Los Angeles Municipal Code Art. 1 Public Transportation

(Art. 1, Title, Amended by Ord. No. 161,249, Eff. 6/20/86.)

Section

71.00 Scope and Definitions.

71.01 Authority of Board to Adopt Rules.

71.01.1 Authority of Designated Employees of the Department of Transportation to Make Arrests and Issue Citations.

71.01.2 Authority of Designated Employees of the Department of Transportation to Have Access to Summary Criminal History Information.

• 71.02 Operation of Vehicles – Permits Required.

• 71.02.1 Suspension of Taxicab Permit.

• 71.02.2 Monetary Penalties for Taxicab Operators.

• 71.02.3 Use of Public Rights-of-way.

• 71.02.4 Operation of Taxi Apps – Permits Required.

• 71.03 Driving of Vehicles – Permits Required.

• 71.04 Ambulance Attendants – Permits Required.

• 71.04.1 Non-ambulatory Passenger Vehicle Attendants – Permits Required.

• 71.05 Application and Annual or Monthly Fee for Vehicle Permits.

• 71.06 Application for Driver and Ambulance Attendant Permits.

• 71.06.1 Application Processing and Other Fees.

• 71.06.2 Fees for Services Provided Outside of Normal Working Hours.

• 71.06.3 Review of Fees for Service.

• 71.07 The Board’s Power to Revoke or Suspend Driver, Attendant, or Vehicle Permits.

• 71.08 Grounds for Denial, Revocation, Suspension or Cancellation of Permit.

71.09 Procedures for Denial, Revocation, Suspension or Cancellation of Permits by the General Manager or the General Manager’s Authorized Representative.

• 71.09.1 Rehearing.

• 71.09.2 Monetary Penalties for Driver, Vehicle and Attendant Permittees.

• 71.10 Regulations During Suspension Period.

• 71.11 Duration and Renewal of Permits.

• 71.14 Insurance or Bond Required.

• 71.15 Contracts Between Owners and Employees.

• 71.16 Taxicab Identification.

• 71.16.1 Vehicle Identification.

• 71.17 Licenses.

• 71.18 Permitted Vehicle Zones.

• 71.19 Vehicle Signs.

• 71.20 Disclosure of Taxicab Fares, Fees, or Rates.

• 71.20.1 Taxicab Advertising Displays.

• 71.21 Other Signs – Permit Required.

• 71.22 Taximeters.

• 71.23 Circuitous Routes.

• 71.24 Excess Charges.

• 71.25 Authority of Board to Establish Rates.

• 71.26 Transportation Regulation and Enforcement Trust Fund.

• 71.27 Inspection of Limousine Waybills.

• 71.28 Compensation to Gain Access to Passengers.

• 71.29 Regulation of Shared Mobility Devices.

• 71.29.1 Provider and Device Fees.

• 71.29.2 Rules.

• 71.29.3 Violations and Notice of Violations.

• 71.29.4 Requests for Administrative Hearing and Appeal.

• 71.30 Regulation of Personal Delivery Devices.

71.31 Restrictions on Electric Bicycle, Motorized Scooter, and Other Mobility Device Rentals at Venice Beach.

(Amended by Ord. No. 170,068, Eff. 11/18/94.)

Scope. The provisions of this chapter apply when the provisions are not in conflict with any paramount regulations by the state or nation.

For the purposes of this chapter, the following words and phrases are defined and shall be construed as hereinafter set out, unless it shall be apparent from the context that they have a different meaning:

“Automobile-For-Hire” shall mean every automobile, other than taxicabs, used for prearranged transportation of passengers over the streets of this City and not over a defined route within the boundary limits of said City at rates per mile, per trip, per hour, per day, per week or per month. Such vehicle shall not be equipped with a taximeter or facsimile thereof, shall not display advertisements or possess a top light, is not required to display a company logo or maintain a two-way radio and is not permitted to solicit passengers from City streets, sidewalks or other public areas.

“Board” shall mean the Board of Transportation Commissioners. (Amended by Ord. No. 188,698, Eff. 9/21/25.)

“Department” shall mean the Department of Transportation of this City.

“Driver” shall mean every person who drives or is in actual physical control of a vehicle defined in this section, either as an agent, employee or otherwise.

“Motor Bus” shall mean every automobile, jitney bus, stage and autostage, and every other motor-propelled vehicle owned, controlled, operated and managed for public use in the transportation of persons over any public street in the City of Los Angeles, and into which passengers are received and from which passengers are discharged along the route traversed by such vehicle, provided that other vehicles defined herein shall not be deemed included in said term.

“Non-ambulatory Passenger Vehicle” shall mean every motor vehicle specially constructed, modified, equipped, or arranged for the purpose of transporting passengers in litters or wheelchairs on a non-emergency basis, used for the purpose of serving the public, and driven by any person other than a governmental agency, whether or not the transportation extends beyond the City limits and whether or not any fee, compensation, or consideration is charged, paid, or received for such transportation.

“Non-motorized Vehicle” shall mean every vehicle for hire powered by people or animal whether pulled, drawn, pushed or pedaled, and used for the transportation of passengers over streets or ways of the City. The Board shall determine the suitability of streets and pickup zones to be permitted for use, the hours of operation, insurance requirements and other restrictions for non-motorized vehicle service.

“Operator” shall mean any person or corporation who conducts or manages a business using the vehicles defined in Section 71.00.

“Private Ambulance” shall mean every vehicle equipped with a siren and specially constructed, modified, equipped or arranged for the purpose of transporting sick, injured, convalescent, infirm or otherwise incapacitated persons, used for the purpose of serving the public, and driven by any person other than governmental agency.

“Public Transportation Vehicle” shall mean every automobile or motor propelled vehicle, not otherwise defined in this section, used for the transportation of passengers over streets of this City, whether or not the transportation extends beyond the City and whether or not any fee, compensation or consideration of any character is charged, paid or received for such transportation.

“School Bus” shall mean every motor vehicle used for the transportation of pupils to or from any school or institution of learning, or to or from school activities, over the streets of this City, irrespective of whether such operations extend beyond the boundary limits of this City, and regardless of whether or not any fee, compensation or consideration is paid for such transportation, except the following vehicles:

1. A motor vehicle of the pleasure type carrying only members of the household and the guests of the owner thereof;

2. A motor vehicle while being operated by or under contract with the Board of Education.

“Sightseeing Automobile” shall mean every automobile or motor propelled vehicle used for the transportation of passengers over streets of this City, irrespective of whether such operations extend beyond the boundary limits of this City, for sightseeing purposes or showing points of interest and charging a fee or compensation therefor, regardless of whether any fee, compensation or consideration is paid to the driver of such sightseeing automobile by the passenger or by the owner, or by the person who employs or contracts with the driver, or charters such sightseeing automobile with a driver to transport or convey any passenger, and irrespective of whether or not such driver receives any fee or compensation for the services.

“Taxicab” shall mean every automobile or motor propelled vehicle which is designed to carry not more than eight persons, excluding the driver, and either is equipped with a taximeter or a top light or has the words “taxi”, “cab” or “taxicab” displayed on the exterior of the vehicle, and used for the transportation of passengers for hire over the streets of this City, irrespective of whether the operations extend beyond the boundary limits of said City, at rates for distance traveled, or for zones, or for waiting, standby or traffic delay time, or for any combination of such rates, and not operating over a defined route but routed under the direction of such passengers or persons hiring the same.

“Taxicab Operator” shall mean a person, owner, taxicab service company, taxicab vehicle permittee, corporation, cooperative, association, firm, partnership, membership organization, or other entity engaged in the business of operating a taxicab service. It also includes: (1) the management and officers of the Taxicab Operator; and (2) receivers or trustees appointed by any court. (Amended by Ord. No. 187,416, Eff. 3/2/22.)

“Taximeter” shall mean a device that automatically calculates at predetermined rate or rates, and indicates the charge for hire of a vehicle.

