SEC. 1106. TAXI AND RAMP TAXI EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS
[begin deletion] Reserved. [end deletion]
[begin insertion] (a) [end insertion] [begin insertion] All Taxis and Ramp Taxis must be maintained in a safe operating condition. Except as otherwise specified herein, all Taxi and Ramp Taxi Medallion Holders and Color Schemes are jointly and severally responsible for ensuring that all Taxis and Ramp Taxis for which they hold permits or with which they are affiliated meet all equipment requirements listed in this Section. In addition to imposing any applicable penalty for non-compliance with requirements, The SFMTA may remove any vehicle from service for any violation of this Section until the violation is corrected and the vehicle is approved by the SFMTA. [end insertion]
[begin insertion] (b) [end insertion] [begin insertion] Equipment Placement [end insertion]
[begin insertion] The placement or display of any equipment required by this Section 1106 shall not interfere with the Driver’s visibility or the operation of any O.E.M. equipment. [end insertion]
[begin insertion] (c) [end insertion] [begin insertion] Exterior Display of Identifying Information [end insertion]
[begin insertion] (1) [end insertion] [begin insertion] Vehicle Number [end insertion] [begin insertion] [end insertion]
[begin insertion] (A) [end insertion] [begin insertion] All Taxis and Ramp Taxis shall have the Vehicle Number painted on or applied with adhesive on the vehicle in numerals of a color which contrasts with the color of the rest of the vehicle. Such number shall be at least four inches high and positioned directly under the windows on or within six inches of the forward most portion of both front doors and on the center, lower left or lower right corner of the rear facing portion of the trunk lid of the vehicle. [end insertion]
[begin insertion] (B) [end insertion] [begin insertion] The Vehicle Number shall be painted on the roof, hood or trunk of the vehicle in a color that contrasts with the color of the rest of the vehicle. The numbers shall be a minimum of 18 inches in length and must fill the entire width of the roof, hood or trunk. If the numbers are displayed on the roof, they shall be mounted and centered directly behind the top light. [end insertion]
[begin insertion] (2) [end insertion] [begin insertion] San Francisco [end insertion] [begin insertion] Taxicab [end insertion]
[begin insertion] The words "San Francisco Taxicab" with letters at least two inches in height, in a color which contrasts with the color of the rest of the vehicle shall be painted or attached by the use of adhesive letters on both sides of the vehicle’s rear quarter panels and to the trunk directly above the rear bumper. [end insertion]
[begin insertion] (3) [end insertion] [begin insertion] Inspection Certificate [end insertion] [begin insertion] [end insertion]
[begin insertion] All Taxis and Ramp Taxis shall at all times conspicuously display a current and valid SFIA decal indicating satisfactory completion of vehicle inspection as required by Section XX of this Article. [end insertion]
[begin insertion] (4) [end insertion] [begin insertion] Trade Name [end insertion] [begin insertion] [end insertion]
[begin insertion] Every Taxi and Ramp Taxi shall have the name of the Color Scheme with which the permit is affiliated painted in letters at least two inches in height on the exterior of the side doors of each side of the vehicle. [end insertion]
[begin insertion] (5) [end insertion] [begin insertion] Trade Dress [end insertion] [begin insertion] [end insertion]
[begin insertion] The exterior of every Taxi and Ramp Taxi shall be well painted with the color(s) of the Color Scheme with which it is affiliated. [end insertion]
[begin insertion] (d) [end insertion] [begin insertion] Interior Display of Information [end insertion]
[begin insertion] (1) [end insertion] [begin insertion] Rate Card [end insertion]
[begin insertion] Every Taxi and Ramp Taxi shall have permanently affixed to the interior of the vehicle, in a place easily visible to passengers, a clear display enclosing a card upon which shall be printed in plain, legible letters the schedule of rates that may be charged for carriage in such vehicle and such other provisions of this Article as the SFMTA may require. The display and its installed location in the vehicle must be approved by the SFMTA. [end insertion]
[begin insertion] (2) [end insertion] [begin insertion] 311 Card [end insertion]
[begin insertion] Every Taxi and Ramp Taxi shall have a clear display to hold a 311 card permanently affixed to the interior of the vehicle in a place readily visible to any passenger. The 311 card must clearly display the Vehicle Number and the name of the Color Scheme in plain, legible letters. [end insertion]
