A look at regulations for mobile-based businesses

CAR SERVICES:

• Chicago: Assesses licensing fees and requires companies to submit to background checks, vehicle inspections, drivers' tests and random drug screens as well as have $1 million in commercial auto liability coverage.

• New York City: Allows car services to operate so long as they follow the city licensing process for operating as a for-hire "black car" livery service.

• California: Requires licensing from state public utilities commission as well as criminal background checks, driver training programs, and at least $1 million in insurance coverage.

• Seattle: Recently rescinded a law limiting the number of ridesharing vehicles that could be on city streets. Now requires drivers to be licensed with city and meet certain insurance requirements.

SHORT TERM LODGING:

• New York City: State law and city code currently bans short-term apartment rentals, but enforcement is spotty and tens of thousands of rooms and apartments are advertised on Airbnb alone.

• San Francisco: Assesses city's 14 percent hotel tax and is weighing further regulations

• Portland: Allows single-family homeowners - but not apartment and condo owners - to offer short-term rentals once a safety inspection is done and neighbors are notified.

• Austin: Established a licensing system that calls for an annual fee and limits the number of units in a building - or homes in a residential neighborhood - that can be rented out

Associated Press