§ 1113. TAXI AND RAMP TAXI EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS.

(a) Vehicle Operation.

(1) Safe Operating Condition. All Taxis and Ramp Taxis must be maintained in a safe operating condition. Except as otherwise specified herein, all Taxi and Ramp Taxi Medallion Holders and Color Schemes are jointly and severally responsible for ensuring that all Taxis and Ramp Taxis for which they hold permits or with which they are affiliated meet all equipment requirements listed in this Section. In addition to imposing any applicable penalty for non-compliance with equipment requirements, The SFMTA may remove any vehicle from service for any violation of this Section until the violation is corrected and the vehicle is inspected and approved by the SFMTA.

(b) Equipment Placement. The placement of any equipment or information required by this Section 1113 shall not interfere with the Driver's visibility or the operation of any O.E.M. equipment.

(c) Exterior Display of Identifying Information. Every Taxi or Ramp Taxi shall have the following information displayed on the exterior of the vehicle:

(1) Vehicle Number.

(A) The Vehicle Number in numerals of a color that contrasts with the color of the rest of the vehicle, at least four inches high and positioned directly under the windows on or within six inches of the forward-most portion of both front doors, and on the rear facing portion of the trunk lid of the vehicle.

(B) The Vehicle Number on the trunk of the vehicle if space is available, in numbers at least 18 inches in length of a color that contrasts with the color of the rest of the vehicle.

(2) San Francisco Taxicab. The words "San Francisco Taxicab" with letters at least two inches high, in a color which contrasts with the color of the rest of the vehicle on both sides of the vehicle's rear quarter panels and to the trunk directly above the rear bumper.

(3) Inspection Certificate. A current and valid decal indicating satisfactory completion of vehicle inspection.

(4) Trade Name. The name of the Color Scheme with which the vehicle's Medallion is affiliated in letters at least two inches in height on the exterior of the side doors of each side of the vehicle.

(5) Trade Dress. The exterior of every Taxi and Ramp Taxi shall be well painted with the color(s) of the Color Scheme with which it is affiliated.

(6) Medallion. During all hours of operation of a Motor Vehicle for Hire the Medallion shall be placed in the front windshield in such a manner that the Medallion number shall be clearly visible from the exterior of the vehicle.

(7) Security Camera Notice. A notice meeting all requirements of applicable law notifying passengers of the presence of a security camera in the vehicle.

(8) Telephone Number for Dispatch. A telephone number enabling the public to reach the dispatch service with which the vehicle is affiliated.

(9) Tobacco Advertising Ban.

(A) Color Schemes and Medallion Holders are prohibited from placing or maintaining, or causing or allowing to be placed or maintained, any advertising or promotion of cigarettes or tobacco products on any Taxi or Ramp Taxi.

(B) For the purposes of this subsection, "tobacco product" shall mean any substance containing tobacco leaf, including but not limited to, cigarettes, cigars, pipes, tobacco, snuff, chewing tobacco and dipping tobacco. For the purposes of this Section, "promote" or "promotion" shall include a display of any logo, brand name, character, graphics, colors, scenes, or designs that are trademarks of a particular brand of tobacco product.

(d) Interior Display of Information. Every Taxi or Ramp Taxi shall have the following items in the interior of the vehicle in a place clearly visible to passengers and in a format approved by the SFMTA:

(1) Rate Information. Information regarding the rates and fees that a Driver is authorized to charge a passenger.

(2) 311 Information. Information about using the 311 system for complaints and lost property, including the Vehicle Number and the name of the Color Scheme.

(3) Every Taxi shall be equipped with an operational Passenger Payment Device that is connected to the Taximeter. The Passenger Payment Device must meet any functional requirements and standards established, in writing, by the Director of Transportation.

(e) Communication Equipment. Every Taxi and Ramp Taxi shall be equipped with direct voice access and two-way communication with a Dispatch Service affiliated with the Taxi or Ramp Taxi.

(f) Taximeters.

