§ 10:204.2. Regulation and inspection of LSV taxis.

(a)

Operating regulations. In addition to any other regulations imposed by this chapter or other law, a low-speed vehicle may be operated on any street where the posted speed limit is thirty-five (35) miles per hour or less and may cross any divided highway, highway, roadway, or street with a posted speed limit in excess of thirty-five (35) miles per hour at an intersection or may traverse any divided highway, highway, roadway, or street with a posted speed limit of not more than forty-five (45) miles per hour for a distance not exceeding one-quarter (¼) mile as a means of conveyance in connecting from one (1) divided highway, highway, roadway, or street where the posted speed limit is no more than thirty-five (35) miles per hour to another divided highway, highway, roadway, or street where the posted speed limit is no more than thirty-five (35) miles per hour.

(b)

Inspections. All LSV taxis licensed under this chapter must be inspected twice annually for mechanical efficiency and proper registration tags during the months of March and September. LSV taxis which are licensed in other months must schedule an initial inspection and receive an inspection certificate/sticker prior to operating for hire. The inspections for mechanical efficiency shall be made by the central garage division of the department of public works and shall require that all LSV taxis have basic safety equipment in operable condition, as specified in R.S. § 32:300.1(B), and 49 C.F.R. 571.500, or their successor regulations, which shall, at a minimum, include:

(1)

Headlamps;

(2)

Front and rear turn signal lamps;

(3)

Taillamps;

(4)

Stop lamps;

(5)

Reflex reflectors, including one on each side as far to the rear as practicable, and one red reflector on the rear of the vehicle;

(6)

An exterior mirror mounted on the driver's side of the vehicle and either an exterior mirror mounted on the passenger's side of the vehicle or an interior mirror;

(7)

A parking brake;

(8)

A windshield that conforms to current safety standards for motor vehicles operating on land highways;

(9)

A windshield wiper;

(10)

Speedometer;

(11)

Odometer;

(12)

Braking for each wheel;

(13)

A seat belt assembly installed at each designated seating position;

(14)

A vehicle identification number; and

(15)

Be designed and manufactured so every passenger may enter and exit without crossing any interior barriers.

(Ord. No. 15538, § 2, 8-14-13)