Md. Code, Public Utilities, Title 10

Md. Code, Public Utilities, Title 10
in effect

Md. Code, Public Utilities § 10-101

(a) In this title the following words have the meanings indicated. (b) “Central Repository” has the meaning stated in § 10-201 of the Criminal Procedure Article. (c) “Criminal Justice Information System” has the meaning stated in § 10-201 of the Criminal Procedure Article. (d) “For-hire driver’s license” includes: (1) a passenger-for-hire license; and (2) a taxicab driver’s license. (e) (1) “Limousine service” means operating a motor vehicle for hire using a motor vehicle classified as a Class Q (limousine) vehicle under § 13–939 of the Transportation Article. (2) “Limousine service” does not include providing taxicab services, sedan services, or transportation network services. (f) (1) “Operate a motor vehicle for hire” means to transport or offer to transport a person in a motor vehicle in exchange for remuneration. (2) “Operate a motor vehicle for hire” includes: (i) providing passenger-for-hire services; and (ii) providing taxicab services. (g) “Provide passenger–for–hire services” includes: (1) providing limousine services; (2) providing sedan services; and (3) providing transportation network services. (h) “Provide taxicab services” means to operate a motor vehicle for hire that, in addition to other services: (1) is advertised or held out to the public as a taxicab or as providing taxicab services; (2) regardless of how or when engaged, provides for-hire service between points chosen by the passenger and for a fare that is based on the distance traveled, the time elapsed, or both; or (3) is engaged by the passenger for service between points chosen by the passenger that is provided through: (i) hail from the street or other location; or (ii) request made at a taxi stand or other location where the motor vehicle is standing and waiting for a request for service. (i) “Remuneration” includes: (1) a fare; (2) a fee; (3) a toll; (4) a gratuity; and (5) personal services. (j) (1) “Sedan service” means operating a motor vehicle for hire using a motor vehicle designed to carry 15 or fewer individuals, including the driver. (2) “Sedan service” does not include providing taxicab services, limousine services, or transportation network services. (k) “Taxicab driver’s license” means a license issued by the Commission to an individual that provides taxicab services. (l) “Transportation network company” means a company that operates in the State using a digital network to connect passengers to transportation network operators or transportation network partners for transportation network services. (m) “Transportation network operator”, “transportation network partner”, or “transportation network driver” means an individual who: (1) has been issued a transportation network operator’s license, or is otherwise authorized, by the Commission to provide transportation network services; (2) receives, through a transportation network company’s digital network application, a connection to a potential passenger to transport the passenger between points chosen by the passenger in exchange for the payment of a fee to the transportation network company; and (3) uses a motor vehicle that is owned, leased, or otherwise authorized for use by the individual and is approved for use in providing transportation network services by the Commission. (n) (1) “Transportation network services” means the activities of an operator during: (i) transportation network coverage period one, during which the operator is logged onto and ready to accept a prearranged ride request made through a transportation network company’s digital network application; (ii) transportation network coverage period two, during which the operator accepts a ride request from a passenger that is prearranged through a transportation network company’s digital network application, and is traveling to a predetermined location to pick up the passenger; and (iii) transportation network coverage period three, during which the operator transports the passenger and continuing until the passenger departs the motor vehicle. (2) “Transportation network services” does not include: (i) providing taxicab services, sedan services, or limousine services; (ii) any shared expense carpool arrangement or service or other type of arrangement or service in which a driver receives a fee that does not exceed the driver’s costs associated with providing a ride; or (iii) transportation services that a nonprofit organization provides through the use of a volunteer driver and the volunteer driver’s personal vehicle.

Md. Code, Public Utilities § 10-102

(a) This subtitle supplements other law relating to the operation and licensing of motor vehicles. (b) This title applies to any motor vehicle used in the transportation of persons in exchange for remuneration except: (1) motor vehicles designed to transport more than 15 persons; and (2) transportation solely provided by or on behalf of a unit of federal, State, or local government, or a nonprofit organization as identified in § 501(c)(3) and (4) of the Internal Revenue Code, that requires a criminal history records check and driving record check for its drivers, for clients of services including: (i) aging support; (ii) developmental and other disabilities; (iii) kidney dialysis; (iv) Medical Assistance Program; (v) Head Start; (vi) Welfare–to–Work; (vii) mental health; and (viii) job training. (c) Subsection (b)(2) of this section may not be construed to limit the application of this title or Title 9 of this article to a for–hire driver or other person who operates a motor vehicle for hire or provides transportation of persons for hire in addition to providing transportation services to clients of services listed in subsection (b)(2) of this section. (d) Notwithstanding subsection (b)(2) of this section: (1) a nonprofit organization that provides transportation for remuneration to clients of services listed in subsection (b)(2) of this section may not be required to obtain a motor carrier permit under Title 9 of this article; and (2) a driver employed by the nonprofit organization may not be required to obtain a for–hire driver’s license or other authorization from the Commission to perform transportation services solely under subsection (b)(2) of this section. (e) (1) A driver employed or offered employment by a governmental unit or nonprofit organization under subsection (b)(2) of this section shall apply to the Criminal Justice Information System Central Repository of the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services for a State criminal history records check on or before the first day of the driver’s actual employment. (2) As part of the application for a State criminal history records check, the driver employed or offered employment by the governmental unit or nonprofit organization shall submit to the Central Repository: (i) one complete set of the driver’s legible fingerprints taken on a form approved by the Secretary of Public Safety and Correctional Services; and (ii) the fee authorized under § 10–221(b)(7) of the Criminal Procedure Article for access to State criminal history records. (3) (i) In accordance with Title 10, Subtitle 2 of the Criminal Procedure Article, the Central Repository shall provide a printed statement listing the driver’s criminal convictions to: 1. the governmental unit or nonprofit organization; and 2. the driver. (ii) If criminal history record information is reported to the Central Repository after the date of the initial criminal history records check, the Central Repository shall provide a revised printed statement listing the driver’s criminal convictions to: 1. the governmental unit or nonprofit organization; and 2. the driver. (4) In accordance with regulations adopted by the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services, the governmental unit or nonprofit organization shall verify periodically a list of its drivers. (5) Information the governmental unit or nonprofit organization obtains from the Central Repository under this subsection shall be: (i) confidential and may not be redisseminated; and (ii) used only for the employment purpose authorized by this section. (6) In accordance with § 10–223 of the Criminal Procedure Article, a driver employed by a governmental unit or nonprofit organization may challenge the contents of a printed statement or revised printed statement issued by the Central Repository. (f) This subtitle does not limit the power of a political subdivision of the State to adopt reasonable traffic regulations such as: (1) the designation of taxicab stands; and (2) the restriction or prohibition of cruising along a public street when the cruising would menace the public safety or unduly congest traffic.

