Transportation services offered by rideshare companies such as Uber and Lyft are incredibly handy, especially for people too drunk to drive home themselves. It’s dangerous to drive while inebriated, and Florida police can catch and charge drunk motorists with driving under the influence (DUI).
But what happens if a rideshare driver gets intoxicated while operating their vehicle?
The same DUI charges and penalties
While rideshare drivers are something in between private and commercial drivers, the same DUI laws apply to them. This means that having a blood or breath alcohol level of at least .08 will trigger a DUI.
For a first-offense DUI, a convicted rideshare driver faces up to $1,000 in fines and six months of jail time. They also face administrative punishments, such as a six-month license suspension and a requirement to have an ignition interlock device installed on their car for six months.
While jail time, fines and a criminal record are painful enough for any driver, one more penalty awaits rideshare drivers.
Rideshare companies prohibit drivers with DUI histories
Uber, Lyft and even Doordash typically prohibit drivers from operating under their network while they have a DUI on record. This means persons whose main source of revenue comes from driving for these rideshare companies can lose their precious jobs after just one DUI.
A driver with a DUI may have to wait for at least seven years to have their DUI expunged to be able to drive for a rideshare company again.
In conclusion, rideshare drivers are subject to the same DUI laws as other drivers. It takes just one offense for a rideshare driver to not only get a criminal record but also risk losing their job. If you’re a rideshare driver facing charges, consider consulting with a legal professional to understand your defense options – because your livelihood is on the line.