“Zone” shall mean a place established by the Department and designated as a zone for the use while waiting employment of any vehicle defined in Section 71.00 or operated in passenger transportation service by authority of the California Public Utilities Commission.

(Amended by Ord. No. 187,416, Eff. 3/2/22.)

The Board shall have the power to adopt and enforce such rules and regulations as may be necessary to implement the purposes of this article to the extent that such rules and regulations are not preempted by, or in conflict with, any federal or state law, or any ordinance or resolution adopted by the City Council. Such rules and regulations may include, but are not limited to, the following: rules and regulations pertaining to the service, safety, and operation of the vehicles defined in this article; rules and regulations prescribing limitations, conditions, and qualifications of applicants for vehicle permits, driver permits, and ambulance attendant permits; rules and regulations relating to hearings conducted pursuant to Section 71.09 of this article; and rules and regulations specifying the monetary penalties and the procedures to collect the penalties that may be levied against an operating permit, vehicle permit, driver permit and attendant permit grantee pursuant to Sections 71.02.2 and 71.09.2 of this article. The Board shall also adopt and enforce all such requirements set forth in California Government Code Section 53075.5(b), pertaining to local regulation of taxicab transportation services.

(Amended by Ord. No. 173,901, Eff. 5/31/01.)

(a) The Taxicab Administrator and the Senior Transportation Engineer assigned to franchise regulation functions shall have the power, authority and immunity of a public officer or employee, as set forth in the Penal Code of the State of California, Section 836.5, to make arrests without a warrant whenever the Taxicab Administrator or Senior Transportation Engineer has reasonable cause to believe that the person to be arrested has committed a misdemeanor or an infraction in their presence which is a violation of this article, or of any ordinance of the City of Los Angeles or penal law of the State relating to such matters as public transportation and parking control, and, in addition, all violations set forth in Section 80.01.1.

(b) The Chief Transportation Investigators, Senior Transportation Investigators and Transportation Investigators shall have the immunity, authority, and powers of arrest of a peace officer to the extent permitted under state law, or any ordinance of this Code pertaining to matters under the jurisdiction of the Department. (Amended by Ord. No. 187,416, Eff. 3/2/22.)

(c) The above designated employees shall also be authorized to issue citations for the various offenses under their jurisdiction and the cited persons shall be subject to either administrative hearings and penalties (for Board Order violations) or as provided for in the Penal Code Sections 853.5 and/or 853.6. (for Infractions and Misdemeanors).

(d) Each of the above designated employees shall carry upon themself a metallic badge, of a size and design to be determined as provided in Sec 52.32 of this Code, while performing their respective duties applicable to Chapters VII and VIII of the Municipal Code.

(Amended by Ord. No. 188,698, Eff. 9/21/25.)

The following persons shall have the authority to obtain federal, state, and local summary criminal history information pursuant to the California Penal Code, Section 11105(b)(11) and Section 13300(b)(11), in fulfilling their duties applicable to Chapter VII and Chapter VIII of the Los Angeles Municipal Code: the Board of Transportation Commissioners, the Commission Executive Assistant to the Board of Transportation Commissioners, the General Manager and the Assistant General Manager, the Chief of Transit Programs, the Taxicab Administrator, the Senior Transportation Engineer, the Transportation Engineer, the Senior Management Analyst I, the Chief Transportation Investigator, the Senior Transportation Investigators, and the Transportation Investigators assigned to or having responsibility for permitting and licensing, and for parking control functions within the Department of Transportation.

(Title and Section Amended by Ord. No. 187,416, Eff. 3/2/22.)

(a) No person, corporation, cooperative, association, firm, partnership, membership organization, or other entity shall drive, operate or use, whether as owner, lessor, lessee or otherwise, any of the vehicles defined in Section 71.00 to pick-up or attempt to pick-up passengers within the limits of the City of Los Angeles, or allow or permit to be operated, driven, or used, whether as owner, lessor, lessee, or otherwise, any of the vehicles defined in Section 71.00 to pick-up or attempt to pick-up a passenger within the limits of the City of Los Angeles unless a written vehicle permit for the operation of such specifically defined vehicles has been obtained from the Board.

(b) No Taxicab Operator shall dispatch a taxicab or respond to a request for a taxicab for pick-up within the City of Los Angeles unless the responding vehicle is operated pursuant to a permit granted by the Department.

(c) Notwithstanding Subsections (a) and (b) above, a taxicab company permitted by the County of Los Angeles, or by a city located within the County of Los Angeles, may provide prearranged trips within the City.

(d) No taxicab shall continue in service if the taxicab vehicle permit is expired, suspended, canceled, or revoked.

(e) Every Taxicab Operator shall include the number of its certificate, license, or permit in every written or oral advertisement of the services it offers. For purposes of this subsection, “advertisement” includes, but is not limited to: (1) the issuance of any card, sign, or device to any person; and (2) the causing, permitting, or allowing the placement of any sign or marking on or in any building or structure, or in any media form, including newspaper, magazine, internet site, application (app), radio wave, satellite signal, or any other electronic transmission, or in any directory soliciting taxicab transportation services. Whenever the Board, after a hearing, finds that any Taxicab Operator is operating as a taxicab transportation service without a valid certificate, license or permit, or fails to include in any written or oral advertisement its certificate, license, or permit, the Board may:

(1) Impose a fine of not more than $5,000 for each violation;

(2) Assess the Taxicab Operator an amount sufficient to cover the reasonable expense of investigation incurred by the Department; and

(3) Assess interest on any fine or assessment imposed to commence on the day the payment of the fine or assessment becomes delinquent.

(f) Any fee or assessment by the Board shall be deposited on a monthly basis into the Transportation Regulation and Enforcement Fund as set forth in Section 71.26 of this Code.

(Title and Section Amended by Ord. No. 187,416, Eff. 3/2/22.)

(a) The General Manager or the General Manager’s designee may, after due notice and an opportunity to be heard, suspend a Taxicab Operator’s permit, or any portion thereof for one or more days, upon any of the following grounds:

(1) Noncompliance with permit terms and conditions as specified therein; Board rules and orders as specified therein; Department directives; City ordinances; state law, including, but not limited to, the California Vehicle Code, the California Government Code, the California Labor Code, and the California Penal Code.

(2) Illegally conducting any type of public transportation operation licensed by the City or any other governmental agency. Such suspension may be of one or more vehicles issued permits to operate throughout the City and/or suspension of the right to pick-up at certain taxicab stands and at Los Angeles International Airport.

(Amended by Ord. No. 187,416, Eff. 3/2/22.)

(a) The Board may levy monetary penalties in addition to or in lieu of suspension of an operating permit pursuant to Section 71.02 above. Monetary penalties may be levied on a per violation basis, or a per day basis, and may escalate on a first, second, or third or subsequent violation basis. Deficiencies in operations that endanger the public health, welfare, and/or safety shall receive the maximum penalties.

(b) The Board shall adopt by resolution a schedule of monetary penalties, a procedure for assessing monetary penalties for specific driver and/or Taxicab Operator violations, and an appeal procedure.

(c) Payment of a monetary penalty or the serving of a suspension shall constitute a waiver of the right to further appeal of any monetary penalty or suspension to the Board or Superior Court.

(d) Judicial review of an action by the Board levying such monetary penalty or of an action of the Board in denying an appeal, as provided for herein, shall be available only if a petition for a writ of mandate is filed in the Superior Court not later than the 90th day following the date upon which the decision of the Board becomes final, which shall be the expiration of the period during which reconsideration can be sought, provided that if reconsideration is sought, the decision is final for the purposes of this section on the date that reconsideration is rejected.

(e) The total monetary penalty payment is due by the date established by the Board as set forth in the Board Rules.

(f) A penalty of 10 percent of the amount of the payment shall be assessed on any payment assessed against a Taxicab Operator which has become delinquent. Failure to pay any delinquent payment on or before the last day of the fourth month following the date on which the payment first became delinquent will result in the assessment of a second penalty of 10 percent of the amount of the payment in addition to the amount of the payment and the 10 percent penalty first imposed.

