New Rules Finalized
Despite protests, few changes made to draft rules
By: Jonathan Bullington
Come April 1, Chicago cabdrivers will abide by new rules. The Department of Consumer Services (DCS) has finalized the Rules and Regulations for Public Chauffeurs. Back in December, when DCS issued a draft of the rule changes, concerned drivers scrambled to secure copies in time to submit public comment before the New Year's Eve deadline. Roughly 1,000 letters protesting the new rules were sent to DCS.
Despite the protests, few changes were made to the draft rules. Rule 1.08 and 3.07 detail requirements for physical examinations for new license applicants and those renewing a license, respectively, and were changed to allow drivers to submit a physical exam taken within four months of the application or renewal date.
The third change came to Rule 5.03, which originally stated, in part, “No Chauffeur shall operate a taxicab unless the Two-Way Radio Dispatch System installed in the taxicab is activated…” The new rule reads, “No Chauffeur shall operate a taxicab that has a Two-Way Radio Dispatch System installed unless the two-way radio is activated…”
In the final change, Rule 5.05, which read, “Chauffeurs shall not misinform passengers, prospective passengers, or city officials or knowingly give them any false information,” was deleted.
Many of the most protested draft rules remain in the final version. Fines for violations will increase: first offense - $75 to $750 fine and/or license suspension up to five days and/or revocation of chauffeur license; repeated and or aggravated offense - $200 to $750 fine and/or license suspension up to 29 days and/or revocation of chauffeur license. Additionally, any driver seeking to renew his or her chauffeur's license who, within the 12 months preceding his renewal application date, received three or more complaints and/or citations of abusive behavior and/or unsafe driving may be denied renewal at the discretion of the Commissioner.
On a positive note, the eight-hour safe-driving course that had been required of drivers found guilty of one moving violation in 12 months will be reduced to a four-hour course. Also, drivers renewing their licenses will be exempt from taking a continuing education class prior to license renewal if that driver is “without a violation on his record for a period of not less than five years before his renewal date…”
For a complete list of rules, visit DCS' Web site at www.cityofchicago.org/consumerservices.
