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TAXICAB, PARATRANSIT VEHICLE AND UTILITY VEHICLE FOR HIRE REGULATIONS

Tulsa Revised Ordinances tit. 36, ch. 1
in effect

Tulsa Revised Ordinances tit. 36, § 100 Statement of policy and purpose.

Section 100. - Statement of policy and purpose. A. It is the policy and purpose of the City of Tulsa to provide and promote adequate and satisfactory taxicab, paratransit vehicle and utility vehicle for hire service in a manner that will promote a positive image to residents and visitors within its corporate limits. To achieve this goal, this title provides for the regulation of such service for hire which will reasonably protect the public interest, welfare, health and safety, and will promote the availability of public transportation while protecting the principles of free enterprise. B. The rights of the holder or licensee granted under this chapter shall, at all times, be subservient to the right of the City to fully exercise its rights of control over the streets, alleys and public ways of the City of Tulsa. (Ord. No. 23483, § 1, 4-28-2016)

Tulsa Revised Ordinances tit. 36, § 101 Definitions.

Section 101. - Definitions. For the purposes of this chapter, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings given herein: Ambulance shall mean a vehicle defined in and permitted by the provisions of Title 37-A of the Revised Ordinances of the City of Tulsa. Antique, classic or special interest vehicle for hire shall mean the following: 1. Antique or classic vehicle for hire shall mean vehicles which are twenty-five (25) calendar years old or older and have not been substantially altered, remodeled or remanufactured from the manufacturer's original design. 2. Special interest vehicle for hire shall mean a vehicle which does not match the description herein of other vehicles for hire yet may appeal to a certain age group through nostalgic association, as a cultural icon or a current fad. 3. These vehicles shall not be equipped with a taximeter and shall be for hire only by prearrangement at a rate charged per hour or fixed in advance, as long as the fixed rate is for a minimum period of one (1) hour, provided that all such vehicles are: a. For hire for continuous periods of one (1) hour or more, whether actually used for one (1) hour or not: b. Of a type and configuration not generally licensed as a taxicab or bus in the City; c. Not to cruise in search of patronage and not to park in any public street, or in any public or private place of assemblage to solicit patronage not prearranged. This shall be interpreted to preclude the parking of these vehicles at any location other than to collect prearranged passengers. Bus shall mean a chauffeur-driven vehicle for hire, designed to accommodate more than five (5) passengers excluding the chauffeur, classified by the manufacturer as a bus or van, not equipped with a taximeter and provided that all such vehicles are: 1. To be for hire only for travel along a fixed route which is approved by the Director in advance; 2. Of a type and configuration not generally licensed as a taxicab or limousine; 3. Not to cruise in search of patronage and not to park in any public street, or in any public or private place of assemblage soliciting patronage. This shall not be interpreted to preclude the parking of vehicles at any location while awaiting passengers; and 4. To operate at a rate fixed in advance and charged for regular travel over the approved route. Certificate shall mean a certificate authorizing the operation of a taxicab, paratransit service or a utility vehicle for hire, service within the City limits of Tulsa. Chauffeur shall mean a licensed individual who drives or operates a taxicab, paratransit vehicle or utility vehicle for hire, regardless of whether or not the individual drives or operates such vehicle as an employee, lessee, independent contractor or his lessee, or in any other capacity. Church Bus shall mean a vehicle used primarily for the transportation of the members, guests or staff of a church. City shall mean the City of Tulsa, Oklahoma, a municipal corporation. Council shall mean the Council of the City of Tulsa, Oklahoma. Courtesy Vehicle shall mean a vehicle used by hotel and motel facilities, apartment complexes, businesses, merchants, companies, private organizations or groups exclusively for the convenience of their guests, occupants, customers, employees or members and is not for hire. Director shall mean the person designated by the Mayor to enforce the provisions of this chapter or that person's designee. For Hire shall mean a transaction whereby any money, thing of value, charge tickets, surcharge, payment, pecuniary consideration or compensation, reward, donation, remuneration or profit is paid to, accepted by, or received by the chauffeur or an employee or the holder operating any taxicab, paratransit vehicle or utility vehicle in exchange for the temporary use by or for the transportation of a person as a passenger, whether such is paid voluntarily or upon solicitation, demand, request, contract, agreement, or as a surcharge. For hire shall also include a taxicab, paratransit vehicle or a utility which being operated for a commercial (profit) purpose whether or not computation is expected from its passengers. He/Him/His/It/Its shall include the masculine, feminine and neuter gender. Hearse shall mean a vehicle customarily and primarily used to transport the deceased for burial. Holder shall mean a person who is granted a certificate. Horse-Drawn Carriage shall mean a chauffeur-driven carriage, coach, wagon, or buggy for hire, having one (1) or more horses or other equines under harness and rein, which can carry one (1) or more passengers, usually operated and promoted for selected sightseeing routes. I.D.L. Definition. As used herein, the I.D.L. (Inner Dispersal Loop) shall mean the area of the City of Tulsa bounded on the East by the East leg of the I.D.L. (U.S. 75), on the West by I-244, on the North by I-244, and on the South by the Broken Arrow Expressway (S.H. 51). Limousine shall mean: 1. A specialized passenger motor vehicle in which a minimum of five (5) passengers can ride in the rear passenger compartment. The driver's seat is separated from the passenger's compartment by a partition that can ensure privacy for the rear passengers; or 2. A luxury sedan; luxury, as defined by the manufacturer of the vehicle. A paratransit company may operate a luxury sedan as a Limousine, provided they also have an equivalent number of specialized passenger motor vehicles. The certificate holder must license one (1) specialized passenger motor vehicle for every four (4) luxury sedans. 3. The vehicle shall not be equipped with a taximeter and shall be for hire only by prearrangement at a rate charged per hour or fixed in advance, as long as the fixed rate is for a minimum period of one (1) hour, provided that all such vehicles are: a. For hire for continuous periods of one (1) hour or more, whether actually used for one (1) hour or not; b. Of a type and configuration not generally licensed as a taxicab or bus in the City; c. Not to cruise in search of patronage and not to park in any public street, or in any public or private place of assemblage soliciting patronage not prearranged. This shall be interpreted to preclude the parking of vehicles at any location while awaiting passengers. Mayor shall mean the Mayor of the City of Tulsa, or designee. Metropolitan Tulsa Transit Authority shall mean the public trust organized for the purpose of operating transportation within the City of Tulsa under the trade name of Tulsa Transit. Mortuary Limousine shall mean a vehicle customarily and primarily used to transport a funeral party. Paratransit Vehicles shall mean antique, classic or special interest vehicles for hire, limousines, physically limited transport vehicles, wheelchair transport vehicles, buses, peda-cabs, sightseeing vehicles, rickshaws and horse-drawn carriages for hire. Peda-Cab shall mean a chauffeur-driven, non-motorized conveyance for hire, propelled by human power, having two (2) or more wheels, with power transmitted from the pedals to the wheels by means of a belt, chain, gears or any combination thereof, designed and constructed to carry one (1) or more passengers in addition to the chauffeur. Person shall mean any individual, firm, corporation, company, association, partnership or any combination thereof, or two (2) or more persons having a joint or common economic interest. The word person shall include both the singular and plural. Physically Limited Transport shall mean a chauffeur-driven vehicle for hire which is designed or suited for the transportation of the ambulatory elderly or physically limited, where no medical assistance is required en route to the passenger's destination and where stretcher transportation is not required. Stretcher transportation is deemed necessary when the passenger is not capable of sitting and is not ambulatory. Physically Limited Transport is to be used only by those who are physically unable to utilize a standard taxicab service. Prearranged shall mean an agreement to provide transportation by registration in advance of boarding from a specific location in an antique, classic or special interest vehicle for hire, or a limousine at an agreed-upon rate for a minimum of a one-hour period without regard to whether the trip requires less than one (1) hour or not. The key factor in determining the cost of a prearranged limousine service shall be the length of time the vehicle is in use, measured in hourly increments or an agreed-upon fixed rate that exceeds the normal hourly rate for one (1) hour, and not the distance traveled. Rickshaw shall mean a chauffeur-driven, non-motorized conveyance for hire, propelled by human power, having two (2) or more wheels, designed and constructed to carry one (1) or more passengers in addition to the chauffeur. School Bus shall mean a vehicle used primarily for the transportation of a school's students and staff. Sightseeing Vehicle shall mean a chauffeur-driven vehicle for hire, for carrying passengers on a sightseeing tour over a fixed route within the City, for a charge or fare per passenger, per tour trip or per hour, fixed by an agreement in advance or by the purchase of a ticket. Street shall mean any street, alley, avenue, boulevard, drive, place, court, terrace, viaduct, public way or highway commonly used for the purpose of public travel. Taxicab shall mean and include any motor vehicle for hire, designed to carry seven (7) persons or less excluding the chauffeur, accepting passengers indiscriminately on call or demand, for transportation between such points along streets or highways as may be directed by the passenger or passengers being transported. Taxicab or Paratransit Service shall mean a transportation service operated for hire that uses vehicles or other types of conveyances in its operation. Taxicab or Paratransit Stands shall mean parking places reserved for the exclusive use of either taxicabs or paratransit vehicles, whichever designated. The City of Tulsa shall designate such stands, except for those at the Tulsa International Airport, which shall be designated by the Tulsa Airport Authority and approved by the City Council. The locations of all such stands shall be filed with the Director. Taximeter shall mean any approved, internally mounted instrument, appliance, mechanism or device which records mechanically, electrically, electronically, or any combination thereof, and which calculates and displays the fare based upon any of the rate-setting criteria set forth in this chapter. Traffic Violation shall mean a violation of any offense described or listed in Title 37, Chapter 6, of the Tulsa Revised Ordinances, regardless of where the violation occurred. Utility Vehicle: For purposes of this Chapter, the definition set out in 47 O.S. § 1102 (39) shall also apply throughout this Chapter. A utility vehicle is defined as a vehicle that is powered by an internal combustion engine, manufactured and used exclusively for off-highway, equipped with seating for two or more people and a steering wheel, traveling on four (4) or more wheels. This definition is republished here for convenience only, and the definition set out in 47 O.S. § 1102 (39), as amended from time to time, is controlling for all purposes. Utility Vehicle for Hire: A utility vehicle for hire is one driven for commercial (profit) reasons or when money or anything of value is paid to the driver or to the holder of the utility vehicle for hire certificate in exchange for the transportation of a person as a passenger within the I.D.L., exclusively. Waiting Time shall mean such time consumed or lost at the request or direction of a passenger or his agent after the acknowledgment of the arrival of the taxicab or paratransit vehicle and before reaching the destination. Waiting time also includes time lost as a result of congested traffic and controlled intersections. Wheelchair shall mean a chair mounted on wheels, allowing an individual mobility in a sitting position, not altered or manufactured to allow the individual's position to be changed to a horizontal state. Wheelchair Transport shall mean a chauffeur-driven vehicle for hire which is designed or suited for the transportation of wheelchair-confined persons while such persons are sitting in their wheelchairs. (Ord. No. 23483, § 1, 4-28-2016; Ord. No. 23779, § 1, 9-13-2017)

Tulsa Revised Ordinances tit. 36, § 102 Exclusions.

