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Can Uber drivers refuse drunken or unruly passengers?
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The Guru Take
A request can be refused/cancelled before the trip even begins
Yes, the drivers are independent contractors and they drive their own car. It’s perfectly legal to deny service to drunken or unruly passengers (or passenger-to-be). Uber also suggests similarly for people who do not follow the community guidelines.
As long as the driver cancels the ride before it begins, say upon arriving at the location, the passenger will not be able to rate the driver at all. (This is why it is important for the driver to vet out the riders and refuse the trip right away.) The acceptance rate, which is another metric the driver is gauged by, may be affected, but the safety should be treated at a higher priority.
Even during a trip, the driver should stop the car and end the trip. This can trigger a retaliatory negative feedback, but if he or she reports the incident to Uber, it can (and should be) reversed.
Comments
Yup, and it makes great sense. Someone is trying to keep their friend from driving home drunk, but let's refuse service to them. I mean it is better they are drunk and drive home, than it is for me to possibly have to charge for cleaning out my car. (Sarcasm is not covering violent drunks, that I completely understand)
Of course you can. There's even a way to notify Uber on when this happens. No harm done. Just saved you from a whole lot of trouble.