TOWN OF RAMAPO LOCAL LAW NO. 2-2026 A LOCAL LAW REPEALING CHAPTER 255 OF THE CODE OF THE TOWN OF RAMAPO ENTITLED “TAXICABS” AND ENACTING A NEW CHAPTER 255 IN LIEU THEREOF
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Town Board of the Town of Ramapo adopted the following local law at a special meeting held on the 10th day of August, 2026 at the Ramapo Town Hall, 237 Route 59, Suffern, New York:
TOWN OF RAMAPO
LOCAL LAW NO. 2-2026
A LOCAL LAW REPEALING CHAPTER 255 OF THE CODE OF THE TOWN OF RAMAPO ENTITLED “TAXICABS” AND ENACTING A NEW CHAPTER 255 IN LIEU THEREOF
Be It Enacted by the Town Board of the Town of Ramapo:
§ 255-1. Purpose and Applicability.
A. Purpose.
The purpose of this Chapter is to protect the public health, safety and welfare by establishing a comprehensive system for the registration and licensing of Taxicab Businesses, Taxicabs and Taxicab Drivers operating within the Town. The Town Board finds that the safe, reliable and properly insured transportation of passengers for hire is a matter affecting the public health, safety and welfare; that effective regulation promotes passenger safety, consumer protection and accountability; and that this Chapter is intended to establish minimum standards governing the operation of Taxicab Businesses and Taxicabs within the Town.
This Chapter is not intended to regulate Transportation Network Companies, Transportation Network Company Drivers or Transportation Network Company Vehicles regulated pursuant to Article 44-B of the New York Vehicle and Traffic Law, as amended.
B. Applicability.
(1) This Chapter applies only within that portion of the Town of Ramapo lying outside the incorporated villages.
(2) No person shall engage in the Taxicab Business or operate a Taxicab within the area governed by this Chapter except in compliance with this Chapter.
(3) Nothing contained in this Chapter shall affect the authority of any incorporated village to regulate Taxicabs within its jurisdiction.
§ 255-2. Definitions.
As used in this Chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
COMMISSION
The Taxi and Limousine Commission of the Town of Ramapo established pursuant to this Chapter.
PERSONAL USE
The operation of a Taxicab for personal, family or household purposes while the Taxicab is not engaged in the Taxicab Business.
TAXICAB
Any motor vehicle engaged in the business of carrying persons for hire, whether operated from a street stand, garage or otherwise, including any vehicle for hire carrying passengers, but excluding any Transportation Network Company, Transportation Network Company Driver or Transportation Network Company Vehicle operating pursuant to Article 44-B of the New York Vehicle and Traffic Law, as amended, and any other vehicle expressly exempted by New York State law.
TAXICAB BUSINESS
Any person or entity engaged in the business of owning, leasing, managing, dispatching, advertising, arranging or otherwise offering transportation by Taxicab within the Town.
TAXICAB DRIVER
Any individual licensed under this Chapter to operate a Taxicab.
§ 255-2.1. Holding Out as a Taxicab; Rebuttable Presumption.
A. Holding Out as a Taxicab.
A person or entity shall be deemed to hold a vehicle out as a Taxicab whenever the vehicle or transportation service is represented to the public as available to transport passengers for compensation. Such representation may include, but shall not be limited to:
(1) Displaying the word "Taxi," "Cab," or similar terminology.
(2) Displaying a roof light, taxi sign, illuminated sign or similar device.
(3) Displaying the name, logo, trade name or telephone number of a Taxicab Business.
(4) Advertising transportation services through print media, websites, social media, mobile applications or other electronic means.
(5) Accepting, soliciting or responding to requests for transportation for compensation.
(6) Any other conduct reasonably indicating that the vehicle is available for hire.
B. Rebuttable Presumption.
A vehicle being held out as a Taxicab shall be presumed to be operating as a Taxicab subject to this Chapter unless credible evidence demonstrates that, at the time of the alleged violation, the vehicle was being operated solely for Personal Use as defined herein.
