Local Uber Drivers Say Passengers Need to Remember Rules

Local Uber drivers are urging passengers to remember a few rules that they say often get ignored, before the busy summer season.

Among their biggest concerns is safety. Mike Keeney, an Uber driver since 2016, says he all too often witnesses passengers trying to ride with young kids. The only problem? They don't have a car seat. 

Keeney says, "Somebody will come out with a little tiny kid and they don't have a car seat with them. Well, we're prohibited by law from taking that kid in the car with us."

Keeney says the passengers are usually understanding about the safety aspect, but there are times when they can become angry and cause a disruption in the service. Often, he adds that passengers will argue, using a previous experience where a different driver did allow them to ride without a proper car seat. To which, Keeney replies, "I'm sorry, that driver was willing to break the law--I'm not."

Uber policy states the driver can cancel the trip if this happens. Riders can bring their own car seats, but drivers can still cancel if they don't have the right restraints or they're uncomfortable doing so.  

Drivers say another big issue is people under the age of 18 trying to use the service, alone. 

An Uber spokesman said to us in a statement today, "Uber's community guidelines clearly outline that children must be supervised while using Uber and only adults can have an Uber account. Drivers and riders who violate these guidelines risk losing access to Uber."

Local drivers say they often get requests from riders who want to be taken across the Nevada state line, to California.  Keeney explains, "We can't pick up a passenger in Sacramento and take them back to Reno, we're prohibited by law from doing that. So, that means all of the profit we made going that way is gone by coming back."

That's why the service has implemented a 'return to boundary fee.' Riders will be notified by text and must accept those terms to keep the figurative meter rolling until the driver has returned to their original location.  

If you'd like more information about Uber's rules you can visit their community guidelines here, or their terms of service here.

Uber is piloting a car seat option service in New York City, click here to learn more.