Source: https://www.ecode360.com/11777982
Timestamp: 2018-11-18 16:30:44
Document Index: 585966444

Matched Legal Cases: ['§ 193', '§ 193', '§ 193', '§ 193', '§ 193', '§ 193', '§ 193', '§ 193', '§ 193', '§ 193', '§ 193', '§ 193', '§ 193', '§ 193', '§ 193', '§ 193', '§ 193', '§ 193', '§ 193', '§ 193', '§ 193', '§ 193', '§ 193', '§ 193', '§ 193', '§ 197', '§ 193', '§ 193', '§ 193', '§ 193', '§ 193', '§ 193', '§ 193', '§ 193', '§ 193', '§ 193', '§ 193', '§ 193', '§ 193', '§ 193', '§ 193', '§ 193', '§ 193', '§ 193', '§ 193', '§ 193', '§ 193', '§ 193', '§ 193', '§ 193', '§ 193', '§ 193', '§ 193', '§ 193', '§ 193', '§ 193', '§ 193', '§ 193', '§ 193', '§ 193', '§ 193', '§ 193', '§ 193']

Village of Great Neck Plaza, NY Taxicabs
§ 193-1 Findings; intent.
§ 193-2 Definitions.
§ 193-3 Medallion required.
§ 193-4 Application for medallion.
§ 193-5 Fees for medallion.
§ 193-6 Duties of medallion holders.
§ 193-7 Sale of medallions or taxicabs.
§ 193-8 Additional medallions.
§ 193-9 Licensing of operators; driver's license.
§ 193-10 Application for a driver's license.
§ 193-11 Renewal of driver's license.
§ 193-12 Fees for driver's license.
§ 193-13 Duties of licensed drivers.
§ 193-14 Rates.
§ 193-15 Designation of hack stands.
§ 193-15.1 Fingerprinting of applicants for taxi medallions and driver's licenses.
§ 193-16 Enforcement and penalties: licensed owners and drivers.
§ 193-17 Penalties for offenses.
§ 193-18 Enforcement officers.
§ 193-19 Repealer.
§ 193-20 Other vehicles dispatched from or operating within Village.
Chapter 193: Taxicabs
[HISTORY: Adopted by the Board of Trustees of the Village of Great Neck Plaza 7-6-1988 by L.L. No. 8-1988. Amendments noted where applicable.]
Vehicles and traffic — See Ch. 206.
Chapter 193 : Taxicabs
The Board of Trustees of the Village of Great Neck Plaza hereby finds that the taxicab industry in the Village is vested with a public interest because it is a vital and integral part of the transportation facilities of the Village of Great Neck Plaza. For that reason, the Board of Trustees has determined that its regulation and control is necessary.
The following terms, when used in this chapter, shall mean:
The entity or individual that is applying for a medallion or a driver's license. If the owner of a taxicab is a corporation, partnership, unincorporated association or business entity other than an individual, then the term "applicant" shall refer to such entity.
The Board of Trustees of the Village of Great Neck Plaza.
Any person licensed under this chapter to drive a taxicab in the Village of Great Neck Plaza.
The license for a driver issued by the Taxi Commissioner of the Village or his designee.
The space reserved upon the public highways and streets of the Village for the exclusive use of those taxicabs which have been issued a medallion by the Village.
The license, issued by the Taxi Commissioner, authorizing a vehicle to be operated as a taxicab within the Village.
OPERATE or DRIVE
The driving of taxicabs for hire within the Village or soliciting therefor on private property or on public highways.
The individual or entity that owns a taxicab. An "owner" shall include not only persons, firms, partnerships, corporations or associations owning a taxicab or taxicabs but shall also include a purchaser under a reserve title contract, conditional sales agreement or vendor's lien agreement and the leasing of any such vehicle or vehicles under a written lease or similar contract, provided that such purchaser or lessee shall be entitled to obtain in his name a license or licenses therefor from the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles of the State of New York.
RATE CARD MAP
The Zone Map approved by the Board of Trustees.
A vehicle driven by mechanical power used in the business of transporting passengers for compensation in the Village.
TAXI COMMISSIONER
That member of the Village Board of Trustees who shall be designated by the Mayor to supervise the licensing and operation of taxicabs within the Village.
The area within and outside of the Village established by the Board of Trustees for the purpose of determining the rates to be charged for the hiring of taxicabs licensed by said Village.
No person shall cause, allow or permit any vehicle to be operated as a taxicab for hire from a hack stand within the Village unless the owner thereof shall first have obtained a proper medallion.
A medallion shall be issued as of the date of the granting thereof and shall expire on the 31st day of August next succeeding the date of issuance, unless sooner revoked or cancelled as provided herein, or unless renewed as of such date as provided herein. However, any medallion issued and in effect as of the effective date of this subsection shall not expire until August 31, 1997.
[Amended 7-17-1996 by L.L. No. 5-1996]
No owner of a taxicab for which a medallion is issued shall use that vehicle to work for any corporation or association which has not been issued a medallion by the Village.
The number of medallions issued by the Village shall not exceed 35 unless, in accordance with the provisions specified in § 193-8 of this chapter, the Board of Trustees determines that additional medallions are required.
No individual shall own more than one medallion, regardless of the form of ownership. Therefore, no individual who either owns a medallion in his or her name, or is a member of a partnership or association that owns a medallion, or owns stock in a corporation that owns a medallion shall have an ownership interest in any other medallion, either by owning such other medallion in his or her own name, or by being a member of a partnership or association that owns such other medallion, or by owning stock in a corporation that owns such other medallion.
The Village Clerk may renew a medallion from year to year by appropriate endorsement thereon. An owner, in applying for the renewal of a medallion, shall make such application upon a form to be furnished by the Village entitled, "Application for Renewal of Medallion," which shall be filled out with the full name and address of the applicant, together with a statement of the date upon which the original medallion was granted and the number thereof. The owner shall also be required to furnish to the Village such information as is required in connection with an original application for a medallion to the extent that any information previously furnished is no longer accurate and/or up-to-date.