Section 102. - Exclusions. A. This chapter shall not apply to the following categories of vehicles and services: 1. Hearses and mortuary limousines when used as funeral vehicles; 2. Ambulances; 3. Taxicabs and paratransit vehicles which carry passengers only from a point outside the city limits to a point inside the city limits or which carry passengers only from a point inside the city limits to a point outside the city limits; 4. School and church buses when used for school or church purposes; 5. Vehicles which are rented or leased to the public without a driver; 6. Vehicles operated by the Metropolitan Tulsa Transit Authority; 7. Vehicles operated on a share-the-expense plan, such as car pools; and 8. Vehicles providing transportation network vehicle services, defined as providing a ride to passengers for compensation arranged through a transportation network company's digital platform. B. Courtesy vehicles, as defined in this chapter, are exempt if they meet the following conditions: 1. The courtesy vehicle shall have a sign thereon bearing the words "NOT FOR HIRE" in letters no less than three (3) inches high. The sign shall be provided by the Director at no cost to the owner or operator of the courtesy vehicle and shall be displayed on the front dashboard in such a manner that the words are clearly visible to prospective passengers from the outside of the vehicle; and 2. The courtesy vehicle shall have a sign therein, easily seen by the vehicle's passengers, which shall state that neither the business nor the chauffeur of the vehicle is permitted to collect or accept compensation in any manner whatsoever for the transportation service provided. The sign shall be provided by the Director at no cost to the owner or operator of the courtesy vehicle. C. The provisions of this chapter shall not be construed to limit any rights or powers which the Tulsa Airport Authority may have to regulate the operation of taxicab and paratransit vehicles on airport premises. Airport rules and regulations shall be approved by the Council and filed with the Director and with the City Clerk. (Ord. No. 23483, § 1, 4-28-2016; Ord. No. 23521, § 2, 7-21-2016)

Tulsa Revised Ordinances tit. 36, § 103 Administration and appeals.

Section 103. - Administration and appeals. A. The Mayor shall have the power and it shall be his duty to administer the provisions of this chapter and, when necessary, to adopt and implement rules and regulations consistent with the intent of this chapter. Such rules and regulations shall be approved by the Council and filed with the City Clerk. B. Notice of adverse action. If the Director or his authorized representative proposes to take any action adverse to an applicant, holder, chauffeur, licensee or permittee, he shall establish a time, date and place for an administrative hearing and shall notify such person (hereinafter "respondent") of the pending action at the respondent's address contained on his most recent application. If no address is included in the most recent application, notice shall be served in care of the certificate holder with which the respondent is associated. The notice shall be served on the respondent personally or by United States Mail, certified, return receipt requested. The notice shall be served or postmarked no later than seven (7) days preceding the date of the administrative hearing and shall: 1. Set forth in detail the proposed action and the reasons therefore; 2. Designate any section of this chapter, any statute, ordinance or other authority which requires or supports the proposed action; 3. Set forth the date, time and place of the administrative hearing; 4. Advise the respondent that he may be present at such hearing to provide reasons why the proposed action should not be taken; and 5. Advise the respondent that if he fails to appear at the administrative hearing, action may be taken in his absence. Copies of such notice shall also be sent to the complaining party, if applicable, and to all certificate holders. C. Administrative hearing. An administrative hearing shall be held on the date and time and at the place contained in the notice described above. 1. If the respondent appears, he shall be afforded an opportunity to be heard. Following the hearing, the Director may take or refrain from taking the proposed action or may modify the same by placing reasonable conditions on the respondent, or otherwise, according to the provisions of this chapter. 2. If the respondent fails to appear, notice of the decision made or action taken shall be given to all parties, and unless appealed to the City Council as hereinafter provided, such decision shall be final and binding ten (10) working days from and after the date of the decision. 3. Notice of the action taken or decision made shall be given by certified mail, return receipt requested or by personal delivery to the respondent, at the address given in the respondent's most recent application, or if none, in care of the certificate holder with which the respondent is associated. 4. The respondent shall be advised of his right to appeal the action or decision to the City Council. D. Appeals to the Council. Any person aggrieved by a decision of the Director may file an appeal to the Council by filing a written notice of appeal with the Council Secretary and the Director within ten (10) working days of the date of the decision complained of. Such notice shall specify the grounds for the appeal. A hearing on the appeal shall be heard by the Council not later than fifteen (15) days from the date of filing the notice of appeal. If an appeal is filed, the Director shall notify the complaining party, if applicable, and all certificate holders. E. Enforcement stayed. If an appeal of the Director's decision is made to the Council, enforcement of such decision shall be stayed until the Council has rendered its decision, unless the Director certifies to the Council that a stay would cause imminent danger to life or property. F. Administrative costs and passenger restitution. Any determination by the Director regarding whether or not an applicant, holder, chauffeur, licensee or permittee has failed to comply with any of the provisions of this chapter may also include the requirement that the applicant, holder, chauffeur, licensee or permittee pay a sum not to exceed Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) to defray administrative costs associated with the investigative and administrative hearing process. Should the Director's determination include a finding that an applicant, holder, chauffeur, licensee or permittee, pursuant to this chapter, requested, demanded or arranged for compensation in an amount greater than the lawful taxicab or paratransit vehicle rate authorized for the service provided, the Director is authorized to require the applicant, holder, chauffeur, licensee or permittee to pay restitution to the passenger/customer equal to the amount of the overcharge. (Ord. No. 23483, § 1, 4-28-2016)

Tulsa Revised Ordinances tit. 36, § 104 Certificate required.

Section 104. - Certificate required. A. A person shall not operate a taxicab, paratransit vehicle or utility vehicle for hire within the City unless he is in possession of a current and valid certificate. B. Certificates shall not be sold, assigned or otherwise transferred. C. All holders currently authorized to operate their service in the City of Tulsa shall have ninety (90) days from and after the effective date of this ordinance to comply with all the provisions of this title, except that certificate fees shall be due and payable on June 30. (Ord. No. 23483, § 1, 4-28-2016)

Tulsa Revised Ordinances tit. 36, § 105 Requirements for certificate holders.

Section 105. - Requirements for certificate holders. Holders of certificates shall meet the following requirements. A. The holder must be at least eighteen (18) years of age if the holder is an individual. B. The holder must be a citizen of the United States and a resident of the state of Oklahoma or, if the holder is an alien, he must be legally residing in the United States and be authorized to engage in employment or business. C. If the holder is other than an individual, each individual who is an officer or partner in the business shall be considered a holder and must sign the application. D. The holder shall not have had a franchise, certificate, license or permit to do business as a taxicab, paratransit service or utility vehicle for hire revoked by any jurisdiction within the five (5) years immediately preceding the date of the application. E. The holder shall have secured and filed with the Director the location for its office within the City of Tulsa which shall be used for the maintenance of its records required under this chapter and for its lost and found. F. The holder of a taxicab certificate shall use taximeters in all its taxicabs, shall have a proposed color scheme and vehicle markings conforming to Section 137 of this chapter, and shall have a current and valid FCC license. G. The holder shall be financially responsible according to the provisions of Section 111 of this chapter. H. The holder shall have filed a schedule of fares with the Director according to the provisions of Section 134 of this chapter. I. The holder shall not have been convicted of any felony or of any crime involving prostitution or prostitution-related offenses, public lewdness, sexual offenses or controlled-substance-related offenses, unless ten (10) years shall have elapsed from the date of conviction or release from confinement, whichever is the later date. J. The holder of a taxicab certificate or utility vehicle for hire certificate shall have furnished evidence to the Director that at least ten (10) taxicabs or utility vehicles will be used in the service. Such evidence shall include the number of taxicabs or utility vehicles to be used, and the make, model, type and vehicle identification number of each. K. The holder of a paratransit certificate shall have furnished the Director the make, model, type and identification number of all vehicles to be used in the service. L. The holder shall have a single trade name. M. The holder shall have a telephone number published in a Tulsa telephone directory of general circulation. (Ord. No. 23483, § 1, 4-28-2016)

Tulsa Revised Ordinances tit. 36, § 106 Certificate application.

Section 106. - Certificate application. A. An application for a certificate shall be on a form furnished by the Director. It shall be verified by the applicant and filed with the Director and shall include documentary proof of meeting, or the ability to meet upon entering service, the requirements in Section 105 of this chapter. The application expires if the applicant has not completed the process and received a certificate within one hundred twenty (120) days from the application date, unless additional time is justified by the Director. B. The Director shall make or cause to be made such investigation as he may deem necessary regarding the character, experience and qualifications of each person with a direct interest in the applicant's business; provided, however, that such investigation shall include forwarding such person's fingerprints and relevant personal data to the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation and the City Police Department for investigation and report. C. Each application shall be accompanied by a Seventy-Five Dollar ($75.00) processing fee and a fee of Twenty Dollars ($20.00) per person for each background investigation in excess of two (2). In addition, every application shall be accompanied by a Nineteen Dollar ($19.00) fingerprint fee, assessed to defray the cost of processing and investigation. D. Each application shall designate the type of service or services for which the applicant is applying, either taxicab, paratransit service or utility vehicle for hire. If the application is for paratransit service, it shall further designate the type of such service, such as wheelchair transport, physically limited transport, horse-drawn carriages, peda-cabs, rickshaws, or other service. (Ord. No. 23483, § 1, 4-28-2016)

Tulsa Revised Ordinances tit. 36, § 107 Certificate issuance.

Section 107. - Certificate issuance. If the Director finds that the application is complete and that applicant has met the requirements set forth in Sections 105 and 106 herein, he shall issue a certificate to the applicant. The Director shall review the application within a reasonable time after its completion. (Ord. No. 23483, § 1, 4-28-2016)

Tulsa Revised Ordinances tit. 36, § 108 Certificate fees.

Section 108. - Certificate fees. A. An annual certificate fee calculated on the basis of Thirty-Six Dollars ($36.00) per vehicle shall be assessed for each taxicab, paratransit vehicle or utility vehicle for hire, regardless of when the vehicle is placed in service. The fee may be prorated on a quarterly basis for the first issuance only. The certificate fee shall be assessed annually for the period from May 1 through April 30 of the following year. B. If the holder requests to change the trade name of his taxicab, paratransit or utility vehicle for hire service, an administrative fee of Twenty-Five Dollars ($25.00) shall be paid. (Ord. No. 23483, § 1, 4-28-2016)

Tulsa Revised Ordinances tit. 36, § 109 Certificate renewal.

Section 109. - Certificate renewal. On or before April 30 of each year, the holder may renew his certificate by the payment of the fees herein required, unless the Director finds that the holder is not in compliance with any of the provisions of this chapter. (Ord. No. 23483, § 1, 4-28-2016)

Tulsa Revised Ordinances tit. 36, § 110 Certificate suspension or revocation.

Section 110. - Certificate suspension or revocation. A. The Director may suspend a certificate for a definite time period, not to exceed thirty (30) days, if he determines that the holder: 1. Has interfered with the Director or other enforcement personnel in the performance of his duties; 2. Has intentionally and knowingly failed to comply with any of the provisions of this chapter; 3. Has failed to collect or remit any city or state sales tax due on passenger fares as required by law, or has had his sales tax permit canceled or revoked; 4. Has failed to pay a certificate fee at the time it was due; 5. Has employed as chauffeurs persons not holding current and valid City chauffeurs' licenses; 6. Has failed to abide by the rules and regulations promulgated by the Mayor or the Tulsa Airport Authority adopted pursuant to this Code; 7. Knows when one of his chauffeurs is in violation of any provision of this chapter and fails to notify the Director within forty-eight (48) hours of such knowledge; or 8. Has employed chauffeurs who have, in the immediately preceding twelve (12) month period, in the aggregate, accumulated disciplinary actions equal to or greater than twenty percent (20%) of the number of chauffeurs operating under a holder's certificate. The number of chauffeurs operating under a holder's certificate for purposes of this subsection shall be based on the highest number of chauffeurs operating under the holder's certificate during the immediately preceding twelve (12) month period. B. Upon curing the cause for suspension, the holder may file a written request for reinstatement with the Director, together with any proof required by the Director. Upon finding that the cause for suspension has been cured, the Director shall reinstate the certificate. C. The Director may revoke a certificate if he determines that: 1. The holder, or if the holder is other than an individual, any individual who is an officer or partner in the business, has been convicted of a felony or of any crime involving prostitution, or prostitution-related offenses, public lewdness, sexual offenses or controlled-substance-related offenses, unless ten (10) years have elapsed from the date of conviction or the release from confinement, whichever is the later date; or 2. The holder has made a material misstatement in the application which would have been grounds for the denial thereof; 3. The holder has had his certificate suspended twice and a third cause for suspension occurs, all within the preceding twelve (12) month period; or 4. The holder has otherwise failed to meet the requirements of Section 105. D. After revocation of a certificate, a holder shall not be eligible to make application for a certificate for a period of two (2) years, and subsequent applications must be made in accordance with Section 105 of this chapter. (Ord. No. 23483, § 1, 4-28-2016)

Tulsa Revised Ordinances tit. 36, § 111 Financial responsibility required.

