New Orleans Regulations For Uber, Lyft and Other Transportation Network Companies
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Table of Contents
Jump to a Section:
Toggle- Division 1. – Generally
- Sec. 162-1700. – Definitions.
- Sec. 162-1701. – TNC permit required.
- Sec. 162-1702. – Occupational license required.
- Sec. 162-1703. – TNC permits are privileges.
- Sec. 162-1704. – TNC permit application.
- Sec. 162-1705. – TNC permit fees.
- Sec. 162-1707. – Accessibility.
- Sec. 162-1708. – TNC website requirements
- Division 2. – Transportation Network Company Drivers
- Division 3. – Transportation Network Company Driver Vehicles
- Division 4. – Transportation Network Company Insurance
- Sec. 162-1719. – TNC services time periods.
- Sec. 162-1720. – TNC duty to inform drivers.
- Sec. 162-1721. – TNC insurance coverage.
- Sec. 162-1722. – TNC insurance coverage limits.
- Sec. 162-1724. – Duty to comply with claims coverage investigation.
- Sec. 162-1725. – Proof of insurance.
- Sec. 162-1726. – Failure to maintain required insurance.
- Sec. 162-1727. – TNC driver notification of insurance companies and lienholders.
- Division 5. – Rates
- Division 6. – Operating Requirements
- Sec. 162-1733. – TNC driver operating hours.
- Sec. 162-1734. – Prohibition against street hailing.
- Sec. 162-1735. – Prohibition against use of taxicab stands.
- Sec. 162-1736. – Refusal to carry passengers.
- Sec. 162-1737. – Operating at Louis Armstrong International Airport.
- Sec. 162-1738. – Passenger match information.
- Sec. 162-1739. – Zero tolerance policy.
- Division 7. – Recordkeeping Requirements
- Division 8. – Penalties
- Sec. 162-1742. – Penalties for violations by TNCs.
- Sec. 162-1743. – Penalties for violations by TNC drivers.
- Sec. 162-1744. – TNC permit holder liability.
- Sec. 162-1745. – Denial, revocation, or suspension of TNC permit.
- Sec. 162-1746. – Mandatory alternative dispute resolution, jurisdiction, and choice of law provisions.
- Sec. 162-1747. – Prohibition against waiver or limitation of liability.
ARTICLE XV. – TRANSPORTATION NETWORK COMPANIES
DIVISION 1. – GENERALLY
Sec. 162-1700. – Definitions.
The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this article, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:
Transportation network company (TNC) means a person or organization, whether a corporation, partnership, sole proprietorship, or other entity that connects passengers with drivers using their personal vehicle for purposes of for-hire transportation services by means of a TNC digital network.
Transportation network company digital network (TNC digital network) means any online-enabled application, software, website, or system offered or utilized by a TNC that enables the prearrangement of rides with TNC drivers.
Transportation network company driver (TNC driver) means a person who uses his or her personal vehicle to provide for-hire transportation services for passengers matched through a TNC digital network. A TNC driver need not be an employee of a TNC.
Transportation network company services (TNC services) means the transportation of a passenger between points chosen by the passenger and is prearranged by a TNC using a TNC digital network. TNC services commence from the moment a TNC driver logs onto a TNC digital network and ceases when the driver logs off the TNC digital network.
Transportation network company vehicle (TNC vehicle) means any motor vehicle being used to provide TNC services through a TNC digital network that is:
(1) Owned or leased by the TNC driver, or otherwise authorized for use by the TNC driver to provide TNC services, and is not owned or leased by a TNC;
(2) Not licensed as a limousine, horse-drawn carriage, pedicab, general charter tour vehicle, sightseeing tour vehicle, courtesy vehicle, non-emergency medical vehicle, airport shuttle, or any other classification of for-hire vehicle, excluding taxi cabs with Certificates of Public Necessity and Convenience registered in Orleans Parish, as provided under Article III of this chapter or licensed by any other political subdivision or the Louisiana Public Service Commission; and
(3) For one year from the effective date of this article, a TNC may not enable a passenger to request service from a specific type of vehicle which if granted a CPNC would conform to the definition of a limousine or otherwise is able to be classified or typed as a limousine under this chapter, notwithstanding vehicle color.
