Unlicensed Uber Drivers Ticketed by Plainclothes Officers in Missouri Town

Plainclothes Columbia, Mo., police officers have started issuing tickets to drivers with Internet ridesharing company Uber.

City staff and Uber had been negotiating regulations that would have licensed rideshare drivers after an application process that included a background check, proof of insurance and a $70 fee.

The Columbia Missourian reports that Uber agreed to not charge for rides until the city established a licensing regime. But in November it began charging customers, even though the City Council isn’t expected to vote on the regulations until February.

City Manager Mike Matthes says that was illegal, and he warned the city would enforce the law. Four Uber drivers were ticketed downtown Friday night for charging for rides without a city permit.

Uber offers service in 250 cities in 50 countries.