THEODORE R. McKELDIN, GOVERNOR                     761

arrangement, or understanding; express or implied, whereby the
operator of a taxicab pays a fixed or determinable sum for the use
thereof and is entitled to all or a portion of the proceeds arising
from its operation.

43. (Construction of Taxicab Provisions.)

(a)   This subheading, relating to taxicab companies, is intended
to be supplemental to and not in substitution for existing laws relat-
ing to the operation and licensing of motor vehicles. Particularly,
nothing in said subtitle shall be construed to limit any power now
held by political subdivisions of this state to adopt reasonable traffic
regulations such as the designation of taxicab stands and the re-
striction or prohibition of cruising along the public streets when
such cruising would menace the public safety or unduly congest
traffic.

(b)  Nothing in this Article relating to taxicabs, or in any public
local law heretofore passed shall be construed as divesting or limit-
ing the jurisdiction of the commission over any taxicab company
as a common carrier, although operating elsewhere than in incor-
porated cities or towns having a population of more than 50,000
persons.

Gas and Electric Companies
44. (Meters.)

No person shall furnish or put in use any gas meter unless it has
been inspected, proved and sealed, or any electric meter unless it
has been inspected, approved, and stamped or marked, by the com-
mission. Every gas and electric company shall maintain in an
appropriate place a suitable apparatus, approved, and stamped or
marked by the commission, for testing the accuracy of gas and
electric meters furnished by it for use. On the written request of
any consumer, his meter shall be tested thereby, in his presence if
he desires.

45. (Meters—Inspection.)

Any consumer may, by written request, compel an inspection and
test of his meter by the commission. If an electric meter is incor-
rect to the prejudice of the consumer by as much as four per cent
or a gas meter by as much as two per cent, the commission shall
order the substitution of a correct meter at the expense of the com-
pany. Otherwise, the expense of testing shall be borne by the con-
sumer. A uniform reasonable charge shall be fixed by the commis-
sion for this service.

46. (Municipalities.)

No municipality except the Mayor and City Council of Baltimore
shall build, maintain or operate for other than municipal purposes
any plant for supplying any gas or electricity, without a certificate
of authority from the commission. Upon refusal of such certificate,
no application therefor shall again be made until after six months
have elapsed from the date when it was last refused by the com-
mission.