(g) In addition to the penalties imposed above, failure to pay any payment required by ordinance or operating permit will result in the assessment of interest charges at the rate of 1-1/2 percent per month, or fraction thereof, on the amount of the payment, exclusive of penalties, from the date on which the payment first became delinquent until it is paid.

(Added by Ord. No. 170,068, Eff. 11/18/94.)

(a) It shall be unlawful for any person, corporation, association or cooperative to operate, maintain, drive or park any vehicle, as defined in Section 71.00, on any street, roadway, thoroughfare, highway or public right-of-way within the boundaries of the City of Los Angeles without a permit or business license granted or issued for the operation of the specified vehicle by an authorized governmental entity in the State of California.

(b) Violation of this section will subject the violator to impoundment of the unlawful vehicle by the City of Los Angeles and is deemed a misdemeanor.

(c) Whenever any peace officer, public officer or employee of the City of Los Angeles arrests any person for violation of this section, the officer or employee shall impound and retain possession of any vehicle used in violation of this section until a court of competent jurisdiction or an officer or employee of the City of Los Angeles shall release said vehicle.

(Added by Ord. No. 187,416, Eff. 3/2/22.)

A Taxi App Operator shall obtain a permit from the Department to provide its services to a City permitted Taxicab Operator. For purposes of this section, a Taxi App Operator means a person, company or other entity that provides and/or operates a software based taxicab hail and/or dispatch system, which allows a taxicab user to electronically order a taxicab on demand using a smart phone, or other mobile or electronic device. A Taxi App Operator shall comply with all terms and conditions set forth in the Department issued permit and the Board Rules. The Department shall have the authority to suspend or revoke a permit for a violation of either a permit term or condition, or for a violation of a Board rule. A Taxi App Operator whose permit has been suspended or revoked by the Department may appeal the suspension or revocation of its permit to the Board subject to the appeals process set forth in the Board Rules. A City permitted Taxicab Operator who conducts its own in-house taxi app operation shall comply with all permit terms and conditions and Board Rules governing the use of a taxi app, and be subject to the same penalties as listed above for a violation of permit terms or Board Rules.

(Amended by Ord. No. 173,901, Eff. 5/31/01.)

(a) No person shall drive a private ambulance as defined in Section 71.00 without first having obtained an ambulance driver permit from the Board.

(b) No person shall drive a non-ambulatory passenger vehicle as defined in Section 71.00 without first having obtained a non-ambulatory passenger vehicle driver permit from the Board.

(c) No person shall drive or operate a taxicab as defined in Section 71.00 without first having obtained a taxicab driver permit from the Board.

(d) No person shall drive or operate any other type of vehicle defined in Section 71.00 without first having obtained a driver permit from the Board.

No person shall act as an ambulance attendant in a private ambulance unless such person holds an ambulance attendant permit or an ambulance driver permit issued by the Board. (Amended by Ord. No. 141,670, Eff. 5/7/71.)

No person shall act as a non-ambulatory passenger vehicle attendant in a non-ambulatory passenger vehicle as defined in § 71.00 unless such person holds a non- ambulatory passenger vehicle attendant permit or an ambulance attendant permit from the Board. (Added by Ord. No. 154,996, Eff. 4/26/81.)

(Title Amended by Ord. No. 165,491, Eff. 3/19/90.)

(a) Applicants for vehicle permits shall file with the department an application upon forms provided by the department, containing such information as is required by the rules and regulations of the Board. (Amended by Ord. No. 149,526, Eff. 5/21/77.)

(b) A Taxicab Operator shall pay an annual taxicab vehicle permit fee, in the amount specified in Section 71.06.1, for each vehicle put into operation during the calendar year. (Amended by Ord. No. 187,416, Eff. 3/2/22.)

(c) Each application for a new, or renewal vehicle permit, other than a taxicab, shall be accompanied by a non-refundable filing fee in the amount specified in Section 71.06.1 for each vehicle covered by the application. (Amended by Ord. No. 180,541, Eff. 3/28/09.)

If the application is for a permit to operate a vehicle, other than a taxicab that is inspected at least annually by another governmental agency, then the non-refundable Vehicle Permit processing fee for such vehicle shall be reduced by $25.00.

If the application is for a permit to use a vehicle, other than a taxicab or non-motorized vehicle, for a period not exceeding 30 days, as a substitute for a vehicle for which a permit is in full force and effect, no processing fee shall be required. If the application is for a temporary permit in excess of 30 days, it shall be accompanied by a non-refundable processing fee of $50.00 for each vehicle covered by such application. Temporary permits, other than for taxicabs or non-motorized vehicles, will not be issued for a period in excess of 60 days.

(d) Any money due to the Department of Transportation by any applicant for a vehicle permit, including money owed for outstanding parking tickets or other fines assessed by the Department, must first be paid, or the matter otherwise resolved to the satisfaction of the Department, prior to the issuance of such permit. (Amended by Ord. No. 166,534, Eff. 1/31/91.)

(Amended by Ord. No. 173,901, Eff. 5/31/01.)

Every applicant for a driver permit or an attendant permit shall file with the Department an application upon a form furnished by the Department, containing such information as is required by the rules and regulations of the Board. Any money due the Department of Transportation by any applicant for a driver or attendant permit including money owed for outstanding parking tickets or other fines assessed by the Department, must be paid, or the matter otherwise resolved to the satisfaction of the Department, prior to the issuance of such permit. Every application for a driver permit or an attendant permit shall be accompanied by a non refundable processing fee in the amount specified in Section 71.06.1 or Section 71.06.2.

Each applicant for a taxicab driver permit must also be issued an identification badge and shall pay a non refundable processing fee in the amount specified in Section 71.06.1.

Every application for a driver permit for a non- motorized vehicle shall be accompanied by a non refundable processing fee in the amount specified in Section 71.06.1.

The Board may require an applicant to furnish via live-scan capture or on forms prescribed by the Board, the fingerprints of the applicant. A non refundable fingerprint processing fee in the amount specified in Section 71.06.1, which is in addition to the application processing fee, shall accompany the application for which fingerprint processing is required.

Upon approval of the application, the Department shall issue to the permittee a conditional permit in the form prescribed by the Board, pending receipt of applicant’s criminal history record. If such record proves to be satisfactory to the Department, the permit issued shall no longer be considered conditional.

Notwithstanding Sections 71.07, 71.08 and 71.09 hereof, falsification of an application for driver permit shall be grounds for immediate cancellation of a permit and/or denial of an application for a permit by the Department.

(Amended by Ord. No. 187,449, Eff. 3/5/22.)

The Department shall collect the following fees for processing the indicated permit applications or providing the indicated items:

(Re-added by Ord. No. 171,247, Eff. 9/27/96.)

Upon request to the Department of Transportation with respect to matters involving the regulation of vehicles defined in Section 71.00, the Department may assign staff to provide services outside of normal working hours, subject to payment to the City of its costs as hereinafter provided:

(a) Each such request must be received by the Department no less than one week prior to the time for which services are requested.

(b) In each such instance the Department of Transportation shall charge and collect the total costs of Departmental work, services, and materials provided outside of normal working hours.

(c) Prior to the Department proceeding pursuant to any such request, the applicant requesting services outside of normal working hours shall deposit with the City that sum estimated by the Department to be sufficient to pay the City for all City costs with respect thereto.

(d) The deposit may vary in amount from time to time depending upon the scope of the costs and expenses reasonably anticipated as necessary to provide the work, services, and materials to be used for the services requested, provided that the estimated sum required to be deposited shall be based upon and not be inconsistent with the actual costs of similar work done by, and materials used by, the Department in the regular course of its duties.

(e) The Department shall estimate the amount of the deposit in conformity with a schedule adopted by the General Manager on a semiannual or less frequent basis which sets forth and applies then current salary schedules and verifiable time and materials costs of the City with respect to those types of Departmental activities. The schedule shall be kept on file by the Department and be available to any applicant depositor at the time an application is made or as otherwise requested.

