§ 15-389. Miscellaneous requirements and regulations.

(a)

All taxicab drivers shall maintain in each taxicab a suitable map or street guide of the metropolitan Atlanta area.

(b)

All taxicab drivers shall make a reasonable search of their vehicle immediately following each trip, and upon discovery of any personal property left by a passenger in the taxicab, shall immediately notify the dispatcher so that the dispatcher can attempt to locate the owner to return the property. If the owner cannot be located within twenty-four (24) hours, the dispatcher shall forward the property to the police department. The county shall reflect the initial receipt of the property in a log that shall be maintained and available for inspection by the police chief or designee for one (1) year.

(c)

All taxicab drivers shall take the most direct route to a passenger's destination unless otherwise authorized or directed by the passenger.

(d)

No taxicab driver shall refuse to accept a passenger, unless the passenger is obviously intoxicated or dangerous. All employees and independent contractors of companies permitted pursuant to this article shall be courteous and respectful to members of the public.

(e)

No taxicab driver shall refuse to accept a passenger solely on the basis of that passenger's race, color, gender, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age or disability.

(f)

All taxicab drivers shall provide receipts upon request of a passenger, showing the amount of fare paid, the name of the company, the taxicab identification number, the number of passengers, and origin and termination location of trip.

(g)

No taxicab driver shall refuse to transport a blind or disabled person or that person's guide or service dog. No taxicab driver shall charge any extra fee for the guide or service dog to accompany said blind or disabled person.

(h)

All taxicab drivers shall practice good personal hygiene, and wear proper dress while operating a taxicab. Proper dress shall mean shoes (not sandals), ankle length pants, and a shirt or blouse with sleeves and a collar. Hats must be of the baseball style or a chauffeur's cap. Clothing must be clean and not visibly soiled.

(i)

Taxicab company permit holders are responsible for ensuring that any driver who is affiliated in any way with such permit complies with the requirements of this article. In addition to being cited for a violation of this article, violation(s) of this section may be grounds for suspension or revocation of the permit issued pursuant to this article.

(j)

Failure of a taxicab driver to comply with this article shall result in the issuance of a citation and/or the driver's arrest and the impoundment of the taxicab.

(k)

No taxicab driver's permit shall be issued to a driver not affiliated with a taxicab company properly permitted pursuant to this article.

(Code 1976, § 7-3005(A); Ord. No. 88-11a, § 1, 10-11-88; Ord. No. 29-03, Pt. I, 10-28-03)