(M.C.S., Ord. No. 26339, § 2, 4-9-15; M.C.S., Ord. No. 27485, § 1, 8-10-17)
Sec. 162-1701. – TNC permit required.
No TNCs shall operate without first having applied for and received a TNC permit in the manner provided in this article. Any person or entity found operating a TNC without a TNC permit shall be subject to a fine of no less than $500.00 for the first offense and shall be prohibited from obtaining a TNC permit for one calendar year from the date of the offense. For second or subsequent offenses violators shall be subject to the maximum fine allowed by law and shall be permanently prohibited from obtaining a TNC permit.
(M.C.S., Ord. No. 26339, § 2, 4-9-15)
Sec. 162-1702. – Occupational license required.
No applicant shall receive a TNC permit without first having applied for and received an occupational license from the department of revenue. The occupational license application shall include proof of registration to conduct business in the state and the name, address, and contact information of an agent for service of process within the state, and the address of an office located within Orleans Parish. A physical office must be maintained in the parish; a P.O. Box is not sufficient.
(M.C.S., Ord. No. 26339, § 2, 4-9-15)
Sec. 162-1703. – TNC permits are privileges.
TNC permits are privileges and not rights. The director of safety and permits or his designee has full discretion in determining whether a TNC permit shall be issued. TNC permits are not transferrable.
(M.C.S., Ord. No. 26339, § 2, 4-9-15)
Sec. 162-1704. – TNC permit application.
An application for a TNC permit shall be submitted to the department of safety and permits on forms to be furnished by the director of the department of safety and permits, and the applicant shall furnish the following information with each application:
(1) The name and form of business under which the service will be operated;
(2) The name, phone number, mailing address, and street address (if different from the mailing address) of the applicant’s agent for service of process;
(3) Proof of current coverage of insurance as required by this article;
(4) A general description of the means and methodology used to charge passengers and the standard rates for for-hire vehicle transportation services rendered; and
(5) Any additional information as requested by the director of the department of safety and permits for administration of this section.
(M.C.S., Ord. No. 26339, § 2, 4-9-15)
Sec. 162-1705. – TNC permit fees.
The department of safety and permits shall charge an annual TNC permit fee of $15,000.00. The TNC shall also remit quarterly payments to the department of safety and permits in an amount equal to $0.50 per trip originating in Orleans Parish each quarter. These fees shall be assessed in addition to any other fees charged in any other provision of this chapter. Six months after the effective date of this article, the department of safety and permits shall evaluate the fees and assessments established herein as to whether they are sufficient to offset the cost of the enforcement of this article.
(M.C.S., Ord. No. 26339, § 2, 4-9-15)
Sec. 162-1706. – Reserved.
Sec. 162-1707. – Accessibility.
(a) TNC drivers shall comply with all applicable laws relating to accommodation of service animals.
(b) A TNC shall not impose additional charges for providing services to persons with physical disabilities because of those disabilities
(c) As of January 1, 2016, any TNC that has at least 50 vehicles operating on its TNC digital network shall provide that:
(1) No less than three percent of all TNC vehicles in its network shall comply with vehicle guidelines set forth in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) with the average time available per week for such vehicles being reasonably within the average time available per week of all TNC vehicles on its TNC digital network;
(2) No less than three percent of the total time available per week of all TNC vehicles in its network shall be achieved by TNC vehicles that comply with vehicle guidelines set forth in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA); or
(3) The TNC shall make its TNC digital network available to all accessible taxicab CPNC holders to allow passengers to book rides on the TNC digital network with accessible taxicabs. The TNC shall make available the same or substantially the same software TNC digital network functionality as it provides for TNC vehicles, but is not required to accept payment through the TNC digital network. The TNC shall provide this service to accessible taxicabs at its own expense.
(d) Prior to January 1, 2016, TNCs shall make reasonable efforts to provide accessibility options to passengers.
(M.C.S., Ord. No. 26339, § 2, 4-9-15)
Sec. 162-1708. – TNC website requirements
A TNC shall provide the following information on its website:
(a) TNC’s customer service telephone number and/or email address;
(b) TNC’s zero tolerance policy and how to report TNC drivers whom the passenger(s) suspect have violated the zero tolerance policy as set forth in section 162-1739 of this chapter;
(c) TNC’s method and rate calculation formula
(d) Procedures for reporting a complaint about a TNC driver; and
(e) Complaint telephone and/or email address for the Taxicab and For-Hire Vehicle Bureau.
