2274861 DC Taxicab Commission published Final Rulemaking amending the Public Vehicle for Hire operator and vehicle regulations.
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DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA TAXICAB COMMISSION
NOTICE OF FINAL RULEMAKING
The District of Columbia Taxicab Commission (Taxicab Commission), pursuant to the authority set forth in D.C. Official Code § 47-2829(b), (d), (e), (e-1), and (i)(2005 Repl. & 2011 Supp.)), sections 8(b)(1)(C), (D), (E), (F), (G), (I), (J), 14, and 20 of the District of Columbia Taxicab Commission Establishment Act of 1985, as amended, effective March 25, 1986 (D.C. Law 6-97; D.C. Official Code § 50-307(b)(1)(C), (D), (E), (F), (G), (I), (J) (2009 Repl.), D.C. Official Code § 50-313 (2009 Repl. & 2011 Supp.), and D.C. Official Code § 50-319)(2009 Repl.)); section 105 of the 2005 District of Columbia Omnibus Authorization Act, approved October 16, 2006 (120 Stat. 2023; D.C. Official Code § 50-381(a)) (2009 Repl.); and Mayor’s Order 2007-231, dated October 17, 2007, hereby gives notice of its adoption of amendments to chapter 10 (Public Vehicles for Hire) in title 31 (Taxicabs and Public Vehicles for Hire) of the District of Columbia Municipal Regulations (DCMR).
The rulemaking: 1) updates the process for applying for a public vehicle for hire operator license; 2) adds standards of conduct for the first year probationary period; 3) clarifies the penalty for cheating on a licensure examination; 4) clarifies the bona fide residency requirement; 5) updates the language regarding the “good moral character” requirement; 6) replaces references to the Panel on Adjudication with references to the Office of Administrative Hearings; 7) updates the lost and found procedure for items left in taxicabs and other public vehicles for hire; 8) updates the consumer complaint review process; 9) establishes graduated late fees for license renewal applications; 10) sets forth types of conduct prohibited; 11) updates the content of the new operator license and refresher courses.
The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking was published on July 22, 2011, at 58 DCR 6082. The comment period expired on August 22, 2011. The Commission held a public hearing on Thursday, February 2, 2012, to receive oral comments on the proposed amendments. The Commission received a few comments of general objection and considered those comments; however no substantive changes were made to the proposed rulemaking. However, several subsections had clarification language added that benefits the public, but does not alter the substance of the proposed rule. Subsection 1001.9 was revised to remove reference to 3 year time period which was never an applicable time period, the applicable time period was always simply 1 year; Subsection 1004.6 added an acknowledgement that the Commission could extend the time limit provided if “stated in writing” by the Commission; subsection 1012.3, added “501(c)” designation to the language; and 1015.2 added “statutorily required topics” to better define the variety of topics for the operator refresher course.
The Taxicab Commission adopted the rulemaking as final on April 11, 2012. These final rules will become effective upon publication of this notice in the D.C. Register.
Chapter 10, PUBLIC VEHICLES FOR HIRE, of title 31, TAXICABS AND PUBLIC VEHICLES FOR HIRE, of the DCMR is amended as follows:
Section 1000, GENERAL REQUIREMENTS, is amended as follows:
Subsection 1000.1 is amended to read as follow:
1000.1 No person shall drive a public vehicle for hire in the District unless he or she has a valid operator identification license (Face Card) issued under the provisions of this chapter. A public vehicle for hire is any passenger vehicle for hire licensed in the District of Columbia including, but not limited to taxicabs and limousines.
Subsection 1000.8 is amended to read as follows:
1000.8 Any person who violates a provision of this chapter shall, upon conviction, be subject to the fine or penalty as provided in section 1017.
Subsection 1000.9 is amended to read as follows:
1000.9 Any order or act of the Chairperson shall, under the provisions of this chapter, be subject to review by the District of Columbia Office of Administrative Hearings. Application for review of any order or act shall be made in accordance with the rules prescribed by the District of Columbia Office of Administrative Hearings.
Section 1001, ELIGIBILITY FOR A HACKER’S LICENSE, is amended as follows:
Subsection 1001.5 is amended to read as follows:
1001.5 The Chairperson shall not issue a license under this chapter to a person who has a physical or mental disability or disease which might make him or her an unsafe driver of a public vehicle for hire.
Subsection 1001.6 is amended to read as follows:
1001.6 The Chairperson shall not issue a license under this chapter to a person who has not successfully completed the operator education course and who has not successfully passed the written examination administered by the Commission.
