The North Carolina General Assembly announced a law making it a Class 2 misdemeanor to impersonate a rideshare driver, with the offense rising to a Class H felony if committed during another felony. Lawmakers and safety advocates say the tiered, targeted penalties could serve as a model for Colorado, which currently lacks a rideshare-specific impersonation statute.
According to the statute, North Carolina targets “rider safety” risks associated with individuals falsely presenting themselves as authorized rideshare drivers. This includes using distinctive company signage, trade dress, trademarks, branding, or logos. The provision criminalizes actions ranging from false statements to other acts that misrepresent an association with a transportation network company or response to a passenger ride request.
Under North Carolina’s legal framework, a Class 2 misdemeanor carries varying sentencing ranges based on prior convictions. Meanwhile, the state’s felony chart outlines minimum ranges in months for Class H felonies. Additionally, state law sets a default maximum fine of $1,000 for such misdemeanors unless specified otherwise.
Colorado’s current misdemeanor scheme offers an interesting comparison for policymakers. For offenses committed after March 1, 2022, a class 2 misdemeanor in Colorado can result in up to 120 days in jail and fines up to $750. Colorado’s criminal impersonation statute broadly addresses assuming false identities without specific provisions for rideshare impersonation. Therefore, North Carolina’s targeted model may serve as a template should Colorado seek clearer penalties for fake rideshare-driver conduct.
The North Carolina General Assembly is the state’s bicameral legislature consisting of the Senate and House of Representatives, responsible for enacting statutes governing the state.
