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Equipment and Operation

Metropolitan Code of Nashville and Davidson County tit. 6, div. I, ch. 6.73, art. III
in effect

Metropolitan Code of Nashville and Davidson County § 6.73.270 Vehicle permit required.

6.73.270 - Vehicle permit required. Each LSV must have a permit issued by the MTLC. The permit will identify each LSV by a unique number in accordance with rules and procedures established by the MTLC, and will be associated with the specific classification and by certificate holder. The applicant shall provide the MTLC director with a description of the size and weight of the LSV and the length of time the vehicle can operate before recharging the battery. Permits are not transferable to other LSVs or other certificate holders. (Ord. BL2014-993 § 1, 2015)

Metropolitan Code of Nashville and Davidson County § 6.73.280 Ownership and control of vehicles.

6.73.280 - Ownership and control of vehicles. All LSVs permitted under this chapter must be under the lawful control of a certificate holder demonstrated either by providing proof of ownership of the vehicle or a copy of a valid lease agreement. (Ord. BL2014-993 § 1, 2015)

Metropolitan Code of Nashville and Davidson County § 6.73.290 Vehicle to display identification.

6.73.290 - Vehicle to display identification. All LSVs operated under the authority of this chapter shall be equipped with identification as prescribed by the MTLC in rules and regulations. No person shall equip, mark, paint, display marking lights or windshield lights, or in any way cause any other vehicle to resemble a permitted LSV or create a public impression that any other vehicle is a permitted LSV approved by the MTLC. (Ord. BL2014-993 § 1, 2015)

Metropolitan Code of Nashville and Davidson County § 6.73.300 Vehicle requirements.

6.73.300 - Vehicle requirements. A. The frame of the LSV must be constructed of iron, steel, or aluminum alloy extrusions. B. Each LSV in operation must meet all of the safety standards in 49 CFR 571.500 applicable to LSVs. In addition, Each LSV shall meet the following minimum specifications: 1. A fully operational horn; 2. Driver's side and passenger side rearview mirrors; 3. Disc or drum brakes, which must be able to stop the LSV within fifteen feet at speeds up to twenty-five miles per hour; 4. A parking brake pedal/ handle system capable of keeping the LSV in a fixed position on both an incline and level terrain; 5. Turn signal indicator, headlight switch, and horn button; 6. Communication equipment while providing service, provided that radio scanners are prohibited in LSVs; 7. Two headlights that have beam of at least three hundred feet; 8. Two front turn signals; 9. Two reflectorized rear turn signals; 10. Two reflectorized brake lights; 11. Seat belts sufficient for the driver and every passenger 12. Unobstructed four-way hazard lights visible from at least five hundred feet; 13. Rubber on all wheels 14. Clean and maintained in a good state of repair. All LSVs shall be maintained by the certificate holder so as to be well painted and have a damage or deterioration free appearance, and in safe operational condition; and 15. All other requirements provided for in federal or state law or regulations, provisions of this Code, and rules adopted by the MTLC. C. Each LSV shall display a rate card, permit decal, and a sign limiting the passenger capacity to seven passengers. (Ord. BL2014-993 § 1, 2015)

Metropolitan Code of Nashville and Davidson County § 6.73.310 Vehicle to display company name, color scheme insignia and numbering—Restrictions.

6.73.310 - Vehicle to display company name, color scheme insignia and numbering—Restrictions. A. Each LSV shall bear on the rear of the vehicle, above the taillights, in letters not less than two inches in height, the name of the company, phone number of the company, and may, in addition, bear an identifying design which has been approved by the MTLC. B. No LSV covered by the terms of this chapter shall be licensed which bears a color scheme, identifying design, monogram or insignia which, in the opinion of the MTLC, conflicts with or imitates any color scheme, identifying design, monogram or insignia used by another LSV company in such manner as to be misleading or such that it tends to deceive or defraud the public. C. If, after a certificate of public convenience and necessity has been issued for a LSV under this chapter, the color scheme, identifying design, monogram or insignia thereof is changed so as to be, in the opinion of the MTLC, in conflict with or imitate any color scheme, identifying design, monogram or insignia used by any other person, owner or operator, in such manner as to be misleading or such that it tends to deceive the public, the certificate of or certificate covering such LSV shall be suspended or revoked. (Ord. BL2014-993 § 1, 2015)

Metropolitan Code of Nashville and Davidson County § 6.73.320 Inspection and maintenance of vehicles—Compliance required.

