Livery, Charter/Sightseeing, Low-Speed Electric PPV, Medicar, and Jitney Vehicle License Information

Chapter 9-114 of the Municipal Code of Chicago (MCC), available at amlegal.com, contains the licensing and regulatory framework of the public passenger vehicles listed on this webpage:   Livery, Charter/Sightseeing, Low-Speed Electric PPV, Medicar and Jitney Vehicle Licenses.

Public Passenger Vehicle License Checklist for New Applicants

Tool Kit for Public Passenger Vehicle License Holders!

The following applies to all applicants for a new Chapter 9-114 public passenger vehicle (PPV) license:

  1. A City of Chicago business address is required;
  2. Vehicle associated with PPV license must meet applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards for vehicles of its size, type, and proposed use;
  3. Applicant (owner(s)) must submit to a criminal background check at their expense. Click here for the LIST OF BACP APPROVED FINGERPRINT BASED BACKGROUND CHECK AGENCIES; and
  4. Section 3-46-030 of the MCC details applicable ground transportation tax rates per PPV types.

LIVERY VEHICLE LICENSE

Liveries are licensed public passenger vehicles that charge a prearranged rate of fare which is not based on a meter. Livery rides and fares must be prearranged and may not be street hailed or secured in cab stands.

Livery Vehicle License Requirements:

  • Livery Vehicle License term: January 1 to December 31.
  • Vehicles with a capacity of no more than 9 persons, including the driver, may be licensed as a livery. Vehicles with a capacity of more than 9 will require a charter/sightseeing license.
  • Vehicle must not have ever been title class of either “salvage,” “rebuilt,” “junk,” “total loss,” or any equivalent classification in any jurisdiction.
  • Applicant must produce a vehicle history report (Carfax) for a used vehicle for BACP review.
  • Prior to displaying exterior or interior advertising, required public vehicle advertising permits must be secured at the $100 annual fee per vehicle.
  • The Illinois Secretary of State issues license plates that are numbered 7000 to 9999 or 70000 to 73000 and contain the suffix “LY”
  • For each vehicle with a capacity of up to and including 9 seats, $350,000 combined single limit coverage per occurrence. Worker’s compensation insurance must be in compliance with State laws. Every insurance policy or contract for insurance must name the City of Chicago as an additional insured.
  • How to Identify a City of Chicago Licensed Livery Vehicle

Livery Vehicle License Fees & Taxes:

Livery Vehicle License Application Forms:

Livery Vehicle License Forms:

Livery Vehicle License City of Chicago Laws:

CHARTER/SIGHTSEEING VEHICLE LICENSE

The charter/sightseeing vehicle license is required for sightseeing vehicles used for lectured tours offered to the general public for a charge. The license is also required for charter vehicles that offer group trips arranged in advance at a fixed rate.

Updates Laws for the Charter/Sightseeing industry ORDINANCE MAINTAINS PUBLIC SAFETY AND UPDATES LAWS FOR THE CHARTER / SIGHTSEEING INDUSTRY

  1. Updated Security Protocols.
  2. Opens up opportunity for more individuals to be (livery and charter/sightseeing drivers).

Read more details by clicking on this image Updates Laws for the Charter/Sightseeing industry

Charter/Sightseeing Vehicles License Requirements:

  • Charter/Sightseeing Vehicle License term: July 1st to June 30th.
  • Vehicles with a capacity of ten or more (including the driver) may be licensed as a charter/sightseeing vehicle.
  • The vehicle must meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards for vehicles of its size, type, and proposed use; and pass IDOT safety inspections. For stretched vehicles, the modification must comply with a manufacturer warranty program.
  • The driver of a charter/sightseeing vehicle must have either an active current Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with Passenger Endorsement or a City of Chicago Restricted Public Chauffeur License.  Charter/sightseeing vehicle owner is in violation of the City law if an unlicensed driver is found operating the vehicle.
  • Prior to displaying exterior or interior advertising, required public vehicle advertising permits must be secured at the $100 annual fee per vehicle.
  • The charter/sightseeing vehicle license is required for sightseeing vehicles used for tours offered to the general public for a charge. The license is also required for charter vehicles that offer group trips arranged in advance at a fixed rate.
  • Charter and sightseeing vehicles require a commercial license plate issued by the Illinois Secretary of State.
  • Soliciting passengers for sightseeing tours or charter trips on the public way is not allowed, except at specific areas designated by the City of Chicago. Parking or staging the vehicle is not permitted unless in a designated area marked by the City of Chicago.
  • Upon request of authorized personnel, the charter/sightseeing vehicle driver must present trip itinerary.
  • Effective August 1, 2021, Trips involving a vehicle with passenger capacity of 15+ regardless of licensing jurisdiction must engage an operational security camera meeting City’s technical specifications during the trip; have onboard a written safety plan of operation to safeguard passengers, the driver and the public – the plan must be presented to authorized personnel upon request; PLUS
    • Specifically for trips which prohibit drinking alcoholic beverages on the bus AND have a scheduled itinerary of stops:  personnel trained in security protocols to ensure safety of passengers, the driver, and the public (who may be the driver) must be present on the bus during the trip.

    OR

    • Specifically for trips with drinking of alcoholic beverages on the bus (including BYOB) OR without a scheduled itinerary of stops: a licensed security guard must be on the bus during the trip, in addition to the driver.
  • Minimum insurance coverage for vehicles with a capacity of more than 10 = $1,000,000 combined single limit coverage per occurrence. For vehicles with a capacity of up to 10 = $350,000 combined single limit coverage per occurrence. Worker’s compensation insurance must be in compliance with State laws. Every insurance policy or contract for insurance must name the City of Chicago as an additional insured.