C. Effect.
Nothing contained in this section shall prevent a person from demonstrating that a vehicle was not being operated as a Taxicab at the time of the alleged violation.
§ 255-3. Registration and Licenses Required.
A. Registration Required.
(1) No person shall engage in the Taxicab Business within the Town unless registered with the Town pursuant to this Chapter.
(2) A registration issued under this Chapter authorizes the registrant to engage in the Taxicab Business only and does not authorize the operation of a Taxicab or the operation of a Taxicab by any individual.
B. Taxicab License Required.
(1) No person shall operate a Taxicab unless the Taxicab is licensed by the Town pursuant to this Chapter.
C. Taxicab Driver License Required.
(1) No person shall operate a Taxicab unless the individual operating the Taxicab is licensed as a Taxicab Driver pursuant to this Chapter.
D. Affiliation with Registered Taxicab Business.
(1) Every licensed Taxicab shall be operated only in connection with a registered Taxicab Business.
§ 255-4. Applications.
A. Form.
(1) Every application for a registration or license required by this Chapter shall be submitted on a form prescribed by the Commission.
B. Contents.
(1) An application shall contain such information and supporting documentation as the Commission reasonably requires to determine compliance with this Chapter.
(2) Every application shall designate a mailing address for receipt of notices required by this Chapter.
(3) Every application shall designate an electronic mail (email) address for receipt of notices and administrative communications issued pursuant to this Chapter.
C. Additional Information.
(1) The Town may require an applicant to provide additional information or documentation reasonably necessary to clarify, supplement or verify an application.
D. Truthfulness.
(1) Every application shall be signed by the applicant or, in the case of an entity, by a person authorized to act on its behalf.
(2) By submitting an application, the applicant certifies that the information contained therein is true and complete to the best of the applicant's knowledge.
(3) Every applicant shall notify the Town in writing of any change to the designated mailing address or electronic mail address within ten (10) business days after such change.
§ 255-5. Issuance of Registrations and Licenses.
A. Issuance.
(1) The Town shall issue the appropriate registration or license, as applicable, to an applicant who demonstrates compliance with the requirements of this Chapter.
B. Continuing Privilege.
(1) A registration or license issued under this Chapter constitutes a continuing privilege and shall remain subject to compliance with this Chapter throughout its term.
C. Additional Information.
(1) Nothing contained in this Chapter shall prevent the Town from requesting additional information or documentation reasonably necessary to determine an applicant's eligibility before issuing a registration or license.
§ 255-6. Continuing Eligibility.
A. Duty to Maintain Eligibility.
(1) Every registrant and licensee shall maintain compliance with the requirements of this Chapter throughout the term of the registration or license.
B. Duty to Notify.
(1) Every registrant and licensee shall notify the Town, in writing, of any material change in information previously provided in connection with an application for a registration or license, or otherwise affecting eligibility under this Chapter.
(2) Such notice shall be provided within ten (10) business days after the material change occurs.
(3) Without limiting the foregoing, every registrant and licensee shall notify the Town in writing of any change to the designated mailing address or electronic mail address within ten (10) business days after such change.
C. Effect of Notification.
(1) Compliance with the notification requirements of this section does not relieve any registrant or licensee of the obligation to maintain eligibility under this Chapter.
§ 255-7. Insurance.
A. Insurance Required.
(1) Every licensed Taxicab shall be covered at all times by a policy of liability insurance issued by an insurance carrier authorized to do business in the State of New York.
B. Minimum Coverage.
(1) The policy required by this section shall provide minimum coverage of:
(a) One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000) for bodily injury to one person.
(b) Three Hundred Thousand Dollars ($300,000) for bodily injury arising out of any one accident.
(c) Fifty Thousand Dollars ($50,000) for property damage arising out of any one accident.
C. Proof of Insurance.
(1) Every applicant for a Taxicab License shall provide proof of insurance in a form acceptable to the Town.
(2) Every licensee shall maintain the required insurance throughout the term of the license.
D. Notice of Cancellation.
(1) Every licensee shall notify the Town in writing within ten (10) business days after becoming aware of any cancellation, termination or material reduction in the required insurance coverage.
