Sec.13b-96-46. Special specifications for van type vehicles

All van type vehicles used in taxicab service are to be a van type unit of standard specification as defined by the manufacturer, which meet all specifications for operation on Connecticut highways, as promulgated by the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles and shall include the following:

(a) Seats:

(1) Each van seat shall provide a minimum seating space of sixteen (16) inches per adult passenger and shall face forward;

(2) Van seats shall provide a minimum clearance at the knee level of twelve (12) inches from the front of the seat bottom to the back of the seat in front of it;

(3) No seat shall be allowed in any aisle or stepwell; and

(4) No van seat shall be located so that a passenger occupying such seat would be forward of the driver.

(b) Heaters:

All van type vehicles shall have a minimum of one high output type heater, located in an area to adequately heat and ventilate the entire passenger carrying space. Exhaust heaters shall not be used. Heating systems shall be designed to prevent fumes from entering the van body and all fuel line connections shall be located outside of the passenger compartment.

(c) Roll Bars:

In the event the roof of any van type vehicle in taxicab service is extended, installation of roll bars or roll cages shall be installed and submitted for inspection with certification attesting to roll-over capabilities of withstanding one and one-half (1½) times the curbed weight of the unloaded vehicle. Said certification shall be kept on file with the commissioner.

(d) Mirrors:

Each van type vehicle shall have a mirror which shows the van interior.

(e) Steps and Hand Rails:

(1) Passenger entry steps shall be provided and mounted on the right side of vehicle. When the entrance doors are closed, the steps shall be recessed under the body as close to the under frame as possible to provide maximum under-clearance. The steps shall be equipped with nonskid tread and contrasting color edge markers;

(2) Step wells are to be of either formed aluminum or corrosion resistant steel, with covered corners and adequate reinforcement to prevent deflection and shall measure the full length of the door openings; and

(3) Individual risers shall not exceed eight inches (8) in height, and in the case of more than one riser, all shall be the same height.

(f) Doors:

(1) All van type vehicles shall be equipped with doors on each side of the front seat(s). A side entrance door or doors in the passenger area shall be provided on both sides of the vehicle. These doors shall be of the hinged swing type or sliding type single door;

(2) The vehicles shall be equipped with a rear opening door or doors of the hinged type; and

(3) All doors are to be equipped with a signal to indicate to the operator when any door is unlatched or open.

(g) Interior:

(1) Interior step wells, floors and roof shall be paneled with suitable materials at least equal to that installed by the manufacturer; and

(2) The floor shall be equipped with a non-skid type surface. All aisles shall be kept free of obstructions of any type.

(Adopted effective November 3, 2000)