A convicted sex offender was among several drivers caught in a recent illegal ride-hailing crack-down near Bridgeport Station in Richmond.
The operation, jointly held by Transit Police and the provincial Commercial Vehicle Safety and Enforcement branch, led police to drivers with more skeletons in their closets.
Three drivers were caught and fined for operating without a licence, along with other violations such as having dangerous tires and being a convicted sex offender. The drivers belonged to two different companies operating without valid licenses, according to Const. Amanda Steed, Metro Vancouver Transit Police spokesperson.
The first driver, who was a repeat offender with no valid driver's licence in addition to other violations, received a fine of $1,783 and got their vehicle impounded until it received new plates. The second driver was fined $2,000 for violations including having the wrong driver's licence and having a tire with a cut over 2.5 centimetres.
The third driver, who was a convicted sex offender, was fined $1,783 for also having the wrong class driver's license along with other violations.
The fine for operating without a licence is $1,150.
Ride-hailing drivers in B.C. are required to have a minimum of a Class 4 license, have their vehicle inspected and authorized for safety and obtain a record check certificate. Illegal ride-hailing companies may also not have adequate insurance to cover accidents.
Steed added drivers are not eligible to receive record check certificates if they have ever been convicted for offences such as terrorism, assault, hate crimes, robbery and any sexual offences. Some convictions under the Criminal Code and Controlled Drugs and Substances Act may be eligible for the certificate if the conviction was from more than 10 years ago.
In an interview with the Richmond News last year, city spokesperson Clay Adams said the city is limited in its means to catch illegal ride-hailing because it can only give fines for not having a business licence. Law enforcement has also been conducting intermittent joint operations to catch unlicensed operators.