Section 111. - Financial responsibility required. A. The holder of a certificate for a taxicab, paratransit or utility vehicle for hire service shall submit proof of compliance with the financial responsibility requirements for taxicabs of 47 O.S. 1991, § 8-104, as amended. B. The proof of financial responsibility that is required by Subsection 111.A of this chapter shall be in a form acceptable to the City Attorney and shall provide that it may not be canceled or amended without fifteen (15) days' prior written notice to the Director. C. If the holder is at any time not in compliance with this section, it shall not operate its taxicab, paratransit or utility vehicle for hire service; and the Director shall take whatever action necessary to ensure that the service is not operating, notwithstanding the notice requirements of Section 103. (Ord. No. 23483, § 1, 4-28-2016)

Tulsa Revised Ordinances tit. 36, § 112 Vehicle permit required.

Section 112. - Vehicle permit required. A. It shall be unlawful to operate a taxicab, paratransit vehicle or utility vehicle for hire unless a current and valid City vehicle permit issued for that vehicle is affixed to the windshield of the vehicle. B. A vehicle permit shall be issued only for a taxicab, paratransit vehicle or utility vehicle for hire being operated under a current and valid certificate. C. A vehicle permit shall be valid only so long as the taxicab, paratransit vehicle or utility vehicle for hire is being operated under a current and valid certificate. (Ord. No. 23483, § 1, 4-28-2016)

Tulsa Revised Ordinances tit. 36, § 113 Requirements for vehicle permit.

Section 113. - Requirements for vehicle permit. A. An application for a taxicab, paratransit vehicle or utility vehicle for hire permit shall be made only by a holder under whose certificate the vehicle will be operated or by the chauffeur who will be driving the vehicle. Any person acting as an agent for an applicant shall provide to the Director proof of his agency, verified and signed by the applicant and notarized. Such application shall include the following information: 1. The name of the applicant, the name of the owner of the vehicle and the name of the holder under whose certificate the vehicle will be operated; 2. A recommendation from the holder under whose certificate the applicant proposes to do business and proof of the holder's financial responsibility as required by Section 111 herein; and 3. The name of the manufacturer, the state license plate number, the model year, serial number and seating capacity of each vehicle and the designation of the vehicle as either a taxicab, a paratransit vehicle or a utility vehicle for hire. B. The state of Oklahoma Certificate of Title shall be exhibited to the Director when the application is filed with the Director. If the owner of the vehicle is a corporation, its certificate of incorporation must also be presented to the Director. C. A nonrefundable application and inspection fee shall be assessed for each taxicab, paratransit vehicle or utility vehicle for hire. Fees may be prorated on a quarterly basis for the first issuance only, and the following amounts shall be assessed annually for the period from May 1 through April 30 of the following year: 1. For each taxicab: a. Application Fee .....$30.00 b. Inspection Fee .....$54.00 c. Permit Fee (original or replacement) .....$6.00 d. Transfer Fee (change of holder) .....$6.00 2. For each paratransit vehicle: ..... a. Application Fee .....$30.00 b. Inspection Fee .....$30.00 c. Permit Fee (original or replacement) .....$6.00 d. Transfer Fee (change of holder) .....$6.00 3. For each utility vehicle for hire: ..... a. Application Fee .....$30.00 b. Inspection Fee .....$30.00 c. Permit Fee (original or replacement) .....$6.00 d. Transfer Fee (change of holder) .....$6.00 D. The annual inspection fee shall include the first annual inspection and one (1) reinspection to determine compliance prior to issuing the vehicle permit. The fee for each additional reinspection shall be Twenty-Four Dollars ($24.00). E. After receipt of the vehicle permit application and inspection fees, the Director shall inspect the vehicle to determine that the provisions of Section 136 of this chapter have been met. F. The Director shall not issue a vehicle permit until the applicant provides proof that: 1. The vehicle meets all the requirements of this section, and Sections 136 and 137 of this chapter; and 2. The holder under which the vehicle operates is in compliance with Section 111 of this chapter. G. Before a vehicle may be transferred from one holder to another, the new holder or the chauffeur shall pay the required fee for change of holder and shall demonstrate compliance with Sections 111 and 137 of this chapter. (Ord. No. 23483, § 1, 4-28-2016)

Tulsa Revised Ordinances tit. 36, § 114 Vehicle permit renewal.

Section 114. - Vehicle permit renewal. A. On or before April 30 of each year, the holder or chauffeur of a taxicab, or paratransit vehicle or utility vehicle for hire service which has been permitted under this chapter may renew the vehicle permit. The Director shall not renew the permit until: 1. The annual inspection and permit fees have been paid; 2. The vehicle complies with the provisions of Sections 113, 136 and 137 of this chapter; and 3. Proof of compliance with Section 111 of this chapter is furnished. B. The Director shall affix the new permit to the windshield of the vehicle. (Ord. No. 23483, § 1, 4-28-2016)

Tulsa Revised Ordinances tit. 36, § 115 Removal of vehicle from service.

Section 115. - Removal of vehicle from service. When a vehicle is removed from service by its holder or pursuant to an order by the Director, the vehicle permit sticker and company markings shall be removed by the Director or the vehicle owner. The vehicle permit shall then be surrendered to the Director. The Director shall inspect the vehicle and determine that all indications of its service as a taxicab, paratransit vehicle or utility vehicle for hire have been removed. (Ord. No. 23483, § 1, 4-28-2016)

Tulsa Revised Ordinances tit. 36, § 116 Vehicle permit suspension.

Section 116. - Vehicle permit suspension. A. The Director may order a vehicle suspended from service for the following reasons: 1. Failure to meet the requirements of Sections 113, 136 or 137 of this chapter; or 2. Failure of its holder to comply with Section 111 of this chapter. B. Upon ordering a vehicle suspended from service, the permit sticker shall be removed from the vehicle and the vehicle may not be operated as a taxicab, paratransit vehicle or utility vehicle for hire. C. Upon proof of correction of the stated violation, a vehicle may be reinstated and a replacement permit sticker issued upon payment of the required fee. (Ord. No. 23483, § 1, 4-28-2016)

Tulsa Revised Ordinances tit. 36, § 117 Chauffeur license required.

Section 117. - Chauffeur license required. A. It shall be an offense for any person to drive a taxicab, paratransit vehicle or utility vehicle for hire within the City unless he has a current, valid taxicab, paratransit or utility vehicle for hire chauffeur's license issued under the provisions of this chapter. B. It shall be an offense for a holder to allow a person to drive for hire a taxicab, paratransit vehicle or utility vehicle for hire which is owned, controlled or operated by the holder, unless the person has a current, valid taxicab, paratransit or utility vehicle for hire chauffeur's license. (Ord. No. 23483, § 1, 4-28-2016)

Tulsa Revised Ordinances tit. 36, § 118 Requirements for chauffeur license.

Section 118. - Requirements for chauffeur license. A. To qualify for a taxicab, paratransit or utility vehicle for hire chauffeur's license, an applicant shall meet the following qualifications; provided, however, that a licensee holding a valid chauffeur's license at the time this title is amended will be eligible to retain his license and renew it annually until such time as an event occurs that renders him incapable of qualifying, pursuant to this section: 1. Shall be at least eighteen (18) years of age; 2. Shall be a legal resident of the United States and the state of Oklahoma or, if an alien, the applicant shall submit documentation that he is legally residing in the United States and is authorized to engage in employment; 3. Shall hold a current, valid driver's license issued by the state of Oklahoma appropriate for the vehicle to be driven; 4. Shall not have been convicted of a misdemeanor involving prostitution or prostitution-related offenses, public lewdness, sexual offenses, assault and battery, or controlled-substance-related offenses within the preceding five (5) years; 5. Shall not have been convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol or other intoxicating substance, driving while intoxicated or actual physical control of a vehicle while intoxicated, unless five (5) years have elapsed since the date of conviction or release from confinement, whichever is the later date; 6. Shall not have been cited or arrested for more than three (3) traffic violations arising out of separate events occurring within any twelve (12) month period for which, during the preceding twenty-four (24) months, the chauffeur or applicant has been convicted; 7. Shall not, within the preceding twelve (12) month period, have been involved in more than one (1) automobile accident in which the chauffeur or applicant has been determined to have been at fault; 8. Shall not have been convicted of any violent felony offense as defined by 22 Oklahoma Statutes § 982, as amended, or of any offense of hit and run driving, manslaughter or negligent homicide resulting from the operation of a motor vehicle, unless ten (10) years have elapsed since the date of conviction or five (5) years have elapsed since the release from confinement, whichever is the later date, or shall not have been convicted of any other felony offense, unless five (5) years have elapsed since the date of conviction or three (3) years have elapsed since the release from confinement, whichever is the later date; 9. Shall not be a person required to be registered pursuant to the Oklahoma Sex Offenders Registration Act (57 Oklahoma Statutes § 581 et seq.), as amended; 10. Shall not be subject to any outstanding warrants for arrest; and 11. Shall have been recommended in writing by each holder for whom he plans to drive. A Fifteen Dollar ($15.00) fee shall be charged for each recommendation filed in excess of one (1). B. The Director shall establish an examination which may include the city and state traffic laws, chauffeurs' duties under this chapter, taxicab, paratransit or utility vehicle for hire regulations, the geography of the City, and the applicant's ability to effectively communicate and make correct change. An applicant shall fail the examination if he has a score of less than sixty (60) percent correct answers. Any applicant failing the examination shall wait thirty (30) days before being re-examined. A non-refundable re-examination fee of Thirty Dollars ($30.00) shall be paid prior to each re-examination. C. Before obtaining a taxicab, paratransit or utility vehicle for hire chauffeur's license, the applicant shall submit a verified application to the Director upon a form provided by the Director. Any false statement of material fact made by an applicant in his application shall be grounds for denial or revocation of the license. D. The applicant for a chauffeur's license shall deliver to the Director a report from a physician licensed by the state of Oklahoma who has examined the applicant within sixty (60) days prior to the application for the license. The physician's report must certify that the applicant does not have any physical or organic defect or condition of such a nature that would affect the applicant's ability to operate a taxicab, paratransit or utility vehicle for hire safely. E. The Director shall make or cause to be made such investigation of the character, experience and qualifications of the applicant as he may deem appropriate and necessary, which investigation shall include forwarding the applicant's fingerprints and relevant personal data to the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation and the City Police Chief for investigation and report. F. No taxicab, paratransit or utility vehicle for hire chauffeur's license shall be assignable or transferrable. G. The chauffeur's license herein provided shall be on a form prescribed by the Director and shall contain a picture of the chauffeur, affixed in such a manner that another picture cannot be substituted without detection. The chauffeur's license shall contain the licensee's name, age, height, weight, color of hair and eyes, Oklahoma driver's license number and expiration date. While the taxicab chauffeur is on duty, the license shall be displayed in full view of passengers. H. A non-refundable processing fee of Twenty Dollars ($20.00) shall accompany each application. In addition, every application shall be accompanied by a Nineteen Dollar ($19.00) fingerprint fee, assessed to defray the cost of processing and investigation. I. An additional fee of Sixty Dollars ($60.00) per taxicab chauffeur's license and Sixty Dollars ($60.00) per paratransit vehicle chauffeur's license shall be assessed annually for the period from May 1 through April 30. Annual fees may be prorated on a quarterly basis to no less than Thirty Dollars ($30.00) for the first issuance only. J. If a taxicab, paratransit or utility vehicle for hire chauffeur's license is lost or mutilated, a replacement may be obtained upon payment of a Ten Dollar ($10.00) replacement fee. (Ord. No. 23483, § 1, 4-28-2016)

Tulsa Revised Ordinances tit. 36, § 119 Chauffeur license renewal.