Md. Code, Public Utilities § 10-103

(a) Except as provided in subsections (b) and (c) of this section, a person may not operate a motor vehicle for hire in the State under a permit or authorization to transport passengers issued by the Commission or the appropriate local authority unless the person holds a for–hire driver’s license or a transportation network operator’s license issued by the Commission. (b) (1) A county or municipal corporation may license taxicab drivers who drive taxicabs that are based in that county or municipal corporation if, at a minimum, the county or municipal corporation conducts a criminal record check and driving record check of each applicant for a license. (2) A taxicab driver licensed by a county or municipal corporation is not required to be licensed by the Commission. (c) (1) (i) In this subsection the following words have the meanings indicated. (ii) “Washington Metropolitan Area Transit District” means the transit district created under § 10–204 of the Transportation Article and includes, for the State, Montgomery and Prince George’s counties and the political subdivisions located within those counties. (iii) “WMATC” means the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Commission created under § 10–204 of the Transportation Article. (2) A person providing transportation network services in the portion of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit District located within the State must hold a transportation network operator’s license issued by the Commission unless the person is providing a trip for which WMATC requires a certificate of authority.

Md. Code, Public Utilities § 10-104

(a) (1) An applicant for a for–hire driver’s license shall: (i) submit to the Commission a completed application on the form that the Commission provides; (ii) state on the form that the applicant is applying for a passenger–for–hire driver’s license or a taxicab driver’s license; (iii) pay to the Commission an application fee set by the Commission; (iv) 1. if the applicant is a Maryland driver, allow the Commission access to the driver’s photograph through the Motor Vehicle Administration; or 2. file with the application a recent photograph in a format that the Commission specifies; and (v) apply to the Criminal Justice Information System Central Repository of the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services for a State criminal history records check as provided in subsection (b) of this section. (2) The Commission shall: (i) require a driving record check of the applicant; (ii) attach a photograph to the for–hire driver’s license when issued; and (iii) file a photograph with the for–hire driver’s record. (b) (1) As part of the application for a criminal history records check, the applicant shall submit to the Central Repository: (i) one complete set of the applicant’s legible fingerprints taken on forms approved by the Director of the Central Repository; and (ii) the fee authorized under § 10–221(b)(7) of the Criminal Procedure Article for access to Maryland criminal history records. (2) (i) In response to an application for an initial criminal history records check, the Central Repository shall provide to the Commission and the applicant a printed statement of the applicant’s State criminal record. (ii) If criminal history record information is reported to the Central Repository after the date of the initial criminal history records check, the Central Repository shall provide to the Commission and the applicant or licensee a revised printed statement of the applicant’s or licensee’s State criminal record. (3) In accordance with regulations adopted by the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services, the Commission shall verify periodically a list of licensed for–hire drivers. (4) Information the Commission obtains from the Central Repository under this subsection shall be: (i) confidential and may not be redisseminated; and (ii) used only for the licensing purposes described in this title. (5) (i) As provided by this paragraph, an applicant for a for–hire driver’s license or a licensee may contest the contents of a printed statement or a revised printed statement issued by the Central Repository. (ii) To contest the contents of a printed statement or a revised printed statement, an applicant or a licensee shall contact the office of the Secretary of Public Safety and Correctional Services, or the Secretary’s designee. (iii) The Secretary of Public Safety and Correctional Services, or the Secretary’s designee, shall: 1. convene a hearing within 20 workdays, unless subsequently waived by the applicant or the licensee; and 2. render a decision within 5 workdays after the hearing. (iv) For the purposes of this paragraph, the record of a court disposition or a copy of the record certified by the clerk of the court or by a judge of the court in which the disposition occurred shall be conclusive evidence of the disposition. (v) In a case where a pending charge is recorded, documentation provided by a court to the Secretary of Public Safety and Correctional Services, or the Secretary’s designee, that a pending charge for a crime which has not been finally adjudicated shall be conclusive evidence of the pending charge. (vi) Failure of the applicant or a licensee to appear at the scheduled hearing shall be considered grounds for dismissal of the contest. (6) (i) In addition to a State criminal history records check under this subsection, and subject to Title 10, Subtitle 2 of the Criminal Procedure Article, the Commission may require an applicant to obtain a criminal history records check from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, through the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services. (ii) An applicant who is required by the Commission to obtain a criminal history records check from the Federal Bureau of Investigation under subparagraph (i) of this paragraph shall: 1. apply to the Central Repository of the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services for a national criminal history records check; 2. submit to the Central Repository one complete set of the applicant’s legible fingerprints taken on forms approved by the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; and 3. submit to the Central Repository the mandatory processing fee required by the Federal Bureau of Investigation for a national criminal history records check. (7) The Commission may use a private agency to provide a background check on an applicant or licensee under this section, as determined by the Commission. (c) (1) After the initial printed statement has been received from the Central Repository, the Commission shall issue a passenger–for–hire driver’s license or a taxicab driver’s license, as appropriate, to each applicant that meets the requirements of this title. (2) The passenger–for–hire driver’s license and the taxicab driver’s license shall be in the form that the Commission provides. (d) The Commission may deny an applicant a license or suspend or revoke the license of a licensee if the applicant or licensee has been convicted of a crime that bears a direct relationship to the applicant’s or licensee’s fitness to serve the public as a for–hire driver.

Md. Code, Public Utilities § 10-104.1

§10–104.1. (a) An applicant for a for–hire driver’s license may not provide sedan services, limousine services, or taxicab services unless the Commission has authorized the applicant to operate on a provisional basis or has issued a valid temporary or permanent driver’s license to provide sedan services, limousine services, or taxicab services. (b) The Commission may approve an applicant and issue a temporary driver’s license to the applicant if: (1) the applicant provides all information that the Commission requires for the application, including the information specified in item (2) of this subsection; and (2) the Commission is satisfied with the successful submission of the applicant’s: (i) national criminal history records check: 1. conducted by a consumer reporting agency as defined under § 14–1201 of the Commercial Law Article or a comparable entity approved by the Commission; and 2. that includes: A. a Multi–State Multi–Jurisdiction Criminal Records Database Search or a search of a similar nationwide database with validation; B. a search of the Sex Offender Registry; and C. a search of the U.S. Department of Justice’s National Sex Offender Public website; and (ii) driving record check that includes a driving history research report. (c) (1) Subject to subsection (d) of this section, the Commission may issue a permanent for–hire driver’s license to an applicant on the submission of a satisfactory supplemental criminal background check as set forth under § 10–104(b) of this subtitle. (2) For taxicab services, the applicant must submit, within 30 days of the issuance of a temporary license, a satisfactory supplemental criminal background check as set forth under § 10–104(b) of this subtitle. (d) Before December 15, 2016, the Commission may not require an applicant for a for–hire driver’s license to comply with subsection (c) of this section if a sedan company or limousine company for which the applicant will provide services, at the time it applies for a permit, provides to the Commission details of the process the sedan company or limousine company uses to collect, review, and submit the information specified in subsection (b)(2) of this section. (e) (1) A sedan company or limousine company may request that the Commission waive the requirement to comply with subsection (c) of this section and instead comply with subsection (b)(2) of this section for applicants and drivers of the sedan company or limousine company. (2) On receipt of a request under paragraph (1) of this subsection, the Commission shall: (i) determine whether the sedan company’s or limousine company’s process for complying with subsection (b)(2) of this section can be shown to be as comprehensive and accurate as complying with the supplemental criminal background check as set forth under § 10–104(b) of this subtitle; and (ii) within 3 months after receiving the request, determine whether to: 1. grant the waiver; 2. deny the waiver; or 3. approve an alternative process. (f) A sedan company, limousine company, or taxicab company may submit the information under subsection (b) of this section on behalf of an applicant. (g) The Commission shall adopt regulations that provide a process that is as expeditious as possible and uses electronic means for: (1) the submission of the information under subsection (b) of this section; (2) the issuance of a temporary or permanent driver’s license and alternative authority to operate on a provisional basis; and (3) the renewal of a driver’s license. (h) (1) Records or information provided to the Commission by a sedan company, limousine company, or taxicab company under this section are not subject to release under the Maryland Public Information Act. (2) The Commission may not disclose records or information provided to the Commission under this section to any person unless the disclosure is required by court order or order of the Maryland Tax Court. (3) On notice that a person is seeking records or information under paragraph (2) of this subsection, the Commission shall promptly notify the sedan company, limousine company, or taxicab company before disclosing the records or information.

