OPERATING REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL MOTOR VEHICLES FOR HIRE

Oklahoma City Municipal Code ch. 56, art. I, div. 3

in effect

Oklahoma City Municipal Code § 56-40 Record-keeping requirements of certificate/license holders.

§ 56-40. - Record-keeping requirements of certificate/license holders. Each licensee shall maintain all records of motor vehicle for hire service orders within the City for the previous 90-day period. These records shall be retained as directed by the Vehicle for Hire Inspector. These records shall be produced to the Vehicle for Hire Inspector during regular business hours. If the licensee shall refuse to provide such inspection, the Chief of Police or designee may initiate revocation or suspension proceedings. While failure to keep the required records is an offense, the refusal to provide such records for inspection shall not be prosecuted as a criminal offense. In any proceeding against the licensee for such refusal, the Chief of Police or designee shall consider the reasonableness of the request and the reasonableness of the refusal to permit such inspection. (Ord. No. 24120, § 3, 8-17-10; Ord. No. 25002, § 4, 10-21-14; Ord. No. 25298, § 2, 1-5-16; Ord. No. 26994, § 2, 1-4-22)

Oklahoma City Municipal Code § 56-41 Vehicle inspections; maintenance; equipment.

§ 56-41. - Vehicle inspections; maintenance; equipment. (a) Every vehicle operating under this article shall be periodically inspected by the Vehicle for Hire Inspector at such intervals as shall be established by the Chief of Police, but at least once annually to ensure the continued maintenance of safe operating conditions. The fees for vehicle inspection shall be as set forth in Chapter 60, the General Schedule of Fees. Upon such inspection, if it is found that the vehicle operating under this article does not meet the requirements established herein, the Vehicle for Hire Inspector shall cause the vehicle's decal to be suspended and removed until such time as the vehicle has complied with the standards of this article. (b) If any vehicle licensed under this article has been involved in an accident, the licensee shall notify the Vehicle for Hire Inspector within one business day of the accident. If the accident results in more than cosmetic damage to the vehicle, the vehicle shall not provide motor vehicle for hire service until repaired and then inspected by the Vehicle for Hire Inspector and an ASE Certified Master Technician. It is the primary responsibility of the licensee to ensure that all necessary repairs are made before the vehicle is returned to service. The vehicle must pass inspections by both the Vehicle for Hire Inspector and a Master Technician inspections. The ASE Certified Master Technician inspection shall be on a lift or appropriate mechanical device designed to allow viewing and inspection of the vehicle for compliance with the requirements in this chapter. The ASE Certified Master Technician inspection shall include an evaluation for compliance in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications for all requirements in § 56-41(d), including the vehicle's braking system (parking brake, disc/drums, hoses, lines, etc.); suspension system (shock absorbers/struts, springs, shackles, etc.); steering system (power steering, linkage, free turning, etc.); and exhaust system (leaks, legal muffler, tailpipe, noise, etc.). (c) All motorized vehicles for hire three years old or older by model year, or having 150,000 miles, whichever comes first, shall be inspected annually by an ASE Certified Master Technician. The age of the vehicle will be considered the age or mileage at the time of the annual vehicle license renewal (June 30th each year). No vehicle failing either the City's inspection or the ASE Certified Master Technician inspection will be granted a vehicle for hire permit. The vehicle's owner/operator will be required to have the vehicle inspected by an ASE Master Technician within 45 days prior to presenting the vehicle to the Vehicle for Hire Inspector for the City's inspection. The ASE Certified Master Technician inspection will be completed on the inspection form provided by the Vehicle for Hire Inspector and will be at the expense of the owner/operator. The ASE Certified Master Technician inspection shall be on a lift or appropriate mechanical device designed to allow viewing and inspection for compliance with the requirements of this section. The ASE Certified Master Technician inspection shall include an inspection in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications, which shall include all requirements in § 56-41(d); the vehicle's braking system (parking brake, disc/drums, hoses, lines, etc.); suspension system (shock absorbers/struts, springs, shackles, etc.); steering system (power steering, linkage, free turning, etc.); and exhaust system (leaks, legal muffler, tailpipe, noise, etc.). (d) All vehicles to be licensed as a vehicle for hire shall be in a safe operating condition and at a minimum, equipped with the following: (1) Four-wheel brakes; (2) Parking brake; (3) Front and rear bumpers, all chrome trim and matching wheels and hubcaps; (4) Heater, defroster, and air conditioner; (5) Exterior right and left side and interior mirrors to provide for side and rear viewing; (6) A visible speedometer, maintained in accurate operating condition; (7) A visible odometer, maintained in accurate operating condition; (8) Functioning windshield wipers; (9) Properly inflated tires with a tread groove pattern depth of at least 2/32 of an inch when measured in a major tread groove; (10) Factory-recommended shock absorbers; (11) Properly functioning turn indicators; (12) A visible taximeter, maintained in accurate operating condition (for taxis only); (13) All door and window glass shall be safety glazed glass equal to manufacturer's standard specifications; (14) Seat belts; (15) Airbags; (16) Doors, maintained in proper operating condition as designed by the manufacturer; (17) Audible horn operating as designed by the manufacturer; (18) Seats with adequate room for an average person; and (19) Lights, including headlights (including high beams), tail lights, brake lights, and back-up lights. (20) No low-speed vehicle shall operate as a vehicle for hire unless it meets the minimum equipment requirements specified in 49 C.F.R. § 571.500. A low-speed vehicle that is in compliance with the equipment requirements in 49 C.F.R. § 571.500 shall be deemed to be in compliance with the provisions of this subsection. (e) All motor vehicles for hire shall be operated by a duly authorized permittee as herein provided, and shall also be subject to the following requirements: (1) A current and valid license tag, properly placed on the vehicle for hire as issued by the State of Oklahoma, or a sovereign nation located within the physical boundaries of the State of Oklahoma; (2) Comply with all safety standards now or hereafter required by the State of Oklahoma and the City and any applicable federal regulations, and maintenance in a safe operating condition with adequate lights; (3) Vehicles shall be equipped with doors opening directly into the seats to be occupied by the passengers, which doors shall be in addition to those provided for the use of the driver. No motor vehicle having less than three doors in good working order shall be used as a vehicle for hire in the City; (4) A knob or handle shall be available on the inside of each door opening out of the compartment in which the passengers are carried, which can be easily opened from the inside; (5) Adequate space for baggage shall be provided in a manner that is separate from the seats of the passengers; (6) Operation of the vehicle for hire shall only be by a permittee duly permitted as herein provided; (7) Proof of adequate insurance coverage as required by this chapter shall be maintained without lapse; (8) Placement in each vehicle, in a location clearly visible to all passengers, placards in each vehicle which state the City's Action Center phone number and the rates or fares charged; (9) At least annual painting of each vehicle for hire, unless the Vehicle for Hire Inspector determines in his/her discretion that the vehicle does not require painting at that time. All major hail damage, dings and cosmetic damage shall be promptly repaired; (f) The Vehicle for Hire Inspector may remove any vehicle from service that does not meet the operating requirements set forth herein or that does not obtain the required inspections. (g) The Vehicle for Hire Inspector may deny an ASE Certified Master Technician inspection when it is determined that the inspection conducted by the ASE Certified Master Technician was not in compliance with the required standards listed in this section. (Ord. No. 24120, § 3, 8-17-10; Ord. No. 25002, § 4, 10-21-14; Ord. No. 25802, § 1, 12-5-17; Ord. No. 26213, § 3, 7-30-19)

