§ 5.80.010. Definitions.

5.80.010 Definitions.

Unless otherwise expressly stated, the following terms are, for the purpose of this chapter, defined as follows:

"Driver" means every individual who operates any taxicab or vehicle for hire as an employee of a business owner, independently owns the taxicab or vehicle for hire and operates under the auspices of such owner, or has independently contracted with such owner to operate the taxicab or vehicle for hire pursuant to a lease, license, or any other form of agreement.

"Motor vehicle" means every motor vehicle used for public hire propelled by mechanically produced power and intended for use on public streets and highways, except streetcars, trains, and motor busses.

"Owner" means every person, firm or corporation having use or control of any passenger-carrying automobile or motor-propelled vehicle, as defined in this section, whether as owner, lessee, or otherwise.

"Revocation" as used in this chapter means termination of the privileges conferred under a permit or certificate issued under this chapter, and relinquishment of a permit or certificate by the holder of said permit or certificate to the city clerk. One year after a permit or certificate is revoked, an applicant may apply for another permit or certificate as set out in section 5.80.260(E).

"Suspension" as used in this chapter means the temporary suspension of a permit or certificate for a specified period of time. Said suspension is to be imposed, and period of time set, at the discretion of the chief of police.

"Taxicab" means a motor-propelled passenger-carrying vehicle that is operated at a fixed area rate, or upon a waiting time basis, or both, and which motor-propelled vehicle is used for the transportation of passengers for hire over and along the public street, but not over a defined route, irrespective of whether the operations extend beyond the limits of the city, and in accordance with and under the direction of the person hiring such vehicle.

"Taximeter" means any mechanical or electronic instrument, appliance, device or machine by which the charge for hire of a motor vehicle is mechanically calculated, either for distance traveled or time consumed, or both, and upon which instrument, appliance, device or machine such charge is indicated by figures.

"Violation" means a breach or infringement of any California Vehicle Code statute, and/or any breach or infringement of a provision of this code that relates to taxicabs of handicapped persons as regulated by Ordinance 4125-N.S., hearses, ambulances, interurban trains, motor or trolley busses are not included within this definition."

(Ord. 1008 § 1 (part), 2003)

(Ord. No. 1091, § 1, 6-2-09)