Editor's Note: Ordinance 93-23 amended the title of Chapter 9 to include Autocabs.
[Ord. #20-78, § 1; Ord. #86-1, § 1]
No person, partnership or corporation shall as owner, lessee, purchaser or otherwise use for hire, cause or permit to be used for hire any taxicab, or similar vehicle within the City of Ocean City, New Jersey without first having obtained a license for such vehicle from the City Clerk.
[Ord. #20-78, § 2; Ord. #86-1, § 2; Ord. #93-23, § 2]
The City Clerk is hereby authorized to issue such licenses to all persons, partnerships or corporations qualified hereunder who have the vehicles available for service in the City of Ocean City and who comply with the laws of New Jersey and the provisions of this Chapter. The number of taxi licenses issued shall be unlimited. Each licensee shall publish its taxicab service number in the Ocean City telephone directory and provide a special emergency number to the Ocean City Police Department.
[Ord. #20-78, § 3; Ord. #86-1, § 3]
All licenses now or hereafter issued shall be subject to the provisions of this Chapter immediately after the effective date of this Chapter. Any existing license may be renewed, subject to the provisions of the laws of the State of New Jersey and this Chapter upon expiration, provided that a license fee is paid.
[Ord. #20-78, § 4; Ord. #86-1, § 4; Ord. #86-18, § 1; Ord. #93-23, § 2]
Beginning on June 1, 1993, all taxicab licenses shall be issued for a term of one (1) year upon payment of an annual license fee as established in Chapter 30, Schedule B of the Revised General Ordinances.
[Ord. #20-78, § 5; Ord. #86-1, § 5]
The fact that a separate license shall be required for each vehicle shall not prohibit any person, partnership or corporation from holding more than one (1) such license, provided that the total number of licenses to be issued by the City Clerk to such licensee shall not exceed the number of vehicles available for service in the City of Ocean City, by said licensee.
[Ord. #20-78, §§ 6, 7; Ord. #23-80, § 1; Ord. #86-1, § 6; Ord. #86-18, § 2]
All persons to whom licenses may be issued shall be citizens of the United States who shall have attained the age of eighteen (18), and shall be persons of good moral character and reputation. The Ocean City Police Department shall check and determine that licensees shall have a valid New Jersey driver's license at the time of the application. The police department may further conduct background investigation on said licensees.
[Ord. #20-78, § 8; Ord. #86-1, § 7]
It shall be unlawful to transfer any such license.
[Ord. #20-78, § 9; Ord. #86-1, § 8]
Each vehicle licensed shall at all times be covered by public liability insurance including automobile liability insurance in the amount of three hundred thousand ($300,000.00) dollars per occurrence for bodily injury and property damage and further include any other insurances for which the need may later appear, as are now or may hereafter be required by the laws of the State of New Jersey. All such vehicles must meet the safety requirements of the State of New Jersey.
[Ord. #20-78, § 10; Ord. #86-1, § 9]
A licensed card issued by the City Clerk shall be posted in the vehicles licensed within the full view of the occupants, the Chief of Police or other head of the Police Department must approve of the location of the posted license card and he shall, if possible, choose a uniform location for such posted license cards.
[Ord. #20-78, § 11; Ord. #86-1, § 10]
Each license shall be numbered and the number shall appear on the license card. The number so assigned to each vehicle shall be painted on both sides and/or the rear of each vehicle. The lettering and numerals shall be three (3") inches high and of a color to clearly distinguish the same from the background color on which they are painted. The City shall supply two (2) twelve (12") inch diameter decals with the beginning and ending license dates and the licensee shall place same on the right and left front door of each licensed vehicle.
[Ord. #20-78, § 12; Ord. #86-1, § 11]
With respect to taxicabs, each licensed vehicle shall be equipped with a fare meter which shall be in operation in order that the same will correctly register results of operation at all times when the vehicle is being operated to carry any person or persons for hire. Each meter shall be accompanied by a certificate issued by a reputable testing firm approved by the City attesting to its operational accuracy. Said certificate shall be presented to the City Clerk at the time each taxicab license is renewed, and shall remain valid through the period for which the license is issued. Each meter shall be placed in order that fare paying passengers in the rear of the vehicle can see the registration results of operation of this meter which shall register the fare in dollars and cents based upon mileage distance covered for each new trip undertaken with any one (1) or more fare paying passengers
Each licensed taxicab shall have conspicuously posted within it a list of tariffs setting forth the charges per person for transportation between given points and/or hourly rates. Additionally, the driver or operator of such vehicle shall have available sufficient copies of the aforesaid tariff schedule to provide to passengers upon request.