(1) Seal Required. The Taximeter installed in any Taxi and Ramp Taxi must have a current and valid seal from the Department of Public Health Weights and Measures. Any Taximeter removed from a Taxi or Ramp Taxi with or without its seals intact and placed in the same or another Taxi or Ramp Taxi must be certified and resealed by the Weights and Measures. Any Taxi or Ramp Taxi found to have Taximeter seals that are broken, removed, destroyed, marred or otherwise tampered with will be taken out of service until correctly repaired.

(2) Installation. All Taximeter makes and models must meet the approval of the SFMTA prior to their installation and must meet all requirements of the Paratransit Program. The Taximeter shall be mounted in an area that is clearly visible at all times by any passenger in the vehicle.

(3) In-Taxi Equipment. All In-Taxi Equipment must be integrated to the taximeter; the taximeter must not be able to function if it is not integrated with the In-Taxi Equipment.

(g) Safety Partition. Safety partitions of a design that is approved by the SFMTA may be installed in Taxi and/or Ramp Taxi vehicles at the option of the Color Scheme.

(h) Emergency Equipment. All Taxis and Ramp Taxis shall have at all times a functional spare tire, a working jack and wrench to replace a flat tire, and two 2 flares or 2 two freestanding reflectors.

(i) Signage, Advertising and Displays. Advertising or other displays on the exterior or interior of a taxi:

(1) May not impede the Driver's vision in any way.

(2) May not cover any vehicle identifiers required by law or regulation.

(3) May not cover any portion of the license plate of the vehicle.

(4) May not interfere with vehicle operation, including but not limited to the tire inflation valve or any wheel balancing dynamics. Defects in any portion of the wheel must be remedied before any advertisement or other display is affixed to the wheel.

(5) May not interfere with any safety features of the vehicle or present a safety hazard to passengers.

(j) Lights.

(1) Standard Lights. All Taxi and Ramp Taxi vehicles shall be equipped with exterior lights as required by the Vehicle Code, an inside dome light, and dashboard lights. All O.E.M. lights must be maintained in working condition as designed, and all lenses of such lights are to be reasonably intact. No O.E.M. light may be obstructed or disconnected during operation. Any additional modifications of O.E.M. lights or installation of additional lights requires prior approval by the SFMTA.

(2) Top Lights.

(A) All Taxis and Ramp Taxis must be equipped with a working top light containing a light or lights permanently attached to the roof of the vehicle, which may either have the name of the Color Scheme printed on it, or the words "Taxicab" or "taxi".

(B) Each Driver shall ensure that such top light is illuminated at all times except when the vehicle is engaged in the transportation of a passenger. The top light shall turn on while the Taximeter is in the non-recording position and shall turn off while the Taximeter is in the recording position.

(k) Standard Equipment. All Taxis and Ramp Taxi vehicles shall have all equipment required by the Vehicle Code maintained in good working order such that the equipment functions effectively for the purpose for which it was intended. All Taxi and Ramp Taxi vehicles shall also be equipped with:

(1) Automatic door locks that can be controlled by the Driver and the passenger.

(2) Available and easily visible seat belts in all seating positions where passengers may ride.

(3) Speedometer and odometer.

(4) Heater and air conditioner.

(5) Door hinges, locks and latches.

(6) Doors that operate easily and open and close securely from either the outside or inside of the vehicle.

(7) Bumpers and body moldings in good condition and securely attached as the manufacturer intended.

(8) Shock absorbers and springs.

(9) Suspension.

(10) Steering.

(11) A holder for the Medallion placed in such a position that the Medallion is clearly visible from the front exterior of the vehicle and that is either attached to the dashboard or to the left side of the right front support beam, on the interior of the vehicle.

(12) In-Taxi Equipment.

(13) Wheels with all lug nuts in place and secured, of matching design, and with matching hubcaps attached. Hubcaps must be of either the original manufacturer's design or of a design authorized by the SFMTA, unless wheels are of a custom design that does not use hubcaps.

(14) Tires in safe operating condition and of matching design (i.e., all whitewalls or all black walls), without tire repair plugs or cuts in the sidewall, separated treads, bumps, bubbles, or anything protruding from the tire; and with a minimum remaining tread of at least 1/32 of an inch. Any Taxi or Ramp Taxi that violates this requirement will be placed immediately out of service.

