Hitching a ride has never been easier thanks to smartphone-enabled car services like Uber. This service allows users to book a private car or SUV straight from their phone. It even provides a cost estimate and a tracking tool to identify when your car is getting close. Not carrying cash? Not an issue, Uber drivers do not accept cash. All payments go straight from your phone, eliminating the need to fumble for cash. The Dallas City Council postponed a debate to determine whether Uber is in line with city requirements. As Uber is technically a limousine service, not a taxi, there are a number of laws they will have to follow:
- Based on vehicle capacity, under Dallas City Code Chapter 10A, an Uber car or SUV may be classified as a luxury sedan or luxury SUV or potentially as an executive limousine.
- To qualify as a limousine driver in Dallas and operate within the Dallas city limits, the driver must be over the age of 18, authorized to work in the United States, able to communicate in English, and cannot have been convicted of a number of crimes.
- Drivers must have a permit to operate as a limousine driver in the City of Dallas, must pay the requisite annual licensing and operating fees, and must acquire and maintain automobile insurance that is approved by the city.
- Drivers must receive the required training prior to receiving a permit from the City of Dallas.
- Drivers who are permitted by the City of Dallas may have their permit suspended or revoked if the driver operated a limousine for hire inside the city during a period in which the driver’s permit was suspended, made a false statement of a material fact in an application for a limousine driver’s permit, engaged in conduct that violates the Dallas City Code or is detrimental to public safety, or is indicted or convicted or a felony while holding a limousine driver permit.
- Drivers may not solicit passengers and are to act in a courteous manner and maintain a well-groomed appearance.
- Drivers must post their rates and abide by posted rates.
Dallas Uber users are signing a petition to encourage Dallas City Council members to amend the laws in favor of car services like Uber. Many feel as new laws are defined, the benefits of easier taxi services far outweigh the costs. By offering quick and easy alternatives to buzzed or drunk driving, we can minimize the risk of car accidents on Dallas roads.