Subsection 1001.8 is amended to read as follows:
1001.8 The Chairperson shall not issue a license under this chapter to an employee of the Commission whose employment is concerned directly with the issuance of licenses to operate public vehicles for hire or enforcement of the laws, rules, and regulations related to the operation of motor vehicles or public vehicles for hire.
Subsection 1001.9 is amended to read as follows:
1001.9 The Chairperson shall not issue nor renew a license under this chapter to a person who has not, immediately preceding the date of application for a license, been a bona fide resident living for at least one (1) year in the Metropolitan Area, and has not had at least one (1) year’s driving experience as a licensed vehicle operator within the Metropolitan Area within that one (1) year period.
Subsection 1001.11 is amended to read as follows:
1001.11 The Chairperson shall not issue nor renew a license under this chapter to a person who has been convicted of offenses against traffic regulations of the District of Columbia or any jurisdiction with a frequency or of such severity as to indicate a disrespect for traffic laws, that fact being established by the point system described in § 303 of title 18 DCMR, or for a serious traffic offense or offenses which indicate a disregard for the safety of other persons or property. Applicants with eight (8) or more points on their license from any jurisdiction will not be issued a new or renewal license.
Subsection 1001.12 is amended to read as follows:
1001.12 The Chairperson shall not issue nor renew a license under this chapter to a person who, in the judgment of the Chairperson, is not of good moral character, under the standards provided in § 1001.13 through 1001.15.
Subsection 1001.13 is amended to read as follows:
1001.13 An applicant shall not be considered of good moral character if he or she is any of the following:
(a) An alcoholic;
(b) Addicted to the use of drugs; or
(c) On parole or probation at the time of the filing of his or her application for a license, except as provided in § 1001.14.
Subsection 1001.14 is amended to read as follows:
1001.14 Notwithstanding the provisions of § 1001.13, if an applicant is on parole or probation that arose out of a conviction other than those listed in § 1001.15, the parolee’s or probationer’s application may be considered for approval by the Chairperson if a letter from the appropriate parole or probation officer is submitted with the application affirmatively expressing his or her recommendation and support for the issuance of a hacker’s license to the applicant.
Subsection 1001.15 is amended to read as follows:
1001.15 An applicant shall not be considered of good moral character if he or she has been convicted of or has served any portion of a sentence for the following crimes, or an attempt to commit any of the following crimes, within the three (3) years immediately preceding the filing of the application:
(a) Murder, manslaughter, mayhem, malicious disfiguring of another, abduction, kidnapping, burglary, theft, breaking and entering, robbery, or larceny;
(b) Assault with the intent to commit any offense punishable by imprisonment in the penitentiary;
(c) Assault on a hack inspector, police officer, or other government official, without regard to level of sentencing;
(d) A sex offense; or
(e) A violation of the narcotic laws, except simple narcotics possession without intent to distribute (misdemeanor) or possession of drug paraphernalia.
Section 1002 caption is amended to read as follows:
Section 1002, APPLICATION FOR A HACKER’S LICENSE; FEES, is amended as follows:
Subsection 1002.2 is amended to read as follows:
1002.2 Each application shall set forth the applicant’s full lawful name (including middle name, or names, if any and any other names by which the applicant has been known), date of birth, sex, social security number, residence, and other information that the Chairperson may require to determine the applicant’s identity, competency, bona fide residency and eligibility, including a record of all criminal and traffic charges entered against the applicant in the District and elsewhere and local and federal income tax filings.
Subsection 1002.6 is repealed.
Subsection 1002.7 is repealed.
New subsections 1002.8 through 1002.10 are added to read as follows:
1002.8 The Chairman may retain a portion of the license fee, not to exceed twenty-five percent (25%), for the administrative costs of processing applications that are denied after intake and processing.
1002.9 A false statement made in the application may result in denial of application for licensure or subsequent suspension or revocation of the license once issued.
1002.10 A denial, suspension or revocation of hacker’s license is subject to appeal to the Office of Administrative Hearings for disposition as a complaint, except that a denial for failure to successfully take and pass the written examination is not appealable.
Section 1003, HEALTH REQUIREMENTS, is amended as follows:
Subsection 1003.1 is amended to read as follows:
1003.1 Each application (including a renewal application) shall be accompanied by a certificate from a licensed physician who is a resident of the Metropolitan Area, certifying that, in the opinion of that physician, the applicant does not have any physical or mental disability or disease which might make him or her an unsafe driver of a public vehicle for hire.