A log showing the time at each trip start and end, and the pickup and destination point shall be maintained by the driver or operator of such vehicle and a copy of same supplied to the City when an application is made for taxicab license renewal.
[Ord. #20-78, §§ 13, 14; Ord. #86-1, § 12]
a. 
Before any such vehicle can be operated the fares or tariffs intended to be charged shall be filed with the City Clerk and any changes in fare or tariff structure shall be filed with the Clerk at least fifteen (15) days prior to the proposed effective date thereof, and the proposed effective date shall be stated in writing at the time such fare change is filed.
b. 
No fares or tariffs shall be charged except those which have become effective by proper filing and as herein required.
[Ord. #20-78, § 15; Ord. #86-1, § 14]
Each fare structure or change therein, proposed to be charged shall contain a complete statement of fares or tariffs and shall contain with respect to taxicabs:
a. 
The first or minimum charge from the beginning of each trip and distance covered thereby;
b. 
Each additional fare charge for each additional mileage distance;
c. 
The specific additional charges, if any, when more than one (1) fare paying passenger rides at the same time, to the same point of destination;
d. 
The specific charges to each passenger when more than one (1) such passenger rides at the same time to different points of destination;
e. 
Any special rates to children based upon ages thereof;
f. 
Any special rates from any point or points within Ocean City to a point or points beyond the limits of Ocean City, which shall be based upon mileage or upon a municipality basis;
g. 
Any special rates in obtaining a passenger or passengers at a point or points beyond Ocean City for transportation to Ocean City, which shall be based upon mileage or upon a municipality to municipality basis and provided that such transportation is not in violation of any law of New Jersey or contrary to the regulations of any other affected municipality;
h. 
Rates for baggage, luggage or other articles to be transported.
[Ord. #20-78, § 15; Ord. #86-1, § 15]
There shall be posted in each licensed vehicle, in a suitable place in view of passengers, a rate card which shall contain the rates applicable to transportation charges within Ocean City. Said rate card shall contain a statement that other rate charges can be obtained from the driver of the vehicle and each driver shall maintain a supply of rate cards which shall contain all rates as filed with the City Clerk. When a driver, office manager or other authorized person quotes rates to any actual or prospective passenger, a rate card shall also be supplied.
[Ord. #20-78, § 16; Ord. #86-1, § 16]
All rates filed, posted, quoted and printed for each licensee shall be the same as filed by said licensee and shall be coordinated with the meter operation where applicable.
[Ord. #20-78, § 18; Ord. #86-1, § 17]
No person shall operate or drive a licensed taxicab or similar vehicle without having first obtained a taxicab driver's license from the City Clerk.
[Ord. #20-78, § 19; Ord. #86-1, § 18; Ord. #93-23, § 2]
The City Clerk is authorized to issue a taxicab driver's license to any person who qualifies in the manner hereafter required and who pays the annual license fee as listed in Chapter 30, Schedule B of the Revised General Ordinances.
[Ord. #20-78, § 20; Ord. #86-1, § 19]
There shall be issued to each licensee a license card which shall contain a photograph of the licensed driver, license number, place of residence and any other information as may be required. Such card shall be posted in the same manner and subject to the same requirements as pertain to the license covering the vehicle as hereinbefore provided, and said license must be in the particular vehicle being operated by said licensed driver.
[Ord. #20-78, § 21; Ord. #86-1, § 20]
No licensed taxicab, or similar vehicle shall be operated by any person other than a driver as licensed herein and this requirement shall apply to all persons including holders of licenses covering a licensed vehicle or vehicles.
