OPERATIONS

Charlotte City Code ch. 22, art. II, div. 3

in effect

Charlotte City Code § 22-150 Required.

Sec. 22-150. - Required. No person shall provide any for-hire service in the city without a valid company operating certificate, vehicle operating permit, and/or driver's permit. (Ord. No. 9019, § 1, 1-23-2017)

Charlotte City Code § 22-151 Types of service.

Sec. 22-151. - Types of service. A company operating certificate licensee is authorized to provide the following types of service: (a) Metered vehicle. A metered vehicle may provide the following types of service: (1) Exclusive ride. For-hire service involving the transportation of a single party by a metered vehicle from a single origin to a single destination for compensation. (2) Group ride. For-hire service involving the transportation of several passengers by a metered vehicle from a single origin to a single destination. (3) Shared ride. For-hire service involving the transportation of several passengers by a metered vehicle from one or more points-of-origin to one or more destinations. (b) Nonmetered vehicle. For-hire service offered pursuant to a prearrangement. No nonmetered vehicle shall operate or allowed to operate on-demand. (c) Agency vehicle. For-hire service offered pursuant to a written agreement between the company operating certificate licensee and the governmental agency. No agency vehicle shall operate or allowed to operate on-demand. (d) Special service. (1) Any exemption to this article shall be noted on the special service permit. (2) A special service permit licensee shall agree to be jointly and severally responsible for the conduct and actions of each person on the special service permit and shall ensure compliance with this article. (3) Nothing contained in this section shall relieve the special service permit licensee from the requirements of chapter 4. (Ord. No. 9019, § 1, 1-23-2017)

Charlotte City Code § 22-152 Display of driver's permit, vehicle operating permit, and PVH decal.

Sec. 22-152. - Display of driver's permit, vehicle operating permit, and PVH decal. (a) The for-hire driver shall place a copy of the driver's permit in the following location: (1) In a metered vehicle, a copy of the driver's permit shall be displayed conspicuously at all times in the card frame attached to the back of the driver's seat or headrest area of the for-hire vehicle. (2) In a nonmetered vehicle or an agency vehicle, a copy of the driver's permit shall be either clearly visible to a passenger seated in the rear seat of the for-hire vehicle or kept on the for-hire driver. (b) The for-hire vehicle owner shall place a copy of the vehicle operating permit in a conspicuous location on the for-hire vehicle's dashboard. (c) The for-hire vehicle owner shall place a copy of the latest state safety inspection in the for-hire vehicle's glove box. (d) A PVH Decal shall be affixed as follows: (i) inside of the for-hire vehicle; (ii) on the front windshield; (iii) on the passenger's side; (iv) in the lower right corner; and (v) in plain view for any person outside the for-hire vehicle to see. (e) No PVH decal shall be affixed to a for-hire vehicle until the requirement of section 22-152(b) above is met. No for-hire vehicle shall be operated without a PVH decal affixed thereto and issued pursuant to this article. (Ord. No. 9019, § 1, 1-23-2017)

Charlotte City Code § 22-153 Rates and charges, prearrangement, extra charges, amount of cash.

Sec. 22-153. - Rates and charges, prearrangement, extra charges, amount of cash. (a) The PVH board shall establish the rates, charges, and fare zones for metered vehicles pursuant to the procedures set forth in section 22-235(f)(3). (b) Rates and charges for an agency vehicle will be established by the governmental agency contracting for for-hire service with the company operating certificate licensee. (c) Rates and charges for a nonmetered vehicle will be established in one-hour increments with a minimum one-hour period without regard to whether the trip requires less than one hour or not. Each company operating certificate licensee shall file all rates and charges for its nonmetered vehicles with the PVH manager. The company operating certificate licensee shall have uniform rates. All rates and charges must be filed annually with the application for a company operating certificate. Rates and charges may be modified once after the filing of the application for a company operating certificate if a company operating certificate licensee petitions for a modification to its rates and charges. All rates and charges shall become effective at least 15 days after the rates and charges has been filed with the PVH manager. (d) Prearrangement shall be demonstrated by showing a copy of a written or electronic reservation for for-hire service from a specific location, at a specific date and time, for travel to any specific destination. All persons must be able to present written or electronic proof of a reservation. (e) No extra charge shall be made for the transportation of a person with a disability or for handling of manual wheelchairs, walkers, or other equipment reasonably necessary for the mobility of a person with a disability. (f) No extra charge for excess baggage may be assessed unless authorized by the PVH board or filed with the rates and charges for nonmetered vehicles by a company operating certificate licensee. However, a reasonable charge may be assessed for excess baggage for any of the following: (1) Three or more bags or parcels per person that are not ordinarily construed to be hand baggage. (2) Large trunks accompanying a person that is not ordinarily construed to be hand baggage. (3) Other bulky items that are not ordinarily construed to be hand baggage. (g) A for-hire driver shall have a reasonable amount of cash in order to conduct business. (Ord. No. 9019, § 1, 1-23-2017)

Charlotte City Code § 22-154 Posting requirements.