[begin insertion] (3) [end insertion] [begin insertion] Braille Display [end insertion]
[begin insertion] All taxicab vehicles shall have a large sign in Braille mounted on the interior of the right rear door indicating the Vehicle Number and the name of the Color Scheme. [end insertion]
[begin insertion] (4) [end insertion] [begin insertion] Driver Identification [end insertion] [begin insertion] [end insertion]
[begin insertion] Every Taxi and Ramp Taxi shall be equipped with a holder for a Color Scheme Identification Card, placed in such a position that any passenger in the vehicle has a clear view of the front of the Driver’s photo identification. [end insertion]
[begin insertion] (e) [end insertion] [begin insertion] Communication Equipment [end insertion] [begin insertion] [end insertion] [begin insertion] [end insertion]
[begin insertion] Every Taxi and Ramp Taxi shall be equipped with direct voice access and two-way communication with a Dispatch Service affiliated with the Taxi or Ramp Taxi. [end insertion]
[begin insertion] (f) [end insertion] [begin insertion] Taximeters [end insertion] [begin insertion] [end insertion]
[begin insertion] (1) [end insertion] [begin insertion] Seal Required [end insertion] [begin insertion] [end insertion]
[begin insertion] The Taximeter installed in any Taxi and Ramp Taxi must have a current and valid seal from the Department of Public Health Weights and Measures. Any Taximeter removed from a Taxi or Ramp Taxi with or without its seals intact and placed in the same or another Taxi or Ramp Taxi must be certified and resealed by the Weights and Measures. Any Taxi or Ramp Taxi found to have Taximeter seals that are broken, removed, destroyed, marred or otherwise tampered with will be taken out of service until correctly repaired. [end insertion]
[begin insertion] (2) [end insertion] [begin insertion] Temporary Operation [end insertion] [begin insertion] [end insertion]
[begin insertion] Pending a Department of Public Health Weights and Measure inspection, a Taximeter that is new or a Taximeter that has a seal that has been broken, adjusted, repaired or serviced, may be placed in service for 24 hours when properly sealed, installed, replaced or repaired by a licensed technician listed with the Department of Public Health Weights and Measures. If the technician fails to comply with any state laws or regulations governing the Taximeter, then the vehicle shall be removed from service until corrected. [end insertion]
[begin insertion] (3) [end insertion] [begin insertion] Installation [end insertion] [begin insertion] [end insertion]
[begin insertion] All Taximeter makes and models must meet the approval of the SFMTA prior to their installation in any Motor Vehicle for Hire, and must meet all requirements of the Paratransit Program. The Taximeter shall be mounted no lower than either the lowest portion of the front window frame or the top of the dashboard in an area that is clearly visible at all times by any passenger in the vehicle. The Taximeter shall not be mounted in such a manner as to interfere with the intended function of O.E.M. equipment, including airbags. [end insertion]
[begin insertion] (4) [end insertion] [begin insertion] Illuminating Devices [end insertion] [begin insertion] [end insertion]
[begin insertion] Each Taximeter shall be equipped with an illuminating device that enables a passenger to conveniently observe the meter and the amount of fare registered at all times for that trip at all hours of the day and night. [end insertion]
[begin insertion] (g) [end insertion] [begin insertion] Safety Partition [end insertion] [begin insertion] [end insertion] [begin insertion] [end insertion]
[begin insertion] Safety partitions of a design that is approved by the SFMTA may be installed in Taxi and/or Ramp Taxi vehicles at the option of the Color Scheme. [end insertion]
[begin insertion] (h) [end insertion] [begin insertion] Emergency Equipment [end insertion] [begin insertion] [end insertion]
[begin insertion] All Taxis and Ramp Taxis shall have at all times a functional spare tire, a working jack and wrench to replace a flat tire, and 2 flares or 2 freestanding reflectors. [end insertion]
[begin insertion] (i) [end insertion] [begin insertion] Signage and Displays [end insertion] [begin insertion] [end insertion]
[begin insertion] Only materials, signs and devices required by law or approved by the SFMTA may be placed on the windows, or displayed or hung inside or outside of a Taxi or Ramp Taxi. [end insertion]