6.73.320 - Inspection and maintenance of vehicles—Compliance required. A. Prior to the use and operation of any LSV under the provisions of this chapter, such vehicle shall be thoroughly examined and inspected by the certificate holder and found to comply with such rules and regulations as may be prescribed by the MTLC. These rules and regulations shall be promulgated to provide safe transportation and shall specify such safety equipment and regulatory devices as the MTLC shall deem necessary. Every LSV operating under this chapter shall be periodically inspected at such intervals as shall be established by the MTLC to ensure the continued maintenance of safe operating conditions. A certificate holder, owner or driver shall make the LSV available for inspection at such place within the metropolitan area as the MTLC director or his designee may direct. If, upon inspection, the director or his designee determines that a LSV is not in compliance with this chapter or the LSV rules, the director or his designee shall, based upon the condition noted, order the LSV be removed from service or that the vehicle be brought into compliance within a reasonable period of time and require it to be re-inspected. B. Every LSV operating under this chapter shall be kept in a clean and satisfactory condition according to rules and regulations promulgated by the MTLC. C. Every LSV operating under this chapter shall annually undergo a detailed inspection conducted by an approved mechanic to determine if the vehicle conforms to the standards set out by the MTLC. A safety certificate form, when completed by an approved mechanic as defined in Metropolitan Code Section 6.74.010, shall be provided to the MTLC director within thirty days of the inspection. (Ord. BL2014-993 § 1, 2015)

Metropolitan Code of Nashville and Davidson County § 6.73.330 Rate schedule and card for LSVs.

6.73.330 - Rate schedule and card for LSVs. A. No owner or driver of a LSV shall charge a greater sum for the use of a LSV than what is reported to the MTLC and is posted in plain view on the vehicle. B. The rate charged by a LSV company shall be based on: 1. A flat rate for each passenger; or 2. An hourly rate; or 3. A contract rate as provided below in Section 6.73.350. C. The rate cards shall be displayed conspicuously on the LSV in such a position that it can be read easily by the occupants of the vehicle. Failure to display the rate card in a conspicuous manner shall be grounds for revocation or suspension of the permit for operation of the LSV in which the rate card was not properly displayed. D. Passengers shall be informed of the rate prior to embarking. (Ord. BL2014-993 § 1, 2015)

Metropolitan Code of Nashville and Davidson County § 6.73.340 Contract rates.

6.73.340 - Contract rates. Nothing contained herein shall prevent a holder of a certificate of public convenience and necessity from making a contractual agreement with a company, agency, or organization to furnish transportation for employees, associates, clients, customers or members at a rate that is based on mileage, number of passengers, number of service hours, number of trips, number of passenger hours, weekly or monthly fees. Such a contractual agreement that provides for rates that differ from the rates ordinarily charged by the LSV operator must be recorded upon a written document that is legally executed by all parties and kept on file at the certificate holder's place of business subject to inspection at any reasonable time by the MTLC. (Ord. BL2014-993 § 1, 2015)

Metropolitan Code of Nashville and Davidson County § 6.73.350 Advertising on vehicles.

6.73.350 - Advertising on vehicles. Subject to the rules and regulations of the MTLC, it shall be lawful for any person owning or operating a LSV to permit advertising matter to be affixed to or installed in or on such vehicles. (Ord. BL2014-993 § 1, 2015)

Metropolitan Code of Nashville and Davidson County § 6.73.360 Equipment.

