Rhode Island Code of Regulations › Title 815 - Division of Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 50 - Common Carriers › Subchapter 10 - Motor Carriers of Passengers › Part 3 - Rules and Regulations for Licensing Operators Transporting Passengers in Taxicabs, Limited Public Motor Vehicles and Public Motor Vehicles (815-RICR-50-10-3) › Section 815-RICR-50-10-3.6 - Conduct of Taxicab Drivers

Current through June 14, 2024
A. All drivers
				  issued a hackney operator's permit must conduct themselves in a courteous and
				  professional manner at all times while on-duty.
B. All taxicab drivers issued a hackney
				  operator's license must conduct themselves in accordance with all rules and
				  regulations promulgated by the Division regarding the regulated activities of
				  transporting passengers. Said rules include the instant rules as well as Part 2
				  of this Subchapter "Rules and Regulations Governing the Transportation of
				  Passengers Via Taxicabs and Limited Public Motor Vehicles ("taxicab rules") -
				  Specifically, the following provisions of §
										2.8   of this Subchapter:
1. Each driver shall place, in a
				  Division-approved receptacle and location, his/her Division-issued hackney
				  license.
2. No person shall drive
				  or be in physical control of any cab, for the purpose of carrying passengers,
				  for a period in excess of 12 hours in any 24-hour period, unless the driving
				  time is broken by a period of eight full hours of rest. No certificate holder
				  or his or her agent shall knowingly permit any cab to be driven in violation of
				  this paragraph.
3. No cab shall be
				  driven when it is so loaded or when there is in the front seat such number of
				  persons as to obstruct the view of the driver to the front or sides, or to
				  interfere with his control over the cab. No cab shall carry more adult
				  passengers than the manufacturer's designed capacity of the vehicle.
4. Nothing shall be transported in any cab
				  that will cause the interior of such cab to become soiled or offensive to
				  passengers because of odor or appearance.
5. Any individual who drives a cab, including
				  a certificate holder, must report any criminal conviction or adjudicated
				  traffic violation to the Division within five (5) business days of the
				  conviction or adjudication. If a Division investigation reveals that the
				  criminal conviction or adjudicated traffic violation is of such a nature that
				  continued operation of a taxicab by said individual could constitute a danger
				  to the public, the Division will conduct a hearing, after notice and allowing a
				  full opportunity to be heard, to determine whether the individual's Hackney
				  Operator's License should be revoked, suspended or otherwise limited. Failure
				  to follow this rule will be sufficient grounds for revoking the certificate
				  holder's certificate or the drier's operating permit.
6. Smoking by drivers or passengers shall not
				  be allowed in cabs at any time.
7.
				  Cab drivers shall not refuse a fare unless the driver fears for his/her
				  personal safety. All passengers shall utilize safety restraints and provide and
				  use child restraints when required by law. A cab driver must refuse a fare or
				  terminate service if a passenger refuses to utilize safety restraints or to
				  provide and use child restraints when required by law.
8. All cab drivers shall be dressed in a
				  neat, clean and professional manner. Examples of clothing which may not be
				  considered professional include sweat pants, collarless shirts with logos and
				  cutoff jean shorts.
9.
				  Solicitation and acceptance of a passenger must occur within the location named
				  in the certificate. The vehicle's driver may, however, provide transportation
				  from a location not shown in the certificate only if he or she is solicited on
				  a roadway while discharging a passenger and may then only provide
				  transportation to a territory named in the certificate. This section shall not
				  prohibit a pre-requested round-trip as allowed and provided for in Part 2 of
				  this Subchapter "Rules and Regulations Governing the Transportation of
				  Passengers Via Taxicabs and Limited Public Motor Vehicles ("taxicab rules").
10. An "On-Duty"/"Off-Duty" card
				  shall be displayed in every taxicab to allow potential passengers to determine
				  whether the taxicab is available for hire.