Sec. 22-154. - Posting requirements. (a) For metered vehicles, the rate sheet: (1) Shall be conspicuously displayed inside the for-hire vehicle's passenger compartment on the back of the driver's seat or headrest area. The rate sheet also shall be conspicuously displayed outside of the for-hire vehicle. (2) Shall be in a type written notice, impressed upon a contrasting background, in at least 18-point type. (3) Must have language that complaints may be filed with the PVH manager and shall include the mailing address and telephone number of the PVH manager's office. (4) Must display the rates and charges established by the PVH board. (b) Nonmetered vehicles shall post within the nonmetered vehicle's passenger compartment a conspicuous notice stating that complaints may be filed with the PVH manager and shall include the telephone number for the PVH manager's office. In addition, nonmetered vehicles must include a provision in any written contract for prearrangement that complaints may be filed with the PVH manager and shall include the mailing address and telephone number of the PVH manager's office. (c) A sign or notice containing the vehicle number, if any. (Ord. No. 9019, § 1, 1-23-2017)

Charlotte City Code § 22-155 Occupants.

Sec. 22-155. - Occupants. (a) Anytime a for-hire vehicle is occupied by a passenger, then the for-hire vehicle shall not be occupied by any other person except the for-hire driver and any person accompanying the passenger. (b) If the initial passenger consents to the metered vehicle offering a shared ride, then the additional passengers may be picked up prior to arriving at the destination of the initial passenger; provided, however, the initial passenger consents to the amount of additional trip time required for the shared-ride as estimated in advance of commencing the shared-ride. A shared-ride shall not be offered to any person under 18 years of age and unaccompanied by a person 18 years of age or older unless the for-hire driver has permission prior to commencing the shared-ride from a person 18 years of age. (c) This section shall not apply during authorized driver training. (Ord. No. 9019, § 1, 1-23-2017)

Charlotte City Code § 22-156 Passenger pays lawful fares; receipt furnished upon request.

Sec. 22-156. - Passenger pays lawful fares; receipt furnished upon request. (a) It shall be unlawful for any person providing for-hire service in the city to charge any rate that exceeds the rates filed with the PVH manager or set by the PVH board. However, this subsection is not intended to prohibit a passenger from giving a gratuity to the driver's permit licensee. (b) No person shall use any for-hire service and willfully refuse to pay the fare prescribed therefore by law. (c) When requested by a passenger, the for-hire driver shall provide an accurate and legible receipt to the passenger showing the vehicle operating permit number, name of the company operating certificate licensee, number on the driver's permit, the date, and the amount of fare paid. Refusal on the part of the for-hire driver to deliver such receipt upon request shall constitute a defense on behalf of a passenger charged with violating subsection (b). (Ord. No. 9019, § 1, 1-23-2017)

Charlotte City Code § 22-157 Return of passenger's property.

Sec. 22-157. - Return of passenger's property. (a) Upon finding property left by a passenger in a for-hire vehicle, the for-hire driver shall immediately notify, if possible, the passenger and return the property. If the for-hire driver cannot notify the passenger, then for-hire driver shall promptly deliver the property to the for-hire company. (b) Upon delivery of the property to the for-hire company, the for-hire driver shall provide the for-hire company with any information available in regard to the property. The for-hire company shall record that information, including the time, date, name of for-hire driver, and for-hire vehicle number then attach such information to the property. The for-hire company shall hold the property in a secure place for three months. (c) If requested by the for-hire driver who discovered the property, any unclaimed property in the possession of the for-hire company shall be returned to that for-hire driver within a time specified by the for-hire company which shall not exceed 30 days following the required holding period. (d) No person shall withhold property pending payment. (Ord. No. 9019, § 1, 1-23-2017)

Charlotte City Code § 22-158 Conduct.

