The meter is running out for sex offenders driving cabs in North Charleston. This as the city passes new measures regulating taxi drivers.

Taxi Cab drivers in North Charleston now have more than traffic rules to follow.

All drivers have to get a permit and sex offenders can't drive the cabs. Violent offenders convicted the last five years can’t operate either, a sigh of relief for other drivers.

"We've got too many guys out there that have road rage. They have the tendency to go off the deep end against other drivers. We've had instances in parking lots with other drivers," said a North Charleston cab driver, Todd Comstock.

The condition of the cabs also under regulation now as North Charleston Police will also be inspecting the cabs for safety, making it safer for passengers, and giving other drivers more business.

"It's frustrating, it cost me more time and money to be out there properly and you have these guys left and right just popping anything on the road calling it a taxi, basically dipping into my pocket and taking my wallet and taking money out of it," said Comstock.

Money held on tight to as high gas prices keep drivers running on empty. The new regulations take effect immediately and drivers must go in to get their permits.

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