It is the purpose and intent of this chapter to control and regulate the activities of taxicabs, limousines and any other vehicles for hire in the Town of Babylon. History has shown that there is a need for investigation and review of the past conduct of applicants in the interest of promoting public safety and morals, child welfare, economic well-being and highway safety and usage. This chapter is intended to protect the peace and security of our citizens in their homes and neighborhoods; to safeguard consumers against fraud and inferior services; and to prevent congestion and unsafe conditions on the streets and highways of the Town. It has been made with reasonable consideration of the character of our community and with a view to preserving that character, among other considerations.
A. 
Word usage. Words used in the singular in this chapter shall include the plural and vice versa. The word "shall" is always mandatory.
B. 
Definitions. The following definitions shall govern the interpretation of this chapter unless otherwise expressly defined herein:
BUSINESS
Includes any single act of transporting a passenger or passengers in a motor vehicle for hire or for compensation of any kind upon the public streets, roads and highways within the Town of Babylon.
LICENSE
Due authorization in writing, as provided herein, which permits a person to engage in the business of transportation for hire or to employ others for said purposes.
LIMOUSINE
Includes any motor vehicle engaged in transportation for hire in connection with funerals, weddings, proms and other events or functions of a similar nature or in connection with general transportation for hire when, at the prior request of the passenger(s), an unmarked livery is used and pickup is made by prior arrangement, whether hired by the hour, by the day or for a fixed fare, and/or so licensed by the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles.
OPERATOR
Includes a natural person who is entitled to obtain in his or her own name proper New York State licensing for the operation of a motor vehicle for the purpose of transportation for hire.
OWNER
Includes a person, as defined herein, who is a business owner, principal, director and/or officer of a business, a purchaser under a reserve title contract, conditional sales contract or vendor's lien agreement and a lessee who is entitled to obtain in his or her own name proper New York State registration of the vehicles engaged in the business of transportation for hire, and/or a person owning or controlling one or more taxicabs or limousines and operating/driving or causing to be operated/driven any such vehicle for hire.
PASSENGER
Includes any person other than the operator/driver who is an occupant of a taxicab or limousine upon the public streets, roads and highways within the Town of Babylon.
PERMIT
Due authorization in writing, as provided herein, which permits a natural person to operate a motor vehicle engaged in transportation for hire.
PERSON
Includes natural persons, corporations, partnerships, unincorporated associations or any other organizations of two or more persons.
TAXICAB
Includes any motor vehicle engaged in the business of transportation for hire, other than a limousine.
TOWN
Includes all areas within the Town of Babylon exclusive of areas wholly within any incorporated village.
TRANSPORTATION FOR HIRE
Includes the transporting of a passenger or passengers in a motor vehicle, for hire or for compensation of any kind, upon the public streets, roads and highways within the unincorporated areas of the Town of Babylon.
TRIP RECORD
A "trip record" is a document also known as a "trip sheet," carried by a taxicab driver, setting forth the origin and destination of each trip as well as other information required by the Commission.
VEHICLE FOR HIRE
Includes any motor vehicle used in the transporting of a passenger or passengers, for hire or for compensation of any kind, upon the public streets, roads and highways within the unincorporated areas of the Town of Babylon.
WEAPON
A weapon is any firearm (as defined in the New York State Penal Law) for which a license has not been issued as provided in New York, electronic dartgun, gravity knife, switchblade knife, cane sword, billy, blackjack, bludgeon, metal knuckles, chukka stick, sandstick, slingshot, pilum ballistic knife, sand bag, sand club, wrist brace-type slingshot, shirken, kung fu star, dagger, dangerous knife, dirk, razor, stiletto, imitation pistol or any other instrument or thing, whether real or simulated, and capable of inflicting or threatening bodily harm, including but not limited to any other weapons, the possession of which is prohibited pursuant to the New York State Penal Law.
The provisions of this chapter shall not apply to vehicles solely owned and operated for the activities set forth herein:
A. 
Private vehicles not engaged in the business of transportation for hire.
B. 
Business vehicles engaged in a business other than transportation for hire, wherein said vehicles are used solely for transportation of clients of said business, whether for a fee or not, and are not made available for hire by persons other than clients of the principal business.
C. 
Hotel vehicles engaged in the transportation of hotel guests only.
D. 
Club vehicles engaged in the transportation of club members only.
E. 
Public or private school vehicles engaged in the transportation of school pupils only.
F. 
Buses as defined by New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law.
G. 
Vehicles for hire engaged in transportation from a point without the Town, through the Town, to a point beyond the Town.
[Amended 3-27-2001 by L.L. No. 4-2001]
H. 
Vehicles for hire engaged in transportation upon a defined route under a franchise therefor from the Town of Babylon.
I. 
Vehicles for hire engaged in transportation for funeral purposes.