A new subsection 1003.7 is added to read as follows:
1003.7 A license shall not be issued, or renewed, under this chapter to a person who has a mental disability or disease that would negatively impact his or her ability to meet the requirements of this chapter with respect to the operation of a taxicab, unless he or she provides a certificate from a licensed physician who is a resident of the Metropolitan Area certifying that, in the opinion of that physician, the person’s mental disability or disease, as may be currently treated, does not negatively impact his or her ability to meet the requirements of this chapter with respect to the operation of a taxicab. If the person’s mental disability or disease, or his or her treatment, substantially changes during the period of licensure, he or she shall provide a re-certification from a physician who is a resident of the Metropolitan Area or shall immediately surrender his or her license to the Commission.
Section 1004 is amended to read as follows:
1004 INVESTIGATION AND EXAMINATION OF APPLICANTS
1004.1 Upon receipt of an application for a hacker’s license, the Chairperson shall investigate or cause to be investigated each applicant to verify the identity of the applicant and determine the competency, residency, fitness, and eligibility of the applicant for a license.
1004.2 The Chairperson shall require each applicant for a hacker’s license to take a written examination.
1004.3 The examination shall test the applicant’s knowledge in the areas including, but not limited to, familiarity with the Metropolitan Area, District of Columbia monuments and landmarks, customer service concepts, cultural sensitivity, disability accommodation requirements, and non-discrimination requirements.
1004.4 The examination shall also include any further physical and mental examination as the Chairperson finds necessary to determine the applicant’s fitness to operate the type of vehicle for which application for a license is made.
1004.5 An applicant caught cheating or attempting to cheat on the examination shall be immediately expelled from the examination and disqualified from continuing the examination. The applicant’s testing fee shall not be refunded. The applicant shall also be disqualified from re-applying for the examination for a period of not less than three (3) years. Disqualification for cheating on the licensure examination is not appealable.
1004.6 Upon successful completion of the operator education course and successful passage of the written examination administered by the Commission, an applicant shall have six (6) months from the date of the notification letter from the Commission (or unless otherwise stated in writing by the Commission), to file an application for licensure.
Section 1005, ISSUANCE OF LICENSES, is amended as follows:
Subsection 1005.2 is amended to read as follows:
1005.2 The Chairperson shall collect the current license fee for each license issued.
Subsection 1005.5 is amended to read as follows:
1005.5 A person to whom a taxicab operator’s license has been issued shall continue to reside within the Metropolitan Area during the term of the license and shall, no later than five (5) days after the termination of the residence within the Metropolitan Area, surrender the license to the Office.
Subsection 1005.6 is amended to read as follows:
1005.6 When the Commission obtains knowledge that the licensee is no longer in compliance with any of the license requirements, the Chairperson may initiate an action against the licensee to revoke or suspend the operator’s license and retrieve the operator identification (Face) card.
New subsections 1005.7 through 1005.10 are added to read as follows:
1005.7 Upon successful completion of the initial application process, an applicant shall receive an initial one (l) year hacker license, which shall be a probationary period of licensure. If the licensee is convicted, during the probationary period, of any crime for which licensee would not qualify for licensure, the Chairperson may take disciplinary actions including the suspension, revocation, or non-renewal of the license.
1005.8 During this probationary period, the Commission shall monitor complaints and violations relating to moral character, customer service, safety, discrimination, including destination discrimination, overcharging, and other consumer-based complaints.
1005.9 If the licensee is the subject of multiple consumer complaints, liability findings from Notices of Infractions, or penalties during the probationary period and beyond, the Chairperson may require remedial actions, such as re-taking the operator training course or attending an anger management course or cultural sensitivity training, and/or take disciplinary actions including the imposition of fines and the suspension, revocation, or non-renewal of the license.
1005.10 Referral of a licensee for remedial action is not appealable and the cost for such remedial action shall be borne by the licensee.
Section 1006 is amended to read as follows:
1006 DENIAL OF LICENSE AND REAPPLICATION.
1006.1 An applicant who has been denied a license to operate a public vehicle for hire for reasons other than for failure to complete successfully an examination may file a new application for a license after the expiration of not less than six (6) months after the denial, unless the denial is reversed by the Office of Administrative Hearings.