No medallion shall be issued to a taxicab unless such vehicle is designed to seat more than three passengers, exclusive of the operator.
An application for a medallion under this chapter shall be filed with the Clerk of the Village upon forms which shall be provided by the Village and which shall be verified under oath. The date and time of the receipt of each application shall be noted by the Clerk.
If the owner of a taxicab is a corporation, then the application shall be signed and verified by an officer of the corporation. If the owner is an unincorporated association, then the application shall be signed and verified by a member of the association. If the owner is a partnership, then the application shall be signed and verified by a member of the partnership.
A verified application for a medallion shall contain the following information:
The name and address of the applicant, the names and addresses of all corporate shareholders, officers and directors, if the applicant is a corporation, and of all members of an unincorporated association or partnership, if the applicant is an unincorporated association or partnership.
A list of all misdemeanors or felonies of which the applicant or any person described in Subsection C(1) has been convicted, stating the name and location of the court where the convictions were entered and the date thereof and the penalties imposed therefor.
The experience of the applicant and the persons described in Subsection C(1) in the transportation of passengers or in general employment.
Any facts which the applicant believes tend to prove that the public convenience and necessity require the granting of a medallion.
A description of the vehicle to be operated as a taxicab, including the make, model, passenger seating capacity, year of manufacture, New York State registration number and motor number thereof and, if it has ever been in any accident, the date and nature of the accident and a description of the damage done to such vehicle or any passenger in said vehicle.
The age and citizenship of the applicant and of the persons described in Subsection C(1).
Any other relevant information which the Taxi Commissioner may require.
A set of the fingerprints of the person signing and verifying the application taken under the direction and supervision of a person designated by the Village Clerk.
An application for a taxi medallion may be denied based on any ground listed in § 193-16B of this chapter.
[Added 8-21-2002 by L.L. No. 5-2002]
Renewal of a taxi medallion under § 193-3F may be denied based on any ground listed in § 193-16B of this chapter.
The fee for each medallion, when initially issued to an applicant or when issued after the sale of a taxicab by one owner to another, shall be $100. The fee for the renewal of a medallion shall be $20.
Every holder of a medallion shall comply with the following requirements:
Designation of owner-operators. The owner of a taxicab which has been issued a medallion by the Village shall designate a single individual as the operator of said taxicab. If an individual is the owner of a taxicab, then such individual must be designated as the operator of said taxicab. If a corporation is the owner of a taxicab, then a shareholder of said corporation shall be designated as the operator of said taxicab. If a partnership or unincorporated association is the owner of a taxicab, then a member of said partnership or association shall be designated as the operator of said taxicab.
Use of medallions.
Each taxicab issued a medallion by the Village shall maintain continuous service at a hack stand within the Village on at least six days each week between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 2:00 a.m., for a total of at least 40 hours of service per week.
In computing the hours of service, only the time spent actually waiting for fares at the hack stand or driving a passenger picked up at the hack stand and then returning to the hack stand after driving that fare shall be included.
These service requirements shall not apply if a taxicab fails to operate because of strike, riot, war or other public catastrophe, or because of the verified illness of the operator for a reasonable period of time, or because of the annual vacation of an operator of a taxicab, which shall not exceed three weeks in any single year.
If a taxicab will not be able to service the hack stand for a continuous period of five or more consecutive days, e.g., because of the vacation or prolonged illness of the operator, then the owner of the medallion shall promptly notify the Taxi Commissioner of said fact, in writing.
Any owner who has sold a taxicab which has been issued a medallion by the Village shall replace such taxicab within 30 days from the date of sale.
Display of information.
The taxicab medallion and the driver's license of the operator shall be conspicuously displayed on the right front visor or on the right front dashboard of the taxicab, facing the passengers during all periods of the operation of the taxicab so that it is at all times clearly visible and readily observable by all passengers using said vehicle, and displayed in such other location and manner as may be hereafter be required by the Village Clerk. Neither the medallion nor the driver's license shall be defaced, and all information contained thereon must be legible so that all passengers may read said information.
There shall be displayed and securely affixed on the roof of every taxicab that has been issued a medallion by the Village a plastic dome or other comparable attachment which has printed and displayed thereon the words "Licensed by Village of Great Neck Plaza" in such a manner as to be visible at all times. Such dome and the printing thereon are subject to the regulations of the Board of Trustees.
All vehicles licensed to operate within the Village are required either to display the Official Rate Card Map designating and describing the rate zones approved by the Board of Trustees or to have such Official Rate Card Map available for display to customers upon request. In the event that the Official Rate Card Map is not physically displayed to passengers, then there shall be displayed, either on the right front visor or on the right front dashboard, a notice clearly visible to all passengers which states as follows: "OFFICIAL RATE CARD MAP AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST."
All vehicles licensed to operate within the Village are required to have affixed in a conspicuous place on the left side of the front and rear bumpers of the vehicle a decal in a form approved by the Village Clerk indicating that a valid medallion has been issued for such vehicle by the Village.
[Added 7-17-1996 by L.L. No. 5-1996]
Inspection and insurance.
Prior to the issuance or renewal of a medallion hereunder, the owner must file with the Village Clerk a valid and properly executed and stamped certificate of a licensed New York State motor vehicle inspection station, dated no more than 30 days prior to the date of its filing, certifying that the vehicle for which a medallion is requested complies with all the safety and inspection requirements of New York State.
[Amended 5-6-1998 by L.L. No. 6-1998]
Prior to the issuance or renewal of a medallion hereunder, the owner must provide the Village Clerk a certificate of insurance which demonstrates that the licensed taxicab is insured against public liability in a minimum amount equal to the greater of:
Twenty-Five Thousand Dollars for injury to one person, $50,000 in connection with any one accident and $10,000 coverage for property damage; or
Any such amounts for the above-described coverage as shall now or hereafter be required by the laws and regulations of the State of New York.
