DRIVE FOR UBER? TICKETS COST YOU MORE
HAVE A LAUGH
For many people in the Central Valley, becoming a rideshare driver is an attractive option for part-time or full-time employment. In Bakersfield, Uber drivers make an average of $42,000 a year — not bad for essentially getting to be your own boss. But this newer line of work isn’t without risk. If you’ve made the transition to rideshare driving, traffic tickets are no longer just an inconvenience. They’re a threat to your livelihood. THE THREE IN THREE RULE Any California rideshare driver gets three strikes against their license in three years before they’re out of the game. Unlike regular drivers, who can rack up eight Negligent Operator Treatment System (NOTS) strikes in three years before their license is suspended, companies like Uber hold their drivers to a higher standard. In fact, they treat their “private contractors” much the same way trucking companies treat their drivers, even though ridesharers aren’t required to hold a commercial driver’s license. Yet, Uber still makes use of the Employer Pull Notice (EPN) program, which lets them receive reports on your driving performance from the state. THE COST OF SPEEDING Under state law, a speeding ticket is one strike against your license. Normally, this minor infraction is little more than a bad day for your average driver. So long as your driver’s license isn’t on the line, you pay the ticket and move on. But for those in the rideshare industry, even a low-cost speeding ticket puts your employment in jeopardy, regardless of whether you were “on the clock” when you were pulled over. One little ticket means you only have two more strikes left over three full years of driving. A big ticket can sideline you. FENDER BENDERS AND MORE Worse still is the cost of “at-fault” accidents. Not only does this count as two strikes, but you and your insurance are on the hook for damages. Even if you were driving “on the clock” for Uber, their insurance won’t come to your aid — it only exists to protect them from civil suits. On top of the risk to your livelihood, you face increased premiums, repairs, and injuries from your accident. This is why rideshare drivers should fight any questionable infractions they receive, even minor speeding tickets. An expert traffic attorney from our team at Bigger & Harman can keep you employed and on the road.
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