E. Additional Insurance Requirements.
The Commission may require such additional proof of financial responsibility as may be reasonably necessary to administer this Chapter.
F. Relationship to State Law.
The insurance requirements established by this Chapter are in addition to, and not in lieu of, any minimum insurance requirements imposed by the Vehicle and Traffic Law or any other applicable state or federal law.
§ 255-8. Term; Renewal.
A. Term.
(1) Unless sooner suspended, revoked or surrendered, every registration and license issued under this Chapter shall remain valid for a period of one (1) year from the date of issuance.
B. Renewal Required.
(1) A registrant or licensee seeking to continue operating under this Chapter shall submit an application for renewal in the manner prescribed by the Commission.
C. Eligibility for Renewal.
(1) A renewal applicant shall demonstrate continued compliance with the requirements of this Chapter.
(2) The Town may require such additional information or documentation as is reasonably necessary to determine continued eligibility for renewal.
D. Expiration.
(1) A registration or license that is not renewed prior to its expiration shall expire by operation of law.
(2) No person shall continue to engage in the Taxicab Business or operate a Taxicab after the applicable registration or license has expired.
§ 255-9. Nontransferability.
A. Registrations.
(1) A registration issued under this Chapter is personal to the registrant and shall not be transferred or assigned.
B. Licenses.
(1) A license issued under this Chapter is personal to the licensee and shall not be transferred or assigned.
(2) A Taxicab License shall apply only to the Taxicab for which it was issued.
§ 255-10. Administrative Rules and Regulations.
A. Authority.
(1) The Taxi Commission may, by resolution adopted by a majority of its members, promulgate administrative rules, regulations, forms, schedules, specifications and standards reasonably necessary to implement and administer this Chapter, provided that such rules are not inconsistent with this Chapter or applicable law.
B. Matters Subject to Regulation.
Without limiting the foregoing, the Taxi Commission may establish, amend and maintain administrative requirements relating to:
(1) Applications and supporting documentation.
(2) Registration, licensing and renewal procedures.
(3) Fee schedules.
(4) Inspection procedures, inspection standards and inspection criteria.
(5) Vehicle safety requirements.
(6) Equipment specifications, including required safety equipment, roof lights, taxi signs, taximeters, cameras, partitions or protective barriers, communication equipment and other vehicle equipment.
(7) Vehicle appearance, cleanliness and maintenance standards.
(8) Vehicle identification requirements.
(9) Driver identification requirements.
(10) Passenger information requirements.
(11) Passenger complaint procedures.
(12) Recordkeeping requirements.
(13) Administrative forms and procedures.
(14) Such other operational requirements as are reasonably necessary to implement this Chapter.
C. Filing.
All rules, regulations, schedules and specifications adopted pursuant to this section shall be filed with the Town Clerk and made available for public inspection.
D. Consistency.
No administrative rule, regulation, schedule, specification or standard adopted pursuant to this section shall conflict with this Chapter or applicable law.
E. Effect.
Compliance with administrative rules and regulations adopted pursuant to this section shall constitute compliance with the corresponding administrative requirements of this Chapter.
§ 255-11. Vehicle Inspection and Equipment.
A. Inspection Required.
(1) No Taxicab License shall be issued or renewed unless the Taxicab has successfully completed all inspections required by this Chapter and applicable New York State law.
B. Minimum Equipment Requirements.
Every licensed Taxicab shall be equipped with the following, as applicable and in accordance with specifications established by the Taxi Commission:
(1) Any partition or protective barrier required by this Chapter or by the Taxi Commission.
(2) A functioning roof light or taxi sign, where required.
(3) A taximeter, where required by the applicable fare schedule.
(4) Required interior and exterior identification.
(5) Required passenger information.
(6) Any communication equipment required by the Taxi Commission.
(7) Any other equipment required by this Chapter or by regulations adopted by the Taxi Commission.
C. Inspection Standards.
The Taxi Commission may establish inspection procedures, inspection standards and inspection criteria governing the installation, condition, operation and maintenance of equipment required by this Chapter.