Said certificate of insurance shall require that the Village Clerk receive 10 days' prior written notice of cancellation or amendment of said policy.
The Taxi Commissioner, after a visual inspection, may require an inspection and the filing of a certificate of inspection at any time if he determines that the vehicle poses a threat to the safety, comfort or well-being of the public. Unless such a certificate of inspection is filed as required herein, the medallion for the vehicle in question, regardless of the condition of such vehicle, shall be suspended without further action of the Village until such time as an inspection certificate required herein is so filed with the Village Clerk.
Each owner shall take all necessary and reasonable measures to ensure that the interior of the taxicab is maintained in a clean and odor-free condition and that the exterior of the taxicab is neatly painted and free of excessive dents or rust.
Each owner shall comply with such other rules and regulations as may be prescribed by the Board of Trustees or the Taxi Commission in the interest of providing safe transportation for the public; shall exhibit to the Taxi Commissioner or his designees any documents necessary to ascertain whether the provisions of this chapter have been satisfied; shall allow the Taxi Commissioner or his designees to inspect the licensed taxicab in order to ensure compliance with the provisions of this chapter; and shall, when notified by the Taxi Commissioner or his designees, attend any hearing held pursuant to § 197-16 of this chapter and present relevant evidence in connection therewith.
Unlawful agreements. No owner of a taxicab for which a medallion has been issued by the Village shall have or make any contract or agreement with any owner of any hotel, apartment house, restaurant or cafe or with the agent or employees of such places, by which the owner shall agree to solicit the patronage of any passenger for any such hotel, apartment house, restaurant or cafe.
Every vehicle licensed to operate within the Village is required to have available for use by it at least one federally-approved child car seat for use by a child passenger. If a passenger group requires more than one such car seat for its child passengers, and such additional seats are not available to said vehicle, then the passenger may decline to utilize said vehicle and may use the next vehicle available either at a designated hack stand or by dispatch which has the requisite number of child car seats.
The holder of a medallion may sell it. However, prior to any such sale, the following conditions must be met:
The Taxi Commissioner must be notified of the proposed sale and the potential purchaser.
The proposed purchaser shall provide to the Taxi Commissioner in person all the information specified by § 193-4C of this chapter.
The Taxi Commissioner must find that the proposed purchaser is qualified to assume the duties and obligations of a medallion as imposed by the provisions of this chapter.
The proposed purchaser must assume, agree to pay and satisfy the Taxi Commissioner of his ability to discharge all outstanding court liabilities of the vendor in excess of the amount which is covered by any bond or policy of insurance as required by the Vehicle and Traffic Law of the State of New York.
The fee of $100 specified in § 193-5 shall be paid.
After approval of the sale by the Taxi Commissioner and after notification to the Taxi Commissioner that the sale has been completed, then the Village Clerk shall record in appropriate Village records the transfer of the medallion to the new owner. Such medallion shall expire on the date the medallion would have expired if such sale had not occurred.
Upon the voluntary sale of a licensed taxicab for which a medallion has been issued by the Village by the holder of the medallion or his legal representative, the holder of the medallion shall immediately notify the Taxi Commissioner of his intention to replace such taxicab or shall surrender his medallion.
The Taxi Commissioner shall issue additional medallions only:
If the Board of Trustees, after determining that the public convenience, welfare and necessity require the operation of additional taxicabs, amends § 193-3D of this chapter, in accordance with lawful procedures, to increase the authorized rules of medallions above 35; or
If, for any reason, such as the revocation of a medallion, the number of taxicabs issued medallions by the Village falls below the authorized number and the Taxi Commissioner finds that the public convenience, welfare and necessity requires the issuance of additional medallions to bring the number of licensed taxicabs to the authorized number.
In the event that additional medallions are issued pursuant to § 193-8A of this chapter, such medallions shall be issued in accordance with the following procedures:
The medallions shall be awarded by lottery.
Notice of the proposed lottery and proposed issuance of medallions shall be published once each week, for at least four consecutive, in the official paper of the Village, in one newspaper of general circulation in New York City, in one newspaper of general circulation in Nassau County and in one newspaper of general circulation in Suffolk County, the last notice being published at least seven days prior to the date of the lottery. Such notice shall include the date and place of the lottery, as well as a description of the condition for participating in the lottery.
From those persons who have properly qualified for participation in the lottery, according to the terms of the published notice, shall be chosen a number of winners ranked from first to last, equal in number to the number of medallions to be issued, and a number of alternates, also ranked from first to last, and also equal in number to the number of medallions to be issued.
The winners of the lottery shall be directed to provide the Taxi Commissioner with the information specified in § 193-4C of this chapter. Medallions shall be issued to all such winners unless, after reviewing the submitted information, the Taxi Commissioner determines that the particular winner is not qualified to assume the duties and obligations imposed by the provisions of this chapter. In such event, the Taxi Commissioner shall proceed through the list of alternates, in order, until the requisite number of medallions have been issued. (5) Any person or entity obtaining a medallion in accordance with this section shall, in addition to paying the fees specified by § 193-5 of this chapter, also pay the expenses incurred in connection with the operation of the described lottery and, if more than one medallion is issued by lottery, shall pay a proportionate share of those expenses.
No person shall cause, permit or allow a taxicab having a medallion issued by Great Neck Plaza to be operated or driven without the operator thereof having first been issued a chauffeur's license by New York State and a driver's license by the Village of Great Neck Plaza.
Each applicant for a Village driver's license must:
Be of good moral character, age 21 years or over and a citizen of the United States, or a holder of a valid green card, except that licenses issued prior to the passage hereof may be renewed as heretofore.
