OK City Leaders Consider Regulations On Ridesharing Drivers

Ridesharing in Oklahoma City has hit some red tape.

For nearly a year, companies like Uber and Lyft have operated without regulation in the metro. But on Tuesday, city leaders took their first steps to create a new ordinance to change that.

A new ordinance has been proposed and could go into effect in October if it’s voted through.

“I think it will weed out some drivers,” says Julie Hutcenviler, who drives for Uber.

Getting an annual ridesharing driver’s permit with the city would cost $30. Drivers will also have to undergo background and vehicle checks and get a note from a doctor saying they are physically up to the task of driving.

“We took bits and pieces of what we saw going on across the country,” says Asst. City Manager M.T. Berry.

Each company’s logo must also be display on a vehicle when a ride is being given. For Uber is the letter U, for Lyft it’s a pink mustache.

Companies like Uber and Lyft must also provide insurance information for its drivers.