TAXI, LIMO, AND TNC SIGNAGE

House Bill 5259 as introduced

Sponsor:  Rep. Brandt Iden

Committee:  Regulatory Reform

Complete to 2-13-18

SUMMARY:

House Bill 5259 would allow a taxicab carrier, limousine carrier, or transportation network company (TNC) to display on an affiliated vehicle a registration number from the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) in place of, or in addition to, signage or an emblem.

Currently, a taxicab carrier, limousine carrier, or TNC (e.g., Uber or Lyft) vehicle must display a consistent and distinctive signage or emblem, approved by LARA, at all times while the vehicle is being used to provide transportation services or, for TNC-related services, while it is being used by a driver for a TNC prearranged ride or while the TNC driver is available to receive a transportation request.

House Bill 5259 would amend the Limousine, Taxicab, and Transportation Network Company Act to allow a taxicab carrier, limousine carrier, or TNC to display a LARA registration number. The registration number could be used in addition to, or instead of, a department-approved signage or emblem and could also be displayed with the signage, emblem, or name of the dispatch service with which the carrier or TNC is affiliated. If a LARA registration number were displayed, the 10-digit number would have to be displayed following the symbol for numbers (e.g., #1234567891).

Further, the bill would require the signage, emblem, or LARA registration number to be color-contrasted to be visible during daylight hours and to use numbers, letters, or symbols that are at least 1-1/2 inches in height. This would replace the current requirement that signage or an emblem be reflective and sufficiently large and color-contrasted to be readable during daylight hours from a distance of at least 50 feet. The bill would retain unchanged the current requirement that the signage or emblem sufficiently identify the limousine carrier, taxicab carrier, or TNC with which the vehicle is affiliated, and would apply this requirement to a LARA registration number, too.

The bill would take effect 90 days after being enacted.

MCL 257.2111

FISCAL IMPACT:

House Bill 5259 would not have a significant fiscal impact on any unit of state or local government. The bill would alter requirements for the signage that must be displayed while vehicles are being used by limousine, taxicab, and transportation network companies to provide transportation services. MCL 257.2151 provides for actions that may be taken in instances of violations of the act or rules; however, it is unlikely that any changes brought about by this bill would necessitate any enforcement action.

                                                                                        Legislative Analyst:   Susan Stutzky

                                                                                                Fiscal Analyst:   Marcus Coffin

■ This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House Fiscal Agency staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.