Rio Will Fine Uber Drivers Caught Carrying Passengers

08/14/2015 - 08h39

From last Thursday (13), Uber drivers who are caught carrying passengers will be fined and will have their car impounded by Rio de Janeiro city hall.

The fine will be R$ 1,360.29 (US$ 386). The impounded cars will be taken to a public warehouse chosen by the Secretary for Public Order and can only be released after the fine - charged by the City Department of Transportation - is paid.

The penalty was decreed by Mayor Eduardo Paes (PMDB) and published on this Thursday's (13) Official Gazette.

It is valid for all businesses that offer on-demand services with independent drivers in the city. The service is not yet regulated in Brazil.

The decree says there is "need to curb clandestine transport, which harms not only the provision of public transport services, regulated by the city hall, but all the people".

Uber has found strong resistance from taxi drivers' unions and political authorities in several cities in the country. Some drivers of the service were attacked and had their cars destroyed in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro.

Taxi drivers allege the company practises unfair competition because its drivers pay less in taxes.

In July, taxi drivers made a peaceful protest in Rio de Janeiro against the company.

Translated by JULIANA CALDERARI

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