Be of sound mental and physical condition, with good eyesight and not subject to epilepsy, vertigo, heart trouble or any infirmity of body or mind which might render him or her unfit for the safe operation of a motor vehicle. Each applicant for a driver's license hereunder must submit to the Village Clerk a certificate from a physician, duly licensed to practice medicine in the State of New York, certifying that, in his or her opinion, the applicant is not afflicted with any physical or mental disease or infirmity which would make him or her an unsafe or unsatisfactory taxicab driver.
Be able to speak, read and write the English language.
Be clean in dress and not addicted to the use of intoxicating liquors or drugs.
Produce a testimonial, on a form provided for that purpose, from his or her last employer, unless, in the opinion or the Taxi Commissioner, sufficient reason is given for its omission.
Exhibit his or her current New York State chauffeur's license for inspection by the Village Clerk.
Submit a set of the applicant's fingerprints taken under the direction and supervision of a person designated by the Village Clerk.
Any Village driver's license issued hereunder shall be issued as of the date of granting thereof and shall expire on the 31st day of August of the next succeeding year unless sooner revoked or canceled as provided hereunder.
[Amended 2-14-2001 by L.L. No. 2-2001]
There shall be kept in the Village Office a complete record of each driver's license issued and all renewals, suspensions and revocations thereof, which record shall be kept on file with the applicant's original application for a driver's license.
An application for a taxi driver's license may be denied for any reason listed in § 193-16B of this chapter.
An application of a Village driver's license under this chapter shall be filed with the Village Clerk on a form provided by the Village. The application shall be signed and verified under oath by the individual who is requesting the driver's license. The date and time of each application shall be noted by the Village Clerk.
Applications for a driver's license shall contain the following information concerning the applicant:
Address of residence for the five years preceding present address.
The names and addresses of each of the applicant's employers during the five years prior to his application.
Color of eyes.
Color of hair.
Previous convictions of all felonies and misdemeanors both in and outside of New York State, stating the date and place of each such conviction and the name and location of the court and date on which each such conviction was had and the penalty imposed therefor.
A statement of whether or not any operator's or chauffeur's license held by the applicant at any time has ever been revoked or suspended by New York State or any other state or authority and, if so, an explanation of when, where and by what authority and for what reason such action was taken and for what period it remained in effect.
Any other relevant information which the Village Clerk may require.
Each applicant for a driver's license under the provisions of this section may be required to be examined as to his or her physical condition by a person or persons designated by the Taxi Commissioner, as to his or her knowledge of the provisions hereof, the traffic regulations and the geography of the Village and surrounding territory, and if the result of such examination is unsatisfactory, he or she shall be refused a license. Each such applicant may also be required by the Taxi Commissioner to demonstrate his or her skill and ability to handle the vehicle safely by driving it through a crowded section of the Village, accompanied by a member of the Nassau County Police Department or the Taxi Commissioner.
Each applicant for a driver's license hereunder shall file with the application two photographs of himself or herself taken within 30 days prior to the date of this application, 1 1/2 inches by 1 1/2 inches in size, and such pictures must contain a true likeness of the applicant and must show only the neck, shoulders and uncovered head; one of said photographs shall be attached to the driver's license when issued to the applicant, and the other photograph shall be filed with the applicant's application for said driver's license which shall be filed in the office of the Village Clerk.
The Taxi Commissioner is hereby authorized and empowered to establish such additional rules and regulations covering the issuance of driver's licenses not inconsistent herewith as may be necessary and reasonable.
Each applicant for a driver's license under the provisions of this section shall be required to submit proof that said applicant has, within the prior three years, satisfactorily completed either the Defensive Driving Course and the Professional Drive Workshop offered by the Village through the Taxi and For-Hire Vehicle Institute of LaGuardia Community College; or, if said courses are not available, other comparable driver education courses specifically approved in advance, in writing, by the Village Taxi Commissioner. If a license applicant has been unable to complete the above-described courses because enrollment in said courses was full, or in other exigent circumstances, the Village Clerk may issue a temporary driver's license if the applicant agrees, in writing, to enroll in such approved courses when they are next offered and agrees to thereafter submit proof of completion of such approved courses. However, no such temporary license shall remain in effect for a period of longer than six months, unless the Taxi Commissioner of the Village, for good cause shown, grants one additional extension of six months. There shall be no further extensions. Any such temporary license shall be deemed void and revoked absent the timely completion of such approved courses.
[Added 2-14-2001 by L.L. No. 2-2001]
The Taxi Commission or the Village Clerk may renew a driver's license from year to year by appropriate endorsement thereon. An applicant, in applying for the renewal of the license, shall make such application upon a form to be furnished by the Village entitled, "Application for Renewal of License," which shall be filled out with the full name and address of the applicant, together with a statement of the date upon which his or her original license was granted and the number thereof and a correction of any information previously furnished which is no longer accurate or up-to-date.
Upon renewal, an applicant must submit a medical report from a licensed physician indicating that the applicant is physically able to operate a taxicab.
A driver's license shall be issued as of the date of the granting thereof and shall expire on the 31st day of August next succeeding the date of issuance, unless sooner revoked or cancelled as provided herein, or unless renewed as of such date as provided herein. However, any driver's license issued and in effect as of the effective date of this subsection shall not expire until August 31, 1997.
[Added 7-1-1996 by L.L. No. 5-1996]
Effective August 1,2001, no taxi driver's license issued by the Village shall be renewed without proof that the applicant for license renewal has, within the prior three years, satisfactorily completed either the Defensive Driving Course and the Professional Driver Workshop offered by the Village through the Taxi and For-Hire Vehicle Institute of LaGuardia Community College; or, if said courses are not available, other comparable driver education courses specifically approved in advance, in writing, by the Village Taxi Commissioner. If an applicant for license renewal has been unable to complete the above-described courses because enrollment in such courses was full, or in other exigent circumstances, the Village Clerk may issue a temporary license renewal if the applicant agrees, in writing, to enroll in such approved courses when they are next offered and agrees to thereafter submit proof of completion of such approved courses. However, no such temporary renewal shall remain in effect for a period of longer than six months unless the Taxi Commissioner of the Village, for good cause shown, grants one additional extension of six months. There shall be no further extensions. Any such temporary renewal shall be deemed void and revoked absent the timely completion of such approved courses. Failure to timely complete such a course will provide grounds for the imposition of penalties under § 193-16, including suspension and/or revocation of the taxi driver's license.