Md. Code, Public Utilities § 10-105

(a) After an administrative review, the Commission shall deny an application for a license if the public convenience and necessity requires the denial because of: (1) the physical or mental condition of the applicant; or (2) the criminal record of the applicant. (b) (1) If an applicant’s application for a license is denied under subsection (a) of this section, the applicant may request a hearing by the Commission. (2) The Commission may have the license hearing officer conduct the hearing in accordance with § 10-110 of this subtitle. (c) If the Commission refuses to issue a license, the applicant may seek judicial review of the refusal under Title 3, Subtitle 2 of this article.

Md. Code, Public Utilities § 10-106

(a) The term of a for-hire driver’s license is not less than 1 year and not more than 3 years, as the Commission sets. (b) (1) An applicant for a renewal of a for-hire driver’s license shall submit to the Commission an application on the form that the Commission provides. (2) The Commission may renew the for-hire driver’s license by appropriate endorsement on the license. (c) The Commission shall keep on file with the original application of a driver a complete record of: (1) each for-hire driver’s license issued to the driver; and (2) any renewal, suspension, and revocation of a for-hire driver’s license issued to the driver.

Md. Code, Public Utilities § 10-108

(a) A for-hire driver shall have the for-hire driver’s license in the driver’s possession whenever operating a motor vehicle for hire. (b) (1) A for-hire driver may not deface, remove, or obliterate an official entry made on the for-hire driver’s license. (2) A violation of this subsection shall be punished by suspension or revocation of the for-hire driver’s license as provided under § 10-110 of this subtitle.

Md. Code, Public Utilities § 10-109

If a passenger elects to use a route where a highway or bridge toll charge occurs, the for-hire driver shall assess the passenger the cost of the highway or bridge toll charge.

Md. Code, Public Utilities § 10-110

(a) (1) There is a position of license hearing officer. (2) The license hearing officer shall be appointed by the Commission. (3) The license hearing officer serves at the pleasure of the Commission. (4) The license hearing officer is entitled to compensation in accordance with the State budget. (b) The license hearing officer may hold a hearing involving a violation of this division or the Commission’s regulations: (1) by a for–hire driver licensed by the Commission, including a transportation network operator, transportation network partner, or transportation network driver licensed or otherwise authorized by the Commission to provide transportation network services; (2) except for a violation relating to rates, by a holder of a taxicab permit issued by the Commission; and (3) by a sedan company, limousine company, taxicab company, or transportation network company. (c) The license hearing officer shall file with the Commission, and simultaneously serve on all parties, a proposed order and findings of fact. (d) The proposed order shall become final unless appealed as provided in § 3-113(d) of this article. (e) Whenever a for-hire driver’s license or taxicab permit is suspended or revoked, or a civil penalty is imposed on the for-hire driver or taxicab permit holder, the for-hire driver or taxicab permit holder: (1) may request a rehearing in accordance with § 3-114 of this article; and (2) may seek judicial review under Title 3, Subtitle 2 of this article. (f) The Commission shall furnish to the permit holder a copy of the charges against a for-hire driver and the related decision of the license hearing officer and the Commission.

Md. Code, Public Utilities § 10-111

Notwithstanding § 2-110 of this article, the Commission may seek adequate funding in the State budget and employ adequate staffing in order to implement the responsibilities set forth in this title and Title 9, Subtitle 2 of this article.

Md. Code, Public Utilities § 10-112

(a) There is a For–Hire Driving Services Enforcement Fund. (b) The Fund is a special, nonlapsing fund that is not subject to § 7–302 of the State Finance and Procurement Article. (c) The purpose of the Fund is to provide adequate resources for the Commission to enforce the requirements of this title concerning for–hire driving services. (d) (1) The Fund consists of assessments made on permits for vehicles regulated by the Commission to provide for–hire driving services in the State. (2) The Commission shall establish an assessment not exceeding $40 to be paid annually with respect to each vehicle permit to provide for–hire driving services, except for a vehicle permit to be used exclusively for employee van transportation to or from a designated work site. (e) The Fund is to be used solely for statewide enforcement activities of the Commission relating to for–hire driving services.

Md. Code, Public Utilities § 10-202

(a) A person must have a permit issued by the Commission whenever the person operates as a taxicab business in or from a point in Baltimore City, Baltimore County, the City of Cumberland, or the City of Hagerstown. (b) The provisions of this division relating to taxicabs or of any public local law relating to taxicabs do not limit the jurisdiction of the Commission over a taxicab business as a common carrier even if the taxicab business operates in a jurisdiction other than Baltimore City, Baltimore County, the City of Cumberland, or the City of Hagerstown.

Md. Code, Public Utilities § 10-203

(a) (1) An applicant for a permit to operate a taxicab business shall submit to the Commission an application on the form that the Commission provides. (2) The Commission shall issue a permit if, after investigation, the Commission determines that issuing the permit would be best for the public welfare and convenience. (b) In determining whether to issue a permit, the Commission shall consider all relevant factors including: (1) the number of taxicabs to be used; (2) the taxicab and other transportation services already available in the locality; and (3) the rate to be charged. (c) If it appears that a taxicab company is making an effort to mislead the public by imitating the name, design, or distinctive combination of colors of any taxicab already approved by the Commission, the Commission shall: (1) reject the taxicab company’s application for a permit; or (2) revoke or suspend the taxicab company’s existing permit.

Md. Code, Public Utilities § 10-204

(a) Each permit applies only to the particular taxicab designated in the permit. (b) (1) Each permit is subject to the terms and conditions that the Commission establishes. (2) The Commission shall set a term of at least 1 year for each permit. (3) The Commission may renew a permit in accordance with the standards set forth in § 10-203 of this subtitle. (c) If sufficient cause is shown, the Commission may amend, suspend, or revoke a permit.

