There have been several incidents of people impersonating ride-share and taxi drivers to scam and assault riders across the Volunteer State.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Tennessee General Assembly approved legislation protecting citizens from fake taxi and rideshare drivers across the state.
State Rep. Elaine Davis, R-Knoxville, spearheaded the passage of House Bill 786 which creates 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.
“This legislation is about keeping Tennesseans safe and deterring impersonators who prey on our citizens,” Davis said. “Legitimate rideshare and taxi services have rigorous hiring processes to ensure their drivers have valid licenses, insurance and clean background checks so their passengers feel safe using their service.”
There have been several incidents of people impersonating ride-share and taxi drivers to scam and assault riders across the Volunteer State.
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 bill now heads to Gov. Bill Lee’s desk for his signature, and will take effect on July 1, 2025.
State Rep. Elaine Davis represents House District 18 which includes part of Knox County.
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