Vehicle for Hire By-Law #997
Welcome to Professional Licensing Training
🎯 Training Overview
This comprehensive training module covers all essential information from the City of Iqaluit's Vehicle for Hire By-Law #997, effective September 10, 2024.
This training is mandatory for:
- Livery License applicants and holders
- Vehicle for Hire drivers seeking Chauffeur's Permits
- Municipal enforcement personnel
- Licensing administrators
📌 Key Objectives
Upon completion, you will understand:
- ✓ Licensing requirements for operators and businesses
- ✓ Criminal convictions that disqualify applicants
- ✓ Vehicle standards and maintenance requirements
- ✓ Approved fare structures and regulations
- ✓ Professional conduct expectations
- ✓ Insurance and financial requirements
- ✓ Suspension, cancellation, and appeal procedures
⏱️ Training Schedule
Estimated Completion Time: 60-90 minutes
Assessment: 30-question multiple choice exam at the end
Passing Score: 70% (21 out of 30 questions)
⚠️ Important Notice: This training is current as of the By-Law effective date of September 10, 2024. Municipal regulations may be updated. Always consult with the City of Iqaluit Licensing Department for the most current information.
Section 1: Key Definitions
Understanding Core Terminology
Vehicle for Hire Types
- Taxi: Motor vehicle with valid license and taxi endorsement
- Accessible Taxi: Motor vehicle with valid license and accessible taxi endorsement
- Limousine: Motor vehicle with valid license and limousine endorsement
- Shuttle: Motor vehicle with valid license and shuttle endorsement
- Bus Operated as Vehicle for Hire: Bus/tour bus with fixed routes and passenger pick-up/drop-off
Key Personnel Definitions
- Driver: Person holding valid Chauffeur's Permit
- Licensee: Person named on a License
- Applicant: Person applying for a License
- Chief Administrative Officer (CAO): Municipal administrator or delegate
- Chief Enforcement Officer: Chief of Enforcement Services
- Peace Officer: Bylaw officer, RCMP, police officer, or traffic safety officer
- Designated Officer: Municipal enforcement officer or RCMP member
Important Operational Terms
- License: Chauffeur's Permit, Vehicle for Hire License, Brokerage License, or Independent Driver Owner License
- Livery License: License to operate livery business
- In Service: Vehicle top light is affixed and illuminated
- Trip: Travel from pickup point to drop-off point
- Trip Sheet: Written/electronic record of trip details
- Fare: Compensation for transporting persons or goods
Section 2: Licensing Requirements
Path to Obtaining Required Permits
Livery License (Business Level)
Requirements for Approval:
- ✓ Must be Nunavut resident
- ✓ Minimum 3 vehicles (for new applications)
- ✓ For Bus/Shuttle: minimum 1 vehicle with 6+ passenger capacity
- ✓ Comply with zoning regulations
- ✓ Hands-free calls or onboard tablet for dispatching
- ✓ No outstanding city arrears or bylaw violations
- ✓ No more than 3 Traffic Safety violations within 12 months
License Duration: Expires December 31st | 1-year probationary period
Vehicle for Hire License (Vehicle Level)
- ✓ Valid Livery Business License required
- ✓ Annual renewal required
- ✓ Mechanical inspection: January 1 & July 1 annually
- ✓ Certificate of Mechanical Fitness required
- ✓ Must meet cleanliness/appearance standards
Chauffeur's Permit (Driver Level)
Eligibility Requirements:
- ✓ Age 19+ years
- ✓ Valid Class 4 Driver's License (Nunavut)
- ✓ Sponsorship letter from Livery License holder
- ✓ Criminal Records Search (not exceeding 90 days old)
- ✓ No convictions for listed offences
- ✓ Must pass bylaw knowledge test
- ✓ Must pass practical driving test
Mandatory Training: Vehicle For Hire bylaw, Road Safety, Passenger/Driver Safety, Professional Standards, Customer Service
Section 3: Criminal Convictions & Disqualification
Understanding Permanent and Temporary Bars
Permanent Bars (Cannot Be Licensed)
The following convictions result in permanent disqualification:
- ✗ Sexual assault with weapon; threats causing bodily harm
- ✗ Aggravated sexual assault or any other sexual offences
- ✗ Robbery
- ✗ Extortion
- ✗ Homicide
- ✗ Assault causing bodily harm
- ✗ Abduction, kidnapping
- ✗ Criminal negligence
- ✗ Assault with weapon
Temporary Bar Periods
| Bar Duration | Offence Category | From |
|---|---|---|
| 5 years | Illegal sale of liquor | Conviction date |
| 3 years | Any Indictable Offence (except permanent bars) | Conviction date |
| 3 years | Controlled Drug and Substances Act violations | Conviction date |
| 2 years | Summary Offence under Criminal Code | Conviction date |
Special Rules: Pardon holders may be eligible after CEO review. Multiple violations (3+ within 12 months) result in disqualification. Violations expunged after 12 months following conviction month.