[Ord. #20-78, § 22; Ord. #86-1, § 21; Ord. #00-15, § 1]
Any person to be licensed as a driver shall be a citizen of the United States and shall have attained eighteen (18) years of age. Such person shall be of good moral character and reputation and shall be a licensed operator of a motor vehicle under the laws of New Jersey. Any such person shall be physically able to operate a licensed vehicle. Before the City Clerk issues any such license, each applicant shall file with the City Clerk a certificate issued by a physician licensed to practice medicine and who shall cover such subjects in the examination as may from time to time be prescribed by the Chief of Police. A new physical examination certificate shall be filed at the time of each license renewal, or may be required at any time within the reasonable discretion of the Chief of Police. Drivers' licenses to operate a taxicab may be issued at any time during the calendar year, but all such licenses shall expire on May 31.
[Ord. #20-78, § 23; Ord. #86-1, § 22]
All applications for licenses required by this Chapter shall be in writing on forms provided by the City Clerk. All fees required must be paid at the time the application is filed. All information required by said application form shall be supplied and any false information shall constitute a violation of this Chapter. Applicants for drivers' licenses shall supply the Clerk three (3) photographs size three inches by five inches (3" x 5") and shall be fingerprinted by the Police Department. One (1) photographic print shall be pasted on the application and one (1) shall be pasted on the license. The fingerprints and one (1) copy of the photograph shall be filed with the Police Department. Upon issuance, said license shall be prominently displayed at all times while the licensee is operating the taxicab.
Upon request the licensee may give out the phone number of the taxicab service; no phone number other than that of the taxicab service shall be given to customers by the licensee.
[Ord. #20-78, § 24; Ord. #86-1, § 23]
The holder of a license covering a licensed vehicle and the licensed driver thereof shall be responsible for any violation hereof and of the laws of the State of New Jersey. Every licensed driver is the agent, servant and employee of the holder of the license of the vehicle being operated by said licensed driver.
[Ord. #20-78, § 25; Ord. #86-1, § 24; Ord. #86-18, § 3]
Every holder of a vehicle license shall have a minimum of one (1) vehicle operated or ready for operation within the City limits at the call of any public passenger during the summer period from May 15 to October 15, seven (7) days each week and for twenty (20) hours each day during the hours of 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. Every holder of a vehicle license shall have a minimum of one (1) vehicle operated or ready for operation within the City limits at the call of any public passenger during the off season from October 16 to May 14 of the year following, seven (7) days each week, during the hours of 7:00 a.m. and ending at 11:00 p.m.
[Ord. #20-78, §§ 26, 27; Ord. #86-1, §§ 25, 26; Ord. #86-18, § 4]
a. 
Any vehicle under this Chapter licensed shall not be used contrary to the laws of the State of New Jersey and/or the ordinance of the city of Ocean City. Such vehicles are subject to such parking regulations, station requirements and other provisions and regulations which may from time to time be imposed. The applicant for vehicle licenses shall conduct the taxicab service from a fixed base station equipped with an operation telephone, with a twenty (20) hour dispatch capability during the summer months and a sixteen (16) hour dispatch capability during the off season. Additionally, the applicant shall:
1. 
Establish a minimum of one (1) posted taxicab stand, which shall be appropriately marked by the Police Department subject to passage of an amendment to the City Traffic Ordinance;
2. 
Install a light on the roof of each licensed taxicab which shall be lit when the taxicab is vacant and available for service;
3. 
Paint the phone number of the base station on the back and/or sides of the taxicab;
4. 
Keep the taxicab in good running order so that it makes a presentable appearance and affords comfortable and safe rides to passengers and remains free from mechanical defects or other defects which would affect the safety of the passengers;
5. 
Paint and maintain all licensed taxicabs with an identical color scheme to facilitate its identification as a licensed taxicab;
6. 
Have each taxicab presented to the Traffic Safety Unit of the Police Department for inspection prior to the issuance or renewal of the taxicab owner's license;
7. 
Agree to submit each licensed taxicab vehicle for subsequent inspections upon request by the Traffic Safety Unit of the Police Department to determine whether it complies with the provisions of this Chapter and is kept interiorly clean.
b. 