(f) Money received as a deposit from an applicant shall be deposited into the Department of Transportation Trust Fund and shall be transferred to the General Fund to first reimburse the Departmental costs incurred in providing services and materials referred to in Subsection (b) above for the applicant- depositor.

(g) As a condition to the Department proceedings set forth above, any deposit accepted pursuant to this section shall be adjusted at the completion of the services requested to conform to actual costs as follows:

1. In the event actual costs incurred by the City are less than the deposit received by the City, the applicant shall be entitled to reimbursement of the excess from the deposit; and

2. In the event the costs exceed the sum on deposit, all such additional costs shall be paid by the applicant-depositor to the City upon demand.

(Added by Ord. No. 180,541, Eff. 3/28/09.)

The Department of Transportation shall provide an annual review of the vehicle and driver permitting fees designated in Section 71.06.1, subsections (a) through (s), and shall submit recommendations for changes in these fees for special services to the Council, as follows:

(a) By May 1st of each odd numbered year, the Department shall provide a comprehensive study of fees for services, and shall provide a report and proposed draft ordinance to the Mayor and the City Council detailing any requested changes in the fees for special services for any particular item listed in Section 71.06.1. The comprehensive study shall include: 1) measurement of the average salary increase in effect for all vehicle-for-hire staff members from the previous calendar year; 2) measurement of changes in material, equipment and contract costs related to any and all fee-for-service items; 3) adjustment of any changes required in the amount of personnel time necessary to complete any fee-for-service activity; and 4) current indirect costs for labor provided by the City’s Cost Allocation Plan. Cost figures shall be compared to the current baseline established for each fee. Recommended fee changes shall be rounded to the nearest whole dollar. The recommended fee changes shall be requested to take effect beginning July 1st of the reporting year.

(b) By May 1st of each even numbered year, the Department shall provide a proposal for adjustment of fees for services, and shall provide a report and proposed draft ordinance to the Mayor and the City Council detailing any requested changes in the fees for service for any particular item listed in Section 71.06.1. The adjustment shall include a measurement of the average salary increase in effect for all vehicle-for-hire staff members from the previous calendar year. Current indirect costs for labor derived from the City’s Cost Allocation Plan also shall be included as part of the adjustment and assessment report. Cost figures shall be compared to the current baseline established for each fee. Recommended fee changes shall be rounded to the nearest whole dollar. The recommended fee changes shall be requested to take effect beginning July 1st of the reporting year.

(Title and Section Amended by Ord. No. 165,491, Eff. 3/19/90.)

The Board shall have the power after public hearing to deny, revoke, suspend or cancel any driver, attendant, or vehicle permit for which this article makes provision. The exercise of such power, except in an emergency situation involving public health and safety, shall be subject to the affected permittee having been given adequate notice of the hearing, the proposed action, the reasons thereof, a copy of the charges upon which the action is based, and the permittee shall have the right to respond, either orally or in writing.

(Amended by Ord. No. 150,456, Eff. 12/30/77.)

The following shall constitute grounds for denial, revocation, suspension or cancellation of any driver, attendant, or vehicle permit for which this article makes provision: (First para. amended by Ord. No. 165,491, Eff. 3/19/90.)

(a) Arrest for the commission of any crime while driving a vehicle defined in Section 71.00 or any crime involving moral turpitude;

(b) Violation of any rule or regulation of the Board, any section of the Los Angeles Municipal Code, Los Angeles Administrative Code and other ordinances of the City, any rule or regulation of the Department of Airports, and any section of a State Statute or Administrative Code, relating to the operation of a vehicle defined in Sec. 71.00 and for which a permit is required under this article.

(Amended by Ord. No. 150,456, Eff. 12/30/77.)

(a) Immediate suspension: The General Manager of the Department or the General Manager’s authorized representative may immediately suspend a permit when it is determined that an emergency involving public health or safety requires such suspension. Permittee shall be given notice of such suspension in writing delivered to the permittee either in person or by registered letter.

(b) Temporary suspension: The General Manager of the Department or the General Manager’s authorized representative may temporarily suspend any permit. Such temporary suspension shall be after the permittee has been given notice to appear before the General Manager or the General Manager’s authorized representative for a hearing on the charges. Such notice shall include the basis for the proposed charges. The permittee shall have the right to respond either orally or in writing. If after hearing it is determined that cause for suspension exists the permittee may accept the suspension of the permit or fill out a prescribed form requesting a hearing before the Board. The Board shall consider such request and the grounds therefor and shall take appropriate actions thereon subject to the provisions of Section 71.07. (Amended by Ord. No. 165,491, Eff. 3/19/90.)

(c) Permanent suspension, revocation or cancellation: Whenever investigation determines that cause for permanent suspension, revocation or cancellation of a permit exists, the permittee shall be given notice to appear before the Board for a hearing. (Amended by Ord. No. 165,491, Eff. 3/19/90.)

(d) Waiver of hearing: Failure of permittee to respond to a notice to appear for a hearing before the General Manager of the Department or the General Manager’s authorized representative or before the Board is a waiver of the right to a hearing and action may be taken without permittee being present.

(e) (Added by Ord. No. 165,491, Eff. 3/19/90.) The General Manager of the Department or the General Manager’s authorized representative, or any officer of the Los Angeles Police Department, may take possession of any badge, card, permit, license or vehicle decal issued under the provisions of this chapter, upon expiration, revocation, cancellation or suspension thereof, or which is fictitious or which has been unlawfully or erroneously issued. Any decal, or other taxicab or vehicle identification as approved by the Board, which is not attached to the vehicle for which it was issued may be seized.

Any such document or decal seized shall be delivered to the Department.

Upon receipt of a written request from a person whose permit has been denied, suspended revoked or cancelled stating the grounds for protesting such action, the Board shall consider the basis of the request and may set the matter for rehearing, notify the applicant and take appropriate action. (Added by Ord. No. 150,456, Eff. 12/30/77.)

(Amended by Ord. No. 173,901, Eff. 5/31/01.)

(a) Monetary penalties may be levied against an individual permit holder in lieu of or in addition to suspension, revocation or cancellation of permits as described in Sec. 71.09. Monetary penalties may be levied on a per violation or a per day basis and may escalate on a first, second, or third violation basis. Violations which endanger the public health, welfare, and/or safety shall receive the maximum penalties.

(b) The Board shall adopt by resolution a schedule of monetary penalties for specific violations. (Amended by Ord. No. 177,715, Eff. 9/4/06.)

(c) The monetary penalties established by the Board in (b) above may be assessed and collected by the General Manager of the Department or authorized representative.

(d) The Board may adopt a hearing examiner procedure in accordance with Div. 19, Ch. 3, Art. 1 of the Los Angeles Administrative Code.

(e) Payment of a monetary penalty or the serving of a suspension shall constitute a waiver of the right to further appeal of any monetary penalty or suspension to the Board.

(f) The provisions of Section 71.02.2 (f) are applicable herein.

(g) The total monetary penalty payment is due by the date established by the Board or 30 days after the end of the month in which payment has accrued, whichever comes first. The payment is delinquent if not paid on or before the due date.

(h) A penalty of 10% or as otherwise established by the Board of the amount of the payment shall be assessed on any payment which has become delinquent. Failure to pay any delinquent payment on or before the last day of the fourth month following the date on which the payment first became delinquent will result in the assessment of a second penalty of 10% of the amount of the payment in addition to the amount of the payment and the 10% penalty first imposed.

(i) In addition to the penalties imposed above, failure to pay any payment required by ordinance and by the franchise or operating permit will result in the assessment of interest charges at the rate of 1-1/2% per month, or fraction thereof, on the amount of the payment, exclusive of penalties, from the date on which the payment first became delinquent until it is paid.

