§ 30.31. Vehicle equipment requirements.
Vehicles operated in citywide call or demand service in cities of the first class shall comply with the following requirements:
(1) Other than a vehicle which the Commission specifically authorizes in writing to operate in call or demand service as an antique vehicle, a vehicle may not be operated in call or demand service in cities of the first class after June 30 of the year following the calendar year which is 6 years from the vehicle model calendar year, counting the vehicle model calendar year as the first of the 6 years. For example, the last day on which a 1986 model year vehicle may be operated in citywide call or demand service in a city of the first class is June 30, 1992.
(2) A vehicle shall satisfy the applicable Department of Transportation equipment inspection standards stated in 67 Pa. Code Chapter 175 (relating to vehicle equipment and inspection) when the vehicle is being operated.
(3) A vehicle shall have door hinges, door latches and doors in working order, and doors shall operate easily and close securely.
(4) A vehicle shall be equipped with an operable two-way radio connected to a centralized dispatch radio system.
(5) Exterior and interior advertising displayed on a vehicle shall be securely fastened and may not obscure the driver’s view in any direction.
(6) A vehicle shall be equipped with a sealed meter that satisfies the requirements in § 29.314 (relating to vehicle and equipment requirements) and is calibrated in accordance with the approved tariff.
(i) The meter shall be able to pass an accuracy test given by a Commission enforcement officer.
(ii) Upon passing the accuracy test, a Commission numbered seal will be placed on the meter by a Commission enforcement officer. A taxicab may not be operated without this Commission seal. If the seal becomes broken or damaged, the vehicle shall be removed from service immediately by either the medallion holder or the operator.
(7) Tariff fare rates shall be clearly displayed in a vehicle in accordance with § 29.316 (relating to tariff requirements).
(8) A vehicle shall be maintained in a clean and sanitary condition.
(9) A vehicle trunk compartment shall be clean and suitable for carrying passengers’ luggage.
(10) A vehicle shall have snow tires or all-weather tires on the drive wheels between October 1 and April 1 of the following year.
(11) A vehicle shall be marked, painted and designed in accordance with § § 29.71(a) and (c) and 29.103 (relating to marking of vehicles; and simulating color or design). A vehicle shall also have painted or permanently affixed on each side its medallion number in the same dimensions as that prescribed by § 29.71(a). Vehicle markings shall be removed in accordance with § 29.72 (relating to removal of markings).
(12) A vehicle shall, for the safety of the vehicle operator, be equipped with a protective shield/barrier which separates the front seat from the back seat and bears the manufacturer’s name. The protective shield shall, at a minimum, meet the following requirements:
(i) The upper portion of the shield shall extend from the top of the front seat to a point not more than 3 inches from the ceiling of the vehicle and shall be constructed of a clear, see-through, bullet-resistant material.
(ii) The shield shall have either a sliding window controlled by the vehicle operator and capable of being locked by the vehicle operator or a payment exchange cup/tray or similar device which allows the operator to receive payment from passengers in the back seat of the vehicle without unduly exposing the vehicle operator to danger. If the shield has a sliding window, the window shall be locked while the vehicle is occupied by passengers except to allow the vehicle operator to receive payment from passengers.
(iii) The upper portion of the shield may not obstruct the vehicle operator’s view of the road to the rear of the vehicle.
(iv) The lower portion of the shield shall extend the full length of the front seat and shall be constructed of a bullet-resistant material.
(v) Both the upper and lower portions of the shield shall extend from a point flush with the left-hand side of the vehicle across the vehicle to a point flush with the right-hand side of the vehicle. Both the upper and lower portions of the shield may not have an edge or projection likely to cause injury.
(vi) The lower portion of the shield shall be installed in a manner which gives as much leg room as possible to passengers in the back seat.
(vii) The shield shall be installed in a manner which does not prevent voice communication between the vehicle operator and passengers in the vehicle.
(viii) The shield shall be installed in a manner which allows adequate ventilation to the back seat of the vehicle.
(13) A taxicab may not be equipped with a device that has the capability of allowing the meter to register a nonapproved rate. If found, this device will be confiscated by a Commission enforcement officer or by a police officer employed by a city of the first class and disposed of by the Commission’s District Office.
Authority The provisions of this § 30.31 amended under the Public Utility Code, 66 Pa.C.S. § § 501, 2404(a), 2409 and 2412.
Source The provisions of this § 30.31 amended November 29, 1996, effective January 29, 1997, 26 Pa.B. 5816. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (205700) to (205701).
Cross References This section cited in 52 Pa. Code § 30.33 (relating to inspection of vehicles).
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