5.68.070 Vehicle requirements.
A. A taxicab and TNC vehicle must have a minimum of four doors, with two doors opening directly into the passenger seating area.
B. Taxicab vehicles using a taximeter to calculate a passenger’s fare shall be inspected for accuracy by an independent party not employed by or associated with the taxicab company or any driver authorized to operate the taxicab vehicle in question within one year prior to the taxicab company’s for-hire license application submittal date each year.
C. Safety Inspection. Each taxicab and TNC vehicle operating in the city must hold a valid certificate of safety issued by an independent motor vehicle mechanic, and who is a certified National Institute of Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Mechanic in good standing with the ASE. Said certificate shall be based on the vehicle passing a vehicle safety inspection that meets the standards set forth below, and is performed within one year prior to the taxicab company/TNC for-hire license application submittal date each year.
D. Inspection Standards. A vehicle that passes inspection pursuant to King County Code Section 6.64.360 or Seattle Municipal Code Section 6.310.270.R (as each are now enacted or hereafter amended) annually, shall be in compliance with this subsection D. Alternatively, a vehicle inspection required pursuant to subsection C of this section must consist of a confirmation of the safe operation of applicable vehicle systems and equipment, and a review of the vehicle’s exterior and interior condition and cleanliness. The inspection shall include, but is not limited to, a check of the following systems and equipment:
1. Brake system;
2. Alignment;
3. Tires and wheel systems;
4. Suspension;
5. Steering system;
6. Transmission;
7. Fuel system;
8. Exhaust system, compliance with emission standards;
9. Belts and hoses;
10. Fluids (motor oils, antifreeze, transmission and brake fluids);
11. Heater and air conditioning;
12. Drive train and axles;
13. Lighting systems and turn signals;
14. Seat mechanisms and seat belts;
15. Airbags;
16. Door locks and windows;
17. Hood and trunk latches;
18. Speedometer and other gauges;
19. Battery and cables;
20. Cooling system;
21. Horn;
22. Wiring;
23. Glass;
24. Windshield and window glazing;
25. Wipers and washers;
26. Mirrors;
27. Body component soundness;
28. Vehicle frame (rebuilt vehicle).
E. Company Identification. While in service in the city, each taxicab and TNC vehicle shall be clearly marked to allow a passenger, governmental official or employee, or other member of the public to associate the vehicle with a licensed taxicab company or TNC, whichever applies, using uniform colors, markings and/or insignia that are in compliance with all other applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations. At a minimum, a person shall be able to associate the vehicle with a licensed taxicab company or TNC by viewing the front and rear of the vehicle. (Ord. 3588-18 § 5, 2018; Ord. 3553-17 § 7, 2017.)