SECTION 380.501. Standards for Motor Vehicles

A regional contracted broker or a managed transportation organization must ensure the following minimum standards regarding the physical condition and maintenance of motor vehicles used to provide transportation services.

(1) All motor vehicles used to provide transportation services must:

(A) meet or exceed warranty and component standards for both state and federal safety mechanical operating and maintenance standards;

(B) be identified with the transportation provider name and vehicle number using letters that are at a minimum six inches in height; and

(C) be equipped with:

(i) functioning, clean, and accessible seat belts for each passenger seat position that must be stored off the floor when not in use;

(ii) an operating speedometer and odometer;

(iii) working interior lights within the passenger compartment;

(iv) adequate interior sidewall padding and ceiling covering;

(v) two exterior rear view mirrors, one on each side of the vehicle;

(vi) an interior mirror, which should be used for monitoring the passenger compartment;

(vii) a clean interior and exterior (which must be free of broken mirrors or windows, excessive grime, rust, chipped paint, and major dents);

(viii) a functional fire extinguisher (which must be secured within reach of the motor vehicle operator and visible to passengers);

(ix) a first aid kit (which must include at a minimum latex gloves, hazardous waste disposal bags, scrub brush, disinfectant, and deodorizer);

(x) working heating and cooling systems adequate for the heating, cooling, and ventilation needs of both the motor vehicle operator and the passengers; and

(xi) signage posted within the vehicle that reads: "No Smoking, Eating or Drinking." "All passengers must wear seat belts." "Concealed Weapons Prohibited."

(2) All motor vehicles used to provide transportation services must comply with all applicable state and federal laws, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Accessibility Guidelines for Transportation Vehicles (36 C.F.R. 1192), Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (49 C.F.R. 571), and Chapter 547 of the Texas Transportation Code.

Source Note: The provisions of this §380.501 adopted to be effective August 6, 2013, 38 TexReg 4888; amended to be effective September 1, 2014, 39 TexReg 5731