Cap. 65 Art. 16AProper use of taxi- meter.

(1) Every taxi-car shall be fitted with an appropriate taxi-

meter for ascertaining the number of kilometres covered and the

relative legal charges of each trip.

(2) Every taxi-meter which is fitted in a taxi-car shall be placed

in a position which is easily visible to the passengers.

(3) Every person who carries passengers in a taxi-car shall ensure at the commencement of any hire that the taxi-meter of such car is in proper order for correct registering in accordance with sub-article (1).

(4) No person shall carry passengers in a taxi-car if the taxi-meter of such car is not in proper order as required by this article or if such taxi-meter has its seals broken or is in any way tampered with.

(5) No person shall whilst carrying passengers in a taxi-car fail to operate the taxi-meter during any hire, or charge any amount in excess of the correct fare, or break the seals of the taxi-meter.

(6) Every person who contravenes any of the provisions of this article shall be guilty of an offence and shall on conviction be liable -

(a) for a first offence, to a fine (multa) not exceeding five thousand euro (€5,000); for a second offence, to a fine (multa) not exceeding seven thousand euro (€7,000) or to imprisonment for a period of not more than three months; for a third or subsequent offence, to a fine (multa) not exceeding ten thousand euro (€10,000) or to imprisonment for a period of not more than six months or to both such fine and imprisonment;

(b) to the immediate suspension or revocation of any prescribed permit, licence or authorisation;

(c) any prescribed penalty points; and

(d) the confiscation of the taxi-car for a period of:

(i) not less than one month but not exceeding three months for a first offence;

(ii) not less than three months but not exceeding six months for a second offence; and

(iii) not less than six months but not exceeding twelve months for a second and subsequent offence.

(7) The confiscation of the taxi-car as provided in sub-article

(6) shall take place irrespective of whether the offender is the owner, or his employee or substitute, of such motor vehicle.

(8) The Probation Act, and article 21 of the Criminal Code,

shall not be applicable in respect of an offence against any of the provisions of this article.