1006.2 If an applicant files an appeal from a denial with the Office of Administrative Hearings and the Chairperson’s denial is sustained, or if an operator’s license has been suspended or revoked by the Commission and sustained, no new application may be made until the expiration of any waiting, suspension, or revocation period imposed.
1006.3 The decision of the Commission shall not be stayed during the pendency of an appeal to the Office of Administrative Hearings, unless the Office of Administrative Hearings issues an order imposing a stay.
1006.4 In determining the fitness of an applicant under § 1009 (Not for Hire), the Chairperson shall not take into account the conduct or record of the applicant upon which the waiting period was based. The determination of fitness shall be based on the conduct or the record of the applicant's conduct during and after the waiting period. If the personal conduct during the waiting period satisfies the personal conduct and other requirements of this chapter, the Chairperson may issue a license to the applicant.
1006.5 If the Chairperson discovers information not previously known to him or her, which relates to the moral character, fitness, or eligibility of the applicant and was not a part of the record in the proceeding of the Office of Administrative Hearings, the Chairperson may find on the basis of that information, that the moral character, fitness, or eligibility of the applicant is such that it does not justify the issuance of the license and may again deny the issuance of a license. The applicant may appeal this denial to the Office of Administrative Hearings.
1006.6 The Chairperson shall establish repeat examinations for applicants who are denied licenses because of failing the qualifying examination under the provisions of § 1004. Repeat examinations shall be scheduled to permit a fair opportunity for applicants to successfully complete the examination. If an applicant fails to pass the examination after three (3) attempts, the applicant must re-take the operator’s training course before being allowed to take the examination again.
Section 1007 is amended to read as follows:
1007 LOSS, THEFT, OR DESTRUCTION OF LICENSE
1007.1 In case of the loss, theft, or destruction of a public vehicle operator’s or owner’s license issued pursuant to the provisions of this chapter, the licensee shall immediately notify the Chairperson and file a report of that loss, theft, or destruction with the police department.
1007.2 Upon application made under oath on a form prescribed by the Chairperson, presentation of the official police report, and payment of the prescribed fee, the Chairperson shall issue a duplicate license.
Section 1008, LICENSE TO OPERATE AN AMBULANCE, FUNERAL CAR, OR SIGHTSEEING VEHICLE, is repealed.
The heading of section 1009 is amended to read as follows:
Section 1009 SPECIAL LICENSE TO OPERATE “NOT FOR HIRE” PUBLIC VEHICLES
Subsection 1009.1 is amended to read as follows:
1009.1 The Chairperson, upon application, may issue a special public vehicle operator’s identification license to a person otherwise qualified under this chapter for the purpose of operating a public vehicle licensed under this chapter for purposes other than for hire.
Subsection 1009.4 is amended to read as follows:
1009.4 A license issued under this section shall not be valid for the operation of a public vehicle when the vehicle is actually available for hire.
Subsection 1009.5 is amended to read as follows:
1009.5 The vehicle being operated by this type of licensee shall display a sign approved by the Chairperson that bears in capitalized black lettering at least three (3) inches high on a white background the words "NOT FOR HIRE AS TAXI NOR LIMO."
Subsection 1009.8 is amended to read as follows:
1009.8 The Chairperson shall collect the prescribed fee for each license issued to an applicant.
Subsection 1009.9 is amended to read as follows:
1009.9 Each special license issued under this section shall be marked on its face "NOT VALID FOR HIRE AS TAXI OR LIMO.”
Section 1010, ISSUANCE OF VEHICLE LICENSES TO OWNERS OF PUBLIC VEHICLES FOR HIRE, is amended as follows:
Subsection 1010.7 is amended to read as follows:
1010.7 Each applicant for an owner’s license whose public vehicle is registered in the District shall present evidence that the vehicle has been inspected by the Department of Motor Vehicles and is in compliance with vehicle safety requirements and those vehicle requirements of the District of Columbia Taxicab Commission regulations for the purpose of enforcing the Commission's safety and comfort regulations.
Subsection 1010.10 is amended to read as follows:
1010.10 The Department of Motor Vehicles, acting as agent for the District of Columbia Taxicab Commission, shall inspect taxicabs to ensure compliance with the District of Columbia Taxicab Commission’s regulations concerning authorized vehicle type, paint color(s), trade name, insignias, rate and passenger rights signs, meter seals, cruising lights, upholstery condition, and sanitation.