An applicant for taxi driver's license renewal prior to August 1, 2001, must agree in writing to enroll, when they are next offered, in either the Defensive Driving Course and the Professional Driver Workshop offered by the Village through the Taxi and For-Hire Vehicle Institute of LaGuardia Community College; or it said courses are not available, other comparable driver education courses specifically, approved in advance, in writing, by the Village Taxi Commissioner. If an applicant for license renewal is unable to complete the above-described courses because enrollment in such courses is full, or in other exigent circumstances, the Village Clerk may issue a temporary license renewal if the applicant agrees, in writing, to enroll in such approved courses when they are next offered and agrees to thereafter submit proof of completion of such approved courses. However, no such temporary renewal shall remain in effect for a period of longer than six months unless the Taxi Commissioner of the Village, for good cause shown, grants one additional extension of six months. There shall be no further extensions. Any such temporary renewal shall be deemed void and revoked absent the timely completion of such approved courses. Failure to timely complete such courses will provide grounds for the imposition of penalties under § 193-16, including suspension and/or revocation of the taxi driver's license.
Renewal of a taxi driver's license may be denied based on any ground listed in § 193-16B of this chapter.
[Amended 8-6-1997 by L.L. No. 6-1997]
The following fees shall be paid at the time of the filing of an application for issuance of a driver's license:
Fifty dollars for each original license.
Thirty dollars for each renewal license.
Fifteen dollars for each replacement license.
Each driver licensed by the Village shall comply with the following requirements:
If a driver will not be able to service the hack stand for a continuous period of five or more days, e.g., due to vacation or prolonged illness, then the driver shall promptly notify the Taxi Commissioner of said fact, in writing.
The taxicab medallion and the driver's license of the operator shall be conspicuously displayed on the right front visor or on the right front dashboard of the taxicab, facing the passengers during all periods of the operation of the taxicab so that it is at all times clearly visible and readily observable by all passengers using said vehicle, and displayed in such other location and manner as may hereafter be required by the Village Clerk. Neither the medallion nor the driver's license shall be defaced, and all information contained thereon must be legible so that all passengers may read said information.
There shall be displayed and securely affixed on the roof of every taxicab that has been issued a medallion by the Village a plastic dome or other comparable attachment which has printed and displayed thereon the words "Licensed by Village of Great Neck Plaza" in such a manner as to be visible at all times. Such dome or roof light and the printing thereon are subject to the regulations of the Board of Trustees.
All vehicles licensed to operate within the Village as required to have affixed in a conspicuous place on the left side of the front and rear bumpers of the vehicle a decal in a form approved by the Village Clerk indicating that a valid medallion has been issued for such vehicle by the Village.
Unlawful agreements. No driver licensed by the Village shall have or make any contract or agreement with any owner of any hotel, apartment house, restaurant or cafe or with the agent or employees of such places, by which the driver shall agree to solicit the patronage of any passenger for any such hotel, apartment house, restaurant or cafe.
Manner of operation. Each person driving a vehicle licensed hereunder shall:
Not refuse or neglect to convey in the Village any orderly person or persons upon request unless previously engaged or unless forbidden to do so by the provisions hereof.
Thoroughly search the interior of the vehicle after termination of each trip for any article left or lost in the vehicle and take any such property immediately to the station house or booth in the precinct where the passenger or passengers were discharged.
Report all accidents as required by the Vehicle and Traffic Law.
Report each change of residence within 48 hours to the Village Clerk.
Answer all communications and summonses received from the Taxi Commissioner or Police Department.
Not operate any taxicab while his driver's license of chauffeur's license is suspended or revoked.
Keep the interior of the vehicle clean and odor-free.
Shut off the engine when the vehicle is parked and not run the same while the vehicle is so standing unless necessary to warm the engine in cold weather.
Give a receipt for fares on the authorized form when requested.
Not charge, suggest or demand that any passenger or prospective passenger pay a rate of fare larger than that established by the Board of Trustees for the transporting of such passenger within or to the rate zone in which his or her destination is located.
Be courteous, dress neatly and not use profane language.
Exhibit to the Taxi Commissioner or his designees any documents necessary to ascertain whether the provisions of this chapter have been satisfied; allow the Taxi Commissioner or his designees to inspect the licensed taxicab in order to ensure compliance with the provisions of this chapter; and, when notified by the Taxi Commissioner or his designees, attend any hearing held pursuant to § 193-16 of this chapter and present relevant evidence in connection therewith.
Expressage. The driver may carry packages or parcels where the merchandise is accompanied by a passenger or passengers but shall refuse to carry such packages or parcels where the contents will cause the vehicles to become stained or evil smelling. Nothing herein contained, however, shall be interpreted as permitting the hiring of such vehicles for expressage purposes only.
Safe driving and traffic accidents. A taxi driver licensed by the Village shall at all times operate the vehicle in a safe and lawful manner, which shall include, but not be limited to, compliance with the following provisions:
A taxi driver licensed by the Village shall not operate the taxicab in such manner or at a speed which unreasonably endangers users of other vehicles, pedestrians or passengers.
A taxi driver licensed by the Village shall operate the taxicab at all times in full compliance with all New York State traffic laws, rules and regulations and all rules, regulations and procedures of any regulatory body or governmental agency having jurisdiction over motor vehicles, with respect to matters not otherwise specifically covered in these rules. Violations of the foregoing laws, rules and regulations shall constitute violation of this provision and shall be classified as follows:
Laws, rules or regulations governing stationary vehicles.
