Source: http://regulations.delaware.gov/register/october2018/proposed/22%20DE%20Reg%20288%2010-01-18.htm
Timestamp: 2019-01-20 01:18:54
Document Index: 648620764

Matched Legal Cases: ['§1922', '§302', '§302', '§1922', '§1921', '§1921', '§10001', '§10001', '§2144']

Statutory Authority: 2 Delaware Code, Section 1922 and 21 Delaware Code, Section 302 (2 Del.C. §1922 & 21 Del.C. §302)
2 DE Admin. Code 2289
The authority to promulgate this regulation is 21 Del.C. §302 and 2 Del.C. §1922.
"Division" means the Delaware Transit Corporation and the Office of Public Carrier.
"Division of Motor Vehicles” or "DMV" means the vehicle inspection agency of the state in which a TNC vehicle is registered and tagged.
"Special event" means an occurrence that limits travel in the State of Delaware or limits transportation options with the State of Delaware to the public for a temporary or extended period of time. Special events include:
Declarations of Emergency declared by the Governor of the State of Delaware which limits travel over the roadways;
Suspension of rail services by rail providers due to weather conditions; mechanical breakdowns; derailments or other conditions that cause a suspension of rail service on the State of Delaware; and
Road closures caused by infrastructure failure, parades or other events.
4.1.13	Comply with all applicable laws relating to accommodation of service animals. A TNC driver must accept, without extra charge, riders with service animals. A TNC driver can determine if the animal is a pet or service animal by asking the passenger what service(s) the animal has been certified to perform. No passenger shall be asked to explain or describe their disability. Service animals shall ride in the passenger compartment of a vehicle. It shall be a violation of this section for a TNC driver to place a service animal in any part of a vehicle other than the passenger compartment. A TNC driver may refuse to transport a service vehicle when the service animal is being aggressive or otherwise acting in a manner that represents a hazard to the TNC driver or other passengers.
4.1.15	Submit to the Division at the time of application and each year thereafter, an initial permit fee of $5,000. Each year thereafter, the TNC must submit the following:
4.1.16	Provide all TNC drivers with State and Federal accessibility compliance requirement information for passengers with disabilities including, but not limited to, accommodating a passenger with a disability.
4.1.17	Identify on its digital network the contact information of all TNC drivers equipped to provide disability accessible rides and area(s) of the State of Delaware the services are provided.
4.1.18	Advise all TNC drivers that they are forbidden to charge an additional fee for transporting a rider with a disability.
4.1.19	Not discriminate against any potential or existing employee, driver or passenger on any basis prohibited by Federal, State or city nondiscrimination laws.
5.6	A TNC must implement a zero tolerance policy regarding a TNC driver's activities while accessing the TNC's digital network and/or and providing TNC services.
5.12	No TNC driver shall permit the transportation of food that may interfere with the safety or reasonable comfort of riders. No TNC driver or passenger shall consume food in any personal vehicle to such an extent it interferes with the safety or reasonable comfort of riders.
5.13	Children shall be transported using age, weight and height appropriate, federally approved car seats.
6.8.1	The TNC and/or a and TNC driver must provide proof of insurance information to the other party involved in the accident.
7.0	Vehicle Safety and Inspection
7.1	Vehicles under 10,000 pounds Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) that exceed more than 4 model years of age or have over 15,000 miles, whichever comes first, shall be inspected at a DMV location on an annual basis. The TNC will advise all TNC drivers of this obligation.
7.2	In addition to a DMV inspection, the Division or its representative may enter a TNC vehicle for the purpose of inspecting the vehicle, vehicle equipment, or records of the carrier. The TNC shall advise all TNC drivers of the Division’s ability to perform a safety inspection of their vehicle and the TNC driver's obligation to comply with the Division's request and performance of a safety inspection.
7.2.1	No more than once every 30 days, the Division may select for random inspection vehicles from the list provided under Section 9.0 or a TNC vehicle observed providing TNC services. When the Division selects vehicles from the list of TNC vehicles presented by the TNC, the Division shall notify the TNC that the TNC drivers associated with those vehicles must submit their TNC vehicle for an inspection conducted by the Division at a location determined by the Division.