Md. Code, Public Utilities § 10-205

(a) A permit may not be assigned or transferred unless, after investigation, the Commission approves the assignment or transfer as best for the public welfare and convenience. (b) An applicant for an assignment or transfer of a permit shall submit to the Commission a written application that sets forth the purpose, terms, and conditions of the proposed assignment or transfer.

Md. Code, Public Utilities § 10-206

(a) Each taxicab for which a permit is required shall have the word “taxicab” appear conspicuously on the taxicab. (b) (1) The Commission shall: (i) determine the form and style of a badge; and (ii) issue to each licensed taxicab driver a badge with the taxicab driver’s license number on the badge. (2) A licensed taxicab driver shall display the badge conspicuously in the interior of a taxicab whenever operating the taxicab.

Md. Code, Public Utilities § 10-207

(a) A taxicab for which a permit is required may not be operated unless the permit holder: (1) obtains from an insurer authorized to transact business in the State, a liability insurance policy that: (i) is approved by the Commission in all respects, including policy provisions, form, and amounts; and (ii) insures the permit holder and taxicab driver against liability to a passenger or member of the public for property damage, personal injury, or death resulting from an accident in which the taxicab is involved; or (2) deposits with the Commission a bond with a casualty or surety company authorized to do business in the State that: (i) is approved by the Commission in all respects, including provisions, form, surety, and amounts; and (ii) is made out to the State as obligee for the use and benefit of passengers and members of the public, and undertakes to indemnify passengers and members of the public against property damage, personal injury, or death resulting from an accident in which the taxicab is involved. (b) (1) (i) Except as provided in subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph, a cancellation or revocation of an insurance policy or bond that is required under subsection (a) of this section may not take effect until 45 days after the date the Commission receives written notice from the revoking party. (ii) Cancellation or revocation of an insurance policy or bond issued by the Maryland Automobile Insurance Fund may not take effect until 30 days after the date the Commission receives written notice from the Maryland Automobile Insurance Fund. (2) At any time, if the Commission determines that the existing bond or insurance protection is inadequate, the Commission may require new or additional bond or insurance as a condition of operation.

Md. Code, Public Utilities § 10-208

(a) In addition to other duties specifically imposed by this subtitle, while driving a taxicab, a taxicab driver: (1) shall accept as passenger and convey where directed any orderly person, on request, unless previously engaged or unable or forbidden to do so by this section, other valid law, or regulation; (2) except when transferring a vehicle to or from repair facilities, have in the taxicab driver’s possession a manifest that contains: (i) the time and date issued, the expiration time, the taxicab driver’s name and badge number, and the taxicab number; (ii) space for meter readings and the calculation of driver income; and (iii) any other information considered necessary by the Commission; (3) shall report each change of residence within 72 hours to the Commission; (4) shall answer promptly all communications and summonses received from the Commission; (5) shall deliver all fares and all other legal charges received to the permit holder if working on a commission basis; (6) may not operate a taxicab while the taxicab driver’s operator license or taxicab driver’s license is suspended; (7) may not allow any other person to use the taxicab driver’s badge or identification card; (8) may not allow any other person to drive the taxicab and return the taxicab to the permit holder’s garage on completion of the shift to which the taxicab driver was assigned; (9) shall proceed with passengers to destination by the shortest practicable route; (10) shall give a receipt for fares on request on an authorized form; (11) may not operate a taxicab for more than 12 hours of any continuous 24-hour period; (12) shall display in the interior of the taxicab at all times, while on duty, the identification card with photograph attached in the frame provided for the card and photograph; and (13) shall charge only the rate of fare or charge established by law. (b) (1) When assigned to a taxicab, the taxicab driver is responsible for ascertaining that the taxicab is in good working order. (2) A taxicab driver may not tamper with rate cards, the meter, meter light, cable, speedometer cable, or any other equipment that is required to be in the taxicab by law or that registers fares and charges.

Md. Code, Public Utilities § 10-209

(a) A taxicab driver shall make maximum use of service communications with the driver’s switchboard operator or dispatcher in order to keep the driver’s taxicab available for response to calls. (b) (1) A taxicab driver may not solicit the patronage of a person who is at the terminal of another common carrier or at an intermediate point along an established route of that carrier to use that common carrier’s service. (2) Paragraph (1) of this subsection does not prohibit or interfere with a response to a call for a taxicab whether the call is made by telephone or by signal from a pedestrian. (3) Taxicabs being operated in Baltimore City: (i) may transport a passenger from Baltimore City into Baltimore County and return to Baltimore County for the same passenger; but (ii) may not solicit a passenger within Baltimore County at any time. (4) This subtitle may not impede the operation of taxicabs between Baltimore City and Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport in the manner allowed by law. (c) (1) A taxicab may not carry more than the number of passengers designated on the rate card. (2) A child in a passenger’s arms is not counted as a passenger. (3) Only one person may occupy the front seat with the driver. (d) (1) A taxicab may be used from a railroad station or other public place of special assembly to serve jointly not more than four passengers who are bound for the same, or approximately the same, location. (2) A passenger who has engaged a taxicab may not be compelled to share the taxicab with another person. (3) A taxicab driver may not refuse service in order to group passengers more profitably. (4) (i) Except as provided in subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph, if a taxicab is occupied by several passengers bound for different destinations, each passenger or party shall be charged the fare recorded on the meter at the time of arrival at the passenger’s or party’s destination. (ii) A party or individual passenger may not be charged more than the fare applicable at the established rate for transportation over the shortest and most direct route. (5) A taxicab driver may not solicit another passenger while en route to the destination of passengers or parties initially occupying the cab. (e) A driver of a taxicab may not operate the taxicab: (1) recklessly; (2) in an unsafe manner; or (3) in disregard of the public general or local laws or municipal ordinances governing the operation of motor vehicles.

Md. Code, Public Utilities § 10-210

(a) (1) A taxicab permit holder shall post in each of its taxicabs a schedule of its fares on a rate card. (2) The rate card shall be printed and arranged in a way that allows a passenger to determine readily the exact fare payable by the passenger. (3) A person may not collect a fare other than a fare appearing on or determinable from the rate card posted in the taxicab. (b) (1) This subsection does not apply to a taxicab operating in the City of Hagerstown. (2) Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, while in service, each taxicab for which a permit is required shall be equipped with: (i) an accurate taximeter that is properly installed and connected; or (ii) another device the Commission approves for measuring the charges for service. (c) (1) A fixed charge may be made for any trip by taxicab between: (i) a point within the political subdivision in which the taxicab is normally operated and a point outside of the political subdivision; (ii) the Maryland Port Administration’s cruise terminal facilities and: 1. Fort McHenry; 2. the World Trade Center Institute in Baltimore; or 3. Penn Station in Baltimore; or (iii) points within Baltimore City, as approved by the Commission. (2) A fixed charge shall be calculated on a mileage basis that the Commission approves.

Md. Code, Public Utilities § 10-301

If a taxicab for which a permit is not required charges on the basis of a fixed charge made by zone, the extent of the zone shall be conspicuously expressed in mileage in the schedule required under § 10-210 of this title.

