Traffic Regulation Ordinance (Cap. 65), article 16A

16A. (1) Every taxi-car shall be fitted with an appropriate taxi- meter for ascertaining the number of kilometres covered and the relative legal charges of each trip. (2) Every taxi-meter which is fitted in a taxi-car shall be plac ed in a position which is easily visible to the passengers. (3) Every person who carries p assengers in a taxi-car shall ensure at the commencem ent of any hire that the taxi-meter of s uch TRAFFIC REGULATION [CAP . 65. 17 car is in proper order for corr ect registering in accordance wi th sub- article (1). (4) No person shall carry passenge rs in a taxi-car if the taxi- meter of such car is not in proper order as required by this ar ticle or if such taxi-meter has its seals broken or is in any way tamper ed with. (5) No person shall whilst carrying passengers in a taxi-car fai l to operate the taxi-meter duri ng any hire, or charge any amount in excess of the correct fare, or break the seals of the taxi-mete r. (6) Every person who contravenes any of the provisions of this article shall be guilty of an offence and shall on conviction b e liable - (a) for a first offence, to a fine ( multa ) not exceeding five thousand euro (€5,000); for a second offence, to a fine (multa ) not exceeding seven th ousand euro (€7,000) or to imprisonment for a period of not more than three months; for a third or subsequent offence, to a fine (multa ) not exceeding ten thousand euro (€10,000) or to imprisonment for a period of not more than six months or to both such fine and imprisonment; (b) to the immediate suspension or revocation of any prescribed permit, li cence or authorisation; (c) any prescribed pen alty points; and (d) the confiscation of the t axi-car for a period of: (i) not less than one month but not exceeding three months for a first offence; (ii) not less than three mont hs but not exceeding six months for a second offence; and (iii) not less than six months but not exceeding twelve months for a second and subsequent offence. (7) The confiscation of the tax i-car as provided in sub-article (6) shall take place irrespective of whether the offender is th e owner, or his employee or substitute, of such motor vehicle. Cap. 446. Cap. 9. (8) The Probation Act , and article 21 of the Criminal Code , shall not be applicable in respect of an offence against any of the provisions of this article. Applicability of the Services (Internal Market) Act. Added by: XXIII. 2009.24. Cap. 500.