Taximeter registration, inspection, and fees

A. No driver or owner of a taxicab shall offer or let the same for hire unless the taximeter installed therein or adjusted for any change in distance rate has been first registered with and inspected by the measurement standards branch, state department of agriculture and to calculate and register fares correctly in conformity with the rates as set forth in this chapter, and a seal attesting thereto shall have been placed on the taximeter. It shall be the duty of the owner or driver of any taxicab equipped with a taximeter to submit the same to the measurement standards branch, state department of agriculture for semi-annual inspection, testing, and sealing before such date as may be established by the division. Every inspection shall include the examination and inspection of the taximeter affixed in the taxicab, every wheel, tire, gear shaft, and every part of the taxicab which may affect or control the operation of such taximeter. B. If, upon such periodic inspection, the measurement standards branch, state department of agriculture finds that a taximeter is not calculating and registering a fare in conformity with the rates as set forth in this chapter, it is unlawful to operate the taxicab or to permit the taxicab to be operated until its taximeter has been repaired, inspected, tested, and found to be calculating and registering a fare in conformity with the rates as set forth in this chapter, and a seal shall have been placed thereon. Nothing contained in this section shall prohibit the replacement of a taximeter with another which conforms with the provisions of this chapter. C. The taxicab driver shall pay such fees as may be established by the measurement standard branch, state department of agriculture for each taximeter inspection. (Ord. 2817 § 4, 1999: Ord. 1571, 1986: Ord. 970 § 1, 1979: Ord. 822 § 1(c), 1975; prior code § 17-1.5(c))