From the time of the revocation or during the suspension of any permit, no person whose permit is suspended or revoked shall drive, operate or be in charge of any of the vehicles defined in Section 71.00, or permit the vehicles on which the permit has been suspended or revoked to engage in the several classes of business mentioned in Section 71.00 or allow any such vehicle to stand while awaiting employment at a location designated in such suspended or revoked permit until a new permit has been procured or until the period of suspension shall have expired.

(Amended by Ord. No. 145,593, Eff. 3/28/74.)

Permits issued under the provisions of this article shall be for the following durations:

(a) Vehicle permit shall be issued initially for a period not to exceed one year and renewals thereof shall be for maximum one year periods thereafter. (Amended by Ord. No. 157,741, Eff. 7/9/83.)

(b) (Amended by Ord. No. 165,491, Eff. 3/19/90.) Driver permits and attendant permits shall be issued initially for a period not to exceed one year and renewals shall be for two-year periods thereafter.

Vehicle, driver and attendant permits shall expire upon such date or dates as may be fixed by the Department.

(Repealed by Ord. No. 187,416, Eff. 3/2/22.)

(Repealed by Ord. No. 187,416, Eff. 3/2/22.)

(a) Before any vehicle permit or franchise is issued for any vehicle mentioned in Section 71.00, the operator of the vehicle shall file with the Department, and shall thereafter keep in full force and effect a policy of insurance in such form and amounts as the Board in consultation with the City Administrative Officer’s Risk Management Section may from time to time require but not less than the appropriate sums specified in the following table. Such insurance shall be written by an insurance company authorized to do business in the State of California, insuring the operator against liability for any loss or damage that may result to any persons or property from the operation of such vehicle: (Amended by Ord. No. 170,068, Eff. 11/18/94.)

EXCEPTION:

Operators of non-motorized vehicles shall maintain a policy of insurance for public liability and property damage in amounts to be determined by the Board.

Such operator may, in lieu of the aforesaid policy of insurance, file with the Department a bond in such form as the Department may require, approved by the City Attorney, executed by a corporate surety authorized to conduct business under the laws of the State of California as a surety in a sufficient amount which bond shall be conditioned upon the payment of all final judgments which may be rendered against such operator for damages on account of injuries to any person or property from the operation of such vehicle, and which bond shall be in the amount specified in the following table, according to the size and number of motor vehicles permitted or franchised.

(b) In the event of the return unsatisfied of any execution issued on any judgment rendered against such operator for damages on amount of injury to person or property occasioned by such motor vehicle, such operator shall, within ten days after the return of such execution unsatisfied, pay such judgment or increase the amount of the operator’s bond by the amount thereof, and failing to do so, the operator shall forthwith cease their operations until such judgment is paid or such bond is so increased. (Amended by Ord. No. 165,491, Eff. 3/19/90.)

(c) All policies or bonds shall contain a provision for continuing liability thereunder up to the full amount thereof notwithstanding any recovery thereon.

(d) If an operator has net assets of at least $500,000.00, the operator may file with the Department a current balance sheet certified by a certified public accountant, and if such balance sheet be approved by the Board, and if the Board shall find that such person has net assets of at least $500,000.00, as aforesaid, and has stipulated in writing to meet all other conditions prescribed by the Board, after Board’s consideration of recommendations of the City’s Risk Manager, as required for self-insurance, then no policy of liability insurance or bond need be filed by such operator; subject, however, to the provisions of Subsection (e) of this section. (Amended by Ord. No. 165,491, Eff. 3/19/90.)

(e) Any operator electing to file a balance sheet in lieu of a policy of liability insurance or bond as hereinabove provided shall thereafter file with the Department, at such period or periods as may be prescribed by the Board from time to time, but not less than annually, current balance sheets certified to by a certified public accountant. The Board may at any time make a further investigation of the net assets of any such person, and whenever the Board find that such person does not appear to have net assets of at least $500,000, as aforesaid, or has not complied with other provisions required as conditions of self-insurance, the Board may revoke the authority of such person to file balance sheets in lieu of a policy of liability insurance or bond, as aforesaid, and shall require such person immediately to file with the City a policy of liability insurance or bond as hereinabove required. (Amended by Ord. No. 165,491, Eff. 3/19/90.)

(f) No person shall operate any vehicle described in Section 71.00 unless there is a policy or bond on file in full force and effect as provided by this section or there is a current balance sheet on file with the Department approved by the Board as aforesaid, and such person is in compliance with all other Board requirements for self-insurance. (Amended by Ord. No. 162,615, Eff. 8/16/87.)

(g) Any operator may file with the Department such combination of policy of insurance and bond as will afford the public protection at least equivalent to the insurance specified above with respect to the payment of judgments obtained against said operator. Such filing shall be subject to approval by the City Attorney. (Amended by Ord. No. 165,491, Eff. 3/19/90.)

(Amended by Ord. No. 165,491, Eff. 3/19/90.)

Vehicles described in Section 71.00 for which a permit or franchise has been granted shall be driven by the grantee thereof or by an employee of the grantee. No grantee or driver of such vehicle shall enter into any contract, agreement or understanding between themselves by the terms of which such driver pays to, or for the account of, such grantee a fixed or determinable sum for the use of such vehicle. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this section, however, any motor bus or taxicab as described in Section 71.00 for which a permit or franchise has been granted may be driven pursuant to a contract, agreement, or understanding between the grantee and the driver provided the grantee secures the prior authorization of the Board regarding the extent thereof and in the granting of such permission, if the Board does grant such permission, the Board is empowered to impose such conditions as it deems necessary. The Board is further empowered to impose any such conditions as it deems necessary as to any authorizations heretofore given by the Board permitting such leasing or contracting.

(Amended by Ord. No. 187,416, Eff. 3/2/22.)

Each Taxicab Operator shall maintain the Department approved vehicle color scheme and company decal, which may include, but is not limited to, lighted panels, beacons, indicia affixed to the dashboard, windshield, or magnetically to the roof of the vehicle. The installation, operation and maintenance of identification methods shall comply with all requirements set forth in the California Vehicle Code, this Code, and the Board Rules. All lighted panels, beacons, and other indicia shall be uniform for all vehicles affiliated with the Taxicab Operator. No color scheme or decal shall conflict with another company’s color scheme or decal. A Taxicab Operator choosing light, non-destructive banding for an affiliated vehicle shall maintain the vehicle’s factory paint color, or, if necessary, shall repaint the vehicle its original factory paint color. Each Taxicab Operator shall maintain the taxicab vehicle number on the taxicab in positions and sizes which are legible as approved by the Board.

(Amended by Ord. No. 173,901, Eff. 5/31/01.)

(a) Each vehicle, other than taxicabs, operated pursuant to a permit issued under the provisions of this Article shall be identified as such by decals or other suitable means as adopted by the Board. Such identification shall be displayed as specified by the Board. Identifying decals shall be provided by the Board for such purpose upon payment of the Vehicle Decal fee specified in Section 71.06.1. No person shall identify any vehicle by means of such decal, or any facsimile thereof, unless authorized to do so by the regulations of the Board.

(b) Every motor vehicle other than taxicabs or autos for hire used and defined herein to carry passengers for hire, shall have displayed on both sides of each vehicle the name or trademark of the person under whose authority the vehicle is being operated or the name of the lessor or lessee thereof. The display of the name or trademark shall be permanently marked in letters in sharp contrast to the background and shall be of such size, shape, or color as to be readily legible during daylight hours from a distance of 50 feet. This section does not prohibit additional displays approved by the Board not inconsistent with this section.

(Amended by Ord. No. 173,301, Eff. 6/30/00, Oper. 7/1/00.)

Each permit issued under the provisions of this article shall entitle the holder thereof to obtain a license to engage in the business described in said permit from the Office of Finance upon the payment of the license fee, and the Office of Finance shall issue to the holder, a license setting forth the kind of transportation for which such license is issued and the year when issued.

(Amended by Ord. No. 173,901, Eff. 5/31/01.)