(M.C.S., Ord. No. 26339, § 2, 4-9-15)
DIVISION 2. – TRANSPORTATION NETWORK COMPANY DRIVERS
Sec. 162-1709. – TNC driver registry
(a) A TNC shall maintain a registry of all employed or contracted TNC drivers. The registry shall include the following information for every employed or contracted TNC driver:
(1) Full name;
(2) Date of birth;
(3) Louisiana driver’s license number;
(4) Louisiana motor vehicle registration number of vehicle that will be used to provide TNC services or Louisiana license plate number of vehicle that will be used to provide TNC services; and
(5) Active dates of employment or contracts.
(b) A TNC shall electronically update its registry with the department of safety and permits on the first day of each month and upon request. Registries must be furnished to the department of safety and permits within 24 hours of such request. Failure to provide such information or update its TNC driver registry shall be grounds for the suspension or revocation of a TNC permit.
(M.C.S., Ord. No. 26339, § 2, 4-9-15)
Sec. 162-1710. – TNC driver background checks.
(1) A TNC shall not allow a TNC driver to perform TNC services unless or until the TNC has performed or caused to be performed background checks on TNC driver applicants and TNC drivers that comply with the standards pursuant to sections 162-241 and 162-242 and are in accord with the policies and regulations of the department of safety and permits implementing such standards.
(2) The methodology shall include a local and national criminal background check for each applicant which shall include:
(a) Multi-State/Jurisdictional Criminal Records Locator or other similar nationwide database criminal history record check to determine if a person has been arrested for and/or convicted of a crime with validation (primary source search), which shall include a social security trace or other similar identification check to identify additional relevant information about applicants, including first name, last name, middle name or initial, aliases, maiden name, alternate spellings, and nicknames, date of birth, Social Security Number, any known addresses; and
(b) Any records search which bases jurisdictional criminal record searches on identified places of residence shall additionally require identical records searches for Orleans, Jefferson, St. Bernard, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Plaquemines, and St. Charles Parishes; and,
(c) Results or findings of such a search must be confirmed with the jurisdiction or court system to determine disposition of proceedings; and
(d) National Sex Offender Registry database; and
(e) A driving record check to verify compliance with section 162-243(b) of this chapter.
(3) The details of the background check methodology to be used by a TNC in the certification of their TNC drivers shall be provided to the department of safety and permits at the time of application to operate as a TNC within the city of New Orleans. This detailed methodology must be presented in writing and shall meet or exceed the standards provided in subsection (1), above. Further, the TNC must notify the department of safety and permits of any changes to its methodology and receive prior approval before implementing such changes.
(4) These background checks shall be conducted at least once every two years for the duration of individuals operating under the TNC.
(5) Criteria used in evaluating criminal records shall be consistent across all individuals operating under the TNC. Differing criteria may not be applied to evaluation of background check results based upon race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age, disability, or sexual orientation.
(6) A TNC shall maintain records of all criminal background and driving record checks performed on all employed or contracted TNC drivers operating in the City of New Orleans for a period of no less than two years. If the director of safety and permits or a New Orleans Police Department official requests access to such records, the TNC, or its designee, must provide the records to either entity within 24 hours of the request. Such records may only be accessed when a complaint number has been generated by the department of safety and permits or the New Orleans Police Department. Failure to conduct criminal background and driving record checks or failure to maintain such criminal background check and driving records check records or provide them upon request shall be grounds for the suspension and/or revocation of a TNC permit.
(7) A TNC may also satisfy the background check requirement by following the requirements applicable to CPNC for-hire vehicle operators under this chapter.
(M.C.S., Ord. No. 26339, § 2, 4-9-15)
[Secs. 162-1711, 162-1712. – Reserved.]
Sec. 162-1713. – TNC driver drug testing.
(a) Every quarter, the department of safety and permits is authorized to send to any TNC a list of up to 25 TNC drivers for random drug testing. Within five days of receiving the list, the TNC shall advise such drivers they must obtain a drug test from a department of safety and permits-approved testing facility within ten days.