Section 119. - Chauffeur license renewal. On or before April 30 of each year, if he continues to meet the requirements of Section 118, a chauffeur may renew his license upon the submission of an updated application, the payment of the annual license fee and the submission of a new physician's report; provided, however, that a new physician's report shall not be required if the report on file with the Director is less than two (2) years old. Provided that all licenses expiring on June 30, 2005, will be renewed at eighty-three and three tenths percent (83.3%) of annual renewal rates. (Ord. No. 23483, § 1, 4-28-2016)

Tulsa Revised Ordinances tit. 36, § 120 Chauffeur license suspension or revocation.

Section 120. - Chauffeur license suspension or revocation. A. Suspension. The Director may suspend a chauffeur's license for a period of time not to exceed thirty (30) days if he determines that the licensee has violated any of the provisions of Section 123 of this chapter. B. Revocation. 1. The Director shall revoke a chauffeur's license for any of the following reasons: a. Operation of a taxicab, paratransit vehicle or utility vehicle for hire within the City while the chauffeur's license was suspended; b. The making of any false statement of material fact in the application for a chauffeur's license; c. The license has been suspended twice within the preceding twelve (12) months and a new cause for suspension occurs under the provisions of this section; or d. The licensee would fail to qualify as a new applicant under the provisions of Section 118 of this chapter. 2. A person whose chauffeur's license is revoked pursuant to subparagraphs 120.B.1.a., b. or c. shall not be eligible for a chauffeur's license for a period of twelve (12) months from the effective date of the revocation. 3. A person whose chauffeur's license is revoked pursuant to paragraph 120.B.1.d. shall not be eligible for a chauffeur's license until he can qualify as a new applicant under the provisions of Section 118 of this chapter. C. Surrender of license. After receipt of notice of suspension or revocation, the licensee shall, on the date specified in the notice, surrender his taxicab, paratransit vehicle or utility vehicle for hire chauffeur's license to the Director and discontinue driving a taxicab, paratransit vehicle or utility vehicle for hire within the City. (Ord. No. 23483, § 1, 4-28-2016)

Tulsa Revised Ordinances tit. 36, § 121 Temporary chauffeur license.

Section 121. - Temporary chauffeur license. A. A person satisfying all other provisions of Section 118 of this chapter may be issued a temporary chauffeur's license pending the receipt by the Director of a criminal record report as required by Subsection 118.E. herein. B. A processing fee of Sixty Dollars ($60.00) and a temporary license fee of Fifteen Dollars ($15.00) shall be paid prior to the issuance of a temporary license. Upon issuance of the annual license, the temporary license fee shall be credited to the annual fee required in Subsection 118.I. (Ord. No. 23483, § 1, 4-28-2016)

Tulsa Revised Ordinances tit. 36, § 122 Falsification of a license or permit.

Section 122. - Falsification of a license or permit. It shall be unlawful and an offense for any person to: A. Forge, alter, copy or counterfeit a taxicab, paratransit vehicle or utility vehicle for hire chauffeur's license or vehicle permit issued pursuant to the provisions of this chapter; or B. Possess a forged, altered, copied or counterfeit taxicab, paratransit vehicle or utility vehicle for hire chauffeur's license or vehicle permit issued pursuant to the provisions of this chapter. (Ord. No. 23483, § 1, 4-28-2016)

Tulsa Revised Ordinances tit. 36, § 123 Rules and regulations.

Section 123. - Rules and regulations. A. It shall be unlawful and a misdemeanor offense for any chauffeur or certificate holder to fail to comply with the following rules and regulations. 1. While in charge of or driving a taxicab, paratransit vehicle or utility vehicle for hire, a chauffeur shall have in his possession a current, valid driver's license, appropriate to the vehicle being driven, issued by the state of Oklahoma. 2. While on duty, a chauffeur shall display his chauffeur's license in his vehicle in the manner prescribed by Subsection 118.G. of this chapter. 3. At all times a chauffeur shall drive his taxicab, paratransit vehicle or utility vehicle in a safe, prudent and careful manner and in compliance with city and state traffic rules and regulations. 4. While on duty, a chauffeur shall not engage in any unlawful act. 5. Neither the certificate holder nor the chauffeur shall allow a taxicab, paratransit vehicle or utility vehicle to be operated which is in an unsafe operating condition or that fails to meet any requirement of this title. 6. A taxicab shall not be operated if it contains an inaccurate or unsealed meter. The chauffeur and certificate holder shall make certain that the approved meter rate is set and that the meter reading is reasonably visible to all passengers at all times. 7. The interior and exterior of a taxicab, paratransit vehicle or utility vehicle must be maintained in a clean condition, in good repair and in full compliance with this title. Prior to the beginning of each shift, the chauffeur shall physically inspect the vehicle and make certain the vehicle complies with all provisions of this title. 8. A chauffeur shall not monitor or respond to any call for taxicab or paratransit service transmitted through a holder's frequency other than his own. The dispatch radio shall be audible at all times when the taxicab or paratransit vehicle is available for service. 9. The certificate holder shall require and the chauffeur while on duty shall present and maintain a clean, neat and well-groomed personal appearance such as not to disparage the community, and generally comply with the following: a. The term "neat and clean" as it relates to clothes shall mean that all clothing is clean, free from soil, grease and dirt and without rips or tears. b. "Clean" means that state of personal hygiene, body and hair cleanliness and absence of offensive body odor normally associated with reasonable clothes laundering and bathing or showering. c. "Well groomed" means beards and mustaches are groomed and neatly trimmed, and scalp and facial hair is neatly trimmed, and combed or brushed. d. A chauffeur, unless otherwise authorized, shall not wear as an outer garment any of the following: (1) Undershirt or underwear, tank tops, body shirts (see-through mesh); (2) Swimwear, jogging or warm-up suits, or sweatshirts or similar attire; (3) Shorts or trunks (jogging or bathing), cut-off shorts; (4) Open-toed shoes or sandals, or any similar clothing. e. Summer clothing may include Bermuda shorts (hemmed slack material) that extend down to within two (2) inches of the top of the kneecap. f. A chauffeur shall wear a collared shirt as part of the uniform. 10. A chauffeur shall provide prompt, efficient service, shall be polite and courteous and shall act in a professional and dignified manner at all times while on duty. 11. A chauffeur shall not leave his vehicle in a taxicab or paratransit stand unless time is needed to assist a passenger or unless his absence is due to mechanical or electrical problems with his vehicle. 12. A chauffeur shall not induce any person to be transported by any taxicab, paratransit vehicle or utility vehicle for hire by willful misrepresentation. 13. A chauffeur shall not dismiss nor discharge any passenger at a point other than the requested destination without good cause. If a passenger is discharged for good cause, it shall be done, if at all possible, at a safe, well-lighted place, convenient to public transportation. A chauffeur shall immediately notify his holder of any such incident. The holder shall conduct an investigation into the circumstances and, within one (1) working day, report his findings to the Director. 14. A chauffeur shall not overcharge any passenger; nor shall he request, demand or arrange for compensation in an amount greater than the taxicab, paratransit vehicle or utility vehicle for hire rate applicable to the service provided. 15. A chauffeur shall not solicit a gratuity; however, a gratuity from a passenger may be accepted if it is given voluntarily, without solicitation. 16. A chauffeur of a taxicab shall activate the taximeter at the beginning of each trip and deactivate the taximeter upon completion of the trip, providing the customer with the receipt printed by the taximeter, unless the trip is a fixed-rate trip approved as such pursuant to the provisions of this chapter. A chauffeur of a taxicab shall apply all fares in accordance with Section 134.F. of this title. 17. A chauffeur shall not attempt to influence the destination of a passenger unless requested by the passenger and shall not accept fees or gratuities from anyone other than the passenger or the passenger's agent. 18. A chauffeur shall place the passenger's luggage or packages in and out of the taxicab, paratransit vehicle or utility vehicle for hire when requested to do so. 19. A chauffeur shall assist a passenger in and out of his vehicle when requested to do so; provided, however, that the driver shall not be required to lift or carry any passenger. 20. Each chauffeur shall complete a separate manifest for each shift of duty on a form approved by the Director and contained as an appendix to this title. The manifest shall legibly and accurately record each trip as it occurs, including the time, place of pickup, destination, number of passengers and the amount charged. Each chauffeur shall retain his manifests in chronological order and they shall be available for inspection by the Director for a period of one (1) year. 21. Chauffeurs and passengers shall not smoke in a taxicab pursuant to 21 O.S.Supp.2003, § 1247.A. 22. All holders and chauffeurs shall comply with all lawful requests, orders or directives issued by the Director. 23. All holders and chauffeurs shall adhere to all rules and regulations promulgated by the Mayor and Tulsa Airport Authority adopted pursuant to this title. 24. A chauffeur shall remain on duty for no more than sixteen (16) hours in any twenty-four (24) hour period. 25. A chauffeur shall not recommend any hotel or motel, bar, private club, restaurant or other business establishment, nor attempt to divert patronage from one (1) business establishment to another, unless the passenger specifically requests the chauffeur's recommendation. 26. A chauffeur shall search the interior of the taxicab, paratransit vehicle or utility vehicle for hire at least once a day for lost articles. If a lost article is found, the Chauffeur shall follow the procedure set forth in Section 128 of this chapter. 27. A chauffeur shall immediately report a passenger's refusal to pay a fare to the Police Department, either in person or by telephone. 28. A chauffeur shall not fasten or lock the doors of his taxicab or paratransit vehicle in such a way that it is impossible for a passenger to open the doors from the inside. 29. Neither a certificate holder nor a chauffeur shall allow a taxicab, paratransit vehicle or utility vehicle for hire to be operated without a current, valid vehicle permit as required by Section 113 of this chapter. 30. A chauffeur of any taxicab, paratransit vehicle or utility vehicle for hire shall not transport any number of persons, including the chauffeur, which is greater than the manufacturer's rated seating capacity for the vehicle. 31. A chauffeur shall not operate a radio or any other audio device at a volume which might be offensive to a passenger, and he shall change stations or turn off the same upon a reasonable request of the passenger. 32. A chauffeur shall not permit a passenger to enter or exit his vehicle on a two-way street by the left rear door when another vehicle is approaching. 33. A chauffeur, when requested to do so, may transport and deliver baggage, packages or other types of personal property which are not accompanied by a passenger. 34. An off-duty chauffeur shall display signs indicating his off-duty status as required in Section 139 of this chapter. 35. A chauffeur may not represent that his taxicab is engaged when in fact it is vacant, nor shall he represent that it is vacant when it is engaged. 36. Any person violating any of the provisions of this subsection shall be guilty of a misdemeanor offense and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished by a fine of not more than Two Hundred Dollars ($200.00), excluding costs, fees and assessments. B. It shall be unlawful and a misdemeanor offense for any chauffeur or any certificate holder to fail to comply with the following rules and regulations. 1. While on duty or within twelve (12) hours prior to being on duty, a chauffeur shall not partake of any alcoholic beverage, intoxicating liquor, narcotic, sedative, barbiturate, marijuana or any other drug which may impair his driving ability; and, while on duty, a chauffeur shall not have any such beverage or substance in his possession. 2. A chauffeur shall not have a firearm, explosive device or illegal weapon in his possession while on duty. 3. A chauffeur shall not operate a taxicab, paratransit vehicle or utility vehicle for hire while his ability or alertness is so impaired, or so likely to become impaired because of fatigue, illness or any other cause as to make it unsafe for him to operate the vehicle. 4. Any person violating any of the provisions of this subsection shall be guilty of a misdemeanor offense and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished by imprisonment in the City jail for a period not exceeding ninety (90) days or by a fine of not more than Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00), excluding costs, fees and assessments, or by both such fine and imprisonment. Each day in which a violation occurs shall be deemed a separate offense. (Ord. No. 23483, § 1, 4-28-2016)

Tulsa Revised Ordinances tit. 36, § 124 Additional responsibilities (taxicab service, only).

