S.C. Code Regs. § § 103-133

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 11, November 22, 2024

Section 103-133 - Proof Required to Justify Approving an Application

Applications cannot be amended within forty-eight (48) hours of a scheduled hearing, unless leave to amend the application is granted by the commission.

1. PC&N (Household Goods or Hazardous Waste for Disposal). An application for a Certificate of PC&N or to amend a Certificate of PC&N to operate as a carrier of household goods or hazardous waste for disposal by motor vehicle may be approved upon a showing that the applicant is fit, willing, and able to appropriately perform the proposed service and that public convenience and necessity are not already being served in the territory by existing authorized service. The public convenience and necessity criterion must be shown by the use of shipper witnesses, if the applicant applies for authority for more than three contiguous counties. If the commission determines that the public convenience and necessity is already being served, the commission may deny the application. The following criteria should be used by the commission in determining that an applicant for motor carrier operating authority is fit, willing, and able to provide the requested service to the public:

a. FIT. The applicant must demonstrate or the commission determines that the applicant's safety rating is satisfactory. This can be obtained from U.S.D.O.T. and S.C.D.P.S. safety records. Applicants should also certify that there are no outstanding judgments pending against such applicant. The applicant should further certify that he is familiar with all statutes and regulations, including safety operations in South Carolina, and agree to operate in compliance with these statutes and regulations.

b. ABLE. The applicant should demonstrate that he has either purchased or leased on a long-term basis necessary equipment to provide the service for which he is applying. Thirty days or more shall constitute a long-term basis. The applicant must undergo an inspection of all vehicles and facilities to be used to provide the proposed service. The applicant should also provide evidence in the form of insurance policies or insurance quotes, indicating that he is aware of the commission's insurance requirements and the costs associated therewith. Additionally, the applicant can file a statement indicating the applicant's purpose for seeking a Class E Certificate, the applicant's 5-year plan if the commission grants the applicant a Class E Certificate, and such other information that may be contained in a business proposal.

c. WILLING. Having met the requirements as to "fit and able," the submitting of the application for operating authority would be sufficient demonstration of the applicant's willingness to provide the authority sought.

2. FWA. An application for a Certificate of FWA to operate as a carrier of household goods within the limits of a municipality may be approved upon a showing that the applicant is fit, willing, and able to perform the proposed service, as delineated by the criteria for fit, willing, and able set out in 103-133 (1)(a),(b), and (c) above. No showing as to the public convenience and necessity need be made.

3. For Contract Carrier Authority.

a. If the application is for a Class F Certificate of PC&N to operate as a contract carrier of hazardous waste for disposal or is for an amendment or addition thereto, two copies of the written bilateral contract between the supporting shipper and the applicant must accompany the application setting forth the services proposed, the rates and charges, the duration of the contract, the parties thereto, the territory to be served, and the commodities to be hauled.

b. An application for a Class F Certificate of PC&N to operate as a contract carrier or an addition thereto may be approved upon a showing that the applicant is fit, willing, and able to appropriately perform the proposed service, and that public convenience and necessity are not already being served in the territory by existing authorized service. The public convenience and necessity criterion must be shown by the use of shipper witnesses, or by such other methodology as may be approved by the commission, other than the testimony of the applicant. If the commission determines that the public convenience and necessity is already being served, the commission may deny the application. (To determine whether a carrier is fit, willing, able, see R. 103-133(1).)

c. Once a contract with a particular shipper is approved by the commission, that contract may be renewed periodically by merely filing two copies thereof with the commission and serving the same number of copies on ORS, provided, however, that in no event will the renewal contract alter in any way the commodities authorized to be hauled or the territory authorized to be served. Any alteration of contract terms or rates must also receive the specific approval of the commission which may or may not require notice.

4. PC&N (Passengers).

An application for a Certificate of PC&N or to amend a Certificate of PC&N to operate as a carrier of passengers by motor vehicle may be approved upon a showing that the applicant is fit, willing, and able to appropriately perform the proposed service, provided however, if an intervenor shows or if the commission determines that the public convenience and necessity is already being served, the commission may deny the application. The following criteria should be used by the commission in determining that an applicant for motor carrier operating authority is fit, willing, and able to provide the requested service to the public:

a. FIT. The applicant must demonstrate or the commission determines that the applicant's safety rating is satisfactory. This can be obtained from U.S.D.O.T. and S.C.D.P.S. safety records. Applicants should also certify that there are no outstanding judgments pending against such applicant and that applicant is financially fit to do business as a certified carrier. The applicant should further certify that he is familiar with all statutes and regulations, including safety regulations, governing for-hire motor carrier operations in South Carolina and agree to operate in compliance with these statutes and regulations.