D. Additional Inspections.
(1) The Taxi Commission may require inspection of any licensed Taxicab whenever reasonably necessary to determine continued compliance with this Chapter.
§ 255-12. Vehicle Identification.
A. Display Required.
(1) Every licensed Taxicab shall display identifying information in the manner prescribed by the Taxi Commission.
B. Required Information.
The identifying information shall include:
(1) The Taxicab License number.
(2) The name under which the Taxicab Business is registered.
(3) Required decals, inspection stickers or inspection certificates.
(4) Such additional identifying information as the Taxi Commission reasonably determines is necessary for public safety, passenger identification or enforcement.
C. Condition.
(1) All required identifying information shall be maintained in a legible condition and shall not be altered, obscured or removed except as authorized by the Taxi Commission.
§ 255-13. Responsibility for Compliance.
A. Independent Responsibility.
(1) Every registrant and licensee shall comply with this Chapter.
(2) Compliance by one person shall not relieve any other person of responsibility for compliance with this Chapter.
B. Responsibility of Registered Taxicab Businesses.
(1) A registered Taxicab Business shall be responsible for violations of this Chapter committed by its owners, officers, managers, employees, dispatchers or affiliated Taxicab Drivers where the acts or omissions of the registered Taxicab Business caused, permitted, directed or substantially contributed to the violation.
C. Responsibility of Drivers.
(1) A Taxicab Driver shall remain individually responsible for violations committed while operating a Taxicab regardless of whether enforcement action is also taken against a registered Taxicab Business or any other person.
§ 255-14. Operation for Personal Use.
A. Personal Use Permitted.
(1) A licensed Taxicab may be operated for Personal Use.
B. Not Available for Hire.
(1) While operated for Personal Use, a Taxicab shall not be held out as available for hire.
(2) Any roof light or other exterior device indicating availability for hire shall remain extinguished, covered or otherwise rendered inoperative.
(3) No sign, signal, marking, electronic application or other device indicating that the Taxicab is available for hire shall be displayed or activated while the vehicle is operated for Personal Use.
(4) Nothing contained herein shall prevent a person from rebutting the presumption established in §255-2.1.
§ 255-15. Passenger Information and Fares.
A. Passenger Information.
Every licensed Taxicab shall display, in the manner prescribed by the Taxi Commission:
(1) The name under which the Taxicab Business is registered.
(2) The Taxicab License number.
(3) The identification of the licensed Taxicab Driver operating the Taxicab.
(4) The fare schedule applicable to transportation provided by the Taxicab.
(5) Information designated by the Taxi Commission advising passengers how complaints may be submitted to the Town.
B. Fares.
(1) No registered Taxicab Business or Taxicab Driver shall charge, demand or collect a fare different from the fare disclosed to the passenger and displayed in the Taxicab unless a different fare is agreed upon before transportation begins.
(2) Nothing contained in this Chapter shall prohibit different registered Taxicab Businesses from establishing different fare schedules.
§ 255-16. Driver Responsibilities.
A. Licenses.
(1) Every Taxicab Driver shall carry all licenses required by this Chapter while operating a Taxicab.
(2) Every Taxicab Driver shall produce such licenses upon request of any police officer or other person authorized to enforce this Chapter.
B. Compliance with Law.
(1) Every Taxicab Driver shall comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws governing the operation of a motor vehicle and the conduct of the Taxicab Business.
C. Professional Conduct.
(1) Every Taxicab Driver shall conduct themselves in a safe and professional manner toward passengers and the public.
§ 255-17. Recordkeeping.
A. Records Required.
(1) Every registered Taxicab Business shall maintain records sufficient to demonstrate compliance with this Chapter.
B. Required Records.
The records required by this section shall include, at a minimum:
(1) A current roster of all affiliated Taxicab Drivers.
(2) A current roster identifying each Taxicab operated in connection with the registered Taxicab Business.
(3) Proof of insurance required by this Chapter.
(4) Records reasonably identifying dispatch activity, trip assignments or electronic dispatch records maintained in the ordinary course of business.