Section 4: Vehicle Requirements & Standards
Mechanical, Appearance, and Signage Standards
Mechanical Inspection Requirements
- Schedule: January 1 & July 1 annually
- Pre-inspection Periods: Sept 15 - Dec 1 AND April 1 - June 15
- Certificate Required: Must be signed by licensed mechanic
- Non-Compliance: Vehicle removed from service until fitness confirmed
Drive Train Requirements
- ✓ Front Wheel Drive (FWD) or All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
- ✓ Rear Wheel Only: Permitted May 31 - October 1 ONLY
- ✗ Rear Wheel Only: PROHIBITED after January 1, 2026
Winter Tires: Required November 1 - May 30 annually | Fine: $800 for non-compliance
Interior Cleanliness Standards
Vehicle Interior Must Be:
- ✓ Clean, dry, neat, in good repair
- ✓ Free of refuse, loose papers, noxious substances
- ✓ Upholstery clean and free of dust/dirt/grease/oil
- ✓ No holes, rips, or stains
- ✓ Trunk clean and free of hazards
- ✓ Dashboard and rear window ledge clear
- ✓ No offensive odours
- ✓ Spare tire in good condition
Exterior Cleanliness Standards
- ✓ Kept in clean condition at all times
- ✓ Free of dust, dirt, grease, oil, adhesive resin
- ✓ Exterior trim and moldings intact, matching original
- ✓ No dents or rust areas (must be repaired to match colour)
- ✓ All wheels with matching rims/hubcaps in good condition
- ✓ Bumpers and grill in good condition
- ✓ Doors, windows, windshields clean
Signage Requirements
Top Light:
- Roof-mounted, full view when vehicle is "in service"
- Livery business name on front; unit number on back
- Maximum 12 inches high × 16 inches long
- Illuminated during hours of darkness
Unit Numbers:
- Minimum 6 × 4 inches
- Located on exterior sides (minimum 3 locations)
- Contrasting colours to vehicle body
Section 5: Fare Regulations
Approved Fares and Special Charges
Standard Fares (Effective May 1, 2024)
| Location | Fare |
|---|---|
| Within City (excl. Apex, Upper Base, Road To Nowhere, Causeway) | $9.25 |
| Causeway to Apex or Road To Nowhere (per person) | $15.00 |
Annual Fare Projections
| Year | Regular Fare | Senior Discount |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $9.25 | $7.50 |
| 2025 | $9.50 | $8.00 |
| 2026 | $9.75 | $8.00 |
| 2027 | $10.00 | $8.50 |
| 2028 | $10.25 | $8.50 |
Special Fare Categories
- Children Under 10: Free (with accompanying adult)
- Rental Fares: $80.00 per hour
- Hand-to-Hand Deliveries: Double the regular fare (max 20 kg)
- Waiting Time: $1.00 per minute after 5 minutes
- Excess Luggage: $2.50 per piece (beyond 2 pieces)
- Animals in Vehicle: Full adult rate
- Senior Discount: Up to 80% of regular fare (must show ID)
Fare Restrictions
Drivers MUST:
- ✓ Request payment in ADVANCE
- ✓ Issue receipt upon request showing: driver name, license number, date, amount
Drivers CANNOT:
- ✗ Charge additional fees for debit/credit card payments
- ✗ Charge fare other than approved rate
- ✗ Reduce fare below established rate
- ✗ Offer unauthorized discounts
Section 6: Prohibited Conduct
Professional Standards and Expectations
Driver Conduct Prohibitions
Drivers MUST NOT:
- ✗ Operate while under influence of intoxicating substance (30-day suspension minimum)
- ✗ Operate while fatigued/exceeding permitted hours (8-hour minimum suspension)
- ✗ Smoke/use tobacco/vape in any Vehicle for Hire