(a) The Department may establish zones to be used for the parking of vehicles defined in Section 71.00, or operated in passenger transportation service by authority of the California Public Utilities Commission, while awaiting employment.

(b) Any zone so designated shall be occupied only by the permittee or permittees so authorized where such zone has been established in accordance with the provisions herein contained, and shall be occupied only during such hours of the day as may be specified by said Department.

(c) All existing and future taxicab zones established in the City shall be open to use by all Department permitted Taxicab Operators to operate in the service area of said zone. The Department shall make such conditions as it finds necessary to regulate such joint use of taxicab zones. The Board may, after a public hearing, determine that public interest requires that one or more Taxicab Operators be restricted or prohibited from use of any specific zone. (Amended by Ord. No. 187,416, Eff. 3/2/22.)

(a) Automobiles for hire while standing upon any street awaiting employment may display a sign with the words thereon “For Hire”. Such sign shall be of metal and of a uniform size of 6 by 9 inches.

(b) Every vehicle used for carrying passengers for sightseeing purposes while standing upon any street awaiting employment may display a sign with the words thereon “Sightseeing Bus” giving the route, points visited or destination. Sightseeing bus signs shall be of metal of a uniform size of 8 by 24 inches.

(c) The outer surface of all signs specified in this paragraph shall be painted or enamelled a dark color and the letters and figures appearing thereon shall be white.

(Title and Section Amended by Ord. No. 187,416, Eff. 3/2/22.)

(a) A Taxicab Operator shall disclose fares, fees, or rates to the customer in compliance with state law, City ordinances or resolutions, and Board Rules. A Taxicab Operator may satisfy this requirement by disclosing fares, fees, or rates on its Internet Web site, mobile telephone application, or if the ride is arranged by a telephone order, the Taxicab Operator must offer to disclose fares, fees, or rates to the customer. The Taxicab Operator shall notify the passenger of the applicable rate prior to the passenger accepting the ride for walkup rides and street hails. The rate may be provided on the exterior of the taxicab, within an application of a mobile telephone, device, or other Internet-connected device, or be clearly visible in either print or electronic form inside the taxicab. For purposes of this section, an App or Application shall mean a digital program or software application that is downloadable to a computer or mobile device.

(Added by Ord. No. 187,416, Eff. 3/2/22.)

A City permitted Taxicab Operator may display advertisements in or on the exterior of a taxicab. The types or subject matter of the advertisements placed in or on taxicab shall comply with the City’s Transit Advertising Policy. The Department shall post the Department’s Transit Advertising Policy on its Web site, and include the Policy as an attachment to the permit. The method of placement of an advertisement on the exterior of a taxicab shall comply with the requirements set forth in Los Angeles Municipal Code Section 87.54 and California Vehicle Code Section 26708. Advertising displays shall not use digital video technology, sometimes referred to as dynamic messaging sign devices. An advertisement placed on the exterior of a taxicab shall not be placed in a manner that blocks, or obstructs, or interferes with the view of a City issued decal identifying the vehicle as a City authorized taxicab.

(Amended by Ord. No. 165,491, Eff. 3/19/90.)

No person shall display any sign other than those provided in Sections 71.19 and 71.20 without first obtaining the written permission of the Board to do so.

(Amended by Ord. No. 187,416, Eff. 3/2/22.)

(a) A Taxicab Operator may use any type of device or technology approved by the Division of Measurement Standards to calculate fares, including the use of Global Positioning System metering, provided the device or technology complies with Section 12500.5 of the California Business and Professions Code and with all regulations established pursuant to Section 12107 of the Business and Professions Code, as well as other state laws. The installation, operation and maintenance of a taximeter shall be in compliance with state law, City ordinances, and Board Rules. Taximeters shall be maintained at all times to be accurate and in good working order. It shall be unlawful to install or program a taximeter in a manner that makes it possible to tamper with the rate setting mechanisms. It shall be unlawful to attach any equipment to a taximeter or the taximeter’s wiring harness that has not been approved by the state or the City. It shall be unlawful to possess a fraudulent or false taximeter.

(b) Each Taxicab Operator shall maintain a taximeter or a taxi soft meter approved by the Department capable of printing, emailing, or texting a receipt for all trips provided. For the purposes of this section, a taxi soft meter is a type of taximeter that uses technologies such as GPS or on-board diagnostics to calculate fares based on time and distance.

(c) All taxicab fares and rates shall be set in compliance with state law.

Any driver employed to carry passengers to a definite point shall take the most direct route practicable that will carry the passengers safely and expeditiously to their destination.

(Amended by Ord. No. 165,491, Eff. 3/19/90.)

No person shall charge, collect, demand, receive or arrange for any compensation for the service of any vehicle defined in Section 71.00 in this City used for the conveyance of passengers, any amount, rate, or compensation different than the charges or rates established by the Board.

(a) The Board shall have the authority to establish and prescribe by Board order the rates to be charged for transportation by the motor vehicles mentioned in Section 71.00. Any Board Order fixing rates must be approved by the City Council, by ordinance, before taking effect. However, the Board may by Board Order establish rates to be effective on final publication and without subsequent ratification by the City Council within the range of maximum and minimum rates established by ordinance.

(b) No provision of this section shall prevent the Board from approving and establishing rates outside any ordinance-prescribed maximum and minimum rates, subject to approval by the City Council in accordance with the provisions of Section 22.484 (g) of the Los Angeles Administrative Code. (Amended by Ord. No. 173,193, Eff. 5/29/00, Oper. 7/1/00.)

(c) No rate shall be placed in effect, charged, demanded or collected for passenger transportation service until the Board, after hearing upon its own motion, or upon application, or upon complaint, shall have found and determined said rate to be just, reasonable non- discriminatory, non-preferential, and not in violation of any provision herein contained or any provision of law; nor until said rate to be placed in effect, charged, demanded or collected shall have been approved and established.

(d) The Board shall have power, upon a hearing upon its own motion or upon complaint, to investigate a single rate or fare, or the entire schedule of rates in effect, charged, demanded or collected for transportation, service, and to establish a new rate or schedule of rates in lieu thereof. Nothing contained herein shall be construed to empower the Board to approve or establish any rate, or any schedule of rates for passenger transportation service that will, by means of rebate, discount, sale of script books, excursion or commutation tickets, or in anywise, violate the minimum or maximum rate or the provisions contained in this section or any provision of law.

(e) No provision of this article shall be deemed to prevent the Board upon notice and after hearing, from prescribing boundaries and establishing rates to be charged for point-to-point trips within such prescribed boundaries, subject to Paragraphs (a) and (b) above.

(Added by Ord. No. 170,068, Eff. 11/18/94.)

All monies collected for monetary penalties from taxicab operators, monetary penalties from individual permit holders or any other fines, penalties and bond forfeitures collected pursuant to this article shall be placed in a separate fund entitled “Transportation Regulation and Enforcement Trust Fund”, to be administered by the Department of Transportation. All monies paid into the fund and any interest earned thereon shall be used for Citywide regulation and enforcement, in excess of that authorized in the Department’s annual budget, of this article as it relates to operators, vehicles, and drivers providing both legal and illegal (“bandit”) transportation services in the City.

(Added by Ord. No. 180,999, Eff. 1/7/10.)

(a) The Taxicab Administrator, Chief Transportation Investigator, Senior Transportation Investigator, Transportation Investigator and any individual holding Peace Officer status with jurisdictional authority in the City, may, upon request, inspect the waybill of any charter-party carrier of passengers operating within the City for the purpose of verifying valid pre-arranged travel. As required by Part 3.01 of General Order 157-C promulgated by the California Public Utilities Commission, or any successor regulation, the waybill must include the following:

(1) Name of carrier and TCP number;

(2) Vehicle license plate number;

(3) Driver’s name;

(4) Name and address of person requesting or arranging the charter;

(5) Time and date when charter was arranged;

(6) Whether the transportation was arranged by telephone or written contract;

(7) Number of persons in the charter group;

(8) Name of at least one passenger in the traveling party, or identifying information about the traveling party’s affiliation; and

(9) Points of origination and destination.