Section 124. - Additional responsibilities (taxicab service, only). A. Dispatch records. The date, time and origin of each trip dispatched by the holder shall be immediately recorded on a dispatch record. All dispatch records shall be maintained by the holder and available for inspection for at least one (1) year. B. Records and receipts. The Director may require maintenance of the following current business records necessary for monitoring the activities, operations, service and safety record of a holder: names, birthdates and drivers' license numbers of chauffeurs; a list of vehicles operating under a holder's certificate, including unit number, year, make, model and VIN number; and such other reports as the Director may require. Each holder shall maintain such business records at a single location, according to a method approved by the Director, and shall make its records available for inspection by the Director at reasonable times upon request. Each holder shall submit to the Director such annual and monthly reports concerning its taxicab service as the Director may reasonably require. It shall be the duty of each holder and each chauffeur operating and doing business in the City to furnish any reports or information reasonably requested by the Director. C. City-wide taxicab service. Except as otherwise specifically provided by its certificate, a holder of a certificate for taxicab service shall: 1. Provide taxicab service to the general public to and from any point within the City that is accessible by a public street, except that this provision shall not require a holder to subject a taxicab to mob violence or destruction; 2. Respond as soon as practicable to each call received for service within the City or, if service cannot be rendered within a reasonable time, inform the caller of the reason for the delay, the approximate response time and with the caller's permission attempt to arrange for another holder to provide the service; and 3. Maintain a single dispatch service twenty-four (24) hours each day for the purpose of receiving calls and dispatching vehicles. All taxicab service provided by the holder's chauffeurs shall be arranged through this dispatch service unless such service is directly arranged between the passenger and the chauffeur, in which event the chauffeur shall notify the holder within five (5) minutes of his engagement. D. Revocation or suspension. When the holder has been notified of the revocation or suspension of a chauffeur's license, the holder shall cease transmitting calls for service to the chauffeur. Any holder whose certificate has been suspended or revoked shall not transmit calls for service to any chauffeur or allow his chauffeurs to otherwise conduct taxicab or paratransit service under such holder's certificate. (Ord. No. 23483, § 1, 4-28-2016)

Tulsa Revised Ordinances tit. 36, § 125 Taxicab, paratransit vehicle and utility vehicle for hire stands.

Section 125. - Taxicab, paratransit vehicle and utility vehicle for hire stands. A. Taxicab, paratransit vehicle and utility vehicle for hire stands shall be clearly designated for taxicabs, paratransit vehicles or utility vehicles for hire. B. The Mayor or his designee may establish taxicab, paratransit vehicle and utility vehicle for hire stands of such character, number and location as are required for the public convenience and necessity. C. A holder may file a written request with the Director for the establishment of a taxicab, paratransit vehicle or utility vehicle for hire stand. (Ord. No. 23483, § 1, 4-28-2016)

Tulsa Revised Ordinances tit. 36, § 126 Use of taxicab, paratransit vehicle and utility vehicle for hire stands.

Section 126. - Use of taxicab, paratransit vehicle and utility vehicle for hire stands. Taxicabs, paratransit vehicles or utility vehicles for hire waiting at designated stands shall be in a single line, facing in the direction required by applicable traffic regulations. Any passenger shall have the right to select any taxicab, paratransit vehicle or utility vehicle for hire, regardless of its position in the line. Upon the departure of any vehicle from the line, other vehicles entitled to use such stand shall move forward. No number of taxicabs, paratransit vehicles or utility vehicles for hire greater than the maximum allowed shall attempt to use any designated stand. No designated stand shall be reserved for any one (1) holder. (Ord. No. 23483, § 1, 4-28-2016)

Tulsa Revised Ordinances tit. 36, § 128 Return of passenger's property.

Section 128. - Return of passenger's property. A. Upon finding property left by a passenger in a taxicab, paratransit vehicle, or utility vehicle for hire, the chauffeur shall immediately notify the passenger and return the property. If the chauffeur is unable to locate or does not know the identity of the passenger, the chauffeur shall promptly deliver the property to his holder. B. Upon delivery of the property to the holder, the chauffeur shall prepare and deliver to the holder a written report containing the description of the property, the identity of the passenger, if known, the date the property was left in the vehicle, the circumstances relating to the loss and the vehicle number. The holder shall keep the record on file for a period of one (1) year. The holder shall retain the property for a period of not less than three (3) months. C. Any request for the return of the property by the chauffeur who discovered it must be made to the holder during the thirty (30) days following the three-month holding period, referenced in paragraph B. The holder need not honor the chauffeur's request if made beyond this time frame. D. If either the holder or the chauffeur chooses to dispose of the property, said disposition must be in compliance with applicable state law regarding lost goods. (Ord. No. 23483, § 1, 4-28-2016)

Tulsa Revised Ordinances tit. 36, § 129 Refusal to transport passengers.

Section 129. - Refusal to transport passengers. While operating a taxicab, paratransit vehicle or utility vehicle for hire, a chauffeur shall not refuse to transport a person who requests service unless: A. The person is disorderly; B. The chauffeur is engaged in answering a previous request for service; C. The chauffeur has reason to believe that the person is engaged in unlawful conduct; D. The person is in such physical condition that he is apt to soil, stain or foul the interior of the vehicle; E. The chauffeur has reason to fear for his personal safety; F. The person can show no ability to pay fare; G. The prospective passenger is in any way rude or abusive to the chauffeur; or H. In the reasonable judgment of the chauffeur, the situation requires the use of an ambulance. (Ord. No. 23483, § 1, 4-28-2016)

Tulsa Revised Ordinances tit. 36, § 130 Delay of passengers prohibited.

Section 130. - Delay of passengers prohibited. When any person employs a taxicab, paratransit vehicle or utility vehicle for hire and occupies it as a passenger, the chauffeur shall not remain parked nor delay the transporting of the passenger to his requested destination for a period exceeding five (5) minutes unless the nature of the service requested by all passengers occupying the vehicle requires such delay. (Ord. No. 23483, § 1, 4-28-2016)

Tulsa Revised Ordinances tit. 36, § 131 Passenger limitations.

Section 131. - Passenger limitations. A. While operating a taxicab, paratransit vehicle or utility vehicle for hire, a chauffeur on duty may not transport any person other than a paying passenger. B. A chauffeur may, at his discretion, allow or refuse to allow a passenger to ride in the front seat when there is an unoccupied seat in the rear of the vehicle. (Ord. No. 23483, § 1, 4-28-2016)

Tulsa Revised Ordinances tit. 36, § 132 Direct route.

Section 132. - Direct route. A chauffeur shall transport a passenger to his destination by the most direct and/or expeditious route available unless otherwise directed by the passenger. This provision shall not apply to peda-cabs, rickshaws, sightseeing vehicles or horse-drawn carriages. (Ord. No. 23483, § 1, 4-28-2016)

Tulsa Revised Ordinances tit. 36, § 133 Solicitation of passengers.

Section 133. - Solicitation of passengers. A. A chauffeur may not solicit passengers: 1. From a location other than his vehicle or the immediate vicinity of his vehicle; 2. In a loud or boisterous tone of voice or by the use of a voice amplification device; or 3. By using another person to solicit passengers by directing passengers to his vehicle while waiting at a designated stand. B. A chauffeur shall not solicit the patronage of persons assembled at the terminal of any form of public transportation other than his own, nor at any intermediate points along any established route of any public transportation, when such persons have assembled for the purpose of using the service of the public transportation. (Ord. No. 23483, § 1, 4-28-2016)

Tulsa Revised Ordinances tit. 36, § 134 Rates of fare.