Sec. 22-158. - Conduct. (a) No for-hire company, for-hire vehicle owner, and/or for-hire driver shall: (1) Deceive or attempt to deceive any passenger who uses for-hire service in any manner, especially as to the destination or the rate of fare to be charged. (2) Transport, or cause to be transported, any passenger to any place other than as directed by the passenger. (3) Direct, encourage, or allow any for-hire driver to take a longer route than reasonably necessary to the requested destination; provided, however, the for-hire driver is so requested by the passenger or for shared-ride service provided for in section 22-151(a)(3). (4) Refuse or neglect to transport any person requesting for-hire service on the basis of the time of day of the request or on the basis of the geographical area of the city to be served. (5) Refuse or neglect to transport any person on the basis of a protected class as that term is defined in chapter 12 of this Code. (6) Refuse or neglect to transport any person on the basis of disability when such for-hire service can be provided to a person with a disability with reasonable accommodation. (7) Knowingly use, sell, handle, or transport illegal or controlled substances at any time while operating a for-hire vehicle. In addition, no for-hire driver shall give any information to any passenger as to where or how illegal or controlled substances may be obtained. (8) Maintain, use, or possess a scanner or device capable of intercepting telephonic communications while operating a for-hire vehicle. (9) Knowingly solicit, procure, or give information in regard to or transport any passenger to any person for the purpose of prostitution. (10) Operate or allow a for-hire vehicle to be operated in a manner which threatens, endangers, or abuses a passenger or the general public. (11) Fail or refuse to surrender the company operating certificate, vehicle operating permit, PVH decal, and/or driver's permit following a decision by the PVH manager. (12) Provide prompt, efficient service and shall be courteous at all times to another person, to the PVH manager, and to any officer of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department. (13) Fail to notify the PVH manager in writing of any change to the address or telephone number at least two business days before the effective date of the change. (14) Not operate any for-hire vehicle for any person except the company operating certificate licensee shown on the driver's permit. Upon termination of the affiliation between the driver's permit licensee and the company operating certificate licensee, the driver's permit licensee shall surrender the driver's permit to the PVH manager within two business days. (15) Not provide or allow to provide for-hire service while the company operating certificate, vehicle operating permit, PVH decal, and/or driver's permit has been suspended. (b) A for-hire company and for-hire vehicle owner shall: (1) Be responsible for affiliated for-hire driver complying with this article. (2) Not allow any for-hire driver to operate a for-hire vehicle while consuming, while under the influence of, or while having the odor of an alcoholic beverage or controlled substance on or about the for-hire driver. (3) Not provide or allow to provide for-hire service while the company operating certificate and vehicle operating permit has been suspended or revoked. (4) Keep copies of the vehicle operating certificate in the for-hire vehicle at all times. (5) Not utilize, whether knowingly or unknowingly, an illegal third party. (c) A for-hire driver shall: (1) Comply with all reasonable and lawful requests of the passenger as to the speed of travel and the route to be taken. (2) Not allow the seating capacity of the for-hire vehicle to exceed the manufacturer's specifications. (3) Make visual contact with an orderly person and form a belief that is reasonable under the circumstances that transporting such person might be unsafe for the for-hire driver, prior to the for-hire driver refusing or neglecting to transport the person requesting for-hire service. (4) Display an "off-duty" placard prior to the for-hire driver refusing or neglecting to transport a person requesting for-hire service. Nothing contained in this subsection shall authorize a for-hire driver to refuse or neglect to transport any person as a pretext to the driver's noncompliance with section 22-158(a)(4), section 22-158(a)(5), and/or section 22-158(a)(6). (5) Not operate a vehicle while consuming, while under the influence of, or while having the odor of an alcoholic beverage or controlled substance on or about the for-hire driver. (6) Notify the PVH manager of a criminal offense or infraction: within two business days of being charged; or within two business days upon release from confinement. Driver's permit license must produce evidence of the disposition of the criminal case as soon as it is available. (7) Specify any fare discounts authorized by the PVH board to metered vehicle passengers participating in a shared-ride. (8) Advise of the probable time of delay, if for-hire service is not expected to be available within 15 minutes of the request or prearrangement. (9) Not provide for-hire service continuously for more than 16 hours, meal time included, during any 24 hour period. Each for-hire driver shall enter the time commencing active duty and ending active duty in the daily manifest. (10) Not solicit passengers (i) by any word, sign, signal (audible or otherwise) or gesture; (ii) to annoy any person, or (iii) while obstructing the movement of traffic or any person. However, for the duration that a metered vehicle is located in a metered vehicle stand, the for-hire driver may solicit passengers by word, sign, signal (audible or otherwise) or gesture. In such circumstances, the for-hire driver may solicit passengers from inside the for-hire vehicle or outside of the for-hire vehicle but within ten feet of the vehicle. (Ord. No. 9019, § 1, 1-23-2017; Ord. No. 9488, § 2(Exh. A), 1-14-2019; Ord. No. 115, § 5, 8-9-2021)

Charlotte City Code § 22-159 Metered vehicle stands.

