The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1915-02-14
NEW TAXICAB BADGES.


color of the license number
- plates on automobiles annually
the Department of Licenses in this
city changes the yearly design Of the
metal badges that hack drivers and
taxicab chauffeurs are required 10
wear.
mental, but they are conspicuous and
that was the feature the head Of the
taXiCab division Of the Department Of
Licenses had in mind when the badges
were designed. one regulation in
tended to protect the public makes Il
necessary for the haCkmcn To- wear
the badges on the outside Of their
coats. The badge should be there and
II it isn't something is wrong with tho
hackman or his vehicle. The next tim"
YOU hire a hack or "A taxi just take
look at tho metal badge dangling from
the drivers coat. II ne is prOpCr'r
licensed he will wear metal badge
in the shape of a triangle. The old
badge was circular I'm shape and
larger than the present badge.
Another feature about the now
badges Is that they button on the
coats by means of "A leather strap.
while the old badges We're attached
| by pins. The strap idea originated
with the hackmcn. who complained
that the pins on the old badges broke
hut this defect was overcome n
punching holes in the old badges run
ming a piece Of leather through tho
| holes and attaching the badges 10 N.
coats in that way.
In accordance with the law tho
work of changing the badges or issu-
ing renewals as II Is called, Is now
going on at the municipal garage in
/ West Fffty-seventh street. II is no
| small job. The head of the taNic1h
| bureau estimates that about 5000
! licenses will be required for drivers
and about 1000 for hacks. which IS
an increase over the number licensed
/ last year.
Although the law fixes a date IN
which every public hackman and he
vehicle il supposed to he licensed q
il not always possible 10 complete 'N"
work of renewal and Of issuing new
| licenses in time to conform To- the la"
The hackmen are allowed a few day.
Of grace. Therefore, the public Is
asked 10 be indulgent and not look
with suspicion upon drivers who have
not the new badges, for they are n''
necessarily operating their hacks N-
/ legally.
The penalty for operating n hack
that has not been licensed or driving
without license is punishable hy 2
fine OF $50. or thirty days IN iail or
both. Few drivers care TO violate 'N0
law with such n penalty staring thom
in the face IL caught
There IL another way to IDENTITY %
properly licensed hack. ACCord,nr Z"
law small plate not exceeding -@
inches in diameter and bearing tive .
7 Censc number Of the vehicle is A.
tached to conspicuous part Of every
public hack. If you cannot locate
such plate and the driver cannot
show YOU the plate you had better
use some other vehicle.
Whether you noticed IL or no. ''"
city authorities have been raisin- tr
standard for public hacks So That
eventually the hacks of New NorN 81.
compare faVOrably with tho>, '
London and Paris, which are hold nN
as models, The authorities are taxing
advantage of the rcliConsing period -
rid the streets of all the worn ou' ana
dilapldated hacks that are brought 10
their notice, No mack is rcArcnSrd
until a thorough examination has h''L
made OF the vehicle 10 find out %
conforms TO the standard set hy me
city.