Laws, rules or regulations governing moving vehicles, other than hazardous moving violations defined by Subsection F(2)(c).
Laws, rules or regulations governing moving vehicles which involve hazardous moving violations, defined as follows:
Failing to stop for school bus;
Inadequate brakes;
Driving in wrong direction;
Failing to yield right-of-way;
Traffic signal violation;
Stop sign violation;
Yield sign violation;
Railroad crossing violation;
Improper passing;
Unsafe lane change;
Driving left of center;
Leaving scene of an accident involving property damage or injury to animal;
Driving while Intoxicated or under the influence of alcohol or other controlled substance.
A taxi driver licensed by the Village who, knowingly or having cause to know that personal injury has been caused to another person or that damage has been caused to the property of another person due to an accident involving the driver's taxicab, shall, before leaving the place where said damage or injury occurred, stop, exhibit to such other person his or her state driver's license and vehicle registration, and give to such other person his or her name, taxicab medallion number, insurance carrier and insurance policy number.
[Amended 9-20-1995 by L.L. No. 5-1995; 10-4-2000 by L.L. No. 9-2000]
No taxi having a medallion issued by the Village shall make or attempt to make any greater charge than at the rates of fare set forth below for the carriage or transportation of passengers who are either picked up anywhere within the Village of Great Neck Plaza and discharged at or transported to any place within the zones or territory in the Great Neck Peninsula set forth in the Zone Map (which is appended to this chapter as Exhibit A and is made a part hereof and a copy of which is also available at the Village Hall),[1] or picked up at any place within the zones or territory in the Great Neck Peninsula set forth in the Zone Map and discharged at or transported to any place within the Village of Great Neck Plaza. Except as set forth below, these rates shall apply regardless of whether such taxi picks up the passenger at a designated hack stand or as a result of a radio dispatch or telephone solicitation.
Editor's Note: Exhibit A is on file and available for inspection at the Village offices.
The maximum fare, by zones, for persons other than senior citizens shall be as follows:
[Amended 8-4-2004 by L.L. No. 6-2004; 7-16-2008 by L.L. No. 4-2008[2]]
Zone 1 (without crossing into any other zone)
Editor's Note: This local law provided that the related rate increases in Subsections B, C, G, H, I and J would take effect on the later September 1, 2008; or two weeks after taxi drivers licensed by the Village have commenced exhibiting in their vehicles a notice, in a form and manner to be approved by the Village Taxi Commissioner, informing passengers of the above-stated approved rate increases and have arranged to be published in the Great Neck Record a notice, in a form to be approved by the Taxi Commissioner, informing the public of the approved rate increases.
[Amended 8-4-2004 by L.L. No. 6-2004; 7-16-2008 by L.L. No. 4-2008]
Senior citizens holding any senior citizen identification card will be subject to the following maximum fares:
In addition, any person 65 years of age or older who has a "Senior Span" card issued by the Village shall be entitled to an additional discount of $0.50 off the above rates.
When it is necessary to enter a dead-end street from a zone-line road, the higher zone rate will prevail.
All fares for rides originating and ending within Zone 1, and not crossing into any other zone, will be subject to the Zone 1 rate.
The maximum rates as set forth in Subsections B and C shall be increased by $1 for taxi rides commencing between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m.
The maximum rates as set forth in Subsections B and C above shall apply to the first passenger to be taken to a given destination. The fare charged for each additional passenger in the same party to the same destination shall be $3, except that, in all rides ending or originating in Zone 1 which include a senior citizen, the fare for any additional passenger shall only be $2.
If, within five minutes of the scheduled arrival of a train at the LIRR station in the Village, a passenger requests not to share a taxi with another party, and if the taxi driver reasonably believes that there are sufficient other taxis available to provide service to all passengers at the LIRR station needing taxi transportation, then said passenger shall not be required to share a taxi, provided said passenger pays an additional charge of $7 above the otherwise applicable maximum fare.
In addition to the maximum fares set forth above, an additional charge of up to $9 maximum for each 15 minutes of waiting time is authorized.
No additional charge is authorized for the carriage of luggage or suitcases unless a station wagon or town car is required for the carriage of such baggage, in which event an additional fee of $10 for a station wagon and $10 for a town car is authorized.
The maximum fares set forth above in Subsections B and C, together with the Zone Map, and the availability of the discounted senior citizen rates, shall be made known to all taxicab passengers by posting, in a prominent location in each taxicab having a medallion issued by the Village, a notice stating "Senior Discount-50 Cents, Rate Map Available on Request," in the form attached hereto as Exhibit B,[3] and by having available within the taxicab at all times a sufficient number of copies of the Zone Map for distribution to passengers upon request, in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A,[4] or in such other manner as shall hereinafter be approved by the Board of Trustees.
Editor's Note: Exhibit A and Exhibit B are on file and available for inspection at the Village offices.
The Board of Trustees, in its discretion, shall designate space upon the public highways and streets of the Village as hack stands for the exclusive use of taxicabs licensed by the Village of Great Neck Plaza. Such hack stands shall be marked by a metal sign on a post at the head of the stand, which sign shall also designate the number of such vehicles allowed to park thereon. Parked or commercial vehicles shall not be permitted to park in the space so reserved. It shall be the duty of the Board of Trustees to create as many hack stands as are needed, and it may, by regulation, assign specific licensed taxicabs to specific hack stands.
Until further action by the Board of Trustees, the following areas shall be hack stands to be used for parking areas only for taxis which have been duly licensed by the Village of Great Neck Plaza:
North Station Plaza (also known as "Railroad Avenue"), south side of curbline from a point 52 feet and five inches from the east curbline of Middle Neck Road east for a distance of 175 feet on said south side.