Sec. 22-159. - Metered vehicle stands. (a) The PVH manager and CDOT shall jointly establish and designate metered vehicle stands. (b) Metered vehicles shall enter designated metered vehicle stands from the rear only, and each metered vehicle therein must be heading in the direction of the exit. No metered vehicle shall stop at a metered vehicle stand unless there is a vacancy therein. Unless a passenger requests otherwise, metered vehicles shall exit metered vehicle stands in the order in which they enter. A for-hire driver shall remain in the metered vehicles or within the metered vehicle stand so that normal operations of the metered vehicle stand are maintained. A for-hire driver may leave the metered vehicle stand only in an emergency or to assist passengers. (c) No vehicle, except a metered vehicle, shall use metered vehicle stands in the city. (d) A list of all metered vehicle stands in the city shall be kept on file with the PVH manager's office and shall be open to inspection by the public. (Ord. No. 9019, § 1, 1-23-2017)

Charlotte City Code § 22-160 Compliance with state law and ordinances; safety; parking.

Sec. 22-160. - Compliance with state law and ordinances; safety; parking. (a) Every for-hire vehicle shall be operated in accordance with the laws of this state and the sections of this article and city ordinances and with due regard: for the safety, comfort and convenience of passengers; for the safe and careful transportation of property; and for the safety of the general public. Nothing in this subsection shall prohibit a for-hire driver from alighting to the sidewalk for the purpose of assisting passengers into or out of the for-hire vehicle. (b) A for-hire vehicle shall not be operated at a rate of speed inconsistent with existing traffic regulations, road conditions, hazards at intersections and any other conditions then existing or in such manner or condition to endanger or to likely endanger the safety of passengers, pedestrians, or the person and property of others. (c) No for-hire vehicle shall be permitted to park in a metered space as determined by CDOT. For purposes of this section, metered spaces include any spaces for which payment is required through either a parking meter or a parking pay station operated by the city. This subsection does not restrict a for-hire vehicle from parking in a parking space that does not require payment to the city through meters or parking pay stations. This subsection does not apply if a for-hire driver complies with section 22-161 and remains a minimum of 20 feet from the parking space occupied by the for-hire vehicle. (Ord. No. 9019, § 1, 1-23-2017)

Charlotte City Code § 22-161 Off-duty placards.

Sec. 22-161. - Off-duty placards. An "off-duty" placard may be placed on the dashboard of for-hire vehicles. Any placard must be three inches by ten inches, with two-inch-high letters, and placed on a black on white background. (Ord. No. 9019, § 1, 1-23-2017)

Charlotte City Code § 22-162 Vehicle infotainment systems.

Sec. 22-162. - Vehicle infotainment systems. A for-hire vehicle may be equipped with a vehicle infotainment system for use by a passenger. A vehicle infotainment system may be of any size if installed by original manufacturer and cannot exceed 11 inches in height and 7.5 inches in length if installed by secondary manufacturer. (Ord. No. 9019, § 1, 1-23-2017)

Charlotte City Code § 22-163 Advertising.

Sec. 22-163. - Advertising. (a) Nothing within this section authorizes the dissemination of obscene advertising on for-hire vehicles. Any and all obscene images are prohibited by .G.S 14-190.1 or similar state statute. (b) Roof mounted advertising. (1) Each for-hire vehicle may display one dual-sided advertising assembly that is mounted securely on the for-hire vehicle's roof area. (2) No advertising assembly shall not exceed an overall height of 18 inches, obscure any required for-hire vehicle markings, obscure any color scheme of a metered vehicle, extend beyond the for-hire vehicle's roof area to either the front or rear windshield. (c) Vehicle panel advertising. (1) Advertisements may be attached to each for-hire vehicle in a permanent or temporary form. (2) No advertisement shall be placed in a manner that: i. Impairs the for-hire driver's range of vision when operating the for-hire vehicle. ii. Impairs the use of a for-hire vehicle's safety features or devices. iii. Obscures the for-hire company's name, logo, contact information, PVH decal, or other information required to be displayed under this article. iv. Obscures any color scheme or rate sheet of a metered vehicle. v. Adds weight, height, or length to the for-hire vehicle because the advertisement is attached to an apparatus or device, except as permitted by section 22-163(b). vi. Violates any federal or state law or regulation. vii. Adds or attempts to add advertising to the for-hire vehicle's roof, except as permitted by section 22-163(b). (Ord. No. 9019, § 1, 1-23-2017; Ord. No. 9488, § 2(Exh. A), 1-14-2019)

Charlotte City Code § 22-164 Records.

