Victorian Consolidated Regulations

Transport (Taxi-Cabs) Regulations 2005 - SECT 45

Operation of taximeters

45. Operation of taximeters



(1) The driver of a taxi-cab must not operate the taximeter fitted to the
taxi-cab if the taxi-cab is not hired.

Penalty: 10 penalty units.

(2) Unless subregulation (3) or (4) applies, the driver of a taxi-cab must
start the taximeter as soon as the taxi-cab is hired.

Penalty: 10 penalty units.

(3) If the driver of a taxi-cab is entitled to an additional payment to
compensate for extended loading time, the driver must start the taximeter
immediately after-

   (a)  the driver has accepted the hirer's request to be taken to a
        destination; and

   (b)  the hirer and any passengers accompanying the hirer, and their luggage
        or other items, are safely secured in the taxi-cab; and

   (c)  the taxi-cab is ready to move off.

Penalty: 10 penalty units.

(4) In the case of a pre-booked hiring, a driver of a taxi-cab referred to in
subregulation (3) may start the taximeter earlier than the time referred to in
that subregulation if-

   (a)  the driver has made contact with the hirer; and

   (b)  the time agreed for the hiring has arrived or has passed; and

   (c)  the hirer is not ready to board the taxi-cab, but has requested the
        driver to wait.

(5) If the conditions of a licence require or permit a different tariff to
start during a hiring, the driver of the taxi-cab must-

   (a)  if the taximeter requires adjustment to the new tariff, make that
        adjustment when the new tariff is to start; and

   (b)  in any case, immediately after the new tariff has started, tell the
        hirer of that fact.

Penalty: 10 penalty units.

(6) The driver of a taxi-cab must ensure that the taximeter is stopped and put
into the neutral position-

   (a)  in a case to which subregulation (2) applies, as soon as the hiring
        has finished; or

   (b)  in a case to which subregulation (3) or (4) applies, immediately after
        the taxi-cab is brought to a halt for the purpose of allowing the
        hirer, or if regulation 40 applies, the last hirer, to alight from the
        taxi-cab at the termination of the hiring.

Penalty: 10 penalty units.

Division 4-General