(b) A TNC shall require a TNC driver to submit a drug test within 24 hours upon being involved in a traffic accident while providing TNC services.
(c) TNC drivers must sign a waiver to allow approved facilities to send results directly to the TNC and department of safety and permits.
(d) Any TNC driver who fails to timely submit to drug testing or refuses to comply with the instructions and/or testing protocol of the drug testing facility shall be prohibited from operating as a TNC driver for a period of one year. Further, the TNC shall prevent the driver from accessing the TNC’s digital network for a period of one year.
(e) Any TNC driver whose test results indicate that the TNC driver tested positive for any controlled substance listed in R.S. 40:961, et seq., or any combination thereof, shall be prohibited from operating as a TNC driver for a period of one year. Further, the TNC shall prevent the driver from accessing the TNC’s digital network for a period of one year.
(f) If a person testing positive for a controlled dangerous substance has a valid and legal prescription for the medication for which he tested positive, such person may continue as a TNC driver under the following circumstances:
(1) The prescription must be issued by a licensed physician;
(2) The prescription must be accompanied by a written certification from the physician that:
- The medication was prescribed prior to the drug test;
- The physician is familiar with the person’s medical history including drug and alcohol use and other medications;
- The person has not been diagnosed with any substance abuse issue, and that the prescribed drug will not adversely affect that applicant’s ability to operate a motor vehicle safely; and
- The medication was not prescribed as permitted by R.S. 40:1046.
(g) Failure of the TNC to comply with these provisions shall be grounds for suspension or revocation of a TNC permit.
(M.C.S., Ord. No. 26339, § 2, 4-9-15)
DIVISION 3. – TRANSPORTATION NETWORK COMPANY DRIVER VEHICLES
Sec. 162-1714. – Maximum age of TNC vehicles.
No vehicle having a vehicle age greater than eight years may be used to provide TNC services in the City of New Orleans. For purposes of this article, the term “vehicle age” shall be determined based on the vehicle’s model year, and a “year” shall be measured through the last day of that respective calendar year. (For example, a vehicle with a model year of 2000 shall have a vehicle age of one year as of January 1, 2001). If a vehicle owner can demonstrate that the odometer had less than 600 miles on it at the time of purchase, the vehicle age shall be measured from the date the vehicle was purchased.
(M.C.S., Ord. No. 26339, § 2, 4-9-15; M.C.S., Ord. No. 26590, § 1, 9-17-15)
Sec. 162-1715. – TNC vehicle inspection.
A TNC shall certify that all motor vehicles providing TNC services through its TNC digital network have been inspected by a state-certified mechanic or garage prior to allowing them provide such services in the City of New Orleans. A TNC shall require and certify that an annual re-inspection has been performed on all motor vehicles providing TNC services through its TNC digital network. TNCs must keep all vehicle services records for a period of no less than two years and make them available to the department of safety and permits upon request. Failure to have a TNC vehicle inspected or failure to maintain vehicle inspection records or provide them upon request shall be grounds for the suspension and/or revocation of a TNC permit.
(M.C.S., Ord. No. 26339, § 2, 4-9-15)
Sec. 162-1716. – Criteria and regulation of TNC vehicle inspection standards.
(a) The TNC safety inspection shall cover brakes, windshield, lights, turn signals, steering, pollution control devices, tires, and suspension.
(b) There shall be no unrepaired body damage or any body condition that would create a safety problem or interfere with the operation of the vehicle.
(c) The TNC general appearance inspection shall include an interior inspection of each vehicle to ensure the vehicle interior is maintained in a reasonable condition, including door panels, arm rest, floor covering and seats that are free of holes, snags and soiled spots.
(M.C.S., Ord. No. 26339, § 2, 4-9-15)
Sec. 162-1717. – Nonscheduled TNC vehicle inspections.
Notwithstanding any other provisions in this article, the department of safety and permits shall have the power and authority to require periodic inspections of any motor vehicles currently registered as TNC vehicles while providing TNC services.
(M.C.S., Ord. No. 26339, § 2, 4-9-15)
Sec. 162-1718. – TNC vehicle identification.