b. ABLE. The applicant should demonstrate that he has purchased, leased, or otherwise arranged for obtaining necessary equipment to provide the service for which he is applying. The applicant should also provide evidence in the form of insurance policies or insurance quotes, indicating that he is aware of the commission's insurance requirements and the costs associated therewith.

c. WILLING. Having met the requirements as to "fit and able", the submitting of the application for operating authority would be sufficient demonstration of the applicant's willingness to provide the authority sought. The applicant must demonstrate a willingness to comply with all commission regulations.

5. Charter Bus Certificate. An application for a Charter Bus Certificate or to amend a Charter Bus Certificate to operate as a carrier of 16 or more passengers by motor vehicle may be approved upon a showing that the applicant meets the insurance requirements of the commission and the safety requirements of the South Carolina Department of Public Safety, USDOT and other federal safety regulations and guidelines.

6. PC&N (Non-Emergency Vehicles).

In addition to meeting the requirements set out in 103-133(4)above and any and all definitions addressed in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (Code of Federal Regulations, Title 49, Parts 40 and 355-397) hereinafter known as the Carrier Safety Administration (CSA) Safety Regulations, applicants for a Certificate of PC&N for non-emergency vehicles must meet the following requirements:

A. Driver Qualifications/Requirements.

1. Carrier must comply with Part 391-Qualifications of Drivers, CSA Safety Regulations, excluding 391.49, in addition to the following requirements:

a. Driver must possess at least a current American Red Cross Standard First Aid and CPR Certificate or its equivalent. Records of such must be kept on file at company's primary place of business within South Carolina.

b. Driver must be in compliance with all OSHA regulations.

c. Driver must be adequately trained in the use of all vehicle installed safety equipment such as two-way radios, first aid kits, fire extinguishers, and other equipment as outlined in the Vehicle Requirement Section of these Regulations.

d. Driver must be able to physically perform actions necessary to assist persons with disabilities, including wheelchair users.

e. Driver must wear a professional uniform and photo identification badge that easily identifies the driver and the company for whom that driver works.

f. Driver must complete 12 hours of in-service training annually in the area of safety. Records of such must be kept on file at company's primary place of business within South Carolina.

B. Vehicle Requirements.

1. Any vehicle purchased on or after the effective date of these regulations shall comply with the following vehicle requirements. The Applicant must certify on a commission prescribed form that its vehicles meet, at a minimum, the following standards.

a. All Non-Emergency Vehicles shall be equipped with at least the following:

(1) Approved seat belt assemblies for all passenger seating locations.

(2) Interior and exterior lighting which must meet ADA requirements set forth in Title 49, Parts 37 and 38 C.F.R. In addition, all standard motor vehicle equipment must be in working order (i.e. all lamps, windshield wipers, horn, emergency flashers/hazard lights, and all other standard motor vehicle equipment.)

(3) Locking devices for all doors and all door latches which shall be in operation from inside and outside on all vehicles manufactured and first registered after January 1, 1980.

(4) Foot stool or extra step for loading.

(5) Sanitary and functional seat covers.

(6) Spare wheel, jack and tire tools necessary to make minor repairs, except when operating service cars are immediately available.

(7) Current maps of streets in the area where service is provided.

(8) Fire extinguisher, Type ABC, 4lbs. or more dry powder or carbon dioxide, inspected annually. Proof of annual inspection shall be attached to each fire extinguisher.

(9) Identification display of the name under which the Non-Emergency Vehicle is doing business or providing service, on both sides and the rear of each such vehicle in letters that contrast sharply with the van's background and are easily read from at least 20 feet. All Non-Emergency Vehicles operated under the same certificate shall display the same identification.

(10) Exterior rearview mirrors affixed to both sides of the vehicle and in working order. There may not be any chips, cracks, or anything else that limits the driver's view.

(11) A two-way radio, mobile or cellular phone equipment which shall be included in the vehicle while patients are being transported. All two-way radios must be in contact with a dispatcher or someone acting as a dispatcher, i.e., must have instant access to standard phone lines and the ability to summon immediate police, fire or ambulance assistance, if needed.