Md. Code, Public Utilities § 10-401

(a) In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated. (b) “Insurance Commissioner” means the Insurance Commissioner of the Maryland Insurance Administration. (c) “Operator” means a transportation network operator, transportation network partner, or transportation network driver.

Md. Code, Public Utilities § 10-402

(a) This subtitle applies to transportation network companies, operators, and transportation network services. (b) To the extent not otherwise covered in this subtitle, transportation network companies, operators, and transportation network services shall be subject to: (1) any applicable provisions of Titles 9 and 10 of this article; and (2) regulations adopted by the Commission for the regulation of transportation network services.

Md. Code, Public Utilities § 10-403

(a) The Commission shall adopt regulations to ensure that transportation network companies and operators are making reasonable efforts to make transportation network services accessible to all people, including individuals with disabilities. (b) The regulations adopted by the Commission under subsection (a) of this section shall provide for: (1) the transportation of passengers with service animals; (2) the accessibility of websites and mobile applications used to provide transportation network services; (3) the reasonable accommodations necessary to serve individuals with disabilities; and (4) the provision of information to an operator by a transportation network company related to the requirements of federal and State laws related to antidiscrimination.

Md. Code, Public Utilities § 10-403.1

§10–403.1. A transportation network company may not operate in the State unless the Commission has issued a permit to the transportation network company.

Md. Code, Public Utilities § 10-403.2

§10–403.2. (a) A transportation network company shall provide each operator with a weekly fare and earnings summary that includes: (1) the total fares collected by the transportation network company for the transportation network services provided by the company’s operators in a given week; (2) the total amount of any additional fees that were charged to passengers by the transportation network company for the transportation network services provided by the company’s operators in a given week; (3) the total amount the operator earned that week; (4) the total amount the operator earned from the total fares collected that week, expressed as a percentage of the total fares collected; and (5) the total amount the operator earned from the additional fees specified in item (1) of this subsection that were collected that week, expressed as a percentage of the total additional fees charged. (b) A transportation network company may include in the weekly fare and earnings summary required under subsection (a) of this section: (1) any additional information the company considers appropriate; or (2) amounts earned by an operator other than amounts earned from providing transportation network services.

Md. Code, Public Utilities § 10-404

(a) An operator may not provide transportation network services unless the Commission has authorized the operator to operate on a provisional basis or has issued a valid temporary or permanent transportation network operator’s license to provide transportation network services. (b) The Commission may approve an applicant to be an operator and issue a temporary transportation network operator’s license to the applicant if: (1) the applicant provides all information that the Commission requires for the application, including the information specified in item (2) of this subsection; and (2) the Commission is satisfied with the successful submission of the applicant’s: (i) national criminal history records check: 1. conducted by a consumer reporting agency as defined under § 14–1201 of the Commercial Law Article or a comparable entity approved by the Commission; and 2. that includes: A. a Multi–State Multi–Jurisdiction Criminal Records Database Search or a search of a similar nationwide database with validation; B. a search of the Sex Offender Registry; and C. a search of the U.S. Department of Justice’s National Sex Offender Public Website; and (ii) driving record check that includes a driving history research report. (c) Subject to subsection (d) of this section, the Commission may issue a permanent transportation network operator’s license to an applicant upon the submission of a satisfactory supplemental criminal background check as set forth under § 10–104(b) of this title. (d) Before December 15, 2016, the Commission may not require an applicant for a permanent transportation network operator’s license to comply with subsection (c) of this section if a transportation network company for which the applicant will provide services, at the time it applies for a permit, provides to the Commission details of the process the transportation network company uses to collect, review, and submit the information specified in subsection (b)(2) of this section. (e) (1) A transportation network company may request that the Commission waive the requirement to comply with subsection (c) of this section and instead require compliance with subsection (b)(2) of this section for applicants and operators of the transportation network company. (2) On receipt of a request under paragraph (1) of this subsection, the Commission shall: (i) determine whether the transportation network company’s process for complying with subsection (b)(2) of this section can be shown to be as comprehensive and accurate as complying with the supplemental criminal background check as set forth under § 10–104(b) of this title; and (ii) within 3 months after receiving the request, determine whether to: 1. grant the waiver; 2. deny the waiver; or 3. approve an alternative process. (f) A transportation network company may submit the information under subsection (b) of this section on behalf of an operator. (g) The Commission shall adopt regulations that provide a process that is as expeditious as possible and uses electronic means for: (1) the submission of the information under subsection (b) of this section; (2) the issuance of a temporary or permanent transportation network operator’s license and alternative authority to operate on a provisional basis; and (3) the renewal of a transportation network operator’s license. (h) (1) Records or information provided to the Commission by a transportation network company under this section or disclosed by the Commission under paragraph (2) of this subsection are not subject to release under the Maryland Public Information Act. (2) The Commission may not disclose records or information provided to the Commission under this section to any person unless: (i) the disclosure is required by court order or order of the Maryland Tax Court; (ii) the disclosure is made in accordance with § 10–119.3 of the Family Law Article; or (iii) the disclosure is to the Comptroller under § 10–406(g)(5) of this subtitle. (3) On notice that a person is seeking records or information under paragraph (2)(i) of this subsection, the Commission shall promptly notify the transportation network company before disclosing the records or information.

