TITLE 1: GOVERNMENT DIVISION 2: EXECUTIVE BRANCH
§ 2596. Duties and Responsibilities of the Taxicab Bureau Chief. The duties and responsibilities of the chief shall include, but are not limited to, the following: (a) To promulgate rules and regulations necessary to carry out the intent and purposes of this article and in accordance with the Commonwealth Code which: (1) Adopt a schedule of taxicab fares establishing mandatory fares for all hires of taxicabs. (2) Establish mandatory metering procedures for all taxicabs. Taxicab meters shall be installed and operable in each individual taxicab on or before October 29, 1991. (3) Regulate the calibrating of taxicab meters in accordance with 4 CMC §§ 5411 et seq. (4) Regulate radio communications and establish any other appropriate procedures or requirements to ensure that taxicabs are operated efficiently and safely so that residents and tourists are provided with adequate taxicab service. Such other regulations may provide for a dress code for taxicab drivers, and shall also provide for the suspension or termination of taxicab drivers and for the suspension or termination of the taxicab licenses of taxicab companies when the bureau finds such individuals or companies in substantial noncompliance with the regulations promulgated pursuant to this article. (5) Prohibit adhesive or spray tinting on taxicab windows and require visibility through all windows. (6) Require that all taxicabs be insured under a general or public liability policy of insurance issued by a qualified insurance company licensed to do business in the Commonwealth, as follows: (i) A minimum coverage of $50,000 for bodily injury or death of any one person in any one accident; (ii) A minimum coverage of $100,000 for bodily injury or death of more than one person in any one accident; (iii) A minimum coverage of $30,000 for injury to or destruction of property in any one accident, as well as uninsured motorists coverage in the same amounts, unless otherwise provided by law. The owner of any vehicle operated or used as a taxicab shall be held responsible for compliance with this section. (b) To issue a certification of fitness indicating that an applicant for a taxicab driver’s license meets the requirements set forth in subsection (a)(6) of this section. (c) To issue a registration number for each taxicab. Every individual, partnership, company, corporation or other business association in whose name a taxicab is registered shall prominently display on both sides of the exterior of such taxicab the word “taxi,” its registration number, and the name under which it is registered. In the event that more than one taxicab is registered in the name of any one individual, partnership, corporation, company or other business
TITLE 1: GOVERNMENT DIVISION 2: EXECUTIVE BRANCH
association, such taxicabs shall be serially numbered and the applicable serial number similarly displayed on both sides of the exterior of each taxicab in such size and manner as the chief by uniform regulations shall prescribe. In no case shall a taxicab be registered without proof of compliance with subsection (a)(6) of this section. (d) To promulgate such rules and regulations necessary to carry out the intent of this article. The Taxicab Bureau is authorized to establish fines and penalties as necessary to enforce this article. Provided however that any person who operates a motor vehicle upon a highway for rent or hire and does not possess the insurance required by 1 CMC § 2596(a)(6) is guilty of a misdemeanor and may be punished by imprisonment for not more than one year or a fine of not less than $250.00, or both. Further, any person who violates this subsection shall have their license to operate a motor vehicle suspended for one year. If a person has previously been convicted of violating this section, then violation of this section is a felony punishable by imprisonment for not more than three years or a fine of not more than $7,500, or both. Source: PL 7-33, § 6; amended by PL 9-26, § 2, modified; subsection (d) amended by PL 19-17, § 3 (Nov. 6, 2015). Commission Comment: At the beginning of subsection (a)(6), the Commission deleted “Require all taxicab” and inserted “Require that all taxicabs,” correcting a typographical error. For additional requirements concerning licensing of taxicab drivers, see 9 CMC §§ 2301 et seq. PL 19-17 (Nov. 6, 2015) contained the following Short Title and Findings and Purpose sections in addition to severability and savings clauses: Section 1. Short Title. This Act may be cited as the “Illegal Taxi Act of 2015.” Section 2. Findings and Purpose. The Taxicab Regulation Act was enacted by the Legislature in 1991. The purpose of the Taxicab Regulation Act was to provide “safe, clean, and dependable transportation to the guests and residents of the Commonwealth.” Public Law 7-33 §2. However, illegal taxicab drivers continue to operate in total disregard of existing Commonwealth law. The operation of an illegal taxicab is not a victimless crime. Illegal taxicab drivers are often uninsured, unlicensed, and do not pay taxes on their income. By ignoring our laws, regulations, and taxes, the illegal taxicab drivers are able to undercut the business of legitimate taxicabs and avoid their fair share of taxes. Further, we must strive for the highest standards of quality if we wish to improve the tourism industry of the Commonwealth. By their nature, the illegal taxis preclude oversight and regulation. Therefore, the Commonwealth cannot be assured that the illegal taxis will provide our guests with the safety and standards of quality which are necessary for
TITLE 1: GOVERNMENT DIVISION 2: EXECUTIVE BRANCH improving the tourism industry. Therefore, the Legislature finds it necessary to increase the penalties and fines associated with the operation of an illegal taxi in the Commonwealth. The Commission changed “1 CMC § 2596 (a) (6)” in subsection (d) to “1 CMC § 2596(a)(6)” pursuant to 1 CMC § 3806(g).