For-hire drivers had their regulations tightened considerably after the State Legislature passed a new law to lower the allowable blood alcohol limits to match that of professional truck drivers.
Assemblyman Katcho Achadjian (R-SLO) proposed Assembly Bill 2687 (AB2687) several months ago, and it was signed into law by Gov. Jerry Brown last week.
The law requires all “passenger for hire” vehicles, (such as Uber and Lyft) and taxi cabs, to follow the same blood alcohol content or BAC as commercial drivers, effectively lowering the allowable BAL from .08% to .04% “to ensure the public remains safe,” Achadjian’s Office said in a news release. A BAC of 08% is also the legal limit for regular drivers, however it’s zero tolerance (BAC 0.0%) for those under 21.
“I am happy to hear that Governor Brown recognizes the importance of leveling the playing field for commercial and passenger for hire drivers,” Achadjian said. “This new law will keep both passengers and other vehicle drivers safe.”
With ride-sharing services, Uber and Lyft, gaining in popularity very quickly, it was perhaps inevitable one of their drivers would be popped for a drunk driving. That’s what happened here in San Luis Obispo County, which got the ball rolling on the new lowered limits.
“This past year,” Achadjian said, “San Luis Obispo County District Attorney Dan Dow’s office prosecuted a ride sharing driver for a DUI offense who had above a .08% BAC, when they noticed the out-of-date code section that didn’t account for these new passenger-for-hire vehicles. This bill holds passenger-for-hire services to the strictest standard.”
D.A. Dow said, “Passengers who hire a professional driver, whether a taxi cab or an Uber service, should feel that they are as safe as possible when riding as a passenger with that driver.
“The good people who travel the roads of California are safer today with the passing of Assembly Bill 2687, which holds all for-hire drivers to the same alcohol limit as other commercial drivers. I am very thankful for Assembly member Achadjian’s support in sponsoring this important public safety bill.” AB 2687 goes into effect Jan. 1.