Charter/Sightseeing Vehicle License Fees & Taxes:

  • Charter/Sightseeing Vehicle License: $500 per vehicle/1-year term
  • Ground Transportation Tax:
    • Vehicle capacity 11-24: $6.00 per taxable day
    • Vehicle capacity 25 or more: $9.00 per taxable day

Charter/Sightseeing Vehicle License Application Forms:

Applicable Ordinance(s):

LOW-SPEED ELECTRIC PPV (Public Passenger Vehicle) LICENSE

Low-Speed Electric PPVs are licensed public passenger vehicles that are pre-arranged for-hire-transportation in all electric 3 or 4-wheeled vehicles which travel a maximum speed of 30 MPH. Low-Speed Electric PPV rides may not be street hailed or secured in cab stands.

Low-Speed Electric PPV License Requirements:

  • Low-Speed Electric PPV License term:   July 1 to June 30
  • Vehicles with a capacity of no more than 10 persons, including the driver, may be licensed as a Low-Speed Electric PPV.  
  • For each vehicle with a capacity of up to 9 seats (including the driver), $350,000 combined single limit coverage per occurrence.  For each vehicle with a capacity of 10 seats (including the driver), $1 million combined single limit coverage per occurrence. Worker’s compensation insurance must be in compliance with State laws. Every insurance policy or contract for insurance must name the City of Chicago as an additional insured.
  • Commercial advertising on Low-Speed Electric PPVs must have applicable public vehicle advertising permits.

Low-Speed Electric PPV License Fees & Taxes:

  • Low-Speed Electric PPV License: $500 per vehicle/1-year term
  • Ground Transportation Tax: $3.50/day per taxable day
  • Restricted Chauffeur License: $5/2-year term

Low-Speed Electric PPV License Applications:

Applicable Ordinance(s):

MEDICAL CARRIER (Medicar) VEHICLE LICENSE

A medicar license is required for vehicles designed and equipped for non-emergency transportation and used for the purposes of receiving medical attention. For example, a vehicle used to transport an individual from a residence to a rehabilitation center would require a medical carrier license. A medical carrier vehicle may also be used to transport ill, injured or disabled individuals for purposes other than medical care or treatment. For example, transporting elderly residents from their home to a senior center for social activities would require a medical carrier license.

Medicar Vehicle License Requirements:

  • Medicar Vehicle License term: July 1st to June 30th.
  • Vehicle Specifications: Vehicles of any size licensed by the State of Illinois as medical carriers pursuant to the Illinois Vehicle Code.
  • License Plate Requirement: The Illinois Secretary of State issues license plates with “MC” or “PT” letters.
  • Insurance Requirements: For each vehicle with a capacity of up to and including 9 seats, $350,000 combined single limit coverage per occurrence. Worker’s compensation insurance must be in compliance with State laws. Every insurance policy or contract for insurance must name the City of Chicago as an additional insured.

Medicar Vehicle License Fees & Taxes:

  • Medical Carrier Vehicle License: $500 per vehicle/1-year term
  • Ground Transportation Tax: $3.50 per taxable day (vehicle capacity 10 or less)

Medicar Vehicle License Application Forms:

Applicable Ordinance(s):

  • Refer to Municipal Code of Chicago Chapter 9-114 for medical carrier licensing and regulatory framework.

JITNEYS VEHICLE LICENSE

Jitneys are public vehicles that may operate unscheduled service along prescribed routes or within specified local neighborhoods throughout the City but may not pick up passengers in the central business district, as described by rule and regulation, nor shall they pick up passengers at O’Hare International Airport, Midway International Airport, Navy Pier, McCormick Place, or any other area frequented by taxicabs licensed under MCC 9-112.

Jitney Vehicle License Requirements

  • Jitney Vehicle License term: July 1 to June30.
  • Vehicle Specifications - Vehicles having a manufacturer’s rated seating capacity of nine or more persons, including the driver, may not be licensed as jitneys. 
  • Operation Requirements - Jitneys are public vehicles that may operate unscheduled service along prescribed routes or within specified local neighborhoods throughout the City but may not pick up passengers in the central business district, as described by rule and regulation, nor shall they pick up passengers at O’Hare International Airport, Midway International Airport, Navy Pier, McCormick Place, or any other area frequented by taxicabs licensed under MCC 9-112. Operational requirements for Jitney Vehicles. Jitneys may provide service only at a flat rate prominently published within the vehicle.  Jitneys may not refuse service to the residents within the neighborhoods in which they operate.  Jitney vehicles must prominently display a “jitney” sign in the front windshield at all times.
  • Insurance Requirements - Minimum Insurance coverage with $100,000 combined single limit coverage per occurrence. Worker’s compensation insurance must be in compliance with State laws. Every insurance policy or contract for insurance must name the City of Chicago as an additional insured.

Jitney Vehicle License Fees & Taxes

  • Jitney Vehicle License: $250 per vehicle/1-year term
  • Ground Transportation Tax: $3.50/day per taxable day

Jitney Vehicle License Application Forms:

Applicable Ordinance(s):

  • Refer to Municipal Code of Chicago Chapter 9-114 for jitney vehicle licensing and regulatory framework

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