Spokane Municipal Code

Title 10 Regulation of Activities

Division II. License Code

Chapter 10.34A For-Hire Transportation

Section 10.34A.090 Vehicle Requirements – Taxis

1. Each taxi operator shall provide annual certification to the license officer, for each affiliated vehicle, of:

1. 1. The name and address of the owner of the vehicle;

1. 2. The make, model, year of manufacture, color, motor or vehicle identification number, and state motor vehicle license number of the vehicle;

1. 3. An insurance binder for the vehicle, naming the City as an additional insured, providing coverage for the term of the license applied for, in the minimum amounts of:

1. 1. One hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) for any recovery for death or personal injury by one person;

1. 2. Three hundred thousand dollars ($300,000) for aggregate personal injuries or deaths in any one occurrence; and

1. 3. Twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000) for damage to property.

The insurance liability limits herein shall be subject to automatic increase if the minimum coverage required by state law is increased for state for-hire vehicle permits, pursuant to chapter 46.72 RCW. Such policy shall provide minimum thirty (30) days’ written notice to the City of the cancellation of the policy or change in the liability limits;

1. 4. Compliance with the vehicle inspection requirements of SMC 10.34A.060; and

1. 5. Current and valid taxi meter registration. 

2. Each taxi must certify to the licensing officer that its associated vehicles have the following equipment and identification:

1. The for-hire vehicle number in non-removable figures at least two (2) inches high and of a color which contrasts with the vehicle color on both rear quarter panels and on the right side of the rear trunk. The vehicle number shall also be placed on the inside of the passenger compartment so as to be clearly visible to the passenger;

2. The name of the for-hire operator licensee with which the vehicle is affiliated printed in letters at least two and one-half (2 ½) inches high on both sides;

3. The current year license decal on the left side of the rear window, or if a license plate is used, installed on the left side of the rear trunk;

4. The schedule of rates of fare conspicuously on the exterior of the vehicle and on a notice typewritten upon a contrasting background in at least twenty-four-point type posted in the passenger compartment. Where more than one rate is charged, both the interior and exterior notices must clearly specify when and/or under what conditions the respective rates will apply and must be clearly visible at all times;

5. A contact telephone number;

6. A taxi meter mounted so as to be clearly readable by passengers which is sealed and accompanied by proof of registration in accordance with this chapter and regulations adopted by the Washington state department of agriculture;

7. proper and serviceable seat belts for every passenger;

8. Identical logo or trade name identification for all vehicles associated with the same taxi operator, though the vehicles need not be the same color; and 

9. a top light that clearly indicates when the taxi is in service, with an on/off switch that can be controlled by the driver.

10. Taxi vehicle applicants must also provide a copy of their for-hire endorsement issued by the Washington state department of licensing for each vehicle.

Date Passed: Monday, September 14, 2020

Effective Date: Monday, September 14, 2020

ORD C35938 Section 4