§ 12-206. Taximeter design and testing; fees.

(a)

A taximeter must accurately register in legible figures total miles, paid miles, number of fare units, number of trips, extras, and total fare for a trip. Figures denoting the fare must be illuminated when the meter is activated.

(b)

A taximeter must be mounted in a conspicuous location in the taxicab in a manner approved by the director. A taximeter must be equipped to indicate whether the taxicab is engaged or vacant and with a tamperproof system connecting the taximeter to an amber light atop the taxicab that, when lighted, is visible from all directions. The system must be designed so that during the time the taximeter is registering a fare, the amber light is automatically illuminated.

(c)

If the taximeter employs a flag, the flag must project at least four inches above the dashboard when in the nonearning position.

(d)

The taximeter or its drive system must be sealed at all points at which components, if manipulated, could affect the function or accuracy of the taximeter.

(e)

The design of a taximeter is subject to approval by the director to ensure that it complies with this section.

(f)

A holder shall cause each taximeter in taxicabs operating under its authority to be maintained in good operating condition and to be tested and sealed at least once each year in accordance with the states weights and measures laws. The director must approve the testing agency to be used.

(g)

The owner of a taxicab shall be responsible for presenting the taxicab to the director for taximeter testing according to the schedule established by the director. The director may order the owner or the holder to make the taxicab available for taximeter testing at any time.

(h)

The owner of the taxicab shall be responsible for paying the taximeter testing fee.

(i)

A person commits an offense if he operates a taxicab that is:

(1)

Not equipped with a taximeter; or

(2)

Equipped with a taximeter that:

a.

Does not have a current decal and lead seal authorized by an authorized taximeter test agency as outlined in subsection (f) of this section;

b.

Has been tampered with or altered; or

c.

Incorrectly registers or computes taxicab fares because of alterations to the taxicab odometer including, but not limited to, changes in the gears, tires, or wheels of the taxicab.

(j)

The following persons shall be responsible and subject to the penalty for a violation of subsection (h) of this section:

(1)

The driver of the taxicab;

(2)

The owner of the taxicab;

(3)

The holder under whose authority the taxicab is being operated.

(k)

Proof of taxicab ownership for purposes of this section may be made by a copy of the registration of the vehicle with the state showing the name of the person to whom the state license plates for the vehicle were issued. The person in whose name the vehicle is registered shall be prima facie the owner of the vehicle. If the vehicle is not currently registered, the person in whose name the vehicle was last registered shall be prima facie the owner of the vehicle.

(Code 1982, § 15-124.6; Ord. No. 01-39, § 1, 8-6-2001)