Oakland traffic violation lawyers and any traffic ticket lawyer Fresno will tell you that there can be consequences for getting a traffic violation while working for a ride-sharing service, like Uber. However, those penalties can exist even outside of the contracted sphere. In other words, if you get a ticket while performing your regular daily duties outside of working for Uber, you can still risk your employment because of company policies and reoccurring background checks.
Company Policy
If you talk to a traffic ticket lawyer San Jose, they will probably tell you that Uber has a sound and straightforward company policy, which limits the number of traffic violations any driver can have on their record. Before you were able to sign up as a driver, you head to submit to a background check. While this check reviewed your criminal history, the company likely also searches for both criminal and civil driving citations, which can include everything from a speeding ticket to driving under the influence. As you are probably familiar with, if you read the terms of your agreement, Uber does not allow people to drive for the company who have accumulated more than three traffic violation within three years. However, discretion lies with the company, meaning that you might be disqualified or terminated for even a single violation in a year.
Revolving Background Checks
Many contracted drivers incorrectly assume that the company is limited to one background check per driver. Therefore, they do not worry about receiving a traffic ticket. Unfortunately, there is no such thing as a one-and-done background check policy. Uber can run as many background checks as they would like on any of their drivers. Typically, Uber will run another background check if a driver has received a customer complaint, especially if that complaint involves a police traffic stop. Therefore, do not underestimate the seriousness of even a single violation, especially if you depend on Uber to make a livable income.
Fighting Your Ticket
If Uber is a significant portion of your income, then it becomes necessary to fight traffic tickets. While you might have avoided this practice in the past, even a minor violation could end up costing you your current job. Therefore, regardless of the cost of the ticket, if it equates to points on your license or evidence of the violation in your record, then you need to fight it. While you might be concerned about the costs associated with attorney and legal fees, consider the cost of being suspended from the Uber platform for a year or more. Taking legal action might be the only way to protect your current source of income.
While traffic violations are a normal part of life for some, when you depend on a good driving record for work, then these sometimes minor infractions take on a new meaning. When a violation could mean the loss of employment, as it does as an Uber driver, it becomes necessary to go to court and defend yourself. However, don't go it alone; find an attorney experienced in fighting traffic violations and ask for their advice and counsel.
