[marmich]

I was picking up a fare tonight in Newport, Rhode Island and a policeman waved me down on Thames Street downtown. He asked if I was an Uber driver and when I said yes, he asked if I had a "blue card" and a commercial driver's license. When I said I did not, he indicated that this is a Rhode Island state requirement, that Uber was supposed to have informed drivers of this fact, and said that he would let me off with a warning this time. Starting next week, he said, this would be strictly enforced STATEWIDE. Moreover, he said, I would not just be issued a ticket; if I was observed picking up a person and it was determined I was doing so for payment I would be arrested and charged. He advised me that I should heed the warning and stop driving.

I can only assume he is giving me information based on the guidance he is getting, which may well be driven by political and or local pressures from local taxi companies competing with Uber drivers. I wanted to let Uber know and make other drivers aware, and so if anything happens there is a record.

I sent an email to Uber as well.

 

[marmich]

Passengers had just entered the car - the policeman watched them get in and saw the whole conversation (confirmation of names, checking the app, etc.) He clearly watched the entire interaction. What was interesting is that he did NOT ask me for my license and registration. Rather it was very specifically: what kind of license do you have? do you have a "blue card" to pick up passengers? That kind of thing.

No response from uber so far...

 

[marmich]

Response from uber below:


Many jurisdictions have not yet determined if or how to regulate innovative new services like Uber. We are actively working with the appropriate regulatory bodies to provide that clarity for our riders and partners.

That being said, you should partner with Uber in confidence. Our team has your back 100% and should you ever run into trouble as a result of your use of the Uber app, we will reimburse you for any regulatory citation received as well as provide any necessary legal support.

The only documents you need to have to be operating on the Uber Platform legally is a Drivers license, insurance, and registration. Please make sure all of these documents are updated and as I can see in the system they are so you are all set.

The blue card the officer was referring to is a blue card that commercial drivers need to have. But as you know Michael you are not a professional driver and you do not need these documents. You are a Peer to Peer partner. Providing services to your peers. All in all, your in accordance with all requirements.

 

[marmich]

Thanks to all who responded thoughtfully to this, and apologies for taking so long to respond. I wrote the original post on this thread and wanted to provide an update. I did call the police department in Newport not long after the experience, politely explained what had happened, and asked if there was any additional, specifically asking whether I could drive as an uber driver. The person I spoke with consulted with a supervisor and then referred me to the state office that licenses taxis for more information but would not be more specific. They wouldn't comment on what the police officer had said. So I guess the local guidance is still in flux. Like many others here, I am concerned that if ticketed (much less arrested) it becomes a time and $ impact, and even if ultimately settled (with or without help from Uber's lawyers) there's an arrest record that leads to other issues...