The fights never seem to end for Uber‘s legal group. This time around, the ridesharing service deals with big fines and several charges in France, where Uber has faced hard-fought battles versus the government and standard taxi drivers who allege the company of illegal practices.
The greatest fine call at about $500,000, which a French judge states is because of the business’s UberPop service. UberPop is a low-priced alternative for riders trying to find standard transport, typically in no-frills economy cars. The overall fine was closer to $900,000, however the court suspended half of it, meaning Uber would just pay the other half if it breaks the law once again.
UberPop motorists, the court ruled, skirted France’s taxi licensing and insurance coverage requirements, which generally costs taxi companies countless dollars to obtain. Taxi business in Paris, for instance, should pay a one-time cost of $300,000 to obtain a permit. UberPop released in Paris in early 2014, however the company cancelled the service last summer season following backlash from cab driver.
In addition to the big fine, a French judge struck two Uber executives each with a $28,500 fine. Pierre-Dimitri Gore-Coty heads Uber’s operations in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, while Thibaud Simphal is the firm’s General Manager in France. Both were charged with running misleading business practices and being complicit in running an unlawful transportation service.
The penalties could’ve been much even worse. These executives could’ve dealt with prison time and a fine of $340,000 each. Furthermore, Uber’s fine might’ve topped $1.7 million.
The company states it will appeal the judgment. Regardless of the obstacle, Uber continues to operate in France, though, with pricier options like uberX, UberVAN, and also UberBERLINE.