All TNC vehicles shall be identified by consistent trade dress (i.e. distinctive signage or display on the vehicle) when providing TNC services that is sufficiently large and color contrasted as to be readable during daylight hours at a distance of at least 50 feet. The trade dress shall be sufficient to allow a passenger, government official, or member of the public to associate a vehicle with a particular TNC. Acceptable forms of trade dress include, but are not limited to, symbols or signs on vehicle doors, roofs, or grills. Magnetic or removable trade dress is acceptable. TNCs shall file a photograph or digital image of their trade dress with the department of safety and permits. A TNC permit holder shall be liable for violations of this section upon a showing that the TNC knew or should have known about such violations. Such a showing shall be grounds for the suspension and/or revocation of a TNC permit.
(M.C.S., Ord. No. 26339, § 2, 4-9-15)
DIVISION 4. – TRANSPORTATION NETWORK COMPANY INSURANCE
Sec. 162-1719. – TNC services time periods.
For purposes of this article, TNC services shall have two distinct time periods:
(a) Period One runs from the time a TNC driver logs onto the TNC digital network until he or she accepts a passenger match, and from the time the driver has completed the transaction, or the last passenger exits the vehicle, whichever is later, until the driver accepts another passenger match or logs off the TNC digital network.
(b) Period Two runs from the time a TNC driver accepts a passenger match until the driver has completed the transaction, or the last passenger exits the vehicle, whichever is later.
(M.C.S., Ord. No. 26339, § 2, 4-9-15)
Sec. 162-1720. – TNC duty to inform drivers.
A TNC shall disclose in writing to TNC drivers, as part of its written agreement with those drivers and before allowing TNC drivers to accept a request for TNC services, the insurance coverage and limits of liability that the TNC provides while a driver makes himself or herself available for TNC services, and shall advise a TNC driver in writing :
(a) That the driver’s personal automobile insurance policy may not provide any liability or other related coverage, including, but not limited to uninsured or underinsured motorist, comprehensive, or collision coverage while the driver makes himself or herself available for TNC services or is performing TNC services;
(b) That if the vehicle used to provide TNC services has any security interest, privilege, or lien, that the TNC driver must notify the entity possessing that security interest, privilege, or lien that they are using the vehicle to perform TNC services.
(M.C.S., Ord. No. 26339, § 2, 4-9-15)
Sec. 162-1721. – TNC insurance coverage.
A TNC shall maintain insurance coverage placed with an insurer authorized to provide coverage in the state or with a surplus line insurer eligible under R.S. 22:431, et seq., that provides primary liability coverage and other coverages for TNC services during TNC service periods as provided below. The requirement for a TNC to maintain insurance coverage as described by this division may be satisfied by any of the following:
(a) An insurance policy obtained by a TNC.
(b) An insurance policy obtained by a TNC driver that is specifically written to cover TNC services.
(c) Any combination of insurance policies obtained by the TNC and an insurance policy obtained by a TNC driver that is specifically written to cover TNC services.
A TNC may meet its obligations to maintain insurance coverage under this article with a policy obtained by the TNC driver pursuant to subsections (b) or (c), only if the TNC verifies that the policy or policies in question are specifically written to cover TNC services and that any policy obtained by a TNC driver in that regard is maintained. If an insurance policy obtained by a TNC driver to meet the requirements of subsections (b) or (c) ceases to exist at any time for any reason, including, but not limited to, lapse or cancellation, or does not provide coverage for any reason the TNC’s insurance policy shall provide all required coverage under this article beginning with the first dollar of a claim and shall have the duty to defend such claim.
Any insurance policy obtained to comply with this section shall add the City of New Orleans as an insured and be filed annually with the Louisiana Public Service Commission. The policy shall provide for notification to the City Attorney of the City of New Orleans of non-renewal or cancellation of such policy.
(M.C.S., Ord. No. 26339, § 2, 4-9-15)
Sec. 162-1722. – TNC insurance coverage limits.
(a) A TNC shall ensure that TNC services are covered by an insurance policy or policies subject to the following coverage requirements:
(1) During TNC service Period One, TNC services shall be covered by a policy or policies of primary liability insurance in the amount of at least $50,000.00 for death or personal injury of any one person, at least $100,000.00 for death or personal injury of two or more persons, and at least $25,000.00 for property damage per incident.
