§ 12-82. Vehicle standards.

(a)

The following vehicle standards apply to all nonemergency vehicles. It is the operator's responsibility to ensure that each nonemergency vehicle operated under the provisions of this article meets the following standards at all times:

(1)

There must be compliance with the safety and mechanical standards of the edition of Florida's Vehicle Inspection Manual, Florida Highway Patrol in effect at the time.

(2)

The vehicle must have a functioning speedometer indicating speed in miles per hour and a functioning odometer indicating distance in miles.

(3)

The vehicle must have a functioning mechanism which insures that doors remain securely closed during travel.

(4)

The vehicle exterior must be free of grime, oil or other substances and free from cracks, breaks, dents and damaged paint that detracts from the overall appearance of the vehicle and that could harm, injure, soil or impair the passenger or the passenger's personal belongings.

(5)

The passenger compartment must be clean, free from torn upholstery or floor coverings, damaged or broken seats, and protruding sharp edges.

(6)

The operator's name or business name, operator's business telephone number and nonemergency vehicle number shall be permanently affixed to the exterior of the vehicle in accordance with instructions issued by the board of county commissioners.

(7)

There must be compliance with any current sanitation and maintenance and vehicle design standards of the state department of health and rehabilitative services for permitting as a nonemergency vehicle.

(8)

Each vehicle must be equipped with a functioning five-pound ABC fire extinguisher.

(9)

Each nonemergency stretcher vehicle shall have a minimum of forty-eight (48) inches from the finished floor to the finished ceiling in the passenger compartment.

(10)

Each vehicle utilized to transport passengers confined to wheelchairs shall have a lift facility, operated electrically and/or hydraulically, with sufficient capacity to safely and smoothly lift passengers into the vehicle.

(11)

Each vehicle shall have a mobile two-way radio, excluding CB radios, with all normal accessories, and shall meet all standards and requirements as specified by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

(12)

Each vehicle shall be staffed with sufficient crew to properly handle the type of passenger being transported.

(b)

The board of commissioners shall provide for annual inspection of each vehicle for compliance with the foregoing standards. In addition to regular inspection, the board of commissioners may also inspect any nonemergency vehicle at any time. The results of each inspection shall be recorded and a copy provided to the operator. Any vehicle failing to meet required safety standards shall not be operated as a nonemergency vehicle until such time as the vehicle satisfactorily passes inspection.

(Ord. No. 89-8, § 9)