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Consumer Affairs Taxicab and For-Hire Vehicle Inspections Program The primary duties of the enforcement portion of the program involves the inspection of vehicle safety, meter and security camera at the Consumer Affairs Unit, Test Station on South Dearborn Street. The vehicle inspection also includes GPS and silent alarm tests. Safety inspections: Taxicab safety inspections are a yearly requirement. Several vehicle safety requirements contained in Rule R-6310.320.G are based on state law (chapter 46.37 RCW). Taximeter tests are performed each year beginning in March. Safety items include the following and more: windshield wipers, defroster, braking system, emergency brake, lighting system, glass, tires, exhaust system, spare tire and jack, driver displays (e.g., gear shift indicator, speedometer, engine warnings), steering system, suspension system, mirrors, horn, seat belts, seats, door/window handles and locks, heating system, and body panels. Meter inspections: Meter tests are done on a simulated distance device which includes roller equipment that is turned by the taxicab's drive wheels. One revolution is 2.833 feet and 1864 counts or revolutions equal one mile (5,280 feet). Taxicab meters are tested with two persons in the vehicle (driver and inspector). Tires are inflated to pressures recommended by the manufacturer. The driver accelerates to approximately 20 mph for the test. Tolerances are 1% for over-registration (against the consumer) and 4% for under-registration. Each drop (1/10 mile) is tested. The total distance of the test in one mile. Wire-and-lead security seals are affixed to the taxicab meters to prevent adjustments. Rates Drop.......$ 2.50 Security Camera inspections: Security camera inspections are required any time the camera has been serviced by a city approved camera installer. The camera inspections are conducted with software created by a canadian based company named VerifEye. During the inspection, the camera is connected to the inspector's computer using a specialized dedicated USB cord. There are multuple triggers within each vehicle that activates the camera to record the images or digital photos. The software verifies that each digital photo trigger works properly. The inspector verifies that the camera's image print shows the appropriate photo document trail information (vehicle number, time and date) that is recorded at the bottom of every image. If you have a specific question you would like answered, please contact Consumer Affairs Unit at (206) 386-1298.
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Taxicab Associations & For-Hire Vehicle Companies File Taxicab Complaints Or Call (206)296-TAXI WAT (Wheelchair Accessible Taxicabs) |
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