(2) During TNC service Period Two, TNC services shall be covered by a policy or policies of primary liability insurance in the amount of at least $1,000,000.00 for death, personal injury and property damage. The policy or policies shall also provide uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage in the amount of at least $1,000,000.00.
(3) In addition to the coverage limits provided for in this section, a TNC shall also provide all other state-mandated coverages for motor vehicles as required by the state motor vehicle safety responsibility law, R.S. 32:851, et seq.
(b) This section shall not limit the liability of a TNC arising out of an automobile accident involving a TNC driver in any action for damages against a TNC for an amount above the required insurance. Coverage under this section shall not be dependent on a personal automobile insurance policy first denying a claim, nor shall a personal automobile insurer be required to first deny a claim.
(M.C.S., Ord. No. 26339, § 2, 4-9-15)
Sec. 162-1723. – Reserved.
Sec. 162-1724. – Duty to comply with claims coverage investigation.
A TNC and any insurer potentially providing coverage under this division shall cooperate to facilitate the exchange of relevant information with directly-involved parties and their insurers and any insurer of the TNC driver, if applicable, including, but not limited to, the precise times that a TNC driver logged on and off of the TNC’s digital network in the 12-hour period immediately preceding and in the 12-hour period immediately following the accident and a clear description of the coverage, exclusions and limits under any automobile insurance policy maintained under this division.
(M.C.S., Ord. No. 26339, § 2, 4-9-15)
Sec. 162-1725. – Proof of insurance.
TNC drivers shall carry with them at all times during the provision of TNC services proof of insurance coverage, including any coverage from the driver’s own policy that is specifically written to cover the provision of TNC services, or coverage from a policy obtained by the TNC, or both, as applicable. In the event of an accident, a TNC driver shall provide this insurance coverage information to any other party involved in the accident, and to a police officer and Taxicab and For-Hire Vehicle Bureau inspector, upon request.
(M.C.S., Ord. No. 26339, § 2, 4-9-15)
Sec. 162-1726. – Failure to maintain required insurance.
Failure to maintain all required insurance at any time for any reason shall be grounds for the suspension and/or revocation of a TNC permit.
(M.C.S., Ord. No. 26339, § 2, 4-9-15)
Sec. 162-1727. – TNC driver notification of insurance companies and lienholders.
Any terms or conditions in the agreement between the TNC permit holder and TNC driver, or between the TNC permit holder and any passenger, that would act as a waiver of the TNC permit holder’s liability to the passenger or the public, are declared contrary to public policy, null, void, and unenforceable.
(M.C.S., Ord. No. 26339, § 2, 4-9-15)
DIVISION 5. – RATES
Sec. 162-1728. – Rates.
(a) TNCs may charge rates based upon a calculation of time and/or distance. Passengers shall be provided the method by which the rates will be calculated and the option to obtain an estimated total fare prior to pick-up based upon information provided when requesting service. At a minimum, a TNC vehicle fare shall be no less than the charge for activation of a taximeter pursuant to this chapter. A TNC shall not apply any surcharge to passengers for use except as authorized by this chapter.
(b) Any time there is a temporary or permanent increase in rates or change in rate calculation which will or may result in a temporary or permanent increase in rates, prior to passenger acceptance of the fare and completion of the order, the TNC shall clearly and without prompting display the increase of the fare in the form of a mathematical multiple and total cost estimation.
(M.C.S., Ord. No. 26339, § 2, 4-9-15)
Sec. 162-1729. – Rates to or from Louis Armstrong International Airport.
The minimum charge for trips to or from the Louis Armstrong International Airport shall be no less than $33.00 per trip.
(M.C.S., Ord. No. 26339, § 2, 4-9-15)
Sec. 162-1730. – Rates during emergencies.
TNCs and TNC drivers may not increase rates during a state of emergency as declared by the governor or parish governing body, except as permissible according to La. R.S. 29:732.
(M.C.S., Ord. No. 26339, § 2, 4-9-15)
Sec. 162-1731. – Passenger receipts.