Section 134. - Rates of fare. A. Rates which may be charged by a taxicab certificate holder are subject to the limits of a maximum rate schedule as recommended by the Transportation Advisory Board, and approved by the City Council; provided, if the Transportation Advisory Board fails to act on a request for change(s) to the maximum rate schedule within forty-five (45) days of receipt, the City Council may take action on the request. The maximum rate schedule shall become effective upon Council approval. 1. A fuel surcharge, in addition to the maximum rate schedule, may be approved if recommended by the Transportation Advisory Board, and approved by the City Council; provided, if the Transportation Advisory Board fails to act on a request for approval of a fuel surcharge within forty-five (45) days of receipt, the City Council may take action on the request. 2. Prior to initiating the fuel surcharge, holder shall: a. Advise Director, in writing, of its intent to impose the surcharge. Written notice to the Director may be hand delivered or mailed by certified mail to the City Clerk at 175 E. 2nd Street, Suite 260, Tulsa, OK 74103, with proof of delivery; b. Post prominent signage in each vehicle and at the Airport advising the customer of the amount of the approved surcharge; c. Include the surcharge on the itemized customer receipt required by Section 134.F.3. 3. After receiving a recommendation from the Transportation Advisory Board, the City Council may withdraw approval of a fuel surcharge, in whole or in part, by giving at least thirty (30) days' written notice of the effective date to the holders; provided, if the Transportation Advisory Board fails to act on a request to withdraw approval of a fuel surcharge within forty-five (45) days of receipt, the City Council may take action on the request. B. Each taxicab certificate holder shall file a rate schedule with the Director at the time of application for a certificate. C. Any amendment to holder's rate schedules shall be filed with the Director at least thirty (30) days prior to the effective date of the new rates. No schedule amending rates of fare shall be filed by any taxicab certificate holder until ninety (90) days shall have elapsed since the Director received the previously filed rate schedule. D. The rate schedule filed by a holder with the Director shall not prevent the charging of any lower rates of fare, nor shall the foregoing provisions prevent the granting of discounts and reduced rates of fare to certain groups of people for promotional or humanitarian reasons or for reasons of goodwill. E. Taxicab rate schedules shall list and include the following items and none other: 1. Mileage charges after pickup. This rate shall be calculated on a fixed unit rate per one-fifth (⅕) mile driven. The initial one-fifth (⅕) mile driven may include an initial fare ("Flag Drop"). All mileage units following the initial one-fifth (⅕) mile shall be charged at the one-fifth (⅕) mile unit rate set out in holder's filed rate schedule. The flag drop rate and the one-fifth (⅕) mile unit rate charged shall not exceed the maximum rate schedule. 2. Waiting time. The rate for waiting time shall not exceed the maximum recommended by the Transportation Advisory Board and approved by the City Council. 3. Luggage charges per bag. Luggage charges must be explained to the passenger in advance of the passenger accepting the taxi service. Luggage charges must be added to the metered fare at the beginning of the trip by applying them to the meter total by use of the meter's "extra charges" function. Luggage charges shall not exceed Two Dollars ($2.00) per bag. 4. Toll charges. Toll charges to passenger shall only include the actual road toll charge the chauffeur paid for the trip. 5. Extra passenger charges. Extra passenger charges shall not exceed Two Dollars ($2.00) per extra passenger. 6. Minimum trip charge. Holder may include a "minimum trip charge" in its filed rate schedule which may be collected when the charge calculated by the meter is less than the minimum trip charge. The collection by a chauffeur from a passenger of a minimum trip charge (a) in excess of the charge listed in holder's filed rate schedule; or (b) in addition to the meter charge, shall be a violation of Section 123.A.14. of this title. F. A chauffeur of a taxicab shall charge a rate of fare and provide a printed receipt as set forth in this Section 134 and further in accordance with the following provisions: 1. A chauffeur shall activate the taximeter at the beginning of each trip and provide the customer a receipt upon completion of the trip that satisfies paragraph 3. hereof; or 2. If the trip is subject to a minimum trip charge pursuant to the provisions of this section, the chauffeur shall activate the taximeter at the beginning of the trip but charge the appropriate minimum trip charge amount and provide the customer a receipt that satisfies paragraph 3. hereof; and 3. The chauffeur shall give the passenger an accurate receipt, printed from the meter at the time of payment. The receipt must include the name of the holder, information identifying the vehicle and its chauffeur, all items for which a charge was made, the total amount paid and the date of payment. The chauffeur shall sign or initial the receipt. G. Taxicab rates of fare and associated charges must be posted on the passenger's side in the front of the vehicle and on both sides in the rear of the vehicle, in a place and manner visible to passengers from both the inside and outside of the vehicle. The holder's name, telephone number and vehicle unit number should be posted on or near the rates of fare information. The information required by this section shall be posted on a form or forms provided by the City. The City shall retain the right to post conspicuous and permanent signs in the immediate vicinity of all taxicab stands, whether located at Tulsa International Airport or otherwise, which clearly indicate taxicab rates of fare to prospective passengers. H. It shall be unlawful and an offense for any passenger to refuse to pay the established rate after employing and using the taxicab, paratransit vehicle, or utility vehicle for hire. I. The fare registered on the taximeter shall not be changed so as to cancel the amount of fare registered until after the fare has been paid or a charge ticket has been made and signed by the passenger. J. A chauffeur may demand proof of ability to pay if he has reasonable cause to suspect that the passenger, due to his physical or mental state, may be unable to pay or may refuse to pay the fare at the point of destination. K. Taxicab rides may be shared with the consent of all passengers under the following conditions. 1. When two (2) or more passengers engage a taxicab at the same location but are going to different destinations, the last passenger to leave the taxicab is responsible for the full metered fare plus any extra charges allowed pursuant to this section. When passengers arrive at destinations other than the final destination, the meter shall not be placed in a "hold" position. 2. When two (2) or more passengers engage a taxicab at different locations and are going to different destinations, each passenger pays the full metered fare; provided, however, that no extra charges may be assessed and that the meter is placed in a "hold" position when passengers are dropped off. 3. When two (2) or more passengers engage a taxicab at different locations but are going to the same destination, both passengers are responsible for their portion of the full metered or fixed fare plus any extra charges allowed pursuant to this section. L. It shall be an offense for any person to call for a taxicab, paratransit vehicle or utility vehicle for hire without intending to use such vehicle upon its arrival; provided, however, that if a vehicle fails to arrive within thirty (30) minutes of the call requesting a vehicle and the holder fails to notify the person who requested the vehicle of such delay, the caller shall not be required to use the vehicle. M. Paratransit rates will be based on the prearrangement of the use of the vehicle. For this section, prearrangement shall mean an advance appointment with a passenger to provide service that was initiated by a person contacting the company by telephone, correspondence or other oral or written communication. N. Utility vehicle for hire rates. Fares shall be at a fixed rate per trip, per hour or other specified time period, and shall be posted in a conspicuous location which can be easily seen by the prospective passengers. (Ord. No. 23483, § 1, 4-28-2016; Ord. No. 24128, § 1, 5-1-2019)

Tulsa Revised Ordinances tit. 36, § 135 Taximeters.

Section 135. - Taximeters. A. Each taxicab operating under a holder's certificate shall have a taximeter which meets the following requirements: 1. The taximeter shall accurately register the fare in legible figures which shall be illuminated when the meter is activated. The taximeter shall have the ability to accurately print a receipt that satisfies the provisions of Section 134 of this title. Provided, licensed vehicles must be in compliance with this provision when applying for renewal permits expiring April 30, 2006. 2. The taximeter or its drive system shall be sealed at all points at which components, if manipulated, could affect the function or accuracy of the taximeter. 3. The design and features of the taximeter shall be subject to approval by the Director to ensure that they comply with this section. Multi-rate meters shall not be permitted unless it shall have been demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Director that such meters have been modified to calculate only the rate of fare currently on file with the Director. 4. A holder shall cause each taximeter being operated under his certificate to be maintained in good operating condition. B. The Director may order a taximeter to be tested at any time during normal working hours and a holder or chauffeur shall make the vehicle available for such testing. A notice of such inspection indicating the date thereof shall be affixed to the meter by the Director. C. Any taximeter which deviates more than four percent (4%) from the holder's rates of fare filed with the City shall be immediately removed from service. D. Whenever a holder files an amended rate schedule, the taximeters in all vehicles operating under his certificate shall be adjusted to the new rate schedule and shall be inspected, tested and sealed by the Director prior to entering into service. E. No person owning or operating any vehicle with a taximeter shall offer or let the same for hire, unless the taximeter has been inspected, tested and sealed by the Director and has been found to calculate and register the fare correctly in accordance with the rates filed with the Director and displayed in the vehicle. F. It shall be unlawful for any holder or chauffeur to modify the vehicle or taximeter in any way which would result in an overcharge to any passenger. (Ord. No. 23483, § 1, 4-28-2016)

Tulsa Revised Ordinances tit. 36, § 136 Vehicle inspections and requirements.

Section 136. - Vehicle inspections and requirements. A. The Director shall have the authority to inspect vehicles according to the following provisions. 1. The Director shall inspect each taxicab, paratransit vehicle and utility vehicle for hire before it is placed into service, annually thereafter and at such other times as he determines necessary for compliance with this chapter. 2. If a holder or chauffeur fails to make a taxicab, paratransit vehicle or utility vehicle for hire available for inspection within a reasonable time after being requested to do so, the Director may order the taxicab, paratransit vehicle or utility vehicle for hire removed from service until it is made available for inspection. 3. If, upon inspection of a taxicab, paratransit vehicle or utility vehicle for hire, the Director determines that the vehicle does not meet the requirements of this chapter, the Director may order the vehicle to be taken out of service until the requirements are met and the vehicle is reinspected and approved by the Director. B. All taxicab, paratransit vehicles and utility vehicles for hire shall comply with the following requirements for safety, equipment and maintenance, and model year and size of the vehicle; unless the Director issues a written waiver with specific findings that a particular requirement is not applicable because of the design of the vehicle or the nature of its operation. 1. Vehicle age requirements: a. New applications and renewals. Except for antique, classic or special interest vehicles for hire, the vehicle's model year shall be no more than eight (8) years prior to the date of the application or renewal; b. Age waiver. Antique, classic or special interest vehicles for hire and vehicles older than eight (8) years will be allowed to renew an existing permit only upon written waiver of the Director. The waiver shall be issued for vehicles which meet or exceed all applicable taxicab conditions and requirements. An age waiver shall be valid for one (1) licensing year, but may be renewed annually upon application, inspection and approval by the Director. c. Grandfather clause. Vehicles with a current permit are exempt as to age as long as the permit is maintained but shall not be subject to renewal beyond the April 2005 period of renewal. 2. The vehicle shall be equipped with a heater and an air conditioner, each of which shall be in working order during the appropriate seasons. a. The air conditioning must be in operating condition during the period of April 15 to October 15 of every year. During these months, the air conditioner compressor shall demonstrate adequate performance. b. The heater must be in operating condition during the period of October 16 through April 14 of every year. 3. The exterior of the vehicle shall be clean, polished and well-painted. a. Unless significant weather conditions prevail, taxicab, paratransit vehicles and utility vehicles for hire shall be washed as often as needed to keep the exterior in a clean condition. For the purpose of this section, clean condition means free from dirt, grease or other pollution; b. For the purposes of this section, polished means that all surfaces are of a highly developed glossy state; and c. For the purposes of this section, well-painted means that all painted surfaces are free from scratches, oxidation, dents, fading, or other flaws that detract from the appearance of the vehicle. 4. The body of the vehicle shall be free from dents, rust and holes not in place when originally manufactured, or such holes necessary for the installation of accessory equipment. 5. The taxicab shall be uniform in its color scheme and markings in accordance with the certificate holder's approved color scheme and in accordance with Section 137 of this title. 6. All doors shall operate easily, shall close securely from both the outside and inside of the vehicle, and shall be accessible to passengers. 7. All vehicle wheels shall have hubcaps attached unless the wheels are of a design which do not require hubcaps. 8. All bumpers and body moldings shall be in good condition and properly attached as when manufactured. 9. Interior lights and dashboard illumination shall be operable. 10. All installed accessory equipment shall be operational. 11. Taxicab windows shall not be equipped with shades, curtains, film or coatings to such extent that the occupants of the vehicle cannot be seen from the outside of the vehicle. 12. Loose items shall not be placed on the dashboard or rear shelf when the vehicle is on duty. 13. Front and rear dashboards shall be free from breaks and cracks, be properly repaired or covered with a mounted dash cover appropriate to the vehicle style. 14. The interior of the vehicle shall be clean, sanitized and free from litter and offensive odors. Torn and worn upholstery and carpets and broken seat springs shall be promptly repaired. 15. If seat covers are used, they shall cover the front, sides and back of the seat and match in style and color throughout the vehicle. 16. The windshield and all windows shall be clean and clear, from both the outside and inside. Cracks in windshield and windows must be less than six (6) inches, and stars or chips must be less than one (1) inch in diameter. No more than three (3) cracks, stars or chips of any size may be allowed in windshield and windows. 17. Mirrors shall be attached as when manufactured and not be broken or cracked. 18. Car lights or reflector lenses shall not be broken or cracked. 19. The trunk of the vehicle shall be clean and free of items or materials that could damage or stain the passenger's baggage and shall be free of any flammable liquids or other hazardous materials. If so equipped, spare tires shall be properly stored as originally manufactured. 20. A taxicab shall be equipped with a two-way radio approved by the Director. Radios shall be mounted securely to vehicle. 21. The vehicle shall be equipped with seat belts in working order as required by state law. 22. A sign or notice provided by the Director containing the name, address and telephone number of the holder, the vehicle number and the telephone number of the Director shall be placed in each vehicle in a place visible to all passengers to assist any passenger who wishes to file a complaint. 23. All taxicabs shall have a rigid roof and considered a midsize or a comparable size or larger by the manufacturer. 24. Taxicabs shall not leak or drip any fluids other than condensation from air conditioning or exhaust. 25. Taxicabs shall not emit grinding noises, squeals, screeches, knocks, smoke emission or other factors that detract from the appearance of the vehicle. 26. Taxicab vehicles shall not be excessively out of alignment. 27. Taxicab vehicle tire tread shall not be less than 4/32 inches across tire. 28. Taxicab vehicle shocks, springs and struts shall be of good working condition and limit the vehicle from excessive movement. 29. Taxicab engine, brakes, transmission and muffler shall all be in good working condition as determined by the Director. C. In the event that a provision of this section imposes a different standard or requirement than does a state inspection standard or requirement, the provision imposing the more restrictive standard or requirement shall govern. D. Any person violating any of the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor offense and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished by a fine of not more than Two Hundred Dollars ($200.00), excluding costs, fees and assessments. (Ord. No. 23483, § 1, 4-28-2016; Ord. No. 23779, § 2, 9-13-2017)

Tulsa Revised Ordinances tit. 36, § 137 Vehicle design, unit numbers, advertising, cruising lights.

