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Thousands of Uber drivers are facing a new law that could ban them from the platform! The requirement has become a rule, and those who fail to comply could lose their livelihood. Understand how this decision is changing ride-hailing and putting the future of many workers at risk!
O transportation through apps has become an essential alternative for millions of Brazilians, providing practical and affordable mobility.
However, a New legislation in Rio de Janeiro is having a major impact on drivers of platforms like Uber and 99.
The measure, which came into effect in 2025, could prevent many professionals from continuing in the activity.
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The requirement imposed by the new law has generated controversy and concern among drivers.
The regulation determines that all vehicles registered in transport applications must have and use air conditioning during travel.
If this rule is not followed, the professional may be penalized and even banned from the platform.
The measure aims to ensure passenger comfort, but has been a source of controversy among drivers.
Air conditioning becomes mandatory for app drivers
Since January 2024, a new regulation came into force in the State of Rio de Janeiro, establishing that All ride-hailing drivers must keep the air conditioning running during rides.
The measure comes in response to frequent complaints from passengers, who reported thermal discomfort during travel.
The requirement has generated several reactions:
- Drivers refuse to turn on the air conditioning to save fuel.
- Some drivers charge additional fees for using the air conditioning, which is prohibited by the platforms.
- Passengers report dissatisfaction and make frequent complaints about the lack of service.
- The Rio de Janeiro Consumer Protection Agency has pressured companies like Uber and 99 to monitor compliance with the rule.
With the new legislation, ride-hailing companies are required to reinforce monitoring, and may deactivate drivers who fail to comply with the requirement.
Uber strengthens rules for drivers
Uber has a clear policy regarding the use of air conditioning.
According to the company, for a vehicle to be accepted on the platform, it must have a fully functioning air conditioning system.
Furthermore, the Uber's code of conduct requires drivers to maintain passenger comfort, including proper temperature inside the car.
If a driver refuse to turn on the air conditioning or charge extra fees for the service, he may be reported and even lose access to the platform.
Uber also reinforces that charges made outside the app are considered serious violations and may result in driver deactivation.
Other platforms, such as 99, are also adopting similar measures to ensure compliance with regulations and avoid complaints from passengers.
Procon Carioca enters the dispute
In light of complaints from passengers about drivers who refuse to use the air conditioning or charge extra for the service, Procon Carioca notified the companies Uber and 99.
The agency recommended that platforms make the use of air conditioning explicit and create a direct channel for consumers to report irregularities.
Procon also highlighted that The quality of the service offered by drivers must meet passengers' expectations, ensuring comfort and safety during journeys.
If platforms do not adopt strict measures, they may face penalties for failures in providing the service.
How to become an Uber driver?
For those who want to join Uber as a partner driver, it is necessary to follow some steps:
Cadastro: Go to the Uber website or app and register, providing your personal details and vehicle information.
Documentation: You must send a photo of your National Driver's License (CNH) with the observation “Exerce Atividade Remunerada – EAR” and the Vehicle Registration and Licensing Certificate (CRLV).
Verification: Uber performs a security analysis of the documents sent before releasing the driver on the platform.
Activation: Once approved, simply download the Uber Driver app, log in, and start accepting rides.
please note that requirements may vary by city, so it is important to check the specific conditions before registering.
According to experts, the new legislation in Rio de Janeiro has had a major impact on app drivers, reinforcing the mandatory use of air conditioning.
Despite benefiting passengers by ensuring greater comfort, the measure has generated dissatisfaction among drivers, who claim an increase in operating costs.
Platforms like Uber and 99 need to adapt to the new requirements and ensure that their drivers comply with the established rules.
Failure to comply may result in severe sanctions, including deactivation of the professional's account.
Given this scenario, passengers and drivers must be aware of the rules and rights involved to avoid problems during their journeys.
The debate about service quality and sector regulation continues, and new changes may emerge in the coming years.
Is it a law to turn on the air conditioning on public transport as well? Since those who use it share the space with several other users and the same climate.
And the increase in kilometers driven and minimum fare that has been frozen for years, when will they take it out of the deep freeze? Costs have increased and our profit has stagnated, it has not kept up with the infraction, which is why we have more scrapped cars in the entry-level category of both companies.
It's already cheap and unfeasible to navigate with Uber, it doesn't even pay for the wear and tear on the car, we're going to become slaves to Uber and 99