Oklahoma City Municipal Code § 56-42 Smoking prohibited.

§ 56-42. - Smoking prohibited. Smoking within motor vehicles for hire shall be prohibited. (Ord. No. 24120, § 3, 8-17-10)

Oklahoma City Municipal Code § 56-43 Posting of rates; filing rates with Police Department's Permits and IDs Unit; receipts on request.

§ 56-43. - Posting of rates; filing rates with Police Department's Permits and IDs Unit; receipts on request. (a) Rates and charges shall be posted in each motor vehicle for hire in a place visible to passengers. (b) It shall be unlawful for the owner or driver of any vehicle for hire in the City to fix, charge or collect for service a rate more than that specified in the rate schedule then in effect and on file with the Police Department's Permits and IDs Unit and posted within the vehicle. At least 30 days prior to the effective date of any adjustments to rates or charges, the owner or operator shall file a notice of such adjustments with the Vehicle for Hire Inspector, setting forth the rates or charges then in effect, the proposed rates or charges and the dates upon which said proposed rates or charges are to become effective. (c) If requested, every driver shall give a receipt upon payment of the correct fare or charge. (Ord. No. 24120, § 3, 8-17-10; Ord. No. 26994, § 2, 1-4-22)

Oklahoma City Municipal Code § 56-44 Seating capacity not to be exceeded.

§ 56-44. - Seating capacity not to be exceeded. No driver shall permit more persons to be carried in a motor vehicle for hire than the rated seating capacity of such vehicle. (Ord. No. 24120, § 3, 8-17-10; Ord. No. 25002, § 4, 10-21-14)

Oklahoma City Municipal Code § 56-45 Vehicle color scheme, trademarks, etc.