Subsection 1010.13 is amended to read as follows:
1010.13 The Chairperson shall collect the prescribed fee for each license issued to an applicant.
Subsection 1011, OWNERS OF SIGHTSEEING BUSES LOCATED OUTSIDE THE DISTRICT, is repealed.
Section 1012 is amended to read as follows:
1012 ARTICLES LOST AND FOUND IN PUBLIC VEHICLES FOR HIRE
1012.1 Property found in a public vehicle for hire by an operator of the vehicle shall be reported by the operator to the District of Columbia Taxicab Commission and shall be surrendered to the Chairperson within twenty-four (24) hours.
1012.2 The Chairperson shall establish a repository in the Office of Taxicabs for property found in public vehicles for hire. All found property received by the Commission shall be deposited in the repository.
1012.3 The Office shall retain found property for a period of at least ten (10) business days after the property is deposited with the Office. If no claim is made for the property within the ten (10) business day period, the Office shall donate the property to a legally established 501(c) charitable organization, such as a homeless shelter or battered women’s shelter, or forward the property to the Property Clerk of the Metropolitan Police Department for proper disposition. However, personal identification documents such as driver’s licenses, identification cards, passports, and credits cards shall be destroyed.
Section 1013 is amended to read as follows:
1013 COMPLAINTS AGAINST OPERATORS OF PUBLIC VEHICLES FOR HIRE
1013.1 A complaint against an operator of a public vehicle for hire shall be filed within thirty (30) days after the event giving rise to the complaint.
1013.2 A complaint shall be in writing, shall be signed by the person making the complaint, and shall state the address and telephone number of the complainant. The complaint shall be mailed or hand delivered to the Office of Taxicabs or sent by e-mail or facsimile to the Office of Taxicabs.
1013.3 The Chairperson shall, upon receiving a complaint, notify the operator against whom the complaint was made, by first class mail, postage prepaid, or certified mail, return receipt requested, of the nature of the complaint and direct that the operator shall file an answer to the complaint with the Chairperson within ten (10) days after receipt.
1013.4 Upon receiving an answer, the Chairperson shall notify the complainant of the contents of the answer. The Chairperson shall review the answer to determine whether the complaint and the answer establish a violation of the Commission’s laws, rules, and regulations.
1013.5 If the answer is not satisfactory to the complainant, the complainant may request that additional information be requested by the Commission. The Chairperson shall review the request and may, in his or her discretion, request additional information.
1013.6 If, after reviewing the complaint, the response, and any other relevant information, the Commission determines that the facts alleged in a complaint are accurate and constitute a violation of a law, rule, or regulation administered by the Commission, the Commission may impose the civil fine authorized by the applicable law, rule, or regulation. If the Commission determines that a suspension or revocation of the operator’s license is appropriate, the Commission may itself impose a suspension or revocation or may forward the complaint file to the District of Columbia Office of Administrative Hearings for adjudication of the complaint by the Office of Administrative Hearings. The Office shall also inform the complainant and operator of its action.
1013.7 If the Commission determines that the facts alleged in a complaint are not accurate or do not constitute a violation of a law, rule, or regulation administered by the Commission, the complainant and operator shall be notified of the Commission’s determination and the reason for the determination.
1013.8 Even if the facts alleged in a complaint do not constitute a violation of the law, rules, or regulations administered by the Commission, the Commission may nonetheless mediate the dispute.
1013.9 An operator may appeal to the Office of Administrative Hearings a fine imposed by the Commission, or a suspension or revocation of an operator’s license. The appeal shall be made in accordance with the rules and procedures of the Office of Administrative Hearings.
1013.10 The District of Columbia Office of Administrative Hearings may adjudicate the imposition of a fine, suspension, or revocation for a violation of a law, rule, or regulation relating to any license issued by an agency of the District of Columbia government which permits the operation of a vehicle as a public vehicle for hire, including taxicabs.
1013.11 If a complaint is forwarded by the Commission to the Office of Administrative Hearings, a hearing shall be held by Office of Administrative Hearings in accordance with its rules and procedures.
1013.12 The Chairperson shall establish and maintain records of all complaints.
Section 1014, RENEWAL OF LICENSE, is repealed and replaced with:
1014 RENEWAL OF LICENSE/LATE FEES
1014.1 A licensed operator of a public vehicle for hire may submit an application to renew the license to operate a public vehicle for hire forty-five (45) days before the expiration of the license.
1014.2 The renewal application shall be made on a form provided by the Chairperson. The form shall provide a list of documentation required by the Commission including, but not limited to, fingerprint/criminal background check application, character references, medical examination form, and residency and citizenship verification documents.