[begin insertion] (j) [end insertion] [begin insertion] Lights [end insertion] [begin insertion] [end insertion] [begin insertion] [end insertion]
[begin insertion] (1) [end insertion] [begin insertion] Standard Lights [end insertion] [begin insertion] [end insertion]
[begin insertion] All O.E.M. lights must be maintained in working condition as designed, including headlights (high/low beam), parking lights, turn signals, tail and brake lights, inside dome light, dashboard lights, license plate light, emergency warning lights and side lights; and, all lenses of such lights are to be reasonably intact. No O.E.M. light may be obstructed or disconnected during operation. The "third" brake light shall be unobstructed and in good working condition at all times. Any additional modifications must have prior approval by the SFMTA. [end insertion]
[begin insertion] (2) [end insertion] [begin insertion] Top Lights [end insertion] [begin insertion] [end insertion]
[begin insertion] (A) [end insertion] [begin insertion] All Taxis and Ramp Taxis must be equipped with a working top light containing a light or lights permanently attached to the roof of the vehicle, which may either have the name of the Color Scheme printed on it, or the words "Taxicab", "taxi", "cab" or "meter rates". All top lights for the same Color Scheme must be of the same color, shape and lettering. [end insertion]
[begin insertion] (B) [end insertion] [begin insertion] Each Driver shall ensure that such top light is illuminated at all times except when the vehicle is engaged in the transportation of a passenger. The top light shall turn on while the Taximeter is in the non-recording position and shall turn off while the Taximeter is in the recording position. [end insertion]
[begin insertion] (k) [end insertion] [begin insertion] Standard Equipment [end insertion] [begin insertion] [end insertion] [begin insertion] [end insertion]
[begin insertion] All Taxis and Ramp Taxis shall have the following standard equipment maintained in good working order such that the equipment functions effectively for the purpose for which it was intended: [end insertion]
(1) [begin insertion] Automatic door locks that can be controlled by the Driver [end insertion]
(2) [begin insertion] Available and easily visible seat belts in all seating positions where passengers may ride. [end insertion]
(3) [begin insertion] Rear view mirror and side view mirrors on both sides of the vehicle [end insertion]
(4) [begin insertion] Speedometer and odometer [end insertion]
(5) [begin insertion] Horn [end insertion]
(6) [begin insertion] Heater and air conditioner [end insertion]
(7) [begin insertion] Door hinges, locks and latches [end insertion]
(8) [begin insertion] Doors that operate easily and open and close securely from either the outside or inside of the vehicle. [end insertion]
(9) [begin insertion] Bumpers and body moldings in good condition and properly attached as the manufacturer intended. [end insertion]
(10) [begin insertion] Shock absorbers and springs [end insertion]
(11) [begin insertion] Windshield wipers with blades in good condition [end insertion]
(12) [begin insertion] Suspension [end insertion]
(13) [begin insertion] Steering [end insertion]
(14) [begin insertion] Brakes, including emergency brake [end insertion]
(15) [begin insertion] A holder for the Medallion placed in such a position that it is clearly visible from the front exterior of the vehicle and that is either attached to the dashboard or to the left side of the right front support beam, on the interior of the vehicle. [end insertion]
(16) [begin insertion] Exhaust system compliant with California law. [end insertion]
[begin insertion] (l) [end insertion] [begin insertion] Tires and Wheels [end insertion] [begin insertion] [end insertion] [begin insertion] [end insertion]
[begin insertion] All tires and wheels of Taxis and Ramp Taxis must comply with the following requirements: [end insertion]
[begin insertion] (1) [end insertion] [begin insertion] Meet all requirements of the California Vehicle Code. [end insertion]
[begin insertion] (2) [end insertion] [begin insertion] Be of matching design (i.e. all whitewalls or all black walls), and with matching hubcaps attached, either of original manufacturer design or of a design authorized by the SFMTA, unless wheels are of a custom design that does not use hubcaps. [end insertion]
[begin insertion] (3) [end insertion] [begin insertion] Only O.E.M.-size tires of the same size used at the time of the Taximeter inspection may be used on any vehicle, including spare vehicles. [end insertion]