(a) Upon completion of a trip, a TNC shall provide customers with a receipt that lists the:
(1) TNC driver name;
(2) TNC vehicle description and license plate number;
(3) Trip ID;
(4) Date of trip;
(5) Distance of trip, including the point of origin and ultimate destination;
(6) Time of trip;
(7) Fare charges;
(8) Extra charge;
(9) Total charges;
(10) TNC name and contact information; and
(11) Words “Taxicab Bureau and For-Hire Vehicle Bureau. For compliments or concerns, please call 504-658-7176.”
(b) A TNC shall maintain such receipts for a period of at least two years. Such records may only be accessed when a department of safety and permits complaint number or New Orleans Police Department complaint number has been generated. Upon request of the department of safety and permits or New Orleans Police Department, such receipts shall be made available within 72 hours.
(c) On an annual basis, a TNC shall provide aggregated, not personally identifiable passenger and trip data to the department of safety and permits.
(M.C.S., Ord. No. 26339, § 2, 4-9-15)
DIVISION 6. – OPERATING REQUIREMENTS
Sec. 162-1732. – Reserved.
Sec. 162-1733. – TNC driver operating hours.
TNC drivers shall not provide TNC services for more than 12 consecutive hours in any 24-hour period.
(M.C.S., Ord. No. 26339, § 2, 4-9-15)
Sec. 162-1734. – Prohibition against street hailing.
TNC drivers shall not provide TNC services unless a TNC has matched the driver to a passenger through a TNC digital network. A TNC driver shall not accept on-demand rides from persons on the street. TNC drivers shall provide immediate electronic proof that any ride in progress has been prearranged through a TNC upon demand by the department of safety and permits or law enforcement personnel.
(M.C.S., Ord. No. 26339, § 2, 4-9-15)
Sec. 162-1735. – Prohibition against use of taxicab stands.
TNC drivers shall not pick up or discharge a passenger in any designated taxicab stand areas.
(M.C.S., Ord. No. 26339, § 2, 4-9-15)
Sec. 162-1736. – Refusal to carry passengers.
(a) No TNC driver shall refuse to take any passenger who has requested service via TNC digital network to a destination within ten miles outside of the city limits, once the request has been accepted. This section shall also apply for trips to or from any municipal airport operated by the city for TNC drivers authorized to perform such trips.
(b) Transportation network companies shall reasonably ensure adequate and non-discriminatory pick up and drop off service to and from all areas in the geographic boundaries of the City of New Orleans.
(M.C.S., Ord. No. 26339, § 2, 4-9-15)
Sec. 162-1737. – Operating at Louis Armstrong International Airport.
No TNC or TNC driver shall pick up passengers at the Louis Armstrong International Airport unless specifically authorized to do so by the New Orleans Aviation Board. The New Orleans Aviation Board may impose fees and costs for the permission to pick up passengers at the Louis Armstrong International Airport in addition to any other fees and costs set forth in this chapter.
(M.C.S., Ord. No. 26339, § 2, 4-9-15)
Sec. 162-1738. – Passenger match information.
Prior to passenger entering a TNC vehicle, the TNC shall provide a passenger with the following information:
(1) TNC driver’s first name;
(2) A photograph clearly identifying the TNC driver; and
(3) Make, model, and license plate number of the TNC driver’s vehicle.
(M.C.S., Ord. No. 26339, § 2, 4-9-15)
Sec. 162-1739. – Zero tolerance policy.
Every TNC shall establish and maintain a zero tolerance policy on the use of drugs or alcohol by its TNC drivers while providing TNC services. Immediately upon receiving a passenger credible complaint, the TNC shall suspend the TNC driver and conduct an investigation into the allegation. The suspension shall remain in place throughout the duration of the investigation. Within twenty-four hours, a TNC shall notify the department of safety and permits of any credible passenger complaints lodged against any TNC driver accused of violating its zero tolerance policy, as well as the results of such investigation. Any TNC driver found to have violated the TNC’s zero tolerance policy shall be prohibited from operating as a TNC driver or as a for-hire operator within the City of New Orleans for a period of no less than one year from the date of the violation.
(M.C.S., Ord. No. 26339, § 2, 4-9-15)
DIVISION 7. – RECORDKEEPING REQUIREMENTS
Sec. 162-1740. – Trip sheets and records.