The party arranging the transportation must have exclusive use of the vehicle.

(b) Any person operating a charter-party carrier of passengers within the City who, upon request by an individual authorized under Subsection (a) of this Section, fails or refuses to produce their waybill for inspection is guilty of an infraction punishable under this Section, as provided in Subsection (c) hereof.

(c) Upon conviction of a violation charged under this Section, the person so convicted shall be punished for the first offense by a fine of $100.00; and for a second additional violation within one year of the first offense, by a fine of $250.00. A third violation of this Section within one year shall be prosecuted as a misdemeanor.

(Added by Ord. No. 182,483, Eff. 4/21/13.)

(a) It shall be unlawful for any person to pay, or offer or agree to pay, any owner of any hotel, apartment house, motel, inn, rental unit, restaurant, bar, or other business establishment, or an agent or employee of any such owner, for recommending or directing any passenger without a reservation made on a pre-arranged basis to ride in a specific automobile-for-hire or taxicab, or to a specific company that owns an automobile-for-hire or taxicab.

(b) It shall be unlawful for any owner of a hotel, apartment house, motel, inn, rental unit, restaurant or bar, or other business establishment, or for an agent or employee of any such owner, to accept or offer or agree to accept payment for recommending or directing a passenger without a reservation made on a pre-arranged basis to ride in a specific Automobile-For-Hire or Taxicab, or to a specific company that owns an automobile-for-hire or taxicab.

(c) Violation – Penalties. A first time violation of this Section shall result in a fine of Two Hundred Dollars ($200). A subsequent offense of this Section is a misdemeanor, punishable upon conviction by a fine of not less than Two Hundred Fifty Dollars ($250) nor more than One Thousand Dollars ($1,000), or by imprisonment in the county jail for not more than six months, or by both fine and imprisonment.

(d) Severability. If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, or phrase of this Ordinance is for any reason held to be invalid or unconstitutional by a decision of any court of any competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this Ordinance. The City Council hereby declares that it would have passed this Ordinance and each and every section, subsection, sentence, clause and phrase thereof not declared invalid or unconstitutional without regard to whether any portion of the ordinance would be subsequently declared invalid or unconstitutional.

(Amended by Ord. No. 186,955, Eff. 4/26/21.)

(a) Shared Mobility Device Permit Program. The Department shall implement a Shared Mobility Device Permit Program (Program) and may issue a permit on an annual basis to a qualified service provider (Provider) to operate a shared mobility device (Device) in the City. For purposes of this section, a “shared mobility device”, as defined in Civil Code Section 2505, means an electrically motorized board, motorized scooter, electric bicycle, bicycle, or a similar personal transportation device. For purposes of this section, a “shared mobility device provider”, as defined in California Civil Code Section 2505, means a person or entity that offers, makes available, or provides a Device in exchange for financial compensation or membership via a digital application (app) or other electronic or digital platform. A Provider of a Device shall obtain a permit from the Department and shall be subject to all permit terms and conditions, the Department’s Rules and Guidelines (Rules), this Code, and state or federal law. Failure to comply with the permit terms and conditions, Rules, this Code, or state or federal law may result in: (1) suspension or revocation of the Provider’s permit; (2) penalties as listed in the Rules; (3) reduction in the Provider’s authorized fleet size in the City; and (4) criminal prosecution for a violation of state or federal law.

(b) General Manager Authority. Notwithstanding Section 71.29.1 and Section 71.29.2 below, the General Manager of the Department shall have the authority to make technical changes to the Rules as needed, and to make changes necessary to implement the Program, including, but not limited to: (1) updating permit application procedures, permit standards, and permit conditions; and (2) updating operating standards for public safety, data sharing, data privacy, fleet size, and Provider maintenance of the Devices.

(c) Disclosure of Mobility Service Data. The Department shall not disclose mobility service data to any law enforcement agency except when pursuant to a lawfully issued subpoena or warrant or as required by law. (Added by Ord. No. 187,631, Eff. 10/31/22.)

(Amended by Ord. No. 186,955, Eff. 4/26/21.)

(a) A Provider of a Device shall pay an initial permit fee in the amount of $20,000, an annual permit renewal fee in the amount of $20,000, and trip fees in the range of $0.06 to $0.40 per trip. The Department shall determine and calculate the trip fees by the geographic zone where a Device is operated. Each geographic zone shall be defined in the Rules. The Rules shall contain a map or maps of the boundaries of each geographic zone. Each geographic zone depicted on a map or maps shall include the trip fee range for a Device’s operation within the geographic zone.

(b) The City Council, by ordinance, shall approve any amendment to this section to add a new fee, or modify or remove an existing fee, prior to its implementation by the Department. The City Council, by resolution, may amend the Rules to modify the boundaries for operation of a Device in a geographic zone. The Department shall update the Rules to incorporate a fee change or modification of a geographic zone, and any other requirements established by the City Council in the amending fee ordinance or amending resolution.

(Added by Ord. No. 186,955, Eff. 4/26/21.)

The Board of the Transportation Commission (Commission) by resolution shall approve any amendment to the Rules that adds a penalty, or modifies or removes a penalty prior to its implementation by the Department. The Department shall update the Rules to incorporate the amended penalty and any other requirements established in the amending resolution.

(Added by Ord. No. 186,955, Eff. 4/26/21.)

(a) Violations of Section 71.29. Within six months of discovering a violation of Section 71.29, the Department’s Rules, or a permit condition, the Department may issue the Provider a Notice of Violation (NOV) and impose any penalties or order corrective actions listed in the Rules, as authorized in Section 71.29.2. An action by the Department does not preclude any enforcement agency from taking its own enforcement action for violation of any local, state, or federal law or regulation.

(b) Notice of Violation.

(1) The Department shall issue a NOV by mail to the Provider’s agent for service of process as shown on the Provider’s application for a permit. The NOV shall contain all of the following:

(i) a brief description of the violation(s);

(ii) a brief description of and bases for the penalties and corrective action, if any, imposed; and

(iii) a timeframe in which the Provider shall take corrective action, if any, and comply with the penalties, if any, which shall not be sooner than 15 days from the date of mailing of the NOV.

The NOV shall also inform the Provider that the Provider may request an administrative hearing, pursuant to Section 71.29.4, within 15 days of the date the Department mailed the NOV. The Provider’s right to an administrative hearing shall be deemed waived if the Provider fails to file a timely request for an administrative hearing.

(2) The NOV shall be final and effective 15 days after the date of its mailing if no administrative hearing was timely requested. If a Provider timely requests an administrative hearing, any portion of the NOV upheld or modified by an appellate body shall be final and effective 15 days after the date the appellate body’s decision is deemed final under Section 71.29.4.

(3) If after a NOV becomes final and effective, a Provider fails to comply with the penalties and corrective action, if any, in the NOV, the Department may take one or more of the following actions: 1) denial of a permit or permit renewal; 2) revocation or suspension of a permit; or 3) imposition of more restrictive permit conditions.

(c) Stipulated Agreement. Prior to or after issuing a NOV, the Department, at its discretion, may enter into a written agreement with a Provider whereby the Provider stipulates to having committed a violation in exchange for a negotiated penalty or corrective action, if any. If a Provider violates a stipulated agreement, the Department may issue or re-issue a NOV and impose any penalties listed in the Rules, as authorized under Section 71.29.2.

(d) Suspension of Permit During Pendency of Administrative Hearing and Appeal. Depending on the severity of the violation alleged in the NOV, the Department may suspend the Provider’s permit during the pendency of the administrative hearing and any appeal. The Department shall give written notice, by mail, of the suspension to the Provider, and shall provide the basis for issuing the suspension. The Provider shall remove all of its Devices from the public right of way within seven calendar days of the date the Department mailed the notice of suspension. While the suspension is in effect, Provider is prohibited from deploying, storing, or operating its Devices within the public right-of-way.