[begin insertion] (4) [end insertion] [begin insertion] If a Taxi or Ramp Taxi is disabled because of a flat tire and the spare tire is not the O.E.M. size for normal operation, the vehicle shall remain out of service until a tire of the correct size is installed. [end insertion]
[begin insertion] (m) [end insertion] [begin insertion] Windows [end insertion] [begin insertion] [end insertion] [begin insertion] [end insertion]
[begin insertion] All windows and the windshields of Taxis and Ramp Taxis shall be kept clean and clear, both the outside and inside. No additional tinting or reflective material may be placed on any vehicle window except factory installed tinting. Only safety glass with the lowest factory installed tint may be used. Nothing shall be placed in or on any portion of the vehicle in such a manner as to block the Driver's vision. [end insertion]
[begin insertion] (n) [end insertion] [begin insertion] Cameras [end insertion] [begin insertion] [end insertion]
[begin insertion] (1) [end insertion] [begin insertion] All Taxis and Ramp Taxis shall be equipped with an approved operational security camera meeting SFMTA specifications and signage notifying passengers of the presence of the camera that complies with SFMTA requirements. [end insertion]
[begin insertion] (2) [end insertion] [begin insertion] The SFMTA shall develop a list of approved camera model/systems and specifications on an annual basis. [end insertion]
[begin insertion] (o) [end insertion] [begin insertion] Sanitary Condition [end insertion] [begin insertion] [end insertion] [begin insertion] [end insertion] [begin insertion] [end insertion]
[begin insertion] (1) [end insertion] [begin insertion] Regular Cleaning of Vehicle [end insertion] [begin insertion] [end insertion]
[begin insertion] No Taxi or Ramp Taxi may be driven unless the interior is clean, orderly and kept free of offensive odors. [end insertion]
[begin insertion] (2) [end insertion] [begin insertion] Disinfection of Vehicle [end insertion] [begin insertion] [end insertion]
[begin insertion] A Taxi or Ramp Taxi must be disinfected whenever required in writing by the Department of Public Health. [end insertion]
[begin insertion] (3) [end insertion] [begin insertion] Interior of Vehicle [end insertion] [begin insertion] [end insertion]
[begin insertion] Seats, upholstery and rugs shall match the vehicle’s interior colors and must be kept in good repair. They must not be torn, separated or ripped. Seat springs may not be broken nor may they protrude through the upholstery. Seats shall be firm and comfortable and the tension of the seat springs shall be evenly distributed. Seat covers may not be used to replace upholstery unless the colors match the vehicle’s interior colors and they are sufficiently padded. [end insertion]
[begin insertion] (p) [end insertion] [begin insertion] Vehicle Title [end insertion] [begin insertion] [end insertion]
[begin insertion] The principal vehicle authorized for the operation of a Taxi or Ramp Taxi Medallion may be registered only in the name of the Medallion Holder, Color Scheme, and/or a Driver holding a valid lease for the vehicle that meets the requirements of this Article. [end insertion]
[begin insertion] (q) [end insertion] [begin insertion] Vehicle Mileage [end insertion] [begin insertion] [end insertion] [begin insertion] [end insertion]
[begin insertion] Starting mileage may not be more than 60,000 miles when a vehicle is placed into service. No vehicle may be operated as a Taxi or Ramp Taxi after the vehicle has reached 350,000 miles. [end insertion]
[begin insertion] (r) [end insertion] [begin insertion] Vehicle Age [end insertion] [begin insertion] [end insertion]
[begin insertion] No vehicle may serve as a Taxi or Ramp Taxi vehicle if it is older than eight model years. Beginning January 1, 2010, no vehicle which is older than seven model years may serve as a taxicab. Beginning January 1, 2011, no vehicle which is older than six model years may serve as a taxicab. Beginning January 1, 2012, no vehicle which is older than five model years may be used as a Taxi or Ramp Taxi vehicle. [end insertion]
[begin insertion] (s) [end insertion] [begin insertion] Inspections [end insertion] [begin insertion] [end insertion]
[begin insertion] (1) [end insertion] [begin insertion] Inspection Required [end insertion] [begin insertion] [end insertion]
[begin insertion] There shall be inspections of all taxicab vehicles by the SFMTA. Inspections shall be done every six months for spare vehicles and every 12 months for regular vehicles at a date and time designed by the SFMTA, and at any other time deemed necessary. [end insertion] [begin insertion] At the time of the scheduled inspection of the vehicle, the Color Scheme or Taxi or Ramp Taxi Medallion Holder must provide the following: [end insertion]