(a) Every TNC shall keep daily records including all trip requests, complaints, accepted trip requests, daily application sign-in and sign-out logs, vehicle collision reports, service response time reports, reports of crime against TNC drivers and passengers, lost property reports, and TNC vehicle identification information. Such records may be maintained electronically and shall be preserved for a period of not less than two years and be available for examination by the director of safety and permits within twenty-four hours of request. Failure to maintain such records or to timely provide them shall be grounds for the suspension and/or revocation of a TNC permit.
(b) Falsifying any records outlined in this article shall be grounds for suspension and/or revocation of a TNC permit.
(M.C.S., Ord. No. 26339, § 2, 4-9-15)
Sec. 162-1741. – Privacy protections.
A TNC shall not disclose to a third party any personally identifiable information concerning a user of the TNC digital network unless:
(a) The TNC obtains the user’s consent for release of such information;
(b) The disclosure is necessary to comply with a legal obligation; or
(c) The disclosure is necessary to protect or defend the terms and conditions for use of the service or to investigate violations of the terms and conditions.
This limitation of disclosure does not apply to the disclosure of aggregated user data and other information about the user that is not personally identifiable. Violations of this section shall be grounds for the suspension and/or revocation of a TNC permit. The city attorney shall have the right to file suit in a court of competent jurisdiction to seek appropriate remedies for any violations of this provision.
(M.C.S., Ord. No. 26339, § 2, 4-9-15)
DIVISION 8. – PENALTIES
Sec. 162-1742. – Penalties for violations by TNCs.
Unless otherwise provided for in this article, for violations of this chapter, a TNC shall be subject to a fine of up to $500.00 for a first offense and/or possible suspension or revocation of its TNC permit; for subsequent offenses a TNC shall be subject to a fine up to the maximum amount allowable in the Municipal Court of Orleans Parish and/or possible suspension or revocation of its TNC permit.
(M.C.S., Ord. No. 26339, § 2, 4-9-15)
Sec. 162-1743. – Penalties for violations by TNC drivers.
Unless otherwise provided for in this article, for violations of this chapter, a TNC driver shall be subject to immobilization and/or impoundment of the TNC vehicle and a fine of up to $500.00 for a first offense; for subsequent offenses drivers shall be subject to immobilization and/or impoundment of the TNC vehicle and a fine of up to the maximum amount allowable in the Municipal Court of Orleans Parish.
(M.C.S., Ord. No. 26339, § 2, 4-9-15)
Sec. 162-1744. – TNC permit holder liability.
A TNC shall be liable for violations of this chapter or those committed by a TNC driver using a TNC digital network upon a showing that the TNC knew or should have known about such violations. Such a showing shall be grounds for the suspension and/or revocation of a TNC permit.
(M.C.S., Ord. No. 26339, § 2, 4-9-15)
Sec. 162-1745. – Denial, revocation, or suspension of TNC permit.
Unless contrary to the provisions of this article, a TNC shall be subject to the permit denial, revocation, and suspension regulations outlined in sections 162-241—162-250.
(M.C.S., Ord. No. 26339, § 2, 4-9-15)
Sec. 162-1746. – Mandatory alternative dispute resolution, jurisdiction, and choice of law provisions.
For any services rendered pursuant to this article:
(a) Any provision in a contract between a TNC, TNC driver, or a TNC passenger requiring alternative dispute resolution including, but not limited to, mediation or arbitration, prior to or instead of accessing the court system, shall not be enforceable.
(b) Any provision in a contract between a TNC, TNC driver, or a TNC passenger which seeks to prevent a litigant from filing suit in a court of competent jurisdiction in the State of Louisiana shall not be enforceable.
(c) Any provision in a contract between a TNC, TNC driver, or a TNC passenger which seeks to mandate or limit choice of law rules shall not be enforceable.
(M.C.S., Ord. No. 26339, § 2, 4-9-15)
Sec. 162-1747. – Prohibition against waiver or limitation of liability.
For any services rendered pursuant to this article, any terms or conditions in the agreement between the TNC and TNC driver, or between the TNC and any passenger that would act as a waiver or limitation of the TNC’s liability to a TNC driver, a passenger or the public, or of the TNC driver’s liability to the passenger or the public, shall not be enforceable.
(M.C.S., Ord. No. 26339, § 2, 4-9-15)
Regulations change from time to time. See, for latest CODE OF ORDINANCES City of NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA governing TNCs.