A clip from TikTok user Skully which has more than 483,000 views, offers a backseat view of an Uber driver pulled over by police. When asked if he has a drivers license, the driver responds “Nah, not really.” He goes on to clarify that they’d had a license but it is under review.
This is obviously news to the passenger. In a caption they wonder how their Uber driver is driving without a license. The answer to that question is unclear, and opens up lots of other questions about how honest the driver was being to the officer.
The ambiguity lies in whether the Uber driver had no valid license at all or simply wasn’t carrying it at the moment. This distinction is significant in Florida, where based on Skully’s bio details we’re assuming this incident took place. If the driver possesses a Florida driver’s license but isn’t carrying it during the traffic stop, he can be cited under Florida Statute 322.15. This is considered a noncriminal traffic infraction, punishable as a moving violation. If he presents a valid license to the court, the charge may be dismissed upon payment of court costs.
But if the driver has never been issued a valid driver’s license, this constitutes a second-degree misdemeanor. Penalties for a first offense can include up to 60 days in jail, six months of probation, and a fine of up to $500. Repeat offenses can result in more severe consequences, such as longer jail terms and higher fines.
Uber says all drivers maintain a valid driver’s license. If a driver is found operating without one, it violates Uber’s policies and can lead to deactivation of the account. Uber requires drivers to have at least one year of licensed driving experience in the U.S.—three years of experience if under 25—proof of residency, and valid insurance.
Photo: Mario Tama / Getty Images News / Getty Images