South Station Plaza, north side curbline from a point of 116 feet 10 inches from the curbline of Middle Neck Road each for a distance of 155 feet and eight inches on said north side.
No person shall cause, allow or permit any taxicab to solicit business on the public highways and streets of the Village, except at such places as are designated as hack stands by the Board of Trustees. No person shall cause, allow or permit any taxicab to stand or park on the public highways and streets of the Village for the purpose of soliciting taxicab business, for the purpose of facilitating the solicitation of taxicab business (whether by dispatch or otherwise) or for the purpose of providing taxicab service (whether by dispatch or otherwise), except at such places as are designated as hack stands by the Board of Trustees.
Any owner of a medallion, or driver licensed by the Village, or owners or lessees of abutting property, may apply to the Board of Trustees for the establishment of a hack stand and upon such application shall be permitted a public hearing before the Board of Trustees at which all pertinent evidence shall be introduced. Public convenience and necessity shall determine whether the stand shall be created.
The Board of Trustees or the Taxi Commissioner may promulgate such rules, regulations and orders as are, in its discretion, necessary in regulating the use of hack stands.
Fingerprinting required.
Effective September 1, 2002, at such time as any person submits an initial application for a taxi medallion under § 193-4 of this chapter, there shall be also submitted a set of fingerprints for each person identified in § 193-4C(1) of this chapter.
Effective September 1, 2002, at such time as any person submits an initial application for a taxi driver's license under § 193-10 of this chapter, then such applicant shall also submit a set of fingerprints.
At such other time as the Taxi Commissioner of the Village determines that there is good cause or appropriate circumstances which warrant the submission of a set of fingerprints by any holder of a taxi medallion or taxi driver's license issued by the Village, then the Taxi Commissioner shall be authorized to direct the taking of a set of fingerprints from said persons for review and analysis as set forth below.
The fingerprints referenced in Subsection A above shall be submitted on forms/cards approved or provided by the Division of Criminal Justice Services of the State of New York (DCJS) and shall be promptly transmitted by the Village to DCJS so that DOS can verify the identity of the persons submitting said fingerprints and can obtain all other available information about the prior criminal history of said persons. Fingerprints submitted to DCJS may be retained by DCJS in accordance with the rules and procedures of DCJS.
In addition to the fees required under §§ 193-5 and 193-12 of this chapter, the applicant seeking the initial issuance of a tax medallion or driver's license shall be responsible for paying all fees relating to the taking and analysis of the fingerprints referenced in Subsection A above, including all fees imposed by DCJS.
The Taxi Commissioner of the Village, or such other Village employee specifically designated by him, shall have the responsibility for taking the fingerprints referenced in Subsection A above, for transmitting such fingerprints and the required fees to DCJS, and for reviewing the information provided by DCJS after review and analysis of the submitted fingerprints.
No initial application for a taxi medallion or driver's license pursuant to § 193-4 or 193-10 of this chapter shall be granted by the Village prior to receipt and review of a report from DCJS after analysis of the submitted fingerprints.
An application for issuance of a taxi medallion or driver's license shall not be denied by reason of the applicant's having been previously convicted of one or more criminal offenses, or by reason of a finding of lack of good moral character, unless such denial is authorized under the provisions of Article 23-A of the Correction Law of the State of New York.
The Village shall enter into a written agreement with DCJS for the purpose of implementing this section. If DCJS is unable or unwilling to enter into such an agreement, then the Village may enter into an agreement for these purposes with another appropriate governmental entity, and the references to "DCJS" in this section shall be deemed to refer to such other governmental entity.
[Amended 5-17-1989 by L.L. No. 3-1989]
Any owner of a medallion and any driver licensed by the Village shall be subject to civil and administrative penalties for the reasons listed in Subsection B. Such penalties may consist of any or all of the following:
Suspension of a medallion or a driver's license for a specified period of time.
Revocation of a medallion or driver's license.
Fines in an amount not exceeding $250.
The penalties described above may be imposed, for any or all of the following reasons (referred to hereinafter as "violations"):
Fraud, misrepresentation or false statement contained in the application for the driver's license or medallion.
The violation of any provision of this chapter.
Conviction of any crime or misdemeanor involving:
The use of a vehicle by the applicant within the last three years.
The manufacture, known transportation, possession, sale or habitual use of amphetamines, a narcotic drug, a formulation of an amphetamine or a derivative of a narcotic drug.
The operation of a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, an amphetamine, a narcotic drug, a formulation of an amphetamine or a derivative of a narcotic drug.
A crime against or involving children.
A crime involving the passengers of a taxicab.
Assault, battery or other violent conduct toward persons.
Any other conduct which demonstrates unfitness to own or drive a taxi for hire within the Village.
Conduct demonstrating a history of unsafe and unlawful operation of a motor vehicle, which shall be demonstrated by, among other things, the accumulation of 12 points or more within any twenty-four-month period, where points are ascribed as follows:
§ 193-16F(2)(c)[15]
Driving while intoxicated or under the influence of alcohol or other controlled substance
§ 193-16F(1)
§ 193-16(F)(2)(c)[1]
Speeding, 1 to 10 miles above posted speed limit
§ 193-16F(2)(c)[1]
Speeding, 11 to 20 miles above posted speed limit
§ 193-16F(2)(2)(c)[1]
Speeding, 21 to 30 miles above posted speed limit
Speeding, 31 miles or more above posted speed limit
§ 193-16F(2)(c)[2]
Failing to stop for school bus
§ 193-16F(2)(c)[3]
§ 193-16F(2)(c)[5]
§ 193-16F(2)(c)[6]
§ 193-16F(2)(c)[7]
Traffic signal violation
§ 193-16F(2)(c)[8]
§ 193-16F(2)(c)[9]
Yield sign violation
§ 193-16F(2)(c)[10]
Railroad crossing violation
§ 193-16F(2)(c)[11]
§ 193-16F(2)(c)[12]
§ 193-16F(2)(c)[13]
§ 193-16F(2)(c)[14]
Leaving scene of an accident involving property damage or injury to animal
§ 193-16F(3)
§ 193-16F(2)(a)
Blocking a fire hydrant or fire lane
§ 193-16F(2)(b)
All other moving violations
All other parking violations
Except as set forth in Subsection D below, the above-listed penalties shall be imposed in accordance with the following procedures:
After receipt of a written complaint or after receipt of other information indicating that a violation may have occurred, by a licensed owner or driver, the Taxi Commissioner shall determine whether an enforcement proceeding under this section shall be initiated.
