The use of ride-sharing services has become tremendously popular in today's society. anyone with a smartphone can access affordable and reliable with the swipe of a finger. The days of waiting hours for public transportation or flagging down a taxi in the middle of traffic-ridden streets are long over.
But with every good thing comes drawbacks, and that is no different when it comes ride-sharing giants like Uber and Lyft. If you haven't been living under a rock, you've noticed that controversy is no stranger to these companies. In fact, their drivers have become accused of just about any inappropriate thing you can think of. Of the most common discrepancies committed by drivers is the acquisition of traffic infractions.
A traffic violation, though seemingly harmless to the average driver, is a big deal for people who are employed by ride-sharing companies, especially if it's their primary source of income. If you are an Uber or Lyft driver who has been cited or charged with a traffic offense in Chester County, a conviction can lead to the loss of your livelihood, and can even create serious problems with your license and your ability to drive in your own respective vehicle.
Ride-Share Companies in Chester County
Ride-share companies are very prosperous in Chester County. These services are available in just about every borough and township in Chester County, including:
- Atglen Borough
- Charlestown Township
- Elk Township
- Pennsbury Township
- Parkesburg Borough
- West Grove Borough
- West Sadsbury Township etc.
Uber & Lyft drivers in Chester County must abide by the rules of the road, even in their own vehicles. Acquiring a traffic ticket for something like speeding or failing to stop at a stop sign in your own car can cost you your job as a driver, especially when you acquire more than one offense.
Types of Traffic Offenses Commonly Acquired by Ride-Sharing Drivers in Chester County
There are various traffic offenses one can acquire while behind the wheel. On the spectrum of traffic infractions, some are minor, like speeding, and others are more serious, like reckless driving. Common traffic offenses that Uber and Lyft drivers have been cited for or charged with in Chester County include:
- Traffic Tickets
- Careless / Reckless Driving
- Too Fast for Conditions
- Failure to Stop for School Bus
- Failure to Stop for Stop Sign
- Failure to Yield to Pedestrians in Crosswalk
- Failure to Yield for Yield Sign
- Fleeing or Eluding Police
- Driving While License Suspended
- Exceeding Maximum Speed
- Exceeding Special Speed Limit in a School Zone
- Failure to Stop for a Red Light
- Following too Closely
- Illegal U-turn
- Leaving the Scene Involving Property Damage
- Leaving the Scene of an Accident
- Vehicular Homicide.
The legal penalties for these traffic offenses range from a few points on your driving record to costly fines and jail time.
Consequences
Minor Traffic Violations
Minor traffic violations by themselves may only result in a small fine or driving school, but when several are accrued the consequences become more severe. Each traffic offense has a number of points attached to it, according to Pennsylvania's “Point Schedule.” After a driver is convicted of an offense, a certain amount of points are added to their record. For example, improper passing is 4 points and the failure to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk is 2 points. When a driver reaches six points, he or she will be required to take and pass a safe driving exam. If that same driver reaches six points once more, his or her license will be suspended. The more points that are added to a record, the harsher the consequences get.
It isn't hard to accrue points either. All it takes is one or two infractions to ruin your career and to lose your driving privileges altogether.
Major Traffic Violations
Some traffic violations are so severe that you'll find yourself behind bars. For instance, a hit and run can land you up to 180 days in jail with fines reaching $5,000. This offense will also go on your criminal record.
It's important to note that a conviction of a major traffic offense on your criminal record can result in you losing your job if you're employed by Uber or Lyft. Ride-sharing companies are now becoming reluctant to hire drivers with criminal records because they don't want to worsen their drivers' already horrible reputation.
Are You an Uber or Lyft Driver With a Traffic Offense? The LLF Law Firm Can Help
Lyft and Uber drivers endanger their ability to work in the ride-sharing industry when they acquire traffic offenses. If you are in this situation, you need the help of an experienced and aggressive criminal defense attorney. Contact the LLF Law Firm online or by phone at 888-535-3686.