(12) A "No Smoking" sign prominently displayed in the patient compartment if oxygen tanks, whether patient tanks or vehicle equipment, are carried. If oxygen tanks are carried, they must be readily accessible and securely stored.

(13) Heating and cooling systems which meet ADA requirements set forth in Title 49, Parts 37 and 38 C.F.R.

(14) Emergency warning devices.

(15) Any other emergency and safety equipment required in order to meet ADA requirements set forth in Title 49, Parts 37 and 38 C.F.R.

b. In addition to the requirements of subsection (a) above, all wheelchair vans shall be equipped with at least the following:

(1) A loading entrance in compliance with ADA requirements and standards.

(2) Fasteners to secure the wheelchair(s) or stretcher(s) to the vehicle which must be of sufficient strength to prevent the chair or stretcher from rotating and to prevent the chair or stretcher wheels from leaving the floor in case of sudden movement and to support chairs, stretchers and patients in the event the vehicle is overturned.

(3) A lift or ramp with a load capacity as specified by ADA requirements and standards.

2. Any vehicle manufactured after the effective date of these regulations shall comply with the vehicle requirements set forth in Title 49, Parts 37 and 38 C.F.R. and FMVSS.

C. Vehicle Maintenance Requirements.

All carriers must comply with Part 396-Inspection, Repair, and Maintenance of CSA Safety Regulations, excluding 396.9, 396.11(d) as to the last phrase "or to any motor carrier operating only one motor vehicle", and excluding 396.15.

D. Drug Testing Requirements.

All carriers must implement a verifiable drug testing program for drivers. Pre-employment, post-accident, and random drug screens shall be mandatory.

E. Minimum Periodic Inspection Standards.

1. All carriers must comply with Appendix G to Subchapter B-Minimum Periodic Inspection Standards of CSA Safety Regulations.

2. A vehicle does not pass inspection if deficient under any standard included in 1 above. Further, a vehicle does not pass an inspection if any defects or deficiencies are detected with reference to the wheelchair lift or any component relating to the loading of passenger or patient into the vehicle.

3. All carriers are subject to the regulations found in Part 396, CSA Safety Regulations. In addition, any ORS representative or any officers, drivers, agents, representatives, and employees directly concerned with the inspection or maintenance of motor vehicles may recommend that a vehicle be put "out of service" for defects or deficiencies detected with reference to Appendix G to Subchapter B-Minimum Periodic Inspection Standards and defects or deficiencies detected with reference to the wheelchair lift or any component relating to the loading of a passenger or patient into the vehicle.

F. Schedule of Minimum Insurance Limits.

1. Insurance policies and surety bonds for bodily injury and property damage will have limits of liability not less than the following:

a. Liability Combined Each Occurrence $1,000,000

b. Medical Payments/Each Person $1,000

7. PC&N (Class C-Taxi and Class C-Charter Carriers).

In addition to meeting the requirements set out in 103-133(4)above, applicants for a Certificate of PC&N for Class C Taxi and Class C Charter authority, as well as all vehicle drivers operating under such authority, must meet the following requirements and provide the following information to the ORS upon request:

A. Owner and Driver Qualifications/Requirements.

1. All drivers must be a minimum of 18 years of age.

2. Driving Record - A certified copy of the driver's three (3) year driving record issued by the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles and such record from the DMV of the state in which the driver is or has been domiciled for such period.

3. State Criminal Background Check - A criminal history background check from the state where the driver currently lives.

4. Drivers License - All drivers operating a vehicle under a Class C Taxi or Class C Charter certificate must have in their possession at the time of such operation a valid drivers license issued by the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles or the current state of residence of the driver.

5. Sex Offender Registry - All Class C Taxi Certificate and Class C-Charter Certificate holders are prohibited from employing or leasing vehicles to drivers who are registered, or required to be registered, as a sex offender with the South Carolina State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) or any national registry of sex offenders. All certificate holders who are registered, or required to be registered, as a sex offender with SLED or any national registry of sex offenders are prohibited from driving a taxi cab or limousine. Any driver who is placed on a Sex Offender Registry shall notify the ORS and the certificate holder under which he operates of his status and shall immediately cease to operate his taxi cab or limo.

6. Engaging in Business - An applicant for a Class C Taxi Certificate shall designate on his/her application those counties it can reasonably supply the service requested. Any applicant who has not provided the service requested in its application within 90 days of approval to begin operation of that certificate, without good cause shown or who has not filed with the commission an amended application, shall have its authority revoked.

