§ 10:207. Vehicle regulations.

The following general regulations shall apply to all vehicles in every class of service herein designated:

(1)

Name of vehicle. Every vehicle shall have painted or permanently affixed on the vehicle, in proportionate letters not less than three (3) inches in height, the name of the person owning or operating the vehicle. Every vehicle shall also have displayed on its sides, in numerals of the same height, the registration number issued by the taxicab control board for such vehicle. Such markings will be placed so as to be clearly and easily visible. This provision shall not apply to limousines. Pedicabs and LSV taxis shall have painted or permanently affixed on the vehicle, in proportionate letters not less than three (3) inches in height, the registration number issued by the taxicab control board for such vehicle, but are not required to display the name of the person operating the vehicle. Such markings on pedicabs and LSV taxis will be placed so as to be clearly and easily visible.

(2)

Sign on vehicle indicating character or service. Every such vehicle shall carry permanently attached thereto as part thereof a sign in plain view by day and lighted by night, indicating the class of service offered to be rendered by such vehicle under its registration and permit; no vehicle shall render any public service other than that for which it has a permit and is registered. This provision shall not apply to limousines, LSV taxis, or pedicabs.

(3)

Signs obscuring view. No signs, devices or emblems of any kind shall be placed on the windshield of the vehicle, or any part of the vehicle, that shall in any way obscure or interfere with the vision of the driver of the vehicle.

(4)

Motor vehicle standards. The exterior of each vehicle must be free of gross damage, i.e., dents larger than six (6) inches in any direction. Franchise holder has thirty (30) days from notification to make all necessary repairs. All paint must be of factory-finish grade (primer is not allowable as a finish coat); however, chips or scratches alone are not cause for a vehicle to be disqualified for service. The interior portion of each vehicle must be maintained in a reasonable condition:

a.

Headliner, door panels, package tray, arm rests, floor covering and seats are to be free of holes, snags and soiled spots. The top of the back seat must fit securely against the bottom of the back seat. The floor covering shall be either carpet or floor type mat.

b.

The floor of the trunk shall be covered with either carpet or floor type mat. Only an inflated spare tire and those tools or accessories necessary for the operation of vehicle may be in the trunk.

c.

The interior of the vehicle must be free of all debris. Dashboards must be free and clear of all paraphernalia and other items not necessary for the operation of the vehicle. All vehicles must have air conditioning in working order. The taxicab control board shall have the right at any time, without notice, to examine and inspect any such vehicle for the purpose of determining whether or not the same is in compliance with the vehicle standards, in addition to the inspections provided for in section 10:204(3).

(5)

Pedicab vehicle standards. The exterior of each pedicab must be free of gross damage, i.e., missing paint sections, or bent frames or tubing.

a.

Interior surfaces including arm rests, floor covering and seats are to be free of holes, snags and soiled spots. The floor covering shall be either carpet or floor type mat.

b.

The interior of the vehicle must be free of all debris. Dashboards must be free and clear of all paraphernalia and other items not necessary for the operation of the vehicle.

The taxicab control board shall have the right at any time, without notice, to examine and inspect any such vehicle for the purpose of determining whether or not the same is in compliance with the vehicle standards, in addition to the inspections provided for in section 10:204(3).

(6)

Unsafe vehicle. No vehicle, including pedicabs, shall be used in such service if, from use, dilapidation, wear or other causes, it is dangerous or unsafe for the carriage of passengers. The taxicab control board shall have the right at any time to examine and inspect any such vehicle for the purpose of determining whether or not the same is safe for the carriage of passengers, in addition to the inspections provided in section 10:204(3).

(7)

Rates of fares to be posted. There shall be fixed on the inside of each vehicle used in any class in a conspicuous place, and in such manner as can be easily and conveniently read by any person riding therein, a card in a frame covered with transparent material, upon which card shall be printed in plain, legible type the rate of fare which will be charged for the service offered in accordance with the provisions of this chapter. A picture and number of the driver as it appears on each driver's city-parish chauffeur's license shall be posted alongside this card. Airport picture ID must also be displayed and visible to passengers at all times, for vehicles that are permitted to operate at the airport. Pedicabs shall display a rate card in the English language, upon which card shall be printed in plain, legible type the rate of fare which will be charged for the service offered in accordance with the provisions of this chapter at the approved rate, in a conspicuous place, and in such manner as can be easily and conveniently read by any person riding therein. A pedicab or LSV taxi rate card is not required to be mounted in a frame, but must be weather resistant and legible. Pedicab and LSV taxi operators shall display their City-Parish chauffeur's license in a conspicuous manner on the vehicle or on their person, such that a passenger may inspect the operator's license easily prior to entering the vehicle.

(8)

Operation of vehicles; restrictions. No vehicle shall be operated except by the owner thereof or by a duly authorized agent, employee or lessee of the owner.

(9)

Operator to have license; be fingerprinted. No vehicle shall be operated by the owner, agent, employee or lessee of the owner until such owner, agent, employee or lessee shall have obtained from the taxicab control board, upon the approval of the chief of police or sheriff, whichever is appropriate, a chauffeur's license, as now provided by law, nor until the owner, agent, employee or lessee shall have been fingerprinted by the police department.

(Ord. No. 9152, § 1, 9-26-90; Ord. No. 11140, § 10, 5-13-98; Ord. No. 15001, § 2, 10-13-10; Ord. No. 15538, § 3, 8-14-13)