Another driver has been convicted for illegally operating a ride-hailing service in Richmond.
The driver, a four-time repeat offender, was convicted on July 9 in provincial court for being an unlicensed ride-hailing operator in the city.
RCMP said this is the third conviction of this kind within four months.
The driver pleaded guilty and, along with fines and penalty points, one year of probation was given with a condition that the driver "not operate a commercial passenger vehicle unless properly licensed to do so by the Province of British Columbia."
If the person fails to follow this condition, it could result in criminal charges, according to Richmond RCMP.
“This is the second time we’ve seen an offender enter a provincial court proceeding and leave with an order that could result in a Criminal Code charge should they re-offend,” said Const. Frank Tarape with Richmond RCMP's Road Safety Unit.
“It is clear the courts are taking illegal ride-hailing very seriously, in addition to the heavy fines and penalties upon conviction."
Tarape added the RCMP takes a "zero-tolerance approach" to those operating without licences in Richmond and wants people to understand the risks of doing so.
"Unlicensed operators do not meet critical safety requirements, including criminal record checks, licensing and insurance," Tarape said.
On June 16, the RCMP’s Road Safety Unit also worked in partnership with the Commercial Vehicle Safety Enforcement (CVSE) to stop five drivers suspected of operating illegal ride-hailing services, resulting in more than $12,000 in fines handed out in a single day.
Richmond RCMP, when asked by the Richmond News, didn't give the illegal ride-hailing operator's name, saying the driver preferred to remain anonymous.
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