No, Your Uber Driver Can’t Have Sex With You …
By: Jay Krasnow
Tags: Uber, Apps, Ridesharing, Sex, Drugs

No, Your Uber Driver Can’t Have Sex With You …

Photo: Ausin Distel / Unsplash / Irrevocable, nonexclusive copyright to use & distribute for free

I woke up today wondering what Uber’s policy is on its drivers having sex with their passengers — not that anyone should be sharing a car with strangers during a pandemic, much less having sex with them.

That said, I did a little research, and found out that Uber explicitly prohibits its drivers or fellow passengers. Here are 13 things what I learned about Uber policies through my research:

Smoking

Uber doesn’t explicitly ban smoking, but it’s website states that “damaging property is never allowed.” One reason, among many, that you could damage an Uber is by smoking. So, if you’re one of the few people around who still smokes, and feel you just have to smoke in your Uber, do it with great caution.

Carrying Guns

Uber bans drivers as well as passengers and its delivery partners from carrying firearms of any kind. Enforcing this rule is a bit of a problem, as you can imagine.

Delivering food during COVID-19 curfews

Uber follows the COVID-19 restrictions of the local areas where it operates. Apparently Trenton, N.J., has an 8 p.m. curfew, so restaurants within the city limits are only available from 6 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Stopping for gas

Uber doesn’t seem to ban the practice of stopping for gas while a passenger is in their car, but your driver shouldn’t do this, because you’re technically being charged for this waylay. I saw few blog posts where Uber drivers expressed shock that other Uber drivers do this, but it does happen.

Taking cash tips

I’m not sure why anyone would order an Uber, then offer to give their driver a tip in cash, rather than using their smart phone, but Uber says it’s allowed.

Taking gift card tips

That’s just plain weird. Uber says that you may tip your driver with gift cards, you as long as you don’t use promotions to tip them.

Recording you

Uber allows its drivers to record its passengers to document the transaction, as long as doing so doesn’t violate local laws, and the driver doesn’t broadcast it. Local regulations may also require that the Uber driver inform you that they are recording the ride.

Talking on the phone

Uber doesn’t ban its drivers from talking on the phone, but does caution them to follow local laws, with respect to cell phone usage while they are on the road.

Bringing friends along for the ride

Uber does not allow drivers to bring a third wheel along for the ride.

Putting advertisements on their cars

Not only does Uber allow drivers to have advertisements on their cars, the company encourages it through its Uber Ooh advertising network. In other words, Uber is encouraging their drivers in some markets to turn their cars into something that looks like a taxi in New York City.

Bringing their own pet along for the ride

Uber doesn’t seem to have an opinion about whether their drivers bring rover along for the ride. However, several blogs that Uber drivers participate in noted that it’s proper etiquette to tell your prospective rider in advance, and ask them if it’s okay.

Banning you from bringing your own pet for the ride

If you have a service dog, the Uber driver is required by law to take him for the ride. Otherwise, it’s the Uber driver’s choice whether to allow your four-legged friend in their car.

Smoking Joints

Marijuana is fully legal in 15 states and the District of Columbia, despite it being illegal under federal law. That said, Uber cautions its drivers not to drive under the influence of marijuana, alcohol or any other drugs.