1014.3 If an applicant fails to submit an application to renew the license to operate a public vehicle for hire:
(a) Within one (1) to fifteen (15) days after the expiration date of the license, the person shall pay a late penalty of twenty-five dollars ($25);
(b) Within sixteen (16) to thirty (30) days following the expiration date of the license, the person shall pay a late penalty of fifty dollars ($50); and
(c) Within thirty-one (31) to forty-five (45) days after the expiration date of the license, the person shall pay a late penalty of one hundred dollars ($100).
1014.4 If an applicant fails to submit an application to renew the license to operate a public vehicle for hire within forty-five (45) days after the expiration date of the license, the person shall pay a late penalty of one hundred fifty dollars ($150) and shall be required to take and successfully complete the operator training course before being eligible for license renewal.
1014.5 If a person fails to submit an application to renew the license to operate a public vehicle for hire within one (1) year after the expiration date of the license, the person shall be required to apply for a new license to operate a public vehicle for hire pursuant to the provisions of this chapter.
Section 1015 is amended to read as follows:
1015 REFRESHER TRAINING REQUIRED FOR TAXICAB OPERATORS.
1015.1 All taxicab operators filing a renewal application for an identification (Face) card shall complete an operator re-training course when offered by the Commission. A notice shall be published by the Commission when the retraining course is being offered and required.
1015.2 The operator refresher course shall consist of all statutorily required topics including, but not limited to, the following:
(a) Business practices, including general management principles, records management, and bookkeeping;
(b) Public relations and marketing skills, customer service, cultural sensitivity, and disability accommodation;
(c) District of Columbia geography with emphasis on the location of all streets and avenues, government buildings, and tourist sites;
(d) Compliance with local, state, and federal income regulations and filing requirements; and
(e) Local public vehicle for hire regulations.
Section 1016, SPECIAL EVENT VEHICLE-FOR-HIRE PERMIT, is amended to read as follows:
1016 SPECIAL EVENT VEHICLE-FOR-HIRE PERMIT
1016.1 The Office of Taxicabs may issue a special event vehicle for hire permit that authorizes a limousine or sedan licensed in another jurisdiction as a public vehicle for hire, to operate for hire in the District of Columbia for a period of not more than thirty (30) days during a particular special event. Only a vehicle properly registered as a public vehicle for hire in another jurisdiction is eligible for a special event vehicle for hire permit.
1016.2 Each person applying for a special event vehicle for hire permit shall file an application with the Office on a form provided by the Office. The application shall include, but need not be limited to, the following:
(a) The name, address, and telephone number of the applicant or registered owner of the vehicle;
(b) The make, model, year, and vehicle identification number;
(c) The jurisdiction where the vehicle is registered, registration number, expiration date of the registration, and license plate number; and
(d) The name and date of the special event for which the special event vehicle for hire permit is requested.
1016.3 A special event vehicle for hire permit issued pursuant to this section shall contain:
(a) The name of the permit holder;
(b) The date of issuance and the date of expiration of the permit;
(c) The name of the special event for which the permit is issued;
(d) The name of the owner of the vehicle;
(e) The make, model, and year of the vehicle;
(f) Vehicle identification number;
(g) The license plate number of the vehicle; and
(h) The jurisdiction where the vehicle is registered.
1016.4 A vehicle for which a special event vehicle for hire permit is issued may only be operated for hire in the District by a person who possesses a valid public vehicle for hire operator’s identification card issued by the Commission or another jurisdiction.
1016.5 An application for a special event vehicle for hire permit shall pay the prescribed fee for the permit.
1016.6 A person who violates the provisions of this section shall be subject to a civil fine for operating a public vehicle for hire without a vehicle license.
A new section 1017 is added to read as follows:
1017 PENALTY
1017.1 A violation of this chapter shall be subject to:
(a) The fine or penalty set forth in § 825 of this title or in this chapter; provided, for a violation for which a fine or penalty is not listed, the fine shall be one hundred dollars ($100);
(b) Impoundment of the vehicle pursuant to the provisions of the Taxicab and Passenger Vehicle for Hire Impoundment Act of 1992, effective March 16, 1993 (D.C. Law 9-199; D.C. Official Code § 50 -331)(2009 Repl. & 2011 Supp.));
(c) License suspension, revocation, or non-renewal; or
(d) Any combination of the sanctions listed in this subsection.