In order to assist him in determining whether or not to commence an enforcement proceeding under this section, and/or in the event that an alleged violation may be subject to informal resolution, the Taxi Commissioner, at his discretion, may schedule an informal conference with an alleged violator prior to the issuance of a formal written notice of violation. Attendance at such an informal conference by an alleged violator shall not be mandatory.
If the Taxi Commissioner determines that an enforcement proceeding under this section should be initiated, then he shall provide the alleged violator with a written notice of violation setting forth the alleged violation as well as the range of penalties which may be imposed if the violation is determined to have occurred. The written notice of violation will also inform the alleged violator: that he or she has the right to a hearing concerning the alleged violation, which hearing must be requested in writing within 15 days; and that, at such hearing, the alleged violator shall have the right to have counsel present, to cross-examine witnesses and to record the proceedings at his or her own expense.
If the alleged violator requests a hearing in writing within 15 days of the written notice of violation, then the Taxi Commissioner shall schedule such a hearing. In cases where the Taxi Commissioner seeks to impose a penalty of only a fine, the hearing may be held before the Taxi Commissioner. In all other cases, the hearing shall be conducted before an impartial hearing officer to be designated by the Village Board of Trustees, other than the Taxi Commissioner.
If the alleged violator fails to request a hearing or affirmatively indicates that he or she does not wish a hearing, then the Taxi Commissioner may, without a hearing, adjudicate the violation and impose a penalty based on the information available to him or may, in his discretion, schedule a hearing either before himself or a hearing officer designated by the Board of Trustees, depending on the penalty sought to be imposed.
After any hearing before a hearing officer designated by the Board of Trustees, the hearing officer shall render a written decision setting forth findings of fact relating to the alleged violation and recommending an appropriate authorized penalty. Such written decision shall be forwarded to the Village Board of Trustees. Based upon such decision of the hearing officer, the Village Board of Trustees (other than the Taxi Commissioner) shall make a determination concerning the alleged violation and shall, if they deem appropriate, impose an authorized penalty for any violation found to have occurred, which need not be the penalty recommended by the hearing officer.
If the facts underlying the alleged violation are also the subject of a pending criminal investigation or proceeding, then the Taxi Commissioner may postpone the holding of any hearing until a reasonable time after final disposition of the criminal investigation or proceeding.
In the event that no hearing is held and a penalty is imposed by the Taxi Commissioner without a hearing, or in the event that a hearing is held before the Taxi Commissioner, the determination of the Taxi Commissioner concerning the violation and the penalty imposed shall be final, subject to judicial review. In the event that a hearing is held before a hearing officer designated by the Board of Trustees who forwards a written decision to the Board, then such action shall not be final for purposes of judicial review until imposition of a penalty by the Board of Trustees.
If the Taxi Commissioner has reasonable cause to believe that the owner of a medallion or the holder of a driver's license has engaged in conduct that, if true, would justify the suspension and/or revocation of the license or medallion, and if he also determines that emergency action is required to protect the public health, safety and welfare, he may order the summary suspension of a medallion or driver's license, pending a hearing. In such event, the driver and/or owner shall be provided with the order of summary suspension by both certified and regular mail or by personal delivery, and the owner and/or driver shall be provided with an expedited notice, hearing and decision with respect to such suspension. In the event of summary suspension, a hearing shall be held within 21 days of the effective date of such suspension, and a decision shall be rendered within 10 days thereafter.
The Taxi Commissioner may require that any complaint made to him relating to a violation shall be in writing; shall contain the name, address and phone number of the complainant; shall set forth the pertinent facts relating to the complaint; and/or shall be sworn and notarized.
Any person or entity not subject to penalties under § 193-16 of this chapter that violates any provision of this chapter shall be liable to a penalty consisting of a fine in an amount not exceeding $250 or to a term of imprisonment not exceeding 15 days, or both, as determined by the Village Court.
The Taxi Commissioner shall have the responsibility of implementing and administering this chapter and, in the performance of his duties, shall have the authority to conduct any necessary and lawful inspections for the enforcement of this chapter and shall have the authority to issue appearance tickets under the applicable provisions of the Criminal Procedure Law. The Board hereby designates the Village's parking enforcement officers as taxi enforcement officers, and the Taxi Commissioner shall also have the authority to designate other employees and officers of the Village as taxi enforcement officers to assist him in enforcing the provisions of this chapter. Such taxi enforcement officers shall perform those duties delegated by the Taxi Commissioner, and shall have the authority to conduct any necessary and lawful inspections required for the enforcement of this chapter, and shall have the authority to issue appearance tickets under the Criminal Procedure Law.
Local Law No. 19 of 1984 and Local Law No. 2 of 1985 are hereby repealed.
No person shall dispatch vehicles from within the Village of Great Neck Plaza for the pickup or delivery of passengers, whether by taxicab, private livery van or limousine, unless the vehicle dispatched by said person, and the driver operating said vehicle, have valid medallions and licenses in effect issued by the Town of North Hempstead or by the Village of Great Neck Plaza.
No person shall in any manner operate or drive within the Village a vehicle for hire for the transport of passengers, whether designed as a taxicab, private livery van, limousine or otherwise, unless said vehicle and the driver operating said vehicle have valid licenses in effect issued by a governmental agency or subdivision.