Md. Code, Public Utilities § 10-405

(a) (1) An operator, a transportation network company on behalf of the operator, or a combination of both shall maintain primary motor vehicle insurance, or other security under § 17–103(a)(3) of the Transportation Article, that: (i) recognizes that the operator is a transportation network operator or otherwise uses a motor vehicle to transport passengers for hire; and (ii) covers the operator while the operator is providing transportation network services. (2) (i) The following motor vehicle insurance requirements shall apply while an operator is providing transportation network services: 1. security of at least: A. for the payment of claims for bodily injury or death arising from an accident, up to $50,000 for any one person and up to $100,000 for any two or more persons, in addition to interest and costs; and B. for the payment of claims for property of others damaged or destroyed in an accident, up to $25,000, in addition to interest and costs; 2. uninsured motorist insurance coverage required under § 19–509 of the Insurance Article; and 3. personal injury protection coverage required under § 19–505 of the Insurance Article. (ii) The coverage requirements under this paragraph may be satisfied by motor vehicle insurance maintained by: 1. an operator; 2. a transportation network company; or 3. both an operator and a transportation network company. (b) If insurance or other security is provided by both the transportation network company and the operator under subsection (a) of this section, the insurance maintained by the transportation network operator is primary. (c) The insurance or other security maintained by a transportation network company shall provide the coverage required under subsection (a) of this section from the first dollar of a claim and provide for the duty to defend the claim in the event the insurance maintained by an operator under subsection (a) of this section has coverage that has been canceled or has lapsed or is otherwise not in force. (d) (1) A transportation network company that procures insurance from an admitted insurer or a nonadmitted insurer shall: (i) verify that the coverage required under subsection (a) of this section is maintained at all times; and (ii) provide to the Commission and the Insurance Commissioner, annually upon each renewal: 1. a valid certificate of insurance coverage that meets the requirements of subsection (a) of this section and that: A. is prepared by the insurer; B. is signed by an officer of the insurer; C. is in a form acceptable to the Commission; D. states the name and home office address of the insurer providing coverage to the transportation network company; E. states the effective dates of the coverage; F. states a general description of the coverage; and G. includes a certification of a policy provision that will notify the Commission and the Insurance Commissioner of any termination of coverage at least 60 days in advance of the effective date of the termination; and 2. the underlying policy for the coverage required under subsection (a) of this section. (2) (i) The Commission may consult with the Insurance Commissioner concerning the provisions of the underlying policy provided to the Commission and the Insurance Commissioner under paragraph (1)(ii)2 of this subsection. (ii) 1. Records provided to the Commission by a transportation network company under this section are not subject to release under the Maryland Public Information Act or any other law. 2. The Commission and the Insurance Commissioner may not disclose records or information provided to the Commission and the Insurance Commissioner under this section to any person unless the disclosure is required by subpoena or court order. 3. If a subpoena or court order requires the Commission or the Insurance Commissioner to disclose information provided to the Commission or the Insurance Commissioner under this section, the Commission or the Insurance Commissioner, as appropriate, promptly shall notify the transportation network company before disclosing the information. (3) A transportation network company that maintains security under § 17–103 of the Transportation Article shall provide the Commission with evidence of the required security. (e) Subject to § 17–103(a) of the Transportation Article, insurance required under subsection (a) of this section shall be issued by: (1) an insurer authorized to do business in the State; or (2) solely with respect to insurance maintained by a transportation network company, an eligible surplus lines insurer: (i) in accordance with the requirements of Title 3, Subtitle 3 of the Insurance Article; and (ii) having an A.M. Best financial strength rating of A– or better. (f) Before an operator may accept a request for a ride made through the transportation network company’s digital network, the transportation network company shall disclose to the operator, in writing, the following: (1) the insurance coverage, including the types of coverage and the limits for each coverage, that the transportation network company provides while the operator is providing transportation network services; (2) that the operator should contact the operator’s personal motor vehicle insurer or agent to: (i) advise the insurer or agent that the operator will be providing transportation network services; and (ii) determine the coverage, if any, that may be available from the operator’s personal motor vehicle policy; and (3) that, if the motor vehicle that the operator uses to provide transportation network services has a lien against it, using the motor vehicle for transportation network services without physical damage coverage may violate the terms of the contract with the lienholder. (g) (1) If an accident occurs that involves a motor vehicle that is being used to provide transportation network services, the operator, on request of directly interested parties, including a motor vehicle insurer or an investigative law enforcement officer, shall: (i) provide proof of insurance satisfying the requirements of this section; and (ii) disclose whether the accident occurred while the operator was providing transportation network services. (2) In a claim coverage investigation following a vehicular accident, a transportation network company and any insurer potentially providing coverage under this section shall cooperate to facilitate the exchange of information with directly involved parties and any insurer of an operator, if applicable, including: (i) the precise times that an operator was logged onto the transportation network company’s digital network: 1. in the 12–hour period immediately preceding the accident; and 2. in the 12–hour period immediately following the accident; and (ii) a clear description of the coverage, exclusions, and limits provided under any motor vehicle insurance maintained under this section.

