Portland, Ore., Sues Uber, Orders Drivers to Cease and Desist

The city of Portland, Oregon, filed suit against Uber in state court on Monday, ordering the ride-share company to cease operations until it complies with Portland's laws.

In a press release Monday, the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) announced its lawsuit, noting that it would ask the court to verify whether Uber was subject to and in violation of Portland's transportation rules and regulations. Commissioner Steve Novick, who oversees PBOT, announced the city is prepared to issue civil and criminal penalties against Uber and its drivers for operating without permits and inspections.

What's Portland's beef with Uber?

Allegedly Violating City's Private-for-Hire Regulations

The City of Portland has its own rules and regulations regarding "private-for-hire" drivers and their fares. While PBOT has made its determination that Uber (and the UberX platform) violate these regulations by allowing UberX drivers to operate without city permits, it has asked the Oregon court for declaratory judgment. Requesting an opinion on the status of a law isn't typically done unless there is a real legal