6.73.360 - Equipment. A. An owner, operator, or driver of a LSV shall daily inspect LSVs and all equipment at the time of departure from and return to the certificate holder's place of business, documentation of which shall be available to the MTLC staff upon request. B. No LSV engaged in the LSV business shall be driven or operated on a public street or byway of the city unless the owner or operator of the LSV has obtained a valid identification card issued by the MTLC director pursuant to a procedure and fees established by this chapter. C. A LSV used in passenger transportation service shall not drive or transport more passengers than there are proper seating for, excluding the driver of the vehicle, and at no time shall the driver allow any passenger to ride in any area of the vehicle that was not specifically designed as a seat; provided that in no event shall the number of passengers in a LSV exceed seven. D. If, upon any inspection, a LSV is found to be unsafe, unclean or unsightly, the MTLC staff or police officer may direct that the vehicle be taken out of service until such condition is corrected. Such vehicle shall be re-inspected and approved by the MTLC staff before returning to service, at which time a new permit shall be issued and a service fee (established by rule) shall be collected. E. The MTLC may, by rule, establish additional inspection requirements for a LSV and other equipment used in the LSV service. (Ord. BL2014-993 § 1, 2015)

Metropolitan Code of Nashville and Davidson County § 6.73.370 Duty to render service—Business requirements.

6.73.370 - Duty to render service—Business requirements. All persons engaged in any LSV service shall provide the MTLC with a business address for notice purposes and shall have the responsibility to notify the MTLC promptly upon a change of address. (Ord. BL2014-993 § 1, 2015)

Metropolitan Code of Nashville and Davidson County § 6.73.380 Operating area.

6.73.380 - Operating area. LSVs shall operate upon the streets and routes or zones established by the MTLC or its staff. Any deviation from these approved streets and routes or zones must be approved by the MTLC or its staff. Any approved deviation must be reported to the MTLC or the MTLC staff prior to beginning of operations (Ord. BL2014-993 § 1, 2015)

Metropolitan Code of Nashville and Davidson County § 6.73.390 Records and reports.

6.73.390 - Records and reports. A. Each holder shall maintain at a single location business records of its LSV business. The records must be maintained in a manner approved by the MTLC director and contain the following information: 1. An identification of the LSVs operating each day; 2. An identification of the drivers operating the LSVs each day and a statement of the hours each driver operated the vehicle each day; and 3. Any other information the MTLC director determines necessary for monitoring the activities, operations, service, and safety record of the licensee. B. A certificate holder shall make its records available for inspection by the MTLC staff, law enforcement officer or designated officials. (Ord. BL2014-993 § 1, 2015)

Metropolitan Code of Nashville and Davidson County § 6.73.400 Accidents.

6.73.400 - Accidents. A. All accidents arising from or in connection with the operation of a LSV shall be reported as required by state law and additionally reported within the period of time provided for in the rules and regulations adopted by the MTLC from the time of occurrence to the MTLC staff if the accident results in: 1. Death or bodily injury to any person, or 2. Damage to any vehicle, or to any property in an amount exceeding the sum of one thousand dollars. B. A driver operating a LSV at the time of an accident involving bodily injury is required to report for a drug screen, within twenty-four hours from the time of occurrence, at a testing site approved by the MTLC director. Failure to report for a screen shall result in revocation of the driver's permit. If there is cause to suspect that the medical condition of the driver may have contributed to the accident, the MTLC director may suspend the LSV driver's permit until the driver provides such information as the MTLC Director deems adequate to establish the driver does not have a medical condition that makes driving unsafe consistent with the relevant rules and regulations relating to same established by the MTLC. C. A LSV damaged in an accident, but still operable without placing the driver or passengers at risk, must be repaired within an amount of time as shall be reasonable under the circumstances as determined by the MTLC director taking into consideration such factors as the parts and labor hours needed to make the repair. (Ord. BL2014-993 § 1, 2015)

Metropolitan Code of Nashville and Davidson County § 6.73.410 Passengers—Receiving and discharging by drivers.

