Sec.13b-96-38. Taxi meter

(a) No taxicab shall be operated for hire unless it has a properly functioning taxi meter installed and sealed in the vehicle by a duly authorized sealer of weights and measures from the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection or other authorized meter sealer. Such meters shall calculate fares based upon time and distance in accordance with the tariff of metered rates, last approved by the commissioner, for the taxicab territory in which the vehicle is authorized to operate.

(b) Taxi meters shall be installed so that the fare display is in clear view of the passengers and shall be illuminated to facilitate visibility.

(c) All rates of fare for trips performed by a taxicab shall be calculated on the taxi meter, unless otherwise authorized by section 13b-96-40 of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies.

(d) No certificate holder or taxicab driver shall allow the operation of a taxicab with a malfunctioning taxi meter. Malfunctions include, but are not limited to, improper or incorrect registration of mileage/time rate, or a broken seal.

(e) No certificate holder or taxicab driver shall allow the collection of fares in excess of the meter rate, show a rate on the meter when the taxicab is not transporting passengers or fail to use the taxi meter when transporting passengers except as authorized by the commissioner in section 13b-96-40 of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies or as authorized by section 13b-97(d) of the Connecticut General Statutes.

(f) When a taxicab is in service, the taxi meter shall immediately be placed in the recording or "On" position and kept in that position until arrival at the final destination. Upon reaching the passenger's final destination, the driver shall place the taxi meter in the non-recording or "Off" position, inform the passenger of the fare due and leave the taxi meter in a non-recording position until the fare is paid. Immediately after the passenger leaves the taxicab, the driver shall clear the taxi meter, placing it in an "Off" position in which it shall remain until the next passenger enters the taxicab.

(g) If the taxi meter fails to operate correctly while the taxicab is in service with a passenger, where the meter is required to be operated, the passenger shall not be charged a fare for the trip.

(Adopted effective November 3, 2000)