Section 137. - Vehicle design, unit numbers, advertising, cruising lights. A. Color scheme and design. 1. A holder shall file with the Director for approval a proposed color scheme and distinctive markings for taxicab vehicles operating under its name to ensure that its vehicles are readily distinguishable from the color scheme and markings used by other holders and to ensure that all vehicles operating under one (1) certificate are uniform in their color scheme and markings. Distinctive markings shall include: a. The name of the holder's company affixed to the vehicle's front or rear doors, in letters at least two (2) inches high with one-half (½) inch stroke; and b. The number assigned to each vehicle by the Director, in figures at least three (3) inches high with one-half (½) inch stroke, visible from both sides and the rear of the vehicle. 2. If the proposed color scheme and markings are approved by the Director, the holder shall submit to the Director an illustration or photograph of a completely equipped taxicab vehicle displaying the approved color scheme and markings. 3. The holder shall use only the approved color scheme and markings for all taxicabs vehicles operated under one (1) certificate. The name of the holder's company and the assigned unit number must be permanently affixed with adhesive or other appropriate method to each vehicle. 4. A holder shall not use a color scheme, design or markings which resembles federal, state, county or city enforcement vehicles, Emergency Medical Services Authority (EMSA) vehicles, Metropolitan Tulsa Transit Authority (MTTA) vehicles or Tulsa Fire Department vehicles. 5. A holder shall not operate a taxicab vehicle unless such vehicle is painted and marked according to the design approved by the Director. 6. If a holder proposes a color scheme or markings which resemble the color scheme or markings of another holder, the holder who has used the color scheme or markings for the greatest length of time shall have priority in its use. In the event the adoption of this section results in requiring a holder to modify its color scheme and/or markings, the holder shall be required to make such modifications only to new vehicles as they are added to the fleet. B. Limited Authority for Pink Vehicles. 1. A holder shall comply with all of the detailed marking requirements provided herein at all times, however, a holder shall be authorized to paint up to but no more than five (5) of its fleet vehicles pink in recognition of national efforts directed at cancer awareness. 2. In the event a holder opts to paint any of its fleet vehicles pink, the driver of each pink vehicle must be in possession of business cards which identify the holder by name, office address and phone number. Each passenger, or a minimum of one adult per family of passengers, shall be given such a business card, to eliminate confusion with another holder who opts to operate pink fleet vehicles. 3. The privilege to operate "pink" fleet vehicles shall begin after submission by the Holder to the Director of the completed Request Form furnished by the Director, who shall have ten (10) business days after such submission to issue to the Holder a modified permit which will include authority to operate for twelve (12) months, a certain number of fleet vehicles, identified therein by VIN#, not to exceed five (5) vehicles. C. Vehicle unit number. The Director shall assign to each holder nontransferable taxicab unit numbers in numerical order according to the estimated yearly need of each holder. The Director shall keep a register of the name of each person, firm or corporation, who has been issued a vehicle permit under this chapter, together with the unit number, permit number and the make and description of each vehicle assigned such numbers. The assigned unit numbers shall not be changed without the Director's approval and the payment of an administrative fee in the amount of Two Dollars ($2.00) for each change. D. Advertising. Lettering or decals upon any windows or windshield shall be allowed only to the extent that the total space so utilized is no greater than five (5) inches by seven (7) inches per window, and that such lettering or decals do not block the view through any window. Taxicab or paratransit vehicles other than limousines shall be permitted to have removable advertising signs upon the roof or rear of vehicles, provided that such signs do not cover the vehicle number, block the view through the rear window of the vehicle or conceal the distinctive color scheme or markings. Paratransit vehicles other than limousines may display advertising on the sides and top of the vehicle. E. Cruising lights. Each holder operating a taxicab service in the City shall have a cruising light affixed permanently or securely to the top of each vehicle operating under its certificate. Paratransit vehicles shall not be required to be equipped with cruising lights. (Ord. No. 23483, § 1, 4-28-2016)

Tulsa Revised Ordinances tit. 36, § 138 Report of accidents.

Section 138. - Report of accidents. A. In the event that any taxicab, paratransit vehicle or utility vehicle for hire is involved in an accident, the chauffeur shall immediately notify the City Police Department and shall, within twenty-four (24) hours, make a full and complete written report of such accident to the Director and the holder under whose certificate he operates. B. In the event that any passenger in a taxicab, paratransit vehicle or utility vehicle for hire is injured from any cause or in the event that any person is injured by being struck by a taxicab, paratransit vehicle or utility vehicle for hire, the chauffeur shall immediately notify the City Police Department and shall, within twenty-four (24) hours, make a full and complete written report to the holder and Director. (Ord. No. 23483, § 1, 4-28-2016)

Tulsa Revised Ordinances tit. 36, § 139 Off-duty status.

Section 139. - Off-duty status. A. When a chauffeur is off-duty, he shall display signs provided by the Director in an upright position in both the right front and back windows of his taxicab or paratransit vehicle so as to be easily seen and read from outside the vehicle. B. An off-duty chauffeur shall not park his vehicle at a taxicab or paratransit stand or on a public street within fifty (50) feet of a taxicab or paratransit stand, unless it is parked at a metered parking space. (Ord. No. 23483, § 1, 4-28-2016)

Tulsa Revised Ordinances tit. 36, § 140 Enforcement.

Section 140. - Enforcement. A. The Director shall establish a procedure and designate an inspecting official to inspect, investigate and monitor the chauffeurs, holders, taxicabs, paratransit vehicles and utility vehicles for hire to ensure compliance with this chapter. Officers of the City Police Department are empowered to and shall assist in the enforcement of this chapter. B. An inspecting official, upon finding a violation of this chapter, may issue a citation or refer the violation to the Director for an administrative hearing pursuant to Section 103 of this chapter. C. An inspecting official or a City of Tulsa Police Officer may suspend from operation immediately any taxicab, paratransit vehicle or utility vehicles for hire for safety reasons. (Ord. No. 23483, § 1, 4-28-2016)

Tulsa Revised Ordinances tit. 36, § 141 Renewal time limit, penalties.

Section 141. - Renewal time limit, penalties. All licenses, permits and certificates may be renewed according to the provisions of this chapter within two (2) months prior to their expiration date. A holder's certificate, a chauffeur's license or a vehicle permit which has not been renewed on or before its expiration date shall be subject to the following penalties: Chauffeur's License .....$15.00 Vehicle Permit .....$20.00 Certificate .....$100.00 provided, however, that such licenses, permits and certificates which have not been renewed within ninety (90) days following their expiration date shall not be renewed. (Ord. No. 23483, § 1, 4-28-2016)

Tulsa Revised Ordinances tit. 36, § 143 Wheelchair transport service.

Section 143. - Wheelchair transport service. In addition to all the other applicable requirements of this chapter, a holder or chauffeur offering wheelchair transport service must comply with the following special requirements. A. Wheelchair transport vehicles must be designated by the manufacturer as a van and must have the following equipment: 1. Electrically or hydraulically operated lift mechanisms or ramps with a nonskid surface to accommodate the loading and unloading of a passenger confined to a wheelchair; 2. A positive means of securing a wheelchair to the inside of the vehicle to prevent any lateral, forward, backward or vertical motion of the wheelchair within the vehicle; 3. A rear-view mirror which enables the chauffeur to view the passengers; 4. Outside rear-view mirrors on both sides of the vehicle; and 5. Emergency exit door or doors at the rear of the vehicle. B. A wheelchair transport vehicle may accept as passengers wheelchair-confined persons when such persons remain in a sitting position within the chair during transport. C. The holder shall comply with the requirements of Section 111 of this chapter with the following increased limits: a comprehensive automobile liability insurance policy covering each owned, hired and non-owned vehicle operating under his certificate in the amount of Three Hundred Thousand Dollars ($300,000.00) combined single limit. (Ord. No. 23483, § 1, 4-28-2016)

Tulsa Revised Ordinances tit. 36, § 144 Physically limited transport service.

Section 144. - Physically limited transport service. A. It is the purpose of this section to provide for a specialized transportation service to meet the needs of the elderly, the physically limited or persons requiring special attention but not requiring medical assistance, stretcher transportation or emergency services. B. In addition to all the other requirements of this chapter, a holder or chauffeur operating a physically limited transport vehicle shall comply with the special requirements given herein. It shall be unlawful for a person or holder operating a physically limited transport vehicle knowingly to: 1. Respond to a call where emergency medical services or ambulance transportation is medically necessary; 2. Respond to a call for the transportation of a person requiring a stretcher; 3. Respond to a call where a passenger's condition is such that the use of an ambulance is indicated; 4. Respond to a call for an emergency transfer to a hospital; 5. Respond to a call for transportation of a passenger who can be moved to and from the transport vehicle only by a stretcher or in a horizontal position; or 6. Respond to a call for the transportation of a person who under normal circumstances could utilize the services of a standard taxicab company. C. The holder shall, upon receipt of a call for service, make inquiry about whether the call is for emergency, medical or stretcher transportation and if so, the holder shall immediately call for an ambulance licensed under the Revised Ordinances of the City of Tulsa. D. The holder is authorized to make available to its passengers incidental services as may be requested by a passenger. E. The holder shall comply with the requirements of Section 111 of this chapter with the following increased limits: a comprehensive automobile liability insurance covering each owned, hired and non-owned vehicle in the amount of Three Hundred Thousand Dollars ($300,000.00) combined single limits. F. A holder, under this section, may also transport persons confined to wheelchairs if the vehicle is licensed under Section 143 of this chapter. G. Any trade name to be used by a holder under this section shall be submitted to the Director for approval prior to its use. H. It shall be unlawful for a holder to use the terms "ambulance," "non-emergency vehicle," "medical transport" or any other term or name which implies or infers that he is providing medical, stretcher or emergency service. I. A chauffeur of a physically limited transport vehicle shall provide door-through-door escort assistance to all passengers of the service. (Ord. No. 23483, § 1, 4-28-2016)

Tulsa Revised Ordinances tit. 36, § 145 Horse-drawn carriages.