(15) Only O.E.M. size tires of the same size used at the time of the Taximeter inspection may be used on any vehicle, including spare vehicles.

(l) Windows. All windows and the windshields of Taxis and Ramp Taxis shall be kept clean and clear, both the outside and inside. No additional tinting or reflective material may be placed on any vehicle window except factory installed tinting. Only safety glass with the lowest factory installed tint may be used.

(m) Security Cameras.

(1) All Taxis and Ramp Taxis shall be equipped with an operational security camera manufactured after December 31, 2006.

(n) Condition of Vehicle.

(1) Vehicle Integrity. The vehicle shall be structurally sound and operate with minimum vibration and noise.

(2) Vehicle Body. Vehicle bodies must be free of noticeable dents, rust and holes. A Taxi or Ramp Taxi shall not be placed in service if:

(A) There are visible dents that exceed three square feet in any single area of the exterior surface of the vehicle and the deepest point of depression is ¾ of an inch or greater; or

(B) There are visible dents that exceed four square feet of the total exterior surface of the vehicle and the deepest point of depression is ¾ of an inch or greater, or

(C) There are visible dents that exceed six lineal feet of the total exterior surface of the vehicle and the deepest point of depression is ¾ of an inch or greater, or

(D) There is any area of the exterior surface of the vehicle that contains a hole larger than six square inches, or there is a visible dent that exceeds 144 square inches and the deepest point of depression is more than two inches.

(o) Cleaning and Disinfection of Vehicle.

(1) Every Taxi or Ramp Taxi must be regularly cleaned so that the interior is clean, orderly and kept free of offensive odors and stains.

(2) A Taxi or Ramp Taxi vehicle must be disinfected whenever required by SFMTA.

(3) Seats. Rear seats shall be upholstered with vinyl or leather in good repair and matching the vehicle's interior colors Seat covers may not be stained or torn. Seat springs may not be broken nor may they protrude through the upholstery. Seats shall be firm and comfortable with the tension of the seat springs evenly distributed.

(4) Floormats. Rubber floormats are required on the floor of the rear seating area of the vehicle.

(p) Vehicle Title. The principal vehicle authorized for the operation of a Medallion may be registered only in the name of the Medallion Holder or Color Scheme.

(q) Vehicle Mileage. No vehicle may be operated as a Taxi or Ramp Taxi after the vehicle has reached 425,000 miles.

(r) Reserved.

(s) Inspections.

(1) Inspection Required. All Taxis and Ramp Taxis shall be inspected by the SFMTA or its designee, every six months if they are used as spare vehicles, have 200,000 miles or more on the odometer, or if the vehicle is older than nine Model Years, and every 12 months for regular vehicles, at a date and time designated by the SFMTA, and at any other time deemed necessary by the SFMTA. At the time of a scheduled inspection of the vehicle, the Color Scheme or Taxi or Ramp Taxi Medallion Holder must provide the following:

(A) Valid and current State of California vehicle registration.

(B) Valid and current Brake Certificate issued by an official inspection station certified by the State of California within 60 days prior to inspection.

(C) Proof of insurance meeting the requirements of all applicable laws and regulations.

(D) A Vehicle Introduction Form signed and approved by the SFMTA.

(2) New Vehicle. If a new vehicle is purchased for use as a Taxi or Ramp Taxi, the vehicle owner may furnish a written certificate of compliance issued by the automobile dealership in lieu of the documents required in subparagraphs 1113(s)(1)(A) through 1113(s)(1)(D) above, provided that the certificate is dated within 60 days of the annual inspection. The automobile dealership must be certified by the State of California as an official inspection station.

(3) Salvage Vehicle. No vehicle which has been designated as "Salvage" by the California Department of Motor Vehicles may be placed into service as a taxicab unless the vehicle has been inspected and approved by the SFMTA. The SFMTA may require documents to establish the chain of title for Salvage Vehicles.

(4) Inspection Certification. Upon satisfactory completion of all inspection requirements the SFMTA shall affix a decal and transponder to the Taxi or Ramp Taxi that authorizes the Taxi or Ramp Taxi to be operated for the time period specified upon the decal.