7.2.2	A TNC vehicle shall not be subject to the inspection process under this subsection if it has passed an inspection by a DMV within the preceding 180-day period, except when the Division's inspection request is based upon a customer complaint.
7.2.3	The Division, at its discretion, may direct the TNC and TNC driver to have the vehicle inspected by a DMV if the Division has concerns about the safety of the vehicle's mechanical systems or when the Division receives a complaint from a TNC passenger alleging safety concerns with regard to the vehicle's operation. If the Division requires the inspection to occur at a DMV, then the TNC vehicle shall not be used to provide TNC services until the vehicle passes a DMV inspection. The TNC driver shall provide a copy of the inspection report to the Division and the TNC.
7.2.4	The Division, in addition to any DMV inspection, may inspect the TNC vehicle to ensure the following operation requirements are met by the vehicle:
7.2.4.1	All lights are clean and in working order and properly aimed. This includes stoplights, turn signals, license plate lights, parking lights and headlights.
7.2.4.2	All windows have no holes, breaks or cracks and operate as intended.
7.2.4.3	Mirrors are clean and unbroken.
7.2.4.4	Wipers are fully operable and the rubber blades are in good condition.
7.2.4.5	Hood and trunk latches hold the hood and trunk fully closed.
7.2.4.6	Tires do not show bulges, visible tire fabric, bald areas or cuts. Tread depth must be at least 2/32 inch measured in two adjacent treads or indicated by the tire's wear bar indicators.
7.2.4.7	All interior and exterior door handles are present and in good working condition.
7.2.4.8	There is no damaged or dislocated parts projecting from the vehicle that could present a safety hazard.
7.2.4.9	Horn is in operating condition.
7.2.4.10	Muffler effectively reduces engine sound and there are no obvious leaks in the exhaust system.
7.2.4.11	There are no visible fuel, antifreeze, or other fluid leaks.
7.2.4.12	No tinting or sunscreen devices have been applied to the front windshield or to the front side windows.
7.2.4.13	Hood mounted air scoops do not exceed 3 inches in height.
7.2.4.14	There are no dents larger than 12 inches.
7.2.4.15	There are no loose body bumpers.
7.2.4.16	There is no vandalism or spray graffiti on the exterior of the vehicle.
7.2.4.17	The vehicle interior is clean.
7.2.4.18	All seat belts work as intended.
7.2.4.19	There are no tears in the upholstery that exceed 3 inches.
7.2.4.20	There are four working doors.
7.2.4.21	All interior door locks are functional
7.2.4.22	Air conditioning and heating system are operational.
7.2.5	If the Division determines that a TNC vehicle does not satisfy the inspection requirements of subsection 7.2.4, then the Division may prohibit the vehicle from further TNC service in the State and direct the TNC to disqualify the vehicle from being used to provide TNC service until the TNC vehicle owner has satisfied the Division that any and all vehicle deficiencies identified by the Division have been corrected. The authority shall provide a clear explanation to the driver of the components that caused the vehicle to fail the inspection and an opportunity for a re-inspection within a reasonable period of time.
7.2.6	Any TNC driver performing TNC services prior to correcting any inspection deficiencies identified by the Division, or prior to having the TNC vehicle inspected by a DMV as directed by the Division, shall be subject to a fine or a temporary or permanent suspension from the TNC's driver list or both in accordance with 2 Del.C. §1921.
7.2.7	A TNC driver who fails to undergo a vehicle inspection within the time period set by the Division or DMV shall be prohibited from operating as a TNC driver in the State until they have completed the vehicle inspection of the TNC vehicle at issue.
7.08.0	Additional Requirements
7.18.1	A TNC driver shall not solicit riders or service through a street hail or pick up, nor shall a TNC driver discharge a rider at a designated taxicab stand, no stopping or standing zone, or other area where a personal vehicle may not enter.
