SACRAMENTO – The California Senate today approved legislation to help eliminate illegally operating taxicabs. SB 1519, authored by Senator Leland Yee (D-San Francisco/San Mateo), allows a judge to order a telephone service provider to stop service to a number that is being used for illegal taxicab operations. The bill also allows a local jurisdiction to fine illegal operators up to $5,000 per a violation.

"Unfortunately, in many jurisdictions there are as many illegal taxicabs as legal ones," said Yee. "Taking away their phone number rightfully ends the source of much of their business. Illegal taxicab operations deprive our local communities of revenue, disadvantage legal operators, and because they often do not go through the proper inspections, safety requirements, drug testing or carry appropriate accident coverage policies, they are a threat to public safety."



There are about 18,000 taxicabs legally operating in California. Taxicab operators report that the number of "bandit" cabs is growing. In Los Angeles alone, there are approximately 2,000 legally operating cabs and an equal number of illegally operating cabs.

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger (R-Los Angeles) has until September 30 to sign or veto SB 1519.