B. Owner and Driver Conduct/Vehicle Qualifications.

1. Owners and drivers shall inspect the vehicle that the driver is operating daily to ensure that it can be operated safely.

2. Owners and drivers shall ensure that the interior of the vehicle is kept in a clean and sanitary condition.

3. Owners and drivers shall ensure that the general mechanical condition of his/her vehicle is in good operating condition and mechanical repair.

4. Owners and drivers shall ensure that the vehicle exterior meets the requirements set forth in Regulation 103-153.

5. Owners and drivers shall ensure that jack, spare tire, and other equipment in the trunk or other storage area of the vehicle is secured, and covered with appropriate material to avoid damage to a passenger's luggage or other possessions.

6. Duty to Transport Orderly Passengers - Each driver shall transport all orderly passengers willing and able to pay the required fare, requesting his or her services to the passenger's requested destination.

7. Passenger Discharge - Drivers shall not dismiss, discharge, or otherwise require any passenger to leave the vehicle other than at the passenger's requested destination without reasonable cause. For this purpose, "cause" means, but is not limited to, the vehicle becoming disabled, the passenger becoming disorderly by refusing to pay the authorized fare, or dangerous driving conditions. A driver who requires a passenger to leave the vehicle other than at the passenger's requested destination shall do so only at a well-lit public place, or (if the vehicle has become disabled) to another vehicle, and shall immediately notify his or her affiliated company of all the details of the incident.

8. Receipt - Each driver shall, upon request of the passenger making payment, and upon receipt of full payment for the authorized fare, give a receipt to the passenger making the payment.

9. Lost and Found - Any property left by a passenger in a vehicle shall be reported by the driver to his or her affiliated company within 30 minutes after its discovery, and thereafter returned to the passenger or the affiliated company as soon as possible, but in any event within 12 hours after its discovery, at the passenger's expense.

10. Identification Badges - While in operation, each driver shall have attached to the interior of the vehicle, in such a way as to be visible by passengers in the rear seat of the taxi, some form of picture identification. Such identification should display as a minimum the driver's name, picture, and the name of the holder of authority under a Certificate of PC&N under which the driver is operating. This paragraph is inapplicable to Class C-Charter Carriers.

11. Driving Record - Each driver shall, not less frequently than annually, provide an updated copy of his or her motor vehicle driving record to the company he or she is affiliated with or leasing.

12. Manifests.

A. The driver of a taxi cab shall keep a daily manifest. The manifest shall contain the following information, which shall be recorded at the time specified:

1. The hour and date at which the vehicle becomes available for use as a taxi cab, the name of the driver and the make, registration number of such vehicle shall be recorded before the driver proceeds to pick up his first passenger or package delivery.

2. The time and place of commencement and the number of passengers or packages shall be recorded when such passengers or packages are picked up.

3. The name and place of delivery of the passengers or packages and the amount of the fare charged shall be recorded immediately after each trip is terminated.

4. The time and place shall be recorded immediately after the driver ceases to operate the taxi cab for hire for the day.

8. PC&N (Stretcher Vans).

Stretcher van service is a mode of non-emergency transportation which may be provided to an individual who cannot be transported in a taxi or wheelchair van due to being non-ambulatory. Stretcher vans are not required or authorized to provide medical monitoring, medical aid, medical care or medical treatment of passengers during their transport. Self-administered oxygen is permitted. In addition to meeting the requirements set out in 103-133(4) and 103-133(6)above, applicants for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity for stretcher van vehicles must meet the following requirements:

A. Driver and Assistant Driver Qualifications/Requirements

1. While providing transportation for hire, all stretcher vans shall be staffed by both a primary and an assistant driver. In addition to the general requirements provided for in 103-133(6) (A), stretcher van drivers and driver assistants shall be trained in transferring, loading and unloading passengers in stretchers.

2. A stretcher van passenger shall not be left unattended at any time.

3. The driver and driver assistant shall confirm that all restraining straps are fastened properly and the stretcher, stretcher fasteners and anchorages are properly secured prior to the vehicle transporting a passenger.

4. The driver assistant shall be seated in the passenger compartment while the vehicle is in motion and shall notify the driver of any change in the passenger's status.

5. All drivers and assistant drivers must be a minimum of 18 years of age.

6. Driving Record - The certificate holder must obtain and retain a certified copy of the driver's and the assistant driver's three (3) year driving records issued by the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles and such records from the DMV of the state in which the driver or the assistant driver is or has been domiciled for such period.

7. State Criminal Background Check - The certificate holder must obtain and retain criminal history background checks from the state where the driver and assistant driver currently live.

8. Drivers License - All drivers and assistant drivers operating a stretcher van must have in their possession at the time of such operation valid drivers' licenses issued by the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles or the current state of residence of the driver or assistant driver.

9. Sex Offender Registry - All stretcher van certificate holders are prohibited from employing drivers and assistant drivers who are registered, or required to be registered, as sex offenders with the South Carolina State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) or any national registry of sex offenders. All drivers and assistant drivers who are registered, or required to be registered, as sex offenders with SLED or any national registry of sex offenders are prohibited from driving a stretcher van. Any driver or assistant driver who is placed on a Sex Offender Registry shall notify the ORS and the certificate holder under which he operates of his status and shall immediately cease to operate the stretcher van.

10. All drivers and assistant drivers must possess a current Red Cross First Aid certification or an American Safety and Health Institute certification, or certification from a program that meets or exceeds the certification standards of the Red Cross First Aid or the American Safety and Health Institute, and Adult Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification. The Red Cross First Aid certification must be renewed every three years, and the Adult CPR certification must be renewed annually.

B. Vehicle Requirements

1. The stretcher van must be equipped with a stretcher used to transport individuals in the supine or Fowler's position.

2. Passengers shall be loaded headfirst.

3. The approved stretcher shall be elevating and wheeled. A minimum of three (3) patient restraining straps (chest, waist, and thigh) at least two (2) inches wide shall be provided. The stretcher van shall have proper means to secure the stretcher in its position under all conditions. Crash-stable stretcher fasteners must be provided.

4. A stretcher van vehicle must be maintained in good repair and safe operating condition and shall meet the same motor vehicle safety requirements as apply to all vehicles in South Carolina. Exterior surfaces of the vehicle including windows, mirrors, warning devices and lights must be undamaged and kept clean of dirt and debris.

5. Safety belts must be provided for all passengers.

6. Self-administered oxygen must be secured in accordance with AMD (Ambulance Manufacturers Division of the National Truck Equipment Association) Standard 003, "Oxygen Tank Retention System Test."

7. The interior of the stretcher van vehicle shall include secured storage compartments.

8. All storage compartments, supplies and equipment shall be kept clean and sanitary.

9. A stretcher van shall not contain medical equipment or supplies or display any marking, symbols or warning devices that imply that it offers medical care or ambulance transportation.

10. A stretcher van shall not respond or transport a person if the request for service originated within a public dispatch system.

C. Limitations and Conditions of Service

1. Stretcher van vehicles shall not be used:

a. To transport a passenger who requires medical monitoring.

b. To transport more than one (1) stretcher passenger at a time.

c. To transport a person who is being administered intravenous fluids.

d. To transport a person who needs or may need oxygen unless that person's physician has prescribed oxygen as a self-administered therapy.

e. To transport a passenger who needs or may need suctioning.

f. To transport a passenger who has sustained an injury and has not yet been evaluated by a physician.

g. To transport a passenger who is experiencing an acute condition or the exacerbation of a chronic condition or a sudden injury or illness.

h. To transport a passenger who needs to be transported from one hospital to another hospital if the destination hospital is the same level or a higher level as the hospital of origin.

i. To transport a passenger who is being evaluated in an emergency room and for any reason must be transported to another hospital for diagnostic tests that are not available at the first hospital.

2. An individual must not be transported in a stretcher van, if the individual has a written statement from a licensed physician stating that the individual must not be transported in a stretcher van.

S.C. Code Regs. § 103-133

Amended by State Register Volume 12, Issue No. 5, eff May 27, 1988; State Register Volume 14, Issue No. 3, eff March 23, 1990; State Register Volume 17, Issue No. 5, Part 3, eff May 28, 1993; State Register Volume 19, Issue No. 5, eff May 26, 1995; State Register Volume 22, Issue No. 6, Part 3, eff June 26, 1998; State Register Volume 23, Issue No. 3, eff March 26, 1999; State Register Volume 24, Issue No. 7, eff July 28, 2000; State Register Volume 32, Issue No. 5, eff May 23, 2008; State Register Volume 33, Issue No. 6, eff June 26, 2009.