Md. Code, Public Utilities § 10-406

(a) (1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated. (2) “Assessment” means a charge imposed by a local jurisdiction on each transportation network service that includes a passenger trip during transportation network coverage period three as described in § 10–101(n)(1)(iii) of this title. (3) “Exempt jurisdiction” means a county or municipal corporation that imposed a tax, fee, or charge on for–hire transportation services provided on a per ride or per passenger basis in that county or municipal corporation on or before January 1, 2015. (b) (1) Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, this section does not limit the authority of an exempt jurisdiction to impose an assessment, a tax, a fee, or a charge on for–hire transportation services, including transportation network services. (2) An exempt jurisdiction may not impose more than one assessment or similar charge on a transportation network service. (c) (1) In accordance with subsections (d) and (e) of this section, a county or municipal corporation may impose an assessment under this section. (2) Except in an exempt jurisdiction, an assessment by a county or municipal corporation authorized by this section may not exceed 25 cents per trip. (3) (i) Except as provided in subsection (e)(5) of this section, an assessment may not be imposed on a transportation network service by both a county and a municipal corporation. (ii) If both a county and a municipal corporation impose an assessment on a transportation network service in accordance with subsection (e)(5) of this section, the sum of the assessments imposed by both jurisdictions may not exceed 25 cents per trip. (4) The revenue generated from an assessment authorized under this section shall be used for transportation purposes. (d) (1) This subsection applies to a county or municipal corporation that licensed or regulated taxicab services on or before January 1, 2015, either directly or through the Commission as provided in § 10–202 of this title. (2) (i) A county, in accordance with subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph, or a municipal corporation may impose an assessment on trips that originate in the county or municipal corporation. (ii) A county authorized to impose an assessment under this subsection: 1. may impose an assessment on trips that originate in any area of the county; but 2. may not impose an assessment in a municipal corporation that is authorized to impose an assessment under this subsection. (3) If a county or municipal corporation authorized to impose an assessment under this subsection has not authorized an assessment on trips that originate in the county or municipal corporation by July 1, 2016, the county or municipal corporation is subject to subsection (e) of this section. (4) (i) If a county authorized to impose an assessment under this subsection plans to impose an assessment under this section, the county shall notify the municipal corporations in the county of the county’s intent to impose an assessment. (ii) If a municipal corporation authorized to impose an assessment under this subsection plans to impose an assessment under this section, the municipal corporation shall notify the county of the municipal corporation’s intent to impose an assessment. (e) (1) This subsection applies to a county or municipal corporation that: (i) is not authorized to impose an assessment under subsection (d) of this section; or (ii) 1. is authorized to impose an assessment under subsection (d) of this section; but 2. has not authorized an assessment by July 1, 2016. (2) In accordance with paragraph (3) of this subsection and subsections (f) and (g) of this section, a county or municipal corporation may impose an assessment on trips that originate in the county or municipal corporation. (3) (i) Except as provided under subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph: 1. a municipal corporation has priority over the county where the municipal corporation is located to impose an assessment on trips that originate in the municipal corporation; and 2. the county may not impose an assessment on trips that originate in the municipal corporation. (ii) A county has priority over a municipal corporation to impose an assessment on trips that originate in the municipal corporation, and the municipal corporation may not impose an assessment on trips that originate in the municipal corporation, if: 1. the county has authorized an assessment on trips that originate in the county under subsection (d) of this section by July 1, 2016; and 2. the municipal corporation is not authorized to impose an assessment on trips that originate in the municipal corporation under subsection (d) of this section. (iii) A municipal corporation that is not authorized to impose an assessment on trips that originate in the municipal corporation under subsection (d) of this section and that is located in a county that is authorized to impose an assessment on trips that originate in the county under subsection (d) of this section may impose an assessment on trips that originate in the municipal corporation under this subsection after July 1, 2016, if the county has not authorized an assessment on trips that originate in the county by July 1, 2016. (4) (i) Before a county may impose an assessment on trips that originate in a municipal corporation under this subsection, the county shall: 1. notify the municipal corporation of the county’s intent to impose an assessment on transportation network services that originate in the municipal corporation; and 2. provide the municipal corporation reasonable time to pass an ordinance authorizing the imposition of an assessment. (ii) Before a municipal corporation may impose an assessment on trips that originate in the municipal corporation under this subsection, the municipal corporation shall: 1. notify the county of the municipal corporation’s intent to impose an assessment; and 2. if the county imposes an assessment, provide the county reasonable time to notify the Comptroller before the municipal corporation’s assessment becomes effective. (5) (i) Notwithstanding paragraph (4) of this subsection and subject to subparagraph (iii) of this paragraph, both a county and a municipal corporation authorized to impose an assessment under this subsection may impose an assessment on a transportation network service if the county and the municipal corporation enter into an agreement: 1. to share revenues; and 2. that specifies the allocation of the revenues. (ii) A county and a municipal corporation that enter into an agreement under this paragraph to impose an assessment on a transportation network service by both jurisdictions shall provide a copy of the agreement to the Comptroller. (iii) If both a county and a municipal corporation impose an assessment on a transportation network service under this paragraph, the sum of the assessments imposed by both jurisdictions may not exceed the amount under subsection (c)(3)(ii) of this section. (f) (1) At least 120 days before an assessment is to take effect, a county or municipal corporation that intends to impose an assessment shall notify the Comptroller: (i) of the amount of the assessment; (ii) of the effective date of the assessment; and (iii) that the notice required under subsection (e)(4) of this section was provided to the county or municipal corporation. (2) A county or municipal corporation that imposes an assessment shall notify the Comptroller at least 120 days before any change in an assessment is to take effect: (i) of the amount of the new assessment; (ii) of the effective date of the new assessment; and (iii) that the notice required under subsection (e)(4) of this section was provided to the county or municipal corporation. (g) (1) This subsection governs the collection, remittance, accounting, and use of revenues from assessments imposed by a county or municipal corporation under this section. (2) A transportation network company shall: (i) collect assessments on behalf of an operator who accepts a request for a ride made through the transportation network company’s digital network; (ii) collect any assessment, fee, charge, or tax imposed by an exempt jurisdiction on a transportation network service; and (iii) submit to the Comptroller no later than 30 days after the end of a calendar quarter, or as otherwise specified by the Comptroller in regulations: 1. the assessments and other revenues collected by the transportation network company on behalf of the transportation network operators; 2. the allocation of the assessments and other revenues attributable to each county or municipal corporation that has imposed an assessment based on where the trip originated; and 3. under oath, a certification that it has submitted the correct amount of assessments and revenues. (3) (i) Subject to subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph, from the assessments and revenues imposed by counties and municipal corporations, the Comptroller shall distribute each quarter the amount necessary to administer the assessments to an administrative cost account. (ii) The amount distributed to the administrative cost account may not exceed 5% of the revenue from the assessments and other revenue. (4) After making the distribution required by paragraph (3) of this subsection, within 45 days of the end of each calendar quarter, the Comptroller shall distribute the remaining revenue to: (i) the county or municipal corporation that is the source of the revenue; or (ii) at the discretion of the Comptroller, the county that is the source of the revenue for the county to distribute to the source of revenue in the county or municipal corporation. (5) The Commission shall disclose: (i) on the request of the Comptroller, records or information that relate to the collection, remittance, accounting of revenues from assessments, or the enforcement of the obligations under this section that are: 1. provided to the Commission under this subtitle; or 2. created, issued, or maintained by the Commission in the course of administering this subtitle; and (ii) records or information required by court order or order of the Maryland Tax Court. (6) (i) 1. The Comptroller may review or inspect each year, at a transportation network company’s place of business or a mutually agreed location, records necessary to ensure that the transportation network company has remitted to the Comptroller the correct revenues and allocations. 2. Nothing in this subparagraph is intended to limit the period covered by the Comptroller’s review or inspection, which may include more than 1 year. (ii) Records or information provided to the Comptroller by a transportation network company under this subsection are not subject to release under the Maryland Public Information Act. (iii) The Comptroller may not disclose records or information provided by a transportation network company unless the disclosure is required by court order or order of the Maryland Tax Court. (iv) On notice that a person is seeking records or information under subparagraph (iii) of this paragraph, the Comptroller shall promptly notify the transportation network company before disclosing the information. (v) The Comptroller may disclose records or information provided by the Commission or a transportation network company to: 1. the Maryland Tax Court; 2. a legal representative of the State, to review the assessment information about a transportation network company: A. that applies for review under Title 13 under the Tax – General Article; B. that appeals from a determination under Title 13 of the Tax – General Article; or C. against which an action to recover an assessment, an interest, or a penalty is pending or will be initiated under Title 13 of the Tax – General Article; or 3. any license–issuing authority of the State required by State law to verify through the Comptroller that: A. an applicant has paid all undisputed taxes and unemployment insurance contributions payable to the Comptroller or the Secretary of Labor; or B. the applicant has provided for payment in a manner satisfactory to the unit responsible for collection. (vi) 1. Records or information disclosed under subparagraph (v)2 or 3 of this paragraph are not subject to release under the Maryland Public Information Act. 2. A person that receives records or information under subparagraph (v)2 or 3 of this paragraph may not disclose the records or information unless the disclosure is required by court order or order of the Maryland Tax Court. 3. On notice that a third party is seeking records or information under subsubparagraph 2 of this subparagraph, the person that receives records or information under subparagraph (v)2 or 3 of this paragraph shall promptly notify the transportation network company before disclosing the information. (7) (i) Except to the extent of any inconsistency with this section, the provisions of Title 13 of the Tax – General Article that apply to the sales and use tax shall govern the administration, collection, enforcement, and appeals of the revenues from assessments under this section. (ii) The limitations governing the sales and use tax under § 13–1102 of the Tax – General Article apply to the assessments imposed under this section. (8) The Comptroller may adopt regulations or other requirements or procedures to carry out the provisions of this section, including requirements and procedures regarding the administration, collection, and enforcement of the assessment. (h) The Comptroller shall enforce this section and § 10–407 of this subtitle.

Md. Code, Public Utilities § 10-407

(a) There is a Transportation Network Assessment Fund. (b) The Fund consists of assessment revenues submitted to the Comptroller from transportation network companies under § 10–406(g) of this subtitle. (c) The purpose of the Fund is to: (1) receive assessment revenues submitted from transportation network companies; and (2) disburse assessment revenues to the appropriate counties and municipalities in accordance with this subsection. (d) (1) The Comptroller shall: (i) deposit in the Fund assessment revenues received from transportation network companies; and (ii) disburse trip assessment revenues to the appropriate counties and municipalities. (2) The Treasurer is the custodian of the Fund. (e) (1) The Fund is a continuing, nonlapsing fund that is not subject to § 7–302 of the State Finance and Procurement Article, and may not be deemed a part of the General Fund of the State. (2) No part of the Fund may revert or be credited to: (i) the General Fund of the State; or (ii) a special fund of the State.