Sec. 22-164. - Records. (a) All reports shall be on a form furnished by the PVH manager. (b) All accidents involving a for-hire vehicle shall be reported to the PVH manager by the next business day after the accident. The for-hire company, for-hire vehicle owner, and for-hire driver of the for-hire vehicle involved in an accident shall each be individually responsible for making the required report. A for-hire vehicle involved in an accident may be ordered out of for-hire service by the PVH manager and shall be repaired before being returned to for-hire service. (c) Every for-hire company shall maintain a person's drug test results for a period of three years after the person has taken the drug test. (d) Every for-hire company and for-hire vehicle owner shall maintain the following information: (1) Name, driver's permit number, address of all affiliated for-hire driver; (2) For-hire drivers who have completed a driver training program; and (3) When more than one for-hire vehicle owner operates under the same company operating certificate, the for-hire company may keep the records required by this article on behalf of all for-hire vehicle owners operating under the company operating certificate. A failure of the for-hire company to comply with this section shall not relieve the other for-hire vehicle owners operating under the company operating certificate of responsibility for the records with respect to the vehicles operated by them. It is the intent of this section to impose such responsibilities upon each for-hire vehicle owners. (e) Every for-hire company and for-hire driver shall maintain the following information: (1) A manifest in a safe place for at least 90 days, and shall be made available for inspection by the PVH manager or any officer of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department. (Ord. No. 9019, § 1, 1-23-2017)

Charlotte City Code § 22-165 Contract arrangements between for-hire company, for-hire vehicle owners, and/or for-hire driver.

Sec. 22-165. - Contract arrangements between for-hire company, for-hire vehicle owners, and/or for-hire driver. (a) Nothing contained in this article shall prohibit any person from owning or operating a for-hire vehicle affiliated with a for-hire company. (b) The for-hire company indemnifies the city and holds the city harmless for any claim or cause of action against the city arising from the conduct of the for-hire driver. (c) A for-hire company may enter into any contract, lease agreement or understanding with any for-hire driver as an independent contractor. Any contract, lease agreement, or understanding must contain the following: (1) A payment arrangement between the for-hire driver and for-hire company for a fixed or determinable sum per day for the use of the for-hire vehicle. Nothing in this section restricts a for-hire driver from being entitled to all or a portion of the proceeds from for-hire service over and above the fixed or determinable sum. (2) A for-hire driver shall comply with this article, and failure to comply may be considered by the for-hire company as a material breach of the contract, lease agreement, or understanding. (3) Any leased for-hire vehicle has and maintains insurance as required by the city and the state. (d) Nothing contained in this section shall prevent any for-hire company from paying a fixed fee or other compensation to another for-hire company for furnishing proof of financial responsibility required by this article, for use of terminal facilities, and/or for the privilege of operating under the name of the other for-hire company. (Ord. No. 9019, § 1, 1-23-2017)

Charlotte City Code § 22-166 For-hire vehicles at Charlotte Douglas International Airport.

Sec. 22-166. - For-hire vehicles at Charlotte Douglas International Airport. (a) For-hire vehicles providing for-hire services at the Charlotte Douglas International Airport shall comply with the requirements set forth in chapter 4 as well as this chapter 22. (b) If a for-hire vehicle is assessed a charge or fee when a passenger is picked up from and/or dropped off at Charlotte Douglas International Airport, then the for-hire driver may add a onetime fee in an identical amount to the charge or fee assessed for that pick up from and or drop off at Charlotte Douglas International Airport. (c) Rights of appeal set forth under section 22-234 do not apply to the imposition or enforcement of regulations adopted pursuant to chapter 4. (Ord. No. 9019, § 1, 1-23-2017)

Source: City of Charlotte, Code of Ordinances and City Charter (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/nc/charlotte/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIICOOR_CH22VEHI_ARTIIPAVEHI_DIV3OPFetched: 10/27/2026