§ 56-45. - Vehicle color scheme, trademarks, etc. (a) All motor vehicles for hire regulated by this article shall be of a color scheme and bear the licensee's trade name, monogram or insignia which are distinguishable from the color scheme, licensee's trademark, monogram or insignia used on the vehicles of any other licensee already operating pursuant to this article. It is not a violation of this provision for a limousine company to utilize both black and white limousines in its business, so long as the company name, monogram and/or insignia is located on the vehicles. (b) It is unlawful for any person soliciting patronage from any vehicle described in this article to represent by mark, sign or insignia that the vehicle for which said person is soliciting such patronage is a vehicle operated by someone other than the actual licensee. (Ord. No. 24120, § 3, 8-17-10)

Oklahoma City Municipal Code § 56-46 Advertising on vehicles for hire.

§ 56-46. - Advertising on vehicles for hire. (a) No licensee, vehicle owner or driver or any other person shall permit any banner or other advertising matter to be affixed to or painted onto a motor vehicle for hire, except as otherwise provided herein. (b) Any licensed person engaged in the business of advertising on motor vehicles for hire shall be permitted to place advertising on the rear trunk lid or panel, rear bumper, door panels, or rooftop of motor vehicles for hire, provided that the advertising shall be in compliance with the federal, state and local laws and regulations. Advertising on door panels shall be applied with a vinyl wrap and/or lettering, or similarly applied material approved by the Vehicle for Hire Inspector, to the body of the vehicle. Advertising shall be in such a manner the licensee's trade name, monogram, or insignia is still visible and recognizable. No advertising shall be applied toe the vehicle windows or brake/tail lamps. All structural components of advertising shall be inspected on an annual basis by the Vehicle for Hire Inspector, who shall determine whether said advertising presents a safety hazard. A graphic design of the proposed advertising with vehicle layout and locations shall be submitted by electronic mail or submitted in person to the Vehicle for Hire Inspector, who shall determine whether the proposed advertising is in an authorized location. Upon review of advertising design, the Vehicle for Hire Inspector may require an inspection as necessary. (Ord. No. 24120, § 3, 8-17-10; Ord. No. 26368, § 1, 1-21-20)

Oklahoma City Municipal Code § 56-47 Lost property.

§ 56-47. - Lost property. It shall be the duty of every motor vehicle for hire driver to return immediately to the owner, if known, all luggage, merchandise or other property left in the motor vehicle for hire. If the owner of such property is not known, the driver shall immediately give the property to the licensee under whose authority the driver is operating a motor vehicle for hire. If not claimed from the licensee within 30 days, the licensee shall give said property to the Vehicle for Hire Inspector, giving a complete report of when and where the property was left in the vehicle. Said property will be booked into the OCPD Property Room in accordance with OCPD policy and procedure. (Ord. No. 24120, § 3, 8-17-10)

Oklahoma City Municipal Code § 56-48 Appeals from orders of Vehicle for Hire Inspector or Chief of Police or designee.

§ 56-48. - Appeals from orders of Vehicle for Hire Inspector or Chief of Police or designee. Any licensee, owner, driver or applicant shall have the right to appeal any order of the Chief of Police or designee or Vehicle for Hire Inspector relating to the issuance, denial, revocation, or suspension of the certificate/license and/or driver's permit after a hearing to the License Appeals Board, pursuant to the provisions of Sections 26-17 through 26-24 of the Code. During the appeal before the License Appeals Board, the order being appealed shall be stayed until the License Appeals Board has reached a decision. In considering an appeal of the revoked or suspended certificate of convenience and necessity/business license, the License Appeals Board may consider, as a mitigating factor, any independent action taken by the licensee to deter future violations by any of the owners, operators, managers, partners, officers, or employees of the licensee or independent contractor or agent operating under the authority of the licensee. The License Appeals Board may apply the mitigating factor to their decision regarding the appeal of the revocation or suspension, the appropriate length of a suspension, or a waiver of suspension. At such appeal's hearing the License Appeals Board shall consider all relevant testimony before making its determinations thereon. (Ord. No. 24120, § 3, 8-17-10; Ord. No. 26994, § 2, 1-4-22)

Oklahoma City Municipal Code § 56-49 Unlawful refusals for service.