(5) Such other records as the Taxi Commission may reasonably require for administration and enforcement of this Chapter.
C. Retention.
(1) Records required by this section shall be retained for three (3) years unless a longer period is required by law.
D. Production.
(1) Records required by this section shall be produced to the Town upon reasonable request.
§ 255-18. Responsibilities of Registered Taxicab Businesses.
A. Licensed Drivers.
(1) No registered Taxicab Business shall knowingly employ, dispatch, assign, lease a Taxicab to, or otherwise permit any individual to operate a Taxicab unless such individual possesses a valid Taxicab Driver License issued pursuant to this Chapter.
B. Licensed Vehicles.
(1) No registered Taxicab Business shall knowingly dispatch or otherwise permit the operation of any vehicle as a Taxicab unless such vehicle possesses a valid Taxicab License issued pursuant to this Chapter.
C. Continuing Responsibility.
(1) Every registered Taxicab Business shall exercise reasonable supervision over its affiliated Taxicab Drivers and Taxicabs and shall take reasonable steps to ensure continuing compliance with this Chapter.
D. Cooperation.
(1) Every registered Taxicab Business shall cooperate with lawful investigations conducted pursuant to this Chapter and shall produce records required by this Chapter upon reasonable request.
§ 255-19. Refusal of Service.
A. General Rule.
(1) A Taxicab Driver holding a Taxicab out as available for hire shall not refuse transportation to a prospective passenger except as provided in this section.
B. Permitted Refusals.
A Taxicab Driver may refuse transportation where:
(1) Acceptance of the passenger would reasonably threaten the health or safety of the driver, the passenger or another person.
(2) The requested transportation would violate federal, state or local law.
(3) The prospective passenger refuses to pay the disclosed fare or refuses to comply with reasonable conditions of transportation.
(4) The requested transportation cannot be provided safely or lawfully.
(5) Refusal of service is otherwise authorized by law.
§ 255-20. Prohibited Conduct.
The following acts are prohibited:
A. Material Changes.
(1) Failure to notify the Town of a material change in information required to be disclosed pursuant to this Chapter.
B. False Statements.
(1) Knowingly making a material false statement or omitting a material fact in any application, record or other document required by this Chapter.
C. Unauthorized Operation.
(1) Operating, or permitting the operation of, a Taxicab in violation of this Chapter.
D. Misuse of Registration or License.
(1) Using, displaying, lending, transferring, altering or permitting the unauthorized use of any registration or license issued pursuant to this Chapter.
E. Invalid Registration or License.
(1) Using or displaying a registration or license that has expired, been suspended, revoked or otherwise become invalid.
F. Interference with Enforcement.
(1) Interfering with, obstructing or failing to cooperate with any lawful investigation or enforcement action conducted pursuant to this Chapter.
G. Failure to Comply with Administrative Regulations.
(1) Failing to comply with any lawful administrative rule or regulation adopted by the Taxi Commission pursuant to §255-10.
§ 255-21. Administrative Hearings.
A. Notice.
(1) Whenever this Chapter requires or authorizes a hearing, the Commission shall provide the applicant, registrant or licensee with reasonable written notice of the hearing.
B. Opportunity to Be Heard.
(1) At the hearing, the applicant, registrant or licensee shall have the opportunity to appear personally or by legal counsel, present evidence, call witnesses and respond to the matters under consideration.
C. Determination.
(1) Following the hearing, the Commission shall issue a written determination setting forth its findings of fact and determination.
(2) A copy of the determination shall be served upon the applicant, registrant or licensee.
§ 255-22. Appeal to the Town Board.
A. Right of Appeal.
(1) Any applicant, registrant or licensee aggrieved by a final determination of the Commission may appeal such determination to the Town Board.
B. Time to Appeal.
(1) A Notice of Appeal shall be filed with the Town Clerk within thirty (30) days after service of the Commission's determination.
C. Scope of Review.
(1) The Town Board shall review the record of the proceeding.
(2) The Town Board may affirm, modify or reverse the determination of the Commission or remit the matter to the Commission for further proceedings.
D. Final Determination.
(1) The determination of the Town Board shall constitute the final determination of the Town.
§ 255-23. Emergency Suspension.
A. Emergency Suspension.
(1) The Commission may temporarily suspend any registration or license issued under this Chapter pending a hearing whenever it finds that continued operation presents an immediate threat to the public health, safety or welfare, or that emergency action is otherwise necessary to protect the public.
B. Hearing.
(1) A hearing shall be scheduled and conducted as promptly as practicable following the suspension.
C. Effect.
(1) An emergency suspension shall remain in effect pending completion of the hearing and issuance of a determination unless sooner modified or lifted by the Commission.
§ 255-24. Denial, Suspension, Revocation and Refusal to Renew.
A. Grounds.
Following notice and hearing conducted pursuant to this Chapter, the Commission may deny, suspend, revoke or refuse to renew any registration or license upon finding that the applicant, registrant or licensee:
(1) Has violated any provision of this Chapter.
(2) Has violated any lawful administrative rule or regulation adopted pursuant to this Chapter.
(3) Has knowingly made a material false statement or omitted a material fact in connection with any application, record or other document required by this Chapter.
(4) Has failed to maintain the qualifications or eligibility required by this Chapter.
(5) Has failed to comply with a lawful order or determination issued pursuant to this Chapter.
(6) Has otherwise engaged in conduct demonstrating that the applicant, registrant or licensee is no longer qualified to hold the registration or license.
§ 255-25. Penalties.
A. First Offense.
(1) Any person convicted of a first offense under this Chapter shall be punishable by a fine not exceeding Five Hundred Dollars ($500), imprisonment for a period not exceeding fifteen (15) days, or both.
B. Second Offense.
(1) Any person convicted of a second offense under this Chapter within twenty-four (24) months of a prior conviction under this Chapter shall be punishable by a fine not exceeding One Thousand Dollars ($1,000), imprisonment for a period not exceeding fifteen (15) days, or both.
C. Third and Subsequent Offenses.
(1) Any person convicted of a third or subsequent offense under this Chapter within twenty-four (24) months of a prior conviction under this Chapter shall be punishable by a fine not exceeding Two Thousand Dollars ($2,000), imprisonment for a period not exceeding fifteen (15) days, or both.
D. Separate Violations.
(1) Each day that a violation continues shall constitute a separate offense.
(2) Each driver, registered Taxicab Business, owner, dispatcher or other responsible person or entity whose conduct constitutes a violation of this Chapter commits a separate violation and may be prosecuted independently.
(3) The prosecution or disposition of one responsible party shall not preclude prosecution of another responsible party.
E. Administrative Remedies.
(1) The penalties provided in this section are cumulative and shall not preclude denial, suspension, revocation, refusal to renew or any other remedy authorized by this Chapter.
§ 255-26. Other Remedies.
A. Cumulative Remedies.
(1) The remedies provided by this Chapter are cumulative and not exclusive.
B. Civil Enforcement.
(1) The Town may maintain an action or proceeding in any court of competent jurisdiction to prevent, restrain or enjoin any violation of this Chapter or otherwise enforce the provisions of this Chapter.
C. Other Legal Remedies.
(1) The remedies provided by this Chapter are in addition to any other remedies available at law or in equity.
§ 255-27. Severability.
If any clause, sentence, paragraph, subdivision, section or part of this Chapter, or the application thereof to any person, firm, corporation or circumstance, shall be adjudged by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, such judgment shall not affect, impair or invalidate the remainder thereof, but shall be confined in its operation to the clause, sentence, paragraph, subdivision, section or part thereof, or to the person, firm, corporation or circumstance directly involved in the controversy in which such judgment shall have been rendered.
§ 255-28. Effective Date.
This local law shall take effect immediately upon filing with the Secretary of State in accordance with the Municipal Home Rule Law.
Dated: August 17, 2026
JEFFREY POSNER
Town Clerk
Town of Ramapo
237 Route 59
Suffern, New York 10901