7.28.2	No TNC driver shall operate a personal vehicle within the State of Delaware, without first complying with all applicable business licensing requirements as determined by the Delaware Division of Revenue, Revenue.
7.38.3	No TNC driver shall operate a vehicle that has not been approved for TNC services or is unaffiliated with a TNC while on the TNC's digital network.
7.48.4	Payment and solicitation for TNC services shall only be made electronically via the TNC digital network. Cash payment shall not be accepted by the TNC driver.
7.58.5	Smoking is not permitted in a personal vehicle while providing TNC services.
7.68.6	The rider area of a TNC vehicle shall be clean, sanitary, and free of debris at all times.
8.7	It shall be unlawful for any TNC driver to transport more passengers on a given ride in a vehicle than the number of manufacturer installed seat belts in the vehicle.
8.8	A TNC driver may not park on any public right of way for the purpose of picking up passengers for a time longer than is reasonably necessary to pick up passengers.
8.9	A TNC driver must immediately notify the TNC of being charged or convicted with any offense listed under Section 5.0 (relating to TNC drivers) which may disqualify the TNC driver from being eligible to provide TNC service.
8.10	The Permitting of a TNC shall not include authorization to pick up passengers at a train station owned by AMTRAK or operated by the Division or both.
8.11	A TNC and TNC driver may not charge more than twice its regular base rate for providing TNC service during special events or during a state of emergency declared by the Governor of Delaware. It shall be a violation for a TNC and TNC driver to charge a price that exceeds the limits of this section during a state of emergency declared by the Governor of Delaware. The Division may fine the TNC or TNC driver in accordance with 2 Del.C. §1921.
8.09.0	Audit and Compliance
8.19.1	To maintain sufficient recordation of TNC operations in Delaware, the Division shall:
8.1.19.1.1	Maintain a file which includes, at a minimum:
8.1.1.19.1.1.1	A copy of the TNC's business license filed with the Delaware Division of Revenue if the TNC is required to obtain a business license.
8.1.1.29.1.1.2	A copy of the TNC's Certificate of Insurance for the policy required to be maintained under this regulation which identifies the Office of Public Carrier Regulation as a Certificate Holder.
8.1.1.39.1.1.3	A copy of the attestation provided by the TNC in accordance with Section 4.0.
8.29.2	To ensure a TNC's compliance with this regulation, the Division or its employees or duly authorized agents:
8.2.19.2.1	In response to a specific complaint or accident, may inspect those records held by the TNC whose review is specifically necessary for the investigation and resolution of the complaint or accident. Nothing provided in this Section shall be construed to prohibit the Division from investigating any complaint against a TNC driver or taking appropriate enforcement action in accordance with this Regulation.
8.2.29.2.2	No more than quarterly, request that On a biannual basis the TNC shall transmit to the Division records and information that the TNC is required to maintain in accordance with this regulation for up to fifty (50) TNC drivers; provided that, the TNC shall undertake best efforts not to share records and information about the same TNC driver during consecutive reporting periods. the names and driver license identification numbers of all approved TNC drivers. From that list, the Division may request the records of up to (50) drivers for audit. Audits shall be conducted no more than on a quarterly basis.
8.2.2.19.2.2.1	Within ten (10) business days of receiving a request to provide TNC driver records and information, the TNC shall transmit the records to the Division via a secure delivery method, which may include use of encryption security. If, after this initial review, the Division has a reasonable basis to conclude that the TNC is not in compliance with this regulation, the Division may, upon reasonable notice, conduct a supplemental audit of records and information for an additional selection of TNC drivers at a mutually agreed location.
8.39.3	Any records or information that the TNC discloses to the Division pursuant to this regulation are deemed to be confidential and proprietary, regardless of whether the records or information are marked as such, and shall not be disclosed by the Division to a third party or another governmental entity without the TNC's express written permission, unless required to be disclosed by applicable law or court order.