6.73.410 - Passengers—Receiving and discharging by drivers. A. When available, drivers shall pull to the right hand curb to receive and discharge passengers. If no curb space is available, drivers shall pull to the extreme right-hand side of the road to receive and discharge passengers, except upon one-way streets where passengers may be discharged at either side of the roadway. Nothing in this section shall be construed to permit the parking of a LSV at any place where parking is otherwise restricted or prohibited. B. Drivers shall not stop to load or unload passengers or their belongings in the intersections of any street, crosswalks or in any manner or other location that would be considered unsafe. No LSV shall load or unload in any such manner that will in any way impede or interfere with the orderly flow of traffic on the streets. (Ord. BL2014-993 § 1, 2015)

Metropolitan Code of Nashville and Davidson County § 6.73.420 Passengers—Refusal to pay legal fare.

6.73.420 - Passengers—Refusal to pay legal fare. It is unlawful for any person to refuse to pay the legal fare of any LSV for the services mentioned in this chapter after having hired the same, and it is unlawful for any person to hire any such vehicle with intent to defraud the person hired of the value of such service. A driver shall have the right to demand payment in advance for a fare projected to be twenty dollars or more and may refuse employment unless so paid. (Ord. BL2014-993 § 1, 2015)

Metropolitan Code of Nashville and Davidson County § 6.73.430 Refusal to carry orderly passengers.

6.73.430 - Refusal to carry orderly passengers. No driver may refuse or neglect to convey an orderly person or persons, upon request, unless currently employed, the distance requested is unreasonably long for a LSV, a route to the destination cannot be safely traveled in a LSV, or unless the LSV driver has reason to believe that the person is engaged in a violation of federal, state or local laws or has reasonable basis to fear injury to him or herself. (Ord. BL2014-993 § 1, 2015)

Metropolitan Code of Nashville and Davidson County § 6.73.450 Soliciting passengers.

6.73.450 - Soliciting passengers. No driver shall solicit passengers for a LSV, except when on the vehicle or while standing immediately adjacent to the curb. The driver of any LSV shall remain on the vehicle or immediately adjacent to the vehicle at all times when such vehicle is upon the public streets unless such vehicle is legally parked on the street. (Ord. BL2014-993 § 1, 2015)

Metropolitan Code of Nashville and Davidson County § 6.73.460 Soliciting business.

6.73.460 - Soliciting business. No driver of a LSV shall offer any compensation of whatever form to any person or entity in exchange for the direction or recommendation of passengers to that driver's LSV. (Ord. BL2014-993 § 1, 2015)

Metropolitan Code of Nashville and Davidson County § 6.73.470 Prohibited manner of soliciting.

6.73.470 - Prohibited manner of soliciting. No LSV driver shall solicit patronage in a loud or annoying tone of voice or in any manner to annoy any person or obstruct the movement of any persons, or follow any person for the purpose of soliciting patronage. (Ord. BL2014-993 § 1, 2015)

Metropolitan Code of Nashville and Davidson County § 6.73.480 Taxicab stands—Prohibited vehicles.

6.73.480 - Taxicab stands—Prohibited vehicles. LSVs shall not at any time occupy the space upon the streets that have been established as taxicab stands or other prohibited areas, provided that the metropolitan traffic and parking commission shall have the authority to designate specific areas of the roadway for use as a loading/unloading zone for LSVs. (Ord. BL2014-993 § 1, 2015)

Metropolitan Code of Nashville and Davidson County § 6.73.490 Inspectors—Reporting or citing violations.

6.73.490 - Inspectors—Reporting or citing violations. The inspectors of the metropolitan government are authorized and are instructed to observe the conduct of holders of certificates and permits operating under this chapter. Upon discovering a violation of the provisions of this chapter, the inspector may either report the violation to the MTLC, which will order or take appropriate action, or issue a citation as authorized under this chapter. (Ord. BL2014-993 § 1, 2015)
Source: Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County, Metropolitan Code and Charter (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/tn/metro_government_of_nashville_and_davidson_county/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=CD_TIT6BULIRE_DIVIGERE_CH6.73LOSPVE_ARTIIIEQOPFetched: 10/28/2026

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