Las Vegas Sun

March 28, 2024

Uber, Lyft drivers cited for operating at Las Vegas airport

Uber in Las Vegas

Daniel Rothberg / Las Vegas Sun

An Uber driver takes a passenger for a ride Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2015, in Las Vegas.

Updated Monday, Sept. 21, 2015 | 2:44 p.m.

Uber Activation Center at Hampton Inn

Uber workers welcome and instruct applicants on their next steps through the process at the Uber Activation Center at Hampton Inn Tropicana on Wednesday, September 16, 2015. Launch slideshow »

Clark County issued at least 87 misdemeanor citations to Uber and Lyft drivers last week for operating on airport property without permission, commissioners were informed in an email from the county manager.

The citations for unauthorized loading or unloading carry a fine of $100, which can be reduced to $50 if paid within 10 days, county officials said. Failure to pay would result in the Department of Motor Vehicles being notified, delaying registration until payment is made, officials said.

After a heated meeting last week, Clark County commissioners denied issuing Uber and Lyft temporary business licenses and are unlikely to reconsider the matter until a hearing on Oct. 20.

Defying the commission, the companies began offering rides on Tuesday.

Although state regulators approved the ride-hailing services Monday, the county asserts the companies cannot operate without a local business license.

County officials say they need to create a new licensing category for Uber and Lyft, a process that could take a month.

In the meantime, the District Attorney’s Office is exploring legal options the county could take against the ride-hailing services for operating unlicensed.

Although no Uber and Lyft drivers have been cited outside of the Department of Aviation’s jurisdiction, the county has taken a tougher stance on drivers providing service at McCarran International Airport. Transportation services at the airport require not only a county business license but additional permitting.

By Friday morning, Clark County authorities had cited 87 Uber and Lyft drivers.

The citations came after the District Attorney’s Office last week sent a warning letter to lawyers for the ride-hailing services.

The letter emphasized Clark County’s position and asked Uber and Lyft refrain from operating at airport property, which includes the McCarran Rent-A-Car Center and the Las Vegas, North Las Vegas, Henderson, Jean and Overton airports.

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