[begin insertion] (A) [end insertion] [begin insertion] Valid and current State of California vehicle registration card in the name of the Permitees specified in Section 1106(y). [end insertion]
[begin insertion] (B) [end insertion] [begin insertion] Valid and current Brake Certificate issued by an official inspection station certified by the State of California within 60 days prior to inspection. [end insertion]
[begin insertion] (C) [end insertion] [begin insertion] Proof of insurance meeting the requirements of all applicable laws and regulations. [end insertion]
[begin insertion] (D) [end insertion] [begin insertion] A Vehicle Introduction Form signed and approved by the SFMTA. [end insertion]
[begin insertion] (2) [end insertion] [begin insertion] New Vehicle [end insertion]
[begin insertion] If a new vehicle is purchased for use as a Taxi or Ramp Taxi, the vehicle owner may furnish a written certificate of compliance issued by the automobile dealership in lieu of the documents required in subparagraphs 1106(1)(A) through 1106(1)(D) above, provided that the certificate is dated within 60 days of the annual inspection. The automobile dealership must be certified by the State of California as an official inspection station. [end insertion]
[begin insertion] (3) [end insertion] [begin insertion] Salvage Vehicle [end insertion]
[begin insertion] No vehicle which has been designated as “Salvage” by the California Department of Motor Vehicles may be placed into service as a taxicab unless the vehicle has been inspected and approved by the SFMTA. The SFMTA may require documents to establish the chain of title for Salvage Vehicles. [end insertion] [begin insertion] [end insertion]
[begin insertion] (4) [end insertion] [begin insertion] Inspection Certification [end insertion]
[begin insertion] Upon satisfactory completion of all inspection requirements the SFMTA shall affix an SFIA decal and transponder to the Taxi or Ramp Taxi which authorizes the Taxi or Ramp Taxi to be operated for the time period specified upon the decal. All Taxi and Ramp Taxis shall have a valid and current SFIA decal. The decal shall be conspicuously displayed on the Taxi or Ramp Taxi at all times. [end insertion]
[begin insertion] (5) [end insertion] [begin insertion] Failing Inspection [end insertion]
[begin insertion] If, on inspection, the Commission or its designee determines that a vehicle does not meet the requirements described in these Rules and Regulations or in the Municipal Police Code, the vehicle may fail inspection and may be ordered out of service until the condition(s) are corrected. A failed vehicle must be re-inspected and approved by the Commission or its designee before being returned to service and must pass another inspection in six months from the date of return to service. If a vehicle does not return to service within thirty (30) days it shall be permanently out of service, except by permission of the Commission or its designee and proof of repair. The decision to pass or fail a vehicle shall be at the sole discretion of the Commission or its designee. [end insertion]
[begin insertion] (6) [end insertion] [begin insertion] Removal of Vehicle from Service [end insertion] [begin insertion] [end insertion]
[begin insertion] (A) [end insertion] [begin insertion] A Color Scheme shall make any vehicle available for inspection upon SFMTA request. If a Color Scheme fails to make a vehicle available for inspection or if the SFMTA determines that a vehicle is not in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations, the SFMTA may order the vehicle to be removed from service until it passes inspection. [end insertion]
[begin insertion] (B) [end insertion] [begin insertion] If the SFMTA determines that additional repairs or further inspection of the mechanical condition or safety equipment of a Taxi or Ramp Taxi by a licensed mechanic or technician is necessary, the Color Scheme shall make the necessary repairs or arrangements in order to determine if repairs are necessary, and must provide a statement of findings to the SFMTA from the repair person. [end insertion]
[begin insertion] (7) [end insertion] [begin insertion] Fraud in Connection with Inspection Prohibited [end insertion]
[begin insertion] Misconduct in connection with required inspection is strictly prohibited and is grounds for revocation of a permit. Misconduct may include, but is not limited to, substitution of registered owners on a temporary basis for inspection purposes, or knowingly false statements to SFMTA or SFPD or their designees in connection with an inspection. This Section shall be strictly enforced to ensure the integrity of the San Francisco Taxi fleet and the safety of the public. [end insertion]