(5) Failing Inspection. If, on inspection the SFMTA determines that a vehicle does not meet applicable requirements, the vehicle may fail inspection and may be ordered out of service until the condition(s) are corrected. A failed vehicle must be re-inspected and approved before being returned to service and must pass another inspection in six months from the date of return to service. The decision whether to pass or fail a vehicle shall be within the sole discretion of the SFMTA.

(6) Removal of Vehicle from Service.

(A) A Color Scheme shall make any vehicle available for inspection upon SFMTA request. If a Color Scheme fails to make a vehicle available for inspection or if the SFMTA determines that a vehicle is not in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations, the SFMTA may order the vehicle to be removed from service until it passes inspection.

(B) If the SFMTA determines that additional repairs or further inspection of the mechanical condition or safety equipment of a Taxi or Ramp Taxi is necessary, the Color Scheme or Medallion Holder shall make the necessary repairs or arrangements in order to determine if repairs are necessary, and must provide a statement of findings to the SFMTA from the repair person.

(7) Fraud in Connection with Inspection Prohibited. Misconduct in connection with required inspection is strictly prohibited and is grounds for revocation of a permit. Misconduct may include, but is not limited to, substitution of registered owners on a temporary basis for inspection purposes, substitution of any vehicle part or equipment within 30 days before or after an inspection for the purpose of passing inspection, or knowingly making false statements to SFMTA or SFPD or their designees in connection with an inspection. This Section shall be strictly enforced to ensure the integrity of the San Francisco taxi fleet and the safety of the public.

(t) Replacement Vehicles. Whenever an existing Taxi or Ramp Taxi is replaced with another vehicle, the replacement vehicle must be inspected and approved prior to use.

(u) Ramp Taxis. Every vehicle used as a Ramp Taxi shall have a ramp at least 30 inches wide. Any new model of Ramp Taxi vehicle proposed for use as a Ramp Taxi shall be subject to the prior approval of the SFMTA and the Paratransit Coordinating Council.

(v) Retired Vehicles. No Permit Holder may offer any Taxi or Ramp Taxi vehicle for sale to the public until all remnants of the Color Scheme, including the top light and all exterior lettering, numbering, signage, and any other item required to be displayed on a Taxi or Ramp Taxi are completely removed.

(SFMTA Bd. Res. No. 09-23, 2/23/2009; SFMTA Bd. Res. No. 09-077, 5/19/2009; SFMTA Bd. Res. No. 09-104, 6/16/2009; SFMTA Bd. Res. No. 11-017, 2/1/2011; SFMTA Bd. Res. No. , Ad. 2/21/2012, Eff. 3/23/2012; SFMTA Bd. Res. No. , Ad. 6/5/2012, Eff. 7/6/2012; SFMTA Bd. Res. No. , Ad. 8/21/2012, Eff. 9/21/2012; SFMTA Bd. Res. No. , Ad. 11/20/2012, Eff. 12/21/2012; SFMTA Bd. Res. No. , Ad. 3/19/2013, Eff. 4/19/2013; SFMTA Bd. Res. No. , Ad. 10/15/2013, Eff. 11/15/2013; SFMTA Bd. Res. No. , Ad. 12/2/2014, Eff. 1/2/2015; SFMTA Bd. Res. No. , Ad. 3/3/2015, Eff. 4/2/2015; SFMTA Bd. Res. No. , Ad. 11/17/2015, Eff. 12/18/2015; SFMTA Bd. Res. No. , Ad. 1/3/2017, Eff. 2/3/2017; SFMTA Bd. Res. No. , Ad. 4/4/2017, Eff. 5/5/2017; SFMTA Bd. Res. No. , Ad. 10/17/2017, Eff. 11/17/2017; SFMTA Bd. Res. No. , Ad. 2/20/2018, Eff. 3/23/2018; SFMTA Bd. Res. No. , Ad. 10/16/2018, Eff. 11/16/2018)

CODIFICATION NOTE

1. So in Res. No. 170103-004.