- ✗ Permit passengers to consume cannabis, tobacco, or vape
- ✗ Provide false/misleading information on applications
- ✗ Carry non-paying passengers
- ✗ Operate vehicle for company not listed on permit
- ✗ Take additional passengers after initial departure without consent
- ✗ Carry baggage detrimental to repair/cleanliness
- ✗ Tamper with seatbelts
Reasonable Refusal of Service
Drivers MAY refuse service when passenger(s):
- Attempt to consume alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, or illicit substances
- Are indebted to driver or owner
- Request problematic baggage transport
- Are disorderly or verbally/physically abusive
- Engage in safety-threatening behaviour
- Have been previously prohibited by bylaw
- Threaten public safety
- Refuse to pay in advance
Owner/Licensee Conduct Prohibitions
- ✗ Operate business without valid Livery License
- ✗ Permit unqualified persons to operate vehicle
- ✗ Permit driver to operate without valid Chauffeur's Permit
- ✗ Fail to maintain $2,000,000 minimum insurance
- ✗ Fail to maintain vehicle in good repair
- ✗ Operate without required signage/posting
- ✗ Fail to keep records for 2 calendar years
Section 7: Prohibited Substances & Items
Alcohol, Smoking, and Cannabis Regulations
Alcohol Regulations
✗ NO open alcohol in vehicle at any time
EXCEPTIONS:
- In possession of bona fide paying passenger
- For transportation to common carrier (per Nunavut Liquor Act)
Smoking & Tobacco
- ✗ Smoking is PROHIBITED in all Vehicles for Hire
- ✗ Includes all smoking equipment and e-cigarettes
- ✗ Applies whether vehicle is in service or not
- Fine: $500 for non-compliance
Cannabis Regulations
- ✗ Drivers cannot consume in any Vehicle for Hire
- ✗ Passengers cannot consume in any Vehicle for Hire
- ✓ Must comply with Cannabis Consumption Tobacco Use and Vaping By-law #863
Section 8: Insurance & Financial Requirements
Protection and Financial Compliance
Minimum Insurance Requirements
Third-Party Liability Insurance: $2,000,000 MINIMUM
Required for all Vehicle for Hire operations
Outstanding Debts Prohibition
✗ NO license issued if applicant has outstanding:
- Fines
- Fees
- Accounts with City of Iqaluit
Financial Compliance Checklist
- ✓ All municipal fines paid
- ✓ All licensing fees current
- ✓ No city property arrears
- ✓ Insurance certificate on file
Section 9: Vehicle Inspection & Records
Maintenance Documentation and Compliance
Inspection Schedule
Mechanical Inspection Dates: January 1 & July 1 annually
Pre-Inspection Windows:
- September 15 - December 1 (for January 1 inspection)
- April 1 - June 15 (for July 1 inspection)
Records Retention Requirements
MUST retain for 2 calendar years:
- Dispatch records
- Trip records
- Vehicle for Hire trip agreements
- Complaint records (electronic or written)
Complaint Records Must Include:
- Complainant name, address, phone
- Date and time of complaint
- Nature of complaint and driver involved
- Company response
Non-Mechanical Fitness Protocol
If Certificate of Mechanical Fitness indicates vehicle is NOT in good working condition:
- Step 1: Vehicle immediately removed from service
- Step 2: All defects must be remedied
- Step 3: New certificate must be submitted to City
- Step 4: Vehicle may resume service only after approval
Section 10: Accessibility Requirements
Service for Passengers with Disabilities
