Rep. Elaine Davis’ bill enhancing penalties for impersonating taxi, rideshare drivers becomes law

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Gov. Bill Lee has signed legislation by State Rep. Elaine Davis, R-Knoxville, protecting citizens from fake taxi and rideshare drivers across the state.

The new law created a Class B misdemeanor for criminal impersonation of a taxi or rideshare driver, and increases the penalty to a Class E felony if the impersonation occurs during the commission of a separate felony.

“Whether you’re in Nashville for a concert, Knoxville for a football game or anywhere across Tennessee, you should be confident that your taxi or rideshare driver is legitimate,” Davis said.  “This law protects Tennesseans by targeting bad actors and sending a clear message that impersonation won’t be tolerated. Licensed drivers are thoroughly vetted to ensure passenger safety and we’re not going to let anyone cut corners on those critical checks.”

Examples of criminal impersonation of a taxi or ride-share driver include the driver deceptively using a company’s signage and branding, making false statements, falsely connecting oneself with a company or falsely claiming to respond to a passenger ride request.

Offenders face up to six months in jail and a $500 fine, if convicted.

The law was signed by Gov. Lee in June and went into effect July 1.

State Rep. Elaine Davis represents House District 18 which includes part of Knox County.