A licensed vehicle shall not be used directly or indirectly to participate or assist in the violation of any law or ordinance of the City of Ocean City, including the transportation of any person in the act, or as an accessory before or after the fact, of the commission of any crime or unlawful act; without limitation, but by explanation only, including the transportation of any number of horse racing slips, memorandum bets, gambling transaction data or gambling paraphernalia, equipment or devices; also including the transportation and delivery by the licensed driver, or any agent, servant or employee of said driver or of the licensee of the vehicle, of any intoxicating malt, vinous or alcoholic beverages within the City of Ocean City, New Jersey.
[Ord. #20-78, § 28; Ord. #86-1, § 27; Ord. #93-23, § 2]
As used in this Article, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
DRIVER
Shall mean any person who drives a taxicab with-in this City.
TAXICAB
Shall mean any automobile or motorcar, commonly called "taxi", or "cab", engaged in the business of carrying passengers for hire, which is held out, announced or advertised to operate or run or which is operated or run over any of the streets within the City and which accepts passengers for transportation from points or places to points or places within or without the City, provided that nothing herein contained shall include auto-buses or buses on designated routes, public deliveries or jitneys, or such public conveyances as are by law exclusively subject to State and/or Federal regulation.
[Ord. #86-1, § 28]
Any person, firm or corporation who shall violate any pro-vision hereof shall, upon conviction in a Court of appropriate jurisdiction, be subject to a fine not exceeding five hundred ($500.00) dollars. Any person who shall violate any provision hereof shall, upon conviction in a Court of appropriate jurisdiction, and in the discretion of the sentencing official, be subject to a term of imprisonment not to exceed sixty (60) days, which sentence may be imposed in lieu of or in addition to any fine contained herein.
[Ord. #93-23, § 3]
As used in this Article the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
AUTOCABS
Shall mean and include any automobile or motor car with a carrying capacity of not more than nine (9) passengers, not including the driver, used in the business of carrying passengers for hire which is held out, announced or advertised to operate or run or which is operated or run over any of the streets or public highways of this State and which is hired by charter or for a particular contract or by the day or hour of other fixed period or to transport passengers to a specified place or places or which charges a fare or price agreed upon in advance between the operator and the passenger. Nothing in this definition shall be construed to include taxicabs, or any form of public transportation operations regulated by the State of New Jersey or an authorized agency thereof.
LIMOUSINE OR LIVERY SERVICE
Shall mean and include the business of carrying passengers for hire by autocabs.
[Ord. #93-23, § 3]
No person, partnership or corporation shall hire out, keep or use for hire or pay, any autocab within the City without first having obtained a license for such vehicle from the City Clerk.
An autocab license shall entitle the owner and/or driver to operate anywhere within this City by a driver duly licensed hereunder, until such license either expires or is surrendered, suspended or revoked and shall not be transferable. There shall be no limit to the number of autocab licenses is-sued.
[Ord. #93-23, § 3]
Beginning on June 1, 1993 all autocab licenses shall be is-sued for a term of one (1) year upon payment of an annual license fee as listed in Chapter 30, Schedule B of the Revised General Ordinances.
[Ord. #93-23, § 3]
Each autocab licensed in the City shall file with the City Clerk an insurance policy in the sum of fifty thousand ($50,000.00) dollars against loss by reason of liability for damages of bodily injury or death as the result of an accident by reason of ownership, maintenance, or use of limousine or livery service as required by the laws of the State of New Jersey.
[Ord. #93-23, § 3]
An autocab license shall not be issued until the applicant shall deliver to the City Clerk, concurrently with the filing of the application and insurance policy referred to herein a power of attorney executed by the applicant wherein and whereby the applicant shall appoint the Chief Fiscal Officer of the municipality his/her true and lawful attorney for the purpose of acknowledging service of any court.
[Ord. #93-23, § 3]
The City Clerk shall issue a certificate in duplicate showing that the owner has complied with the provisions of N.J.S.A. 48:16-14 and 48:16-16.
The certificate shall include the name of the insurance company; the number and date of expiration of the policy; a description of the limousine and the registration number of same. The duplicate certificate must be filed with the Division of Motor Vehicles. The original certificate must be posted conspicuously within the autocab.