8.3.19.3.1	In the event that a third party submits a request to the Division for a TNC's confidential information under the Delaware Freedom of Information Act, 29 Del.C. §10001, et seq. or any other law or a lawsuit is filed seeking the disclosure of the TNC's confidential information, the Division shall: (i) assert applicable exemptions to the request as set forth in the Delaware Freedom of Information Act, 29 Del.C. §10001, et seq., or other applicable law; and (ii) promptly notify the TNC that it has received a request and inform the TNC of whether it will release the requested record(s) so that the TNC has an opportunity to prevent disclosure.
8.49.4	The Division shall destroy or return to the TNC any records it receives from the TNC pursuant to subsection 9.2.2 within one hundred and eighty (180) days of receiving such records unless required by law to retain the records for a longer period or the record relates to a TNC driver who the Division has a reasonable basis to believe is not properly authorized to operate in Delaware. The TNC shall advise the Division, in writing, if the records referenced in this provision shall be destroyed or returned to the TNC. If the records are to be returned, the TNC is responsible for providing the Division with the information necessary to successfully return the records.
8.59.5	The Division shall review the status of the TNC to ensure the TNC remains in good standing with the Delaware Division of Corporations.
8.69.6	A TNC shall keep and make available to the Division, when required, records in accordance with this regulation for a period of at least four years.
8.79.7	Per 21 Del.C. §2144, at any time and notwithstanding the possession of current registration plates, as provided by this title, the Secretary, or any authorized agent of the Department or any police officer may, upon reasonable cause, require the owner or operator of a vehicle to stop and submit such vehicle and the equipment to such further inspection and test with reference thereto as may be appropriate. In the event such vehicle is found to be in an unsafe condition or lacking the required equipment or is not in proper repair and adjustment, the officer shall give a written notice to the driver and shall send a copy thereof to the Department. The notice shall require that such vehicle and its equipment be placed in safe condition and in proper repair and adjustment and/or or that proper equipment be obtained, and that a certificate of inspection and approval for such vehicle be obtained within 5 days thereafter.
8.89.8	Within sixty (60) days of notification of audit results, the TNC may file with the Division a petition for redetermination of such assessments. Petitions for redetermination shall not be considered after sixty (60) days. Every petition for redetermination shall state specifically the reason(s) which the petitioner believes entitles the petitioner to such determination. It shall be the duty of the Director, within ninety (90) days after the receipt of the petition, to provide in writing to the petitioner, a determination affirming the original audit results or any changes that resulted from the petitioner's request for redetermination.
9.010.0	Fines and Permit Revocation
10.1	The Division may impose a fine or revoke a permit consistent with Delaware law, after providing to the TNC thirty (30) days' notice and the opportunity for a hearing, if a TNC fails to comply with the requirements of this regulation. Revocation of a permit would terminate a TNC's ability to operate its digital network within the State of Delaware.
10.2	If an audit conducted under Section 9.0 reveals that the TNC authorized a person to operate as a TNC driver when the background check or driving history reviewed in accordance with Section 4.0 revealed that they were ineligible to be a TNC driver, the Division may:
10.2.1	Impose a penalty against the TNC in an amount not greater than $250 for each ineligible driver;
10.2.2	Require the TNC to immediately remove an ineligible driver from TNC service;
10.2.3	Alert other known TNCs of the ineligibility of the ineligible driver in order to protect the public good; and
10.2.4	Direct the TNC to submit a follow-up report detailing its efforts to ensure compliance with this Section.
10.3	In the event that a material audit discrepancy is identified, multiple audit discrepancies are identified, or the Division makes a reasonable determination that a TNC has failed to reasonably cooperate in the driver information audit process, the Division may direct a TNC to participate in remedial audits. A remedial audit shall proceed as provided in Section 9.0. For purposes of the remedial audit, the Division may designate up to 10% of the drivers identified in the list disclosed pursuant to Section 9.0. The Division may direct one remedial audit at any time each month for a four-month period following the discovery of the violation.
10.011.0	Severability
22 DE Reg. 288 (10/01/18) (Prop.)