§ 56-49. - Unlawful refusals for service. (a) It shall be unlawful for any permittee to refuse to transport any person who requests service in an orderly manner and for a lawful purpose when the motor vehicle for hire is in service and not otherwise engaged. However, a permittee may refuse to transport any person who requests services in a manner that a reasonable person would consider to be a violent or threatening manner. A permittee may refuse service to any one smoking, who refuses to stop smoking before entering the motor vehicle for hire. (b) No person working pursuant to the authority of a licensee shall refuse a passenger or shall refuse to dispatch a motor vehicle for hire to provide service to a passenger, based on race, color, religion, ancestry, sex, national origin, age, or disability as defined by 28 C.F.R. § 35.104 of the Americans with Disabilities Act of the passenger. (c) Persons working pursuant to the authority of a licensee shall provide service to passengers using wheelchairs, or other assistance aid devices, who are requesting service, if the person would provide services to others under the same circumstances. Permittees are required to transport passengers using wheelchairs and to stow wheelchairs in the trunk or back of the vehicle. Permittees are required to assist passengers who use wheelchairs in entering and exiting the vehicle when necessary but are not required to carry or lift such passengers. Permittees are required to assist with simple assembly or disassembly of wheelchairs where necessary to load or unload the chair into and out of the vehicle. Permittees are not required to assemble or disassemble wheelchairs where such assembly or disassembly would require the use of tools. In the event a permittee is physically unable to safely load a passenger's wheelchair, the permittee may refuse service to such passenger, but the permittee is obligated to assist the passenger in arranging for accessible transportation with the licensee of the permittee, another provider of motor vehicle for hire services, or a public transportation company/entity. No extra fees or surcharges shall be assessed to any passenger for offering the services enumerated herein to a disabled person. (d) Persons with disabilities may be accompanied by service animals as defined by 28 C.F.R. § 35.104 of the Americans with Disabilities Act when utilizing motor vehicle for hire services. Although persons may be asked, when not readily apparent, if an animal is required because of a disability and ask what work or task the service animal has been trained to perform, they may not be required to show documentation, such as proof that the animal has been certified, trained, or licensed as a service animal. Persons are not required to identify themselves as having service animals when they place calls requesting service and shall not be asked the question by any person working pursuant to the authority of the licensee. A service animal shall be under the control of its handler as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act. No extra fees or surcharges shall be accessed to any passenger accompanied by a service animal. (Ord. No. 24120, § 3, 8-17-10; Ord. No. 25002, § 4, 10-21-14; Ord. No. 25,189, § 1, 7-21-15)

Oklahoma City Municipal Code § 56-50 Insurance requirements.

§ 56-50. - Insurance requirements. Every person, driver, permittee, licensee, firm, corporation, or other legal entity engaging or intending to engage in the operation of a motor vehicle for hire business within the City shall have in force and effect at all times commercial automobile liability insurance coverage which lists The City of Oklahoma City as a certificate holder and is issued by any insurance carrier or risk retention group, as defined in § 6453 of Title 36 of the Oklahoma Statutes, authorized to do business in the state certifying that there is in effect a policy of liability insurance insuring the licensee and operator of the motor vehicle for hire business, his agents, independent contractors, employees, and others while in the performance of their duties against loss from any liability imposed by law for damages including damages for bodily injury to or death of any person and injury to or destruction of property caused by accident and arising out of the ownership, use, maintenance, or operation of such motor vehicle for hire or motor vehicles for hire, subject to minimum limits, exclusive of interest and cost, with respect to each such motor vehicle as follows: 1. Utilizing vehicles having a seating capacity of six or less, $100,000.00 each accident or occurrence; 2. Utilizing vehicles having a seating capacity of seven to nine, $750,000.00 each accident or occurrence; and 3. Utilizing vehicles having a seating capacity of ten, $1,000,000.00 each accident or occurrence. (Ord. No. 25002, § 4, 10-21-14; Ord. No. 25537, § 1, 1-3-17)

Oklahoma City Municipal Code § 56-51 Providing motor vehicle for hire services with a vehicle owned, leased, or insured by another motor vehicle for hire business.

§ 56-51. - Providing motor vehicle for hire services with a vehicle owned, leased, or insured by another motor vehicle for hire business. No permittee or person shall provide motor vehicle for hire services with a vehicle that is owned, leased, or insured by another motor vehicle for hire business; however, Article I licensees may contract with other Article I licensees which utilize the same type of motor vehicle for hire (e.g. licensees providing taxi services may contract with other taxi service providers). (Ord. No. 25002, § 4, 10-21-14; Ord. No. 25,189, § 1, 7-21-15)

Source: City of Oklahoma City, Municipal Code and City Charter (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/ok/oklahoma_city/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=OKMUCO2020_CH56VEHIOTTRSE_ARTIMOVEHI_DIV3OPREALMOVEHIFetched: 10/28/2026