[begin insertion] (cc [end insertion] ) [begin insertion] Condition of Vehicle [end insertion] [begin insertion] [end insertion]
[begin insertion] (1) [end insertion] [begin insertion] Vehicle Integrity [end insertion] [begin insertion] [end insertion]
[begin insertion] The vehicle shall be structurally sound and operate with minimum vibration and noise. [end insertion]
[begin insertion] (2) [end insertion] [begin insertion] Vehicle Appearance [end insertion] [begin insertion] [end insertion]
[begin insertion] Vehicle bodies must be free of noticeable dents, rust and holes. A Taxi or Ramp Taxi shall not be placed in service if: [end insertion]
[begin insertion] (A) [end insertion] [begin insertion] There are visible dents which exceed three square feet in any single area of the exterior surface of the vehicle, provided that the deepest point of depression ¾ of an inch deep or greater, or [end insertion]
[begin insertion] (B) [end insertion] [begin insertion] There are visible dents which exceed four square feet of the total exterior surface of the vehicle, provided that the deepest point of depression is ¾ inch deep or greater, or [end insertion]
[begin insertion] (C) [end insertion] [begin insertion] There are visible dents which exceed six lineal feet of the total exterior surface of the vehicle, provided that the deepest point of depression is ¾ inch deep or greater, or [end insertion]
[begin insertion] (D) [end insertion] [begin insertion] There is any area of the exterior surface of the vehicle that contains a hole larger than six square inches or there is a visible dent which exceeds 144 square inches, provided that the deepest point of depression is more than two inches. [end insertion]
[begin insertion] (dd) [end insertion] [begin insertion] Replacement Vehicles [end insertion] [begin insertion] [end insertion]
[begin insertion] Whenever an existing Taxi or Ramp Taxi is replaced with another vehicle, the replacement vehicle must be inspected and approved prior to use. [end insertion]
[begin insertion] (ee) [end insertion] [begin insertion] Ramp Taxis [end insertion] [begin insertion] [end insertion] [begin insertion] [end insertion]
[begin insertion] All Ramp Taxis shall be equipped with a ramp capable of allowing persons using a wheelchair to enter the vehicle without exiting the wheelchair. [end insertion]
[begin insertion] (ff) [end insertion] [begin insertion] Spare Vehicles [end insertion]
[begin insertion] (1) [end insertion] [begin insertion] Spare Designation [end insertion]
[begin insertion] Once a vehicle is designated as a spare, it may not be re-introduced to the fleet except by approval of the SFMTA. All spare vehicles must be registered and insured in the name of the Color Scheme as required by all applicable laws and regulations. [end insertion]
[begin insertion] (2) [end insertion] [begin insertion] Spare Operation [end insertion]
[begin insertion] A spare vehicle may operate with a sedan medallion borrowed from an out-of-service vehicle. A spare vehicle may operate with a Ramp Taxi Medallion. [end insertion]
[begin insertion] (3) [end insertion] [begin insertion] Spare Time Restrictions [end insertion]
[begin insertion] A spare vehicle shall only be used to replace a temporarily disabled vehicle that is affiliated with a Medallion. Color schemes shall notify the Commission or its designee if an individual vehicle will be disabled for more than 72 hours. During any time a spare vehicle is operating, the regular vehicle it is replacing shall be available for inspection by the SFMTA. [end insertion]
[begin insertion] (4) [end insertion] [begin insertion] Spare Numbers, Issuance [end insertion]
[begin insertion] Each Color Scheme shall be issued a series of spare numbers at the ratio of one spare number for every five vehicles operating at that Color Scheme, except as otherwise approved by SFMTA. [end insertion]
[begin insertion] (5) [end insertion] [begin insertion] Spare Vehicles, Storage [end insertion]
[begin insertion] All spare vehicles shall be kept on the Color Scheme Holder’s designated business property when not in actual use with a medallion. [end insertion]
[begin insertion] (gg) [end insertion] [begin insertion] Retired Vehicles [end insertion]
[begin insertion] No Permit Holder may offer any Taxi or Ramp Taxi vehicle for sale to the public until all remnants of the Color Scheme, including the top light and all exterior lettering, numbering, signage, and any other item required to be displayed on a Taxi or Ramp Taxi are removed. [end insertion]