxicab shall be equipped with a functioning air conditioning system and the passenger compartment shall be air conditioned upon the customer's request.

[Added 11-18-1997 by Ord. No. 248-1997]