Section 145. - Horse-drawn carriages. A. Definitions. 1. Carriage shall mean any conveyance which is pulled by one (1) or more horses. 2. Downtown shall mean that area bounded by Archer, Houston, Elgin and Eleventh Streets. 3. Horse shall mean any horse, donkey, mule or other equine. 4. Veterinarian shall mean a practitioner of animal medicine, licensed by the state of Oklahoma, who specializes in either equine or large animal medicine. 5. Rest break shall mean a minimum period of ten (10) minutes free from work. 6. Rest period shall mean a minimum period of thirty (30) minutes free from work. B. Health and welfare of horse. In addition to all other applicable requirements of this chapter, a holder or chauffeur operating a horse-drawn carriage shall comply with the requirements given herein with respect to the well-being of the horse. 1. Equine health standards. a. Before any horse is brought into service, the holder shall have it examined by a veterinarian who shall certify in writing that the animal is suited for the intended use. b. The veterinarian's certification shall identify each horse by name, color, breed, sex, age and weight. The certification shall include any restriction or standards which the veterinarian determines to be necessary for the horse's well-being. Such restrictions or standards shall take into account temperature limits, carriage load limits, terrain, work time limits, rest breaks and periods, shoeing requirements, and breed, weight and animal age limit established in this section. c. Any horse intended to be brought into service shall be on a preventative medicine program which shall include an annual Coggins test; a schedule for deworming every two (2) months; an annual dental examination; and a routine vaccination program, including immunization for sleeping sickness, tetanus, influenza and rhinopneumonitis. The veterinarian shall certify that a preventative medicine program is currently being performed. d. Each horse used by the holder shall be reexamined at least once every ninety (90) days by a veterinarian who shall certify in writing to the Director that the horse remains suited for the intended use. The recertification shall state whether or not the preventative medicine program is still current, and whether or not any restrictions or standards established for the horse have been changed. e. The holder shall furnish a copy of all such certifications and recertifications to the Director within five (5) days of the examination or re-examination. f. The holder shall not place into service any horse that is under the influence of tranquilizing medicine. 2. Work limits. a. No horse shall be placed into service for more than eight (8) hours per day. A rest break shall be given to each horse for every fifty (50) minute work period. A rest period shall be given to each horse for every two (2) consecutive fifty (50) minute work periods. b. From April 1 through October 31, inclusive, rest periods shall be in an area shaded from the sun, and the harness shall be removed after appropriately securing the horse. c. A horse which has been in service for four (4) or more hours each day for two (2) consecutive days shall be rested the following day, and shall not be worked at any other location on its day of rest. 3. Temperature limits. a. No horse-drawn carriage shall be operated when the horse's respiratory rate equals or exceeds the horse's heart rate, regardless of conditions of climate. b. No horse-drawn carriage shall be operated when the wind chill index, as reported by the National Weather Service, is below zero degrees (0°) Fahrenheit. When the wind chill index is below twenty degrees (20°) Fahrenheit, the horse shall be blanketed during rest periods. 4. Shoeing requirements. a. Any horse used on concrete, asphalt or similar street surfaces shall be shod with metal shoes. If borium beads are used, six (6) or more small beads shall be evenly distributed in such a way that the shoe will be level between the hoof and street surface. A good quality, shock-absorbent material shall be used between the horse's hooves and the shoes. b. Shoes shall be refitted every three (3) weeks when used on hard street surfaces and every six (6) weeks when used on dirt surfaces. If a horse is used on both street and dirt surfaces in relatively equal amounts of time, then the refitting schedule shall be every four and one-half (4½) weeks. Any shoe lost during the work period shall be replaced before the horse is brought back into service. The use of heel and toe caulks shall be restricted to operation on dirt surfaces only. c. The horse's hooves shall be trimmed as needed at the scheduled times for shoe refitting. Hooves shall be examined by a certified farrier and a report of the examination shall be submitted in writing to the Director every six (6) months while the horse is in service. 5. Carriage load limits. Load limits shall be not more than six (6) persons, including the chauffeur, per horse. There shall be no exceptions to the load limit provided herein. 6. Terrain limits. Carriages shall not be placed into service when city streets are covered by ice or snow, nor shall they be placed into service over extremely rough or hilly terrain. 7. Age and physical limitations. a. All horses used in a horse-drawn carriage service shall be at least three (3) years old and not more than twenty (20) years old. b. All horses used in a horse-drawn carriage service shall weigh at least one hundred seventy-five (175) pounds per adult person hauled. Whenever teams are used, the same ratio shall prevail. 8. Feeding and watering schedule. a. The holder shall have his feeding and watering schedule reviewed and approved by the veterinarian. The horse shall not be overfed on rest days. b. The chauffeur shall not allow the horse to be fed anything other than hay during a rest period. No feeding shall occur during a rest break. c. Cool, potable water shall be made available and offered to the horse during each rest break and each rest period. Watering facilities shall be made available at both the point of departure and the point of arrival. 9. Miscellaneous regulations. a. Stabling facilities shall be clean, safe and well maintained. b. A horse shall not be trotted in the downtown area. c. The holder and chauffeur shall be responsible for the safety and welfare of both the horse and the passengers at all times when the horse-drawn carriage is in service. d. Except in conditions of freezing rain or snow, horses when rested for a day shall not be confined to a stall. e. The horse shall be kept clean and well groomed. f. Head check-reins shall not be used. g. The holder shall ensure that the chauffeur properly drives, handles and cares for the horse while it is in service. h. No horse shall be placed into service when it shows signs of lameness or other health problems, or when it has cinch or harness sores. C. Carriage requirements. In addition to all other requirements of this section, a holder or chauffeur operating a horse-drawn carriage shall comply with the operating requirements given herein. 1. Carriage identification. The holder shall identify each carriage with the initials of the holder's name followed by a dash and a number assigned by the Director of such size and color as the Director shall designate. 2. Daily log. The chauffeur of each horse-drawn carriage shall maintain a daily log with entries for each carriage, identifying the carriage, the horses being driven, the periods of work and rest, the number of passengers carried and the route taken. The chauffeur shall log each entry concurrently with each event. Logs shall be kept in chronological order, maintained at holder's business for a period of one (1) year and presented to the Director upon request. 3. Operate after dark. Each horse-drawn carriage operated after dusk shall be equipped with two (2) white or amber front lights which are visible at least seventy-five (75) feet from the front of the carriage and with two (2) red rear lights which are visible at least five hundred (500) feet from the rear of the carriage. 4. Animal waste control. The holder shall provide for and hold the chauffeur responsible for the dilution and neutralization of urine, and for removal of fecal matter from city streets. The horse shall be properly diapered to prevent such occurrences when carriage is operated on city streets. 5. Slow-moving vehicle designation. Each horse-drawn carriage shall have mounted a triangular "slow-moving vehicle" reflector on the rear of the carriage, the size and design of which shall be approved by the Director. 6. Braking apparatus. Each horse-drawn carriage, depending upon its size, may be required by the Director to be equipped with a suitable and efficient manually-operated braking mechanism designed for such carriage. 7. Safety measures. a. The harness attachment to the horse and to the carriage must have safety devices to ensure that the horse cannot break away from its harness or the carriage. The chauffeur shall inspect the harness each day prior to placing the carriage into service. b. The holder shall ensure that the carriage's wheels, suspension, pivoting axle, shaves and tongue/harness trees are all secured to the carriage properly and shall take precautions to prevent the accidental loosening of such appliances. The chauffeur shall inspect the carriage each day prior to placing it into service. 8. Posting load limit. The holder shall display in or on the horse-drawn carriage, in plain view of the passengers, a sign clearly specifying the maximum passenger capacity of the carriage. 9. The holder shall be responsible for the chauffeur's compliance with the requirements of this Subsection C. D. Chauffeur skill demonstration. The chauffeur shall demonstrate and exhibit to the Director his ability to properly and skillfully drive, handle and care for the horses pulling the carriage. E. Rates of fare. Fares shall be at a fixed rate per trip, per hour or other specified time period, and shall be posted in a conspicuous location which can be easily seen by the prospective passengers. F. Time limits. 1. Horse-drawn carriage services in the downtown area shall not be operated prior to 6:00 p.m. except on Saturdays, Sundays and on any day of the week which is a nationally observed holiday. 2. Horse-drawn carriage services may also be operated prior to 6:00 p.m. during any annual or special event sponsored by Downtown Tulsa Unlimited; provided however, that such operation shall not be permitted between the hours of 7:00 and 9:00 a.m. and between the hours of 4:00 and 6:00 p.m., whenever such event falls on a weekday. G. Traffic regulations. The holder shall ensure that the chauffeur operates the horse-drawn carriage according to the Traffic Code of the City of Tulsa. H. Approval of routes and stops. 1. The holder must have fixed routes as approved by the Director of Public Works and shall not operate during peak traffic periods as specified by the Director of Public Works. 2. A chauffeur may pick up and discharge passengers only at specified locations on a specified route as approved by the Director of Public Works. 3. If the carriage service operates in a City park, the routes, stops and speed of travel must be approved by the Director of the Parks and Recreation Department or his designated representative. I. Miscellaneous. 1. The Director shall have the right to require the holder or any chauffeur of a horse-drawn carriage to remove from service any horse which is ill, overtired, undernourished, overloaded, injured or lame. 2. No person shall harass or startle, or attempt to harass or to startle, any horse which is pulling a carriage or is at rest, nor shall any person treat a horse inhumanely when it is in service or at rest. (Ord. No. 23483, § 1, 4-28-2016)

Tulsa Revised Ordinances tit. 36, § 146 Peda-cabs and rickshaws.

Section 146. - Peda-cabs and rickshaws. In addition to all the other applicable requirements of this chapter, a holder or chauffeur operating a peda-cab or rickshaw must comply with the following special requirements. A. The holder shall have fixed routes approved by the Director of Public Works and shall not operate during peak traffic periods as specified by the Director of Public Works. B. Fares shall be a fixed rate. C. A chauffeur shall pick up and discharge passengers only at specified locations on a prescribed route approved by the Director of Public Works. D. Each peda-cab or rickshaw operated after dusk shall be equipped with two (2) front and two (2) side lights capable of emitting a white or amber light a distance of at least seventy-five (75) feet from the vehicle, and two (2) rear lights capable of emitting a red light at least five hundred (500) feet from the vehicle. E. Each peda-cab or rickshaw shall have mounted a triangular "slow-moving vehicle" reflector on the rear of the vehicle. F. Each peda-cab or rickshaw shall be equipped with a suitable and efficient braking mechanism. G. Before the holder shall place any peda-cab or rickshaw into service, the holder shall identify such vehicle with the initials of the holder's name followed by a dash and a number assigned by the Director, which number shall be of a size and color designated by the Director and shall not be used on any other vehicle. (Ord. No. 23483, § 1, 4-28-2016)

Tulsa Revised Ordinances tit. 36, § 147 Utility vehicles for hire.

Section 147. - Utility vehicles for hire. In addition to all the other applicable requirements of this chapter and all requirements of Title 21 Tulsa Revised Ordinances § 2400 et seq., especially § 2404, a holder or chauffer operating a utility vehicle for hire must comply with the following special requirements. A. The chauffer shall be allowed to operate only within the Inner Dispersal Loop (IDL). B. The holder of a utility vehicle for hire certificate shall have furnished evidence to the Director that at least ten (10) utility vehicles will be used in this service. Such evidence shall include the number of utility vehicles to be used, and the make, model, type and vehicle identification number of each. C. Fares shall be a fixed rate and posted in a conspicuous place easily visible by all passengers prior to boarding. D. Each utility vehicle for hire must accommodate between six and eight passengers. The number of passengers may not exceed the manufacturer's specifications. E. Before the holder shall place any utility vehicle for hire into service, the holder shall identify such vehicle with the initials of the holder's name followed by a dash and a number assigned by the Director, which number shall be of a size and color designated by the Director and shall not be used on any other vehicle. F. The holder shall comply with the requirements of Section 111 of this chapter with the following increased limits: a comprehensive liability insurance policy covering each owned, hired and non-owned vehicle operating under his certificate in the amount of One Million Dollars ($1,000,000.000) combined single limit. G. All utility vehicles for hire must be able to attain a speed of 20 mph but shall not exceed the speed of 25 mph. (Ord. No. 23483, § 1, 4-28-2016)

Tulsa Revised Ordinances tit. 36, § 148 Construction.

Section 148. - Construction. The operation and effect of any provision of this chapter conferring a general power shall not be impaired or qualified by the granting of a specific power or powers, and to that end each provision herein shall be construed liberally. (Ord. No. 23483, § 1, 4-28-2016)

Tulsa Revised Ordinances tit. 36, § 149 Provisions cumulative.

Section 149. - Provisions cumulative. The provisions of this chapter shall be cumulative and nonexclusive and shall not affect any other remedy available at law. (Ord. No. 23483, § 1, 4-28-2016)

Tulsa Revised Ordinances tit. 36, § 150 Penalties for violation.

Section 150. - Penalties for violation. A. Unless otherwise specifically provided herein, any person violating any of the provisions of this chapter shall be guilty of a misdemeanor offense and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished by imprisonment in the City jail for a period of not more than ninety (90) days and/or by a fine of not more than Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00), excluding costs, or both fine and imprisonment. Each day in which a violation occurs shall be deemed a separate offense. B. Prosecution for an offense under this chapter shall not prevent the application of other remedies provided by law. (Ord. No. 23483, § 1, 4-28-2016)
Source: City of Tulsa, Revised Ordinances and City Charter (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/ok/tulsa/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=COOR_TIT36TAPAVEUTVEHIRE_CH1TAPAVEUTVEHIREFetched: 10/28/2026

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