After you become an Uber driver, you spend more time on the road than most motorists, so you’re also more likely to get more traffic tickets. Since the ability to drive is your key to making a living, it’s vital to maintain a good driving record and minimise your infringements.
At Splend, we’ve helped thousands of Uber drivers worldwide to earn a flexible income. We created this top-five list of Uber driver infringements, to hopefully make it easier for you to avoid.
1. Taxi ranks
One of the main differences between taxi and Uber driving is the right to use designated taxi ranks. Taxi ranks are signed areas outside busy locations like airports, where taxis will wait in line for people looking for a fare.
No other cars are allowed to use the taxi rank to stop and drop off people, not even the Uber fleet.
Since there’s still some friction between taxis and Uber, taxi ranks are closely monitored, so it’s not worth the risk.
2. Bus lanes
Bus lanes can be confusing at the best of times. There are some bus lanes which can only be used by buses or taxis, and there are others that also allow other vehicles at set times, including Uber cars.
If you’re not sure if a bus lane is in operation, it’s best not to use it at all.
3. Toll roads (NSW, VIC, and QLD only)
Riders often want to get to their destination fast, so you may need to use toll roads in NSW, VIC and QLD. Uber includes these costs in the fare, so in theory, it’s not your expense.
However, many drivers forget to pay for the toll after receiving the money. This is why it’s very important to have an active toll account.
Set reminders on your phone to pay the tolls, especially if you don’t use these roads often. Unpaid fines can build up very quickly and could land you in court.
4. Speeding
Riders can be impatient. No one wants to miss a flight or be late to an important meeting. As an Uber driver, it’s important to always drive safely, remain calm, and stick to the speed limit no matter the situation.
Speeding is not only dangerous, but also costly. Plus, you could lose your driver’s licence and with it, your income, so it’s never worth it.
5. Illegal turns
If you’re struggling to find your rider at the pick-up spot or miss a turn during the ride, take your time to find a safe and legal place to turn around. Many Uber drivers try to correct the mistake as quickly as possible, often resorting to an illegal U-turn, which often lands them a fine on the spot.
If you miss the drop-off area, simply end the trip and tell the rider you’ve done so. That way, you won’t feel pressured to make an illegal turn, and your passenger rider will also be grateful. These small details usually make the difference on offering tips for Uber drivers.
About Splend
We enable people to make money by driving for on-demand apps such as Uber.
We’re more than a car subscription provider. In addition to new-model cars and all the essentials to start earning money with Uber as quickly as possible, our customers enjoy driver training and dedicated support, as well as customer benefits such as partner discounts and exclusive events.
For more information about Splend, make an appointment and drop by to your local Splend Hub, email us, or say hello on 1800 775 363.
