Repeat offender convicted for illegal ride-hailing in Richmond, RCMP say

File image: Richmond RCMP crack down on illegal ride-hailing operators on Feb. 8, 2025. (Handout)

Another driver has been convicted for offering illegal ride-hailing services in Richmond, B.C., authorities announced Tuesday.

Richmond RCMP said the unlicensed ride-hail operator was convicted of three offences under B.C.’s Passenger Transportation Act, Motor Vehicle Act and Motor Vehicle Regulations on March 26.

The individual was caught in December 2023 as part of a crackdown on illegal ride-hailing in the city. Richmond RCMP did not provide the driver’s name, but said the same person was convicted of similar offences dating back to 2020.

In a statement. Sgt. Eric Baskette of the detachment’s Road Safety Unit said authorities will continue highlighting these cases to “educate the public on the risks associated with using these illegal services.”

“Illegal ride-hail operators do not the meet critical safety requirements, including criminal record checks, licensing and insurance,” Baskette said.

“These charges and convictions come with steep financial penalties which we hope sends the message loud and clear that operating illegally in Richmond is not going to be tolerated.”

It’s unclear how much the latest driver will be fined for the three offences, which include operating without a licence and using the wrong class of driver’s licence.

Last year, a total of $79,000 in fines were issued to 35 illegal ride-hail operators caught in the city, averaging approximately $2,257 per person.

A list of licensed ride-hailing companies and the jurisdictions where they’re allowed to operate is available online through the Passenger Transportation Registry.