The following terms are defined for use in this chapter:

1.   “Operator” means any person who owns a taxi, or who owns a taxi operation, but does not include persons hired to drive a taxi unless said person is the owner thereof.

2.   “Street” means any street, alley, court, lane, bridge, or such place within the corporate limits of the City.

3.   “Taxi” means all motor vehicles furnished with a driver and carrying passengers for hire or paid for by a third party over or upon the streets of the City, except authorized bus services.

It is unlawful for any person to operate a taxi until a license has been obtained for each such vehicle from the Council. Applications for licenses shall be made by the operator thereof, and shall contain the name, residence and business address of the operator, and the make, model, serial number, and State license plate number of each vehicle.

The annual license fee for each vehicle is $25.00. The annual license shall run from July 1 to June 31 of each year. In the case of a license issued after January 1 of each year, only one-half of the fee shall be paid. Licenses shall be payable in advance on or before July 1 of each year.

1.   Doors. Every taxi shall be equipped with a minimum of four doors.

2.   Interior Lights. Every taxi shall be equipped with an interior light of sufficient wattage to amply illuminate the interior of the taxi at all times, said light being so arranged as to be easily accessible to the passengers.

3.   Safety Inspections. All taxis proposed for licensing under the provisions of this chapter shall have passed a State motor vehicle safety inspection within 30 days of the date that application is made for the licensing thereof.

As a prerequisite of the issuance of a license for any taxi, as defined in this chapter, the operator thereof shall file with the Clerk an insurance policy to be approved by the Council, issued by an insurance company licensed to do business in the State of Iowa, providing insurance coverage for each and every taxi vehicle operated or leased by said operator, with a minimum liability of $100,000.00 for injury or death of any person, and $300,000.00 for injury or death of any number of persons in any one accident, and a minimum liability of $50,000.00 for property damage in any one accident, regardless of whether the taxi was driven by the owner, the owner’s agent or lessee, or any other person. Said policy is to be valid for a minimum of one year following the presentation of same for approval. The cancellation or termination of any insurance policy issued for compliance with this section shall automatically terminate all licenses issued for the taxi covered by such policy, unless another policy complying with this section shall be provided and in effect at the time of such cancellation or termination.

1.   Every taxi licensed under the provisions of this chapter shall have plainly painted, in letters of at least two inches high, the name of the owner, or the operator, or the operating company, in the center of the main panel of one door on each side of said taxi. As an alternative, the name may be on solid magnetic panels which must be on the doors at all times when the vehicle is being used as a taxi.

2.   Every taxi licensed under the provisions of this chapter may be required to be finished in a distinctive color either in whole or in part, so that it may be readily and easily distinguished from other vehicles as taxis, which color scheme shall at all times meet with the approval and the requirements of the City Council.

3.   Each taxi licensed under the provisions of this chapter shall display in a prominent place, near the windshield of said vehicle, visible from the interior, the license issued hereunder, and the name and chauffeur’s license number of the current driver of said taxi.

Each driver of a taxi licensed under the provisions of this chapter shall have the right to demand payment of the legal fare in advance, and may refuse hire unless so prepaid, but no driver of any such taxi shall otherwise refuse or neglect to convey an orderly person upon request, anywhere in the City, unless previously engaged, or unable to do so.

The driver of a taxi shall not solicit passengers along any street in the City.

The Council may revoke or suspend any license issued under this chapter for the following reasons:

1.   The operator has made fraudulent statements in his or her application, or in the conduct of business.

2.   The operator has substantially violated the requirements of this chapter or State motor vehicle laws.

3.   The operator has conducted business in a manner that substantially endangers the public safety, health, welfare, order, or morals.

The Council must conduct a hearing before revoking or suspending a license. The operator shall be given notice of hearing at least five and not more than 30 days before the date of hearing. The notice shall be in writing and shall be served personally or as required for personal service under the Iowa Rules of Civil Procedure. The notice shall state the time and place of hearing and the reason for the intended revocation or suspension.

The provisions under this chapter shall not apply to Transportation Network Companies or their drivers operating pursuant to, and in compliance with, Chapter 321N of the Code of Iowa, as may be amended from time to time.