Both Uber and Lyft ridesharing services are provided in Montgomery County, and both have had their share of controversy. Much of the controversy has been over the drivers hired to perform the job -- they have been accused of many things, including violating traffic laws. Traffic offenses can lead to unwanted consequences and penalties. For some Uber and Lyft drivers, a conviction of a traffic offense can impact the ability to earn a livelihood, especially if ridesharing is the primary source of income.
If you are an Uber or Lyft driver who has been cited or charged with a traffic offense in Montgomery County, our Criminal Law Team will provide smart, aggressive legal representation in the pursuit of a positive outcome.
Ride-Share Companies in Montgomery County
Ride-share companies, like Lyft and Uber, are a great resource in Montgomery County. They help people get affordable, accessible transportation. Uber and Lyft can be used in pretty much every city in Montgomery County as well as smaller municipalities and townships, like:
- Pottstown
- Norristown
- King of Prussia
- Bryn Mawr
- West Norriton Township.
As an Uber or Lyft driver serving Montgomery County, you must abide by the rules of the road while working. But also, even when not working, if you fail to continue to abide by the rules, you could still impact your livelihood. Something seemingly as insignificant as a speeding ticket can hurt your driving record, especially when you are a repeat offender.
Traffic Offenses & Ride-Share Drivers in Montgomery County
Traffic offenses come in all sizes and shapes. They include traffic tickets for acts like failing to yield the right of way, but they also include more serious offenses like hit and runs. Common traffic offenses that Uber and Lyft drivers have been cited for or charged within Montgomery County include:
- Traffic Tickets
- Careless / Reckless Driving
- Too Fast for Conditions
- Driving While License Suspended
- Exceeding Maximum Speed
- Exceeding Special Speed Limit in a School Zone
- Failure to Stop for a Red Light
- Failure to Stop for School Bus
- Failure to Stop for Stop Sign
- Failure to Yield to Pedestrian in Crosswalk
- Failure to Yield for Yield Sign
- Fleeing or Eluding Police
- Following too Closely
- Illegal U-turn
- Leaving the Scene Involving Property Damage
- Leaving the Scene of an Accident
- Vehicular Homicide.
The penalties for these range dramatically from a small fine and points on your driving record to license suspension and jail time.
Consequences of Minor Traffic Violations
Minor traffic violations may result in a small fine, but the consequences add up when violations are committed time and time again. Each offense carries a certain number of points that get added to your driving record. When the sum of these points is six, you have 30 days to pass a safe driving exam. When you reach six points again, you face license suspension. The more you accumulate six points, the harsher the consequences. For instance, an accumulation of 11 points results in the suspension of your driving privileges.
You may think it is difficult to accrue these points, but it isn't. Speeding 6-10 miles per hour (mph) over the limit is two points while speeding 11-15 mph over the limit is three points, 16-25 mph over the limit is four points, and 26+ mph over the limit is five points. Something like passing a stopped school bus that has flashing lights indicating you must stop is five points on your record. As you can see, it's not difficult to accumulate points that can lead to license suspension. And it goes without saying, if your license is suspended, you can't work.
Consequences of Major Traffic Violations
The consequences of a conviction of some traffic violations are considerably more severe. You may face the criminal courts. For example, leaving the scene of an accident is a First Degree misdemeanor that -- if convicted -- can result in up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. In addition to the criminal sentence, you also face collateral consequences.
With a criminal record, you may lose your ability to ever work for Uber and Lyft again. Uber, Lyft, and other ride-share companies have been under attack by the media and passengers for hiring drivers with criminal records. As a result, ride-share companies are becoming more diligent when approving drivers, making more difficult for you to keep your job after a stint in prison.
Contact an Experienced, Aggressive Attorney for Uber and Lyft Drivers Today
Uber and Lyft drivers risk their careers when they are cited for or charged with traffic offenses. If you are an Uber or Lyft driver in Montgomery County, contact the LLF Law Firm today at 888-535-3686 to schedule an initial consultation to discuss your alleged traffic violations and to get started on your defense.