(Added by Ord. No. 186,955, Eff. 4/26/21.)

(a) A request for an administrative hearing may be filed for the following Department actions:

(1) Issuance of a NOV by the Department.

(2) Denial of an application for a Device permit or permit renewal by the Department.

(b) A request for an administrative hearing shall be filed with the Department within 15 days of the date of mailing of the notice of the Department’s action, unless a later date is provided in the NOV or the notice of denial of an application for a Device permit or permit renewal. Failure to timely request an administrative hearing shall constitute a failure to exhaust administrative remedies. If the Department suspends the Provider’s permit pursuant to Section 71.29.3(d), the suspension shall remain in effect pending the outcome of the administrative hearing.

(c) The Department shall select a hearing officer and schedule an administrative hearing within 45 calendar days from the date the Department received the request for an administrative hearing. The Department shall mail the notice of the hearing to the Provider’s agent for service of process no later than 20 calendar days prior to the date of the hearing. The time for holding a hearing may be extended by mutual agreement between the Department and the Provider.

(d) Pre-Hearing Disclosures. No later than seven calendar days prior to an administrative hearing, the Department and the Provider shall make the following pre-hearing disclosures to the hearing officer, with simultaneous email service upon the other party: (i) a brief statement of the facts and issues relating to the request for an administrative hearing; (ii) a copy of all documentary evidence to be offered at the hearing; and (iii) a list of all witnesses to be presented at the hearing. The hearing officer shall not issue any decision relating to the request before the hearing.

(e) Administrative hearings shall be conducted as follows:

(1) The hearing shall be recorded by an audio device provided by the Department. Any party to the hearing may, at its own expense, cause the hearing to be audio recorded and transcribed by a certified court reporter;

(2) The Department shall have the burden of proof by the preponderance of the evidence;

(3) The hearing officer may accept evidence on which persons would commonly rely in the conduct of their business affairs;

(4) The hearing officer may continue the hearing and request additional relevant information from any party; and

(5) Within 30 days of the conclusion of the hearing, the hearing officer shall issue a written decision that includes a statement of the factual and legal basis of the decision. The hearing officer shall use a de novo standard of review and may uphold or reject, in whole or in part, the Department’s action. The hearing officer may waive or reduce the penalties in a NOV after considering the factors specified listed in the Rules, as authorized in Section 71.29.2.

(f) The hearing officer’s decision shall be sent by mail to the Provider and shall become final within 15 days of the mailing date, unless the Provider files a timely appeal to the Commission.

(g) The Commission shall hold a public hearing on an appeal by the appellant from a hearing officer’s decision within 60 days of the date of filing the appeal to the Commission. The Department shall provide notice of the public hearing no less than 20 days prior to the date of the public hearing. The Commission shall consider de novo the record before the hearing officer and uphold, modify or reject, in whole or in part, the hearing officer’s written decision. The Commission may waive or reduce the penalties in the hearing officer’s decision after considering the factors listed in the Rules, as authorized in Section 71.29.2. The Commission shall not consider evidence outside of the record before the hearing officer. The Commission shall issue a decision within 30 days of the conclusion of the hearing and mail it to the appellant. The Commission’s decision is final.

(Added by Ord. No. 187,715, Eff. 1/23/23.)

(a) Department of Transportation Authority. The Department shall implement a Personal Delivery Device Pilot Program (Program) and may issue a permit to a qualified pilot program operator (Operator), as defined in the Department’s Rules and Guidelines (Rules). Under the Program, an Operator of a Personal Delivery Device (PDD) shall obtain a permit from the Department and comply with the Rules, and all terms and conditions, regulations, and indemnification, insurance, and fee requirements set forth in the permit. For purposes of this section, a PDD is an automated or remotely piloted device containing storage space for packages, food, and other delivery items. Failure of an Operator to comply with the Rules or any term or condition set forth in the permit may result in the suspension or revocation of the permit, or a reduction in the number of PDDs that an Operator is allowed to deploy as authorized by the Department under the terms of its permit. The Department shall have the authority to amend its Rules as necessary during the life of the Program.

(b) Enforcement Authority. The Department, the Los Angeles Police Department, and the Bureau of Street Services may enforce any violation of this Code or state law by an Operator in the deployment of a PDD on a sidewalk, crosswalk, or other public right-of-way in the City.

(Added by Ord. No. 187,667, Eff. 12/19/22.)

(a) Definitions.

1. “Mobility Device”, as used in this section, shall mean bicycles, electric bicycles, motorized scooters, electric scooters, and any other electric personal assistive mobility device.

2. “Rental”, as used in this section, shall mean the transfer of possession or control of a Mobility Device from a Vendor to a rider, for a temporary period of time, in exchange for money or other similar consideration, including any monetary gift or gratuity, demanded or received by the Vendor.

3. “Vendor”, as used in this section, shall mean any person who is engaged in the Rental of a Mobility Device within 1 mile of the legal boundaries of Venice Beach. This definition shall not include any provider, as that term is used in Section 71.29 of this Code, that has a valid and current permit under the Shared Mobility Device Permit Program.

4. “Venice Beach”, as used in this section, shall mean all park land, beach lands, or beach properties adjoining the waterfront of the Pacific Ocean between the southerly boundary of the City of Santa Monica and the North Jetty of Marina Del Rey, including the area known as Ocean Front Walk.

(b) Vendor Requirements. Every Vendor shall do all of the following:

1. Notify each rider, prior to the Rental, both verbally and via written notice that is not less than 14-point font printed on paper that is not less than 8.5" x 11" in size, of the legal limitations on the use of the Mobility Device on Ocean Front Walk and any beach path at Venice Beach, and on Venice neighborhood walk streets and sidewalks;

2. Include, in any written or digital agreement for the Rental of a Mobility Device, a provision setting forth all legal limitations on the use of the Mobility Device on Ocean Front Walk and any beach path at Venice Beach, and on Venice neighborhood walk streets and sidewalks;

3. Require, in any written or digital agreement for the Rental of a Mobility Device, the rider to specifically acknowledge, by separate signature or initial, receipt of the advisory provision described in Subdivision (b)2.

(c) Ocean Front Walk Vendor Requirements. Every Vendor offering Mobility Devices for Rental within 500 feet of Ocean Front Walk shall do all of the following:

1. Require each employee and agent of the Vendor to transfer physical possession or control of the Mobility Device to the rider at a location not less than 300 feet inland from Venice Beach.

2. Only display, park, or otherwise store all Mobility Devices inside of a building, unless the Mobility Device has a prominent sign posted upon it advising potential riders of the legal limitations on the use of the Mobility Device on Ocean Front Walk and any beach path at Venice Beach, and on Venice neighborhood walk streets and sidewalks, in which case the Mobility Device with the sign posted upon it may be displayed, parked, or otherwise stored outside. Nothing in this section shall limit or otherwise create an exception to Section 56.12 of this Code, prohibiting Mobility Devices from being displayed, placed, or stored in or on a public right-of-way, including a street or sidewalk. For purposes of the posting requirement in this Subdivision (c)2., one sign shall be placed in a conspicuous location on each Mobility Device displayed, parked, or otherwise stored outside. The requirement for a prominent sign shall be met if the sign is not less than 8.5" x 11" in size and legibly states, in not less than 48-point font, “This device may not be ridden on Ocean Front Walk and is also subject to other legal restrictions. Learn more prior to rental.”

(d) Penalty. Violation of any provision this section above shall be punishable in accordance with Subdivision (m) of Section 11.00 of this Code.

(e) Compliance. Compliance with this section shall in no way relieve a Vendor of the responsibility to comply with any other applicable city, state or federal law; including the Department of Transportation’s On-Demand Mobility Rules and Guidelines.

(f) Severability. If any provision of this section is found to be unconstitutional or otherwise invalid by any court of competent jurisdiction, that invalidity shall not affect the remaining provisions of this section which can be implemented without invalid provisions, and to this end, the provisions of this section are declared to be severable.