Md. Code, Public Utilities § 10-408

(a) (1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated. (2) “Shared passenger trip” means a prearranged ride for which the passenger agrees, at the time the passenger requests the ride through a transportation network company’s digital network application, to be transported with another passenger who has separately requested a prearranged ride regardless of whether another passenger is transported. (3) “Transportation network company impact fee” means the fee imposed by the State under this section on each transportation network service that includes a passenger trip during transportation network coverage period three as described in § 10–101(n)(1)(iii) of this title. (b) (1) There is a transportation network company impact fee on passenger trips that originate in the State. (2) A transportation network company shall collect the transportation network company impact fee. (3) (i) Subject to paragraph (4) of this subsection and except as provided in subparagraphs (ii) and (iii) of this paragraph, the transportation network company impact fee is 75 cents for each passenger trip. (ii) Subject to paragraph (4) of this subsection, the transportation network company impact fee for a passenger trip provided using a fuel cell electric vehicle or a plug–in electric drive vehicle, as those terms are defined in Title 11, Subtitle 1 of the Transportation Article, is 50 cents for each passenger trip. (iii) Subject to paragraph (4) of this subsection, the transportation network company impact fee is 50 cents for each shared passenger trip. (4) (i) 1. In this subparagraph, “Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers” means the index published monthly by the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the U.S. Department of Labor that is the U.S. city average of all items in a basket of consumer goods and services. 2. The percentage growth in the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers shall be determined by comparing the average of the index for the 12 months ending on the preceding April 30 to the average of the index for the prior 12 months. (ii) The transportation network company impact fee shall be increased on July 1, 2028, and on July 1 each subsequent year in accordance with this paragraph. (iii) On or before June 1 each year, the Comptroller shall determine and announce: 1. the growth in the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers as determined by the Comptroller under subparagraph (i) of this paragraph; and 2. the transportation network company impact fee effective for the fiscal year beginning on the following July 1 as determined by the Comptroller under subparagraph (iv) of this paragraph. (iv) Subject to subparagraph (v) of this paragraph, on July 1 each year, the transportation network company impact fee shall be increased by the amount, rounded to the nearest one–tenth of a cent, that equals the product of multiplying: 1. the transportation network company impact fee in effect on the date of the Comptroller’s announcement under subparagraph (iii) of this paragraph; and 2. the percentage growth in the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers. (v) 1. If there is a decline or no growth in the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers, the transportation network company impact fee shall remain unchanged. 2. Any increase in the transportation network company impact fee under subparagraph (iv) of this paragraph may not be greater than 8% of the transportation network company impact fee effective in the previous year. (c) (1) A transportation network company shall either: (i) collect the transportation network company impact fee from a passenger on behalf of a transportation network operator; or (ii) pay the transportation network company impact fee on behalf of a passenger. (2) If a transportation network company collects the transportation network company impact fee from the passenger: (i) the transportation network company impact fee shall be charged in addition to any other tax or fee; and (ii) the transportation network company shall show the impact fee as a separate line item on the passenger’s receipt, invoice, or other bill of sale, distinct from the transaction price and any other tax or fee imposed. (3) The receipt, invoice, or other bill of sale shall list the impact fee as “Transportation Network Company Impact Fee”. (4) A transportation network company that pays the transportation network company impact fee on behalf of a passenger shall remit the fee to the Comptroller as if the fee had been collected from the passenger on the date of the passenger trip. (d) (1) A transportation network company shall: (i) report the transportation network company impact fee on a form prescribed by the Comptroller; and (ii) remit the transportation network company impact fee to the Comptroller not later than 30 days after the end of a calendar quarter, or as otherwise specified by the Comptroller in regulations. (2) For the expense of reporting and remitting the transportation network company impact fee the transportation network company may retain the lesser of 0.9% of the amount the transportation network company remits under paragraph (1)(ii) of this subsection or $250. (e) Except as otherwise provided in this section, the audit, assessment, liability for payment, refund, penalty, interest, enforcement, collection remedies, appeal, and administrative provisions that are applicable to an assessment imposed under § 10–406 of this subtitle apply to the transportation network company impact fee. (f) (1) From the transportation network company impact fee revenue, the Comptroller shall distribute the amount necessary to pay refunds relating to the transportation network company impact fee to a refund account. (2) After making the distribution required under paragraph (1) of this subsection, the Comptroller shall distribute the amount necessary to administer the transportation network company impact fee to an administrative cost account. (3) After making the distributions required under paragraphs (1) and (2) of this subsection, the Comptroller shall deposit the balance of the revenue from the transportation network company impact fee in the Transportation Network Company Impact Fee Account in the Transportation Trust Fund. (g) The Comptroller may adopt regulations or other requirements or procedures to carry out this section, including requirements and procedures regarding the administration, collection, and enforcement of the transportation network company impact fee. (h) This section may not be construed to have any effect on an assessment imposed under § 10–406 of this subtitle.

Md. Code, Public Utilities § 10-409

(a) On or before February 1 each year, a transportation network company shall report to the Commission the following information in an aggregated format for the prior year: (1) the average fare collected from passengers in the State; (2) the total time driven by operators while providing in–State transportation network services for the transportation network company; and (3) the total amount earned by operators for providing in–State transportation network services for the transportation network company. (b) Any information obtained by the Commission under this section that is not otherwise publicly available: (1) is considered: (i) a trade secret; and (ii) confidential and proprietary information; and (2) is not subject to disclosure under the Public Information Act. (c) The report required under subsection (a) of this section may be made available to the General Assembly on request, provided that the report remain confidential and exempt from public disclosure.

Md. Code, Public Utilities § 10-501

(a) A person may not transport, solicit for transport, or agree to transport any person or baggage in a motor vehicle for hire unless the operator of the motor vehicle is licensed by the Commission. (b) A person who owns or is in charge of a motor vehicle may not allow the motor vehicle to be used in violation of this section, § 10–109, or § 10–209 of this title.

Md. Code, Public Utilities § 10-502

(a) A person may not operate a vehicle that provides passenger–for–hire services in the State: (1) unless the person is licensed as a passenger–for–hire driver by the Commission, including a person who is licensed or otherwise authorized by the Commission as a transportation network operator, transportation network partner, or transportation network driver; or (2) in violation of this title or Title 9, Subtitle 2 of this article. (b) A person may not operate a vehicle that provides taxicab services in the State: (1) unless the person is licensed as a taxicab driver by the Commission or a county or municipal corporation; or (2) that is under the jurisdiction of the Commission, in violation of this title. (c) A person may not operate a transportation network company in the State unless the person has been issued a permit as a transportation network company by the Commission. (d) Subject to the hearing provisions of § 3–102(c) of this article, the Commission may impose on a person who violates this section a civil penalty not exceeding $500 for each violation.
Source: Open US Law by Vaquill AI (CC BY 4.0)URL: https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatutesFetched: 10/16/2026