(a) Operators of automobiles for hire shall be decently attired and shall be polite to passengers.
(b) Automobiles operated for hire shall be maintained in a clean condition.
(c) Articles mislaid by passengers in automobiles for hire shall be given to the passengers or turned in to the office of the Taxicab Commission by the operators as soon as possible.
(d) In a conspicuous place on the front windshield of every automobile for hire shall be posted a sign four (4) inches high and eight (8) inches wide, bearing the word “Taxi”; Provided, That in lieu of such sign, an automobile for hire may carry a dome light or similar lighted sign bearing the word “Taxi”, which dome light shall be lighted when the automobile is on duty, but not occupied. Beginning July 1, 1971, every automobile for hire shall carry lights or a lighted sign installed in a position authorized by the Taxicab Commission pursuant to rules and regulations, which shall be lighted when the automobile is on duty, but not occupied. Every automobile for hire shall additionally have on its front windshield a sign three (3) inches high and six (6) inches wide with the words “On Duty” and “Off Duty” on opposite sides. The side which applies shall be displayed by the operator towards the front of the automobile at all times. Provided, however, that the provisions of this subsection shall not apply to any automobile for hire owned by a tour or travel agency licensed under the provisions of chapter 9, Title 27 of this code and operated exclusively for the purpose of conducting tours.
(e) While on duty, no operator of an automobile for hire may smoke in such automobile, sit in seats provided for passengers, or permit others who are not passengers to do so. While off duty, no operator of an automobile for hire may park such automobile in any space reserved for automobiles for hire. When an automobile for hire is parked in such a space, the operator may not wash or repair the automobile, except in case of emergency.
(f) Upon tender of cash fare, operators or automobiles for hire while on duty on the public streets shall accept all public hire jobs which are proffered to them and shall not discriminate against any prospective passenger. No operator may charge a rate to any passenger in excess of the maximum rates established under the provisions of section 405 of this title. An operator may refuse to accept as a passenger any person in an intoxicated state.
(g) Any person who violates any provision of this section or any rule or regulation of the Taxicab Commission shall be subject to an administrative fine imposed by the Taxicab Commission which shall not exceed $50 for the first violation, $100 for the second violation, $500 for the third violation and $1,000 for any subsequent violation within five years of the last violation. The Taxicab Commission may revoke any operator's badge and automobile for plates only after a fine has been imposed for more than three violations. No fine or penalty shall be imposed without previous notice and an opportunity for a fair hearing.
(h) Operators of automobiles for hire shall keep in a conspicuous place within the motor vehicle for hire, and available to passengers, the list of maximum rates applicable to motor vehicles for hire, which list is published by the Taxicab Commission.