Uber drivers in Costa Rica risk having their license plates seized by transit police
August 13th, 2015 (ICR News) Controversial “driver for hire” smartphone app Uber has begun allowing drivers in Costa Rica to sign up for the service on its web site, and the company is likely to begin operations “in the coming days” and without the approval of Costa Rica’s transport ministry, sources with knowledge of the situation told ICR News.
But those who are considering using the service as drivers to make some extra money (and don’t have the necessary government permits to offer public transport) face having their vehicle’s license plates seized by traffic police if their passenger admits to having paid for the ride, in exactly the same manner as any other “pirate” taxi driver, deputy transport minister Sebastian Urbina told the radio program Nuestra Voz.
Urbina warned drivers that any vehicle that offers public transportation, through the Uber app or any other means requires the proper permissions from the Public Transport Council (CTP), adding that in Costa Rica “the law is very clear.”
Urbina added in fact that Uber itself does not necessarily need permission to offer its smartphone-based service in the country; rather the drivers themselves must obtain the appropriate legal permits.
Urbina added that the Regulatory Authority for Public Services (ARESEP) has jurisdiction to regulate the price of fares.
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