Mandatory Accessible Vehicle
Companies with 4 or more vehicles must have 1 accessible vehicle available during all operating hours
Accessible Vehicle Standards
- ✓ Post accessibility symbol (minimum 150mm × 150mm)
- ✓ Meet Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards
- ✓ Meet Canadian Association Standards D409-02
- ✓ Allow accessible access for persons with physical disabilities
Service Dog Regulations
✓ Certified Service Dogs must be transported at NO COST
Important distinction:
- Service Dogs: No-cost transport requirement
- Emotional Support Animals: Charged at standard fare (NOT covered by exemption)
Section 11: Suspension, Cancellation & Revocation
Enforcement Actions and Procedures
Grounds for Action
License can be SUSPENDED/CANCELLED/REVOKED for:
- ✗ Non-compliance with bylaw provisions
- ✗ Non-compliance with license conditions
- ✗ Non-compliance with relevant city bylaws
Immediate Temporary Suspension
Peace Officer can suspend when:
- Imminent danger to public health/safety
- Driver under influence of intoxicating substance = 30-day minimum suspension
- Fatigue/exceeding permitted hours = 8-hour minimum suspension
Hearing and Appeal Rights
Process:
- Must follow sections 178-180 of Cities, Towns and Villages Act
- Applicant has right to hearing before Council
- Appeal must be submitted within 7 calendar days
- Hearing held within 21 calendar days of written appeal
- Applicant permitted to make representations to Council
Council Decision Options:
- Uphold the refusal, suspension, or cancellation
- Issue license with conditions
- Refuse to issue license
Section 15: Fines Schedule
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Fine Schedule
| Violation | Fine Amount |
|---|---|
| Operating without Livery License | $5,000.00 |
| Transporting liquor unlawfully | $1,000.00 |
| Insurance violations | $575.00 |
| Records violations | $500.00 |
| Smoking in Vehicle for Hire | $500.00 |
| Operating without Chauffeur's Permit | $250.00 |
| False/misleading information | $250.00 |
| Open alcohol in vehicle | $250.00 |
| Refusing service to passenger(s) | $250.00 |
| Signage violations | $150.00-$250.00 |
| Vehicle maintenance violations | $150.00 per item |
| Fail to transport Service Dog at no cost | $150.00 |
| Carrying non-paying passenger | $150.00 |
| Fatigue/excess hours violation | $200.00 |
Section 16: Appeal Process
Challenging Licensing Decisions
Appeal Timeline
- Step 1: Applicant has 7 calendar days to submit written appeal after refusal
- Step 2: Appeal submitted to Chief Administrative Officer
- Step 3: Hearing held within 21 calendar days of receipt
- Step 4: Applicant permitted to make representations to Council
Council Decision Options
Upon hearing, Council may:
- ✓ Uphold the refusal, suspension, or cancellation
- ✓ Issue license with conditions
- ✓ Refuse to issue license
Important Notes
The appeal process provides an opportunity to:
- Present new evidence or information
- Clarify circumstances of the original application
- Request license with specific conditions
- Formally respond to stated grounds for refusal
Representation: You may request representation by legal counsel or another authorized representative at your hearing.
Assessment: Vehicle for Hire Knowledge Quiz
30-Question Comprehensive Examination
Question 1 of 30
Score: 0