SPONSOR:

Sen. Brown & Rep. Chukwuocha

Sen. Ennis; Reps. Baumbach, Briggs King, Kowalko

DELAWARE STATE SENATE

150th GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SENATE BILL NO. 157

AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 2 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO TRANSPORATION NETWORK COMPANIES.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE:

Section 1. Amend Chapter 19, Title 2 of the Delaware Code by making deletions as shown by strike through and insertions as shown by underline as follows:

§ 1906 Identification of TNC vehicles and TNC drivers and customer service.

(a) The TNC's online-enabled technology application service or website shall display a picture of the TNC driver, and the license plate number of the motor vehicle utilized for providing the prearranged ride, before the rider enters the TNC driver's vehicle.

(b) A TNC driver must display on his or her vehicle at all times while logged into a TNC's digital platform , a an illuminated sign, emblem, or logo patently visible so as to be seen in darkness, that can sufficiently identify the vehicle as being associated with the TNC or its associated digital platform.

(1) Each illuminated sign provided by a TNC to a TNC driver must be returned to the TNC when a driver ceases to be employed by or work for the TNC.  A TNC that does not receive back a sign furnished to a particular TNC driver shall report in writing to the Delaware Transit Corporation the driver’s name and last known physical address.  If a driver cannot return a TNC-provided sign at the end of his employment with a TNC, he may provide a signed and witnessed affidavit explaining why the sign could not be returned.

(c) A TNC must provide a customer support telephone number, email address, or hyperlink on its digital application or website.

(d) At the time of a pickup of a TNC passenger, a TNC vehicle must have attached the number plate assigned to that vehicle on both the front and rear of that vehicle in accordance with the requirements of Title 21, § 2126(b) and (c).

Section 2. This Act takes effect 90 days after its enactment into law.

SYNOPSIS

This bill requires Transportation Network Company (“TNC”) drivers to affix permanent license plates clearly displaying their license plate number to the front of their vehicle. This bill also requires that TNC drivers display an illuminated sign so as to identify the vehicle as a TNC vehicle at night. Further, this bill creates a requirement that once a TNC driver ceases to be employed or work for a TNC, that driver must return any illuminated signs provided by the TNC. If a TNC driver fails to do so, the TNC is required to report in writing that driver’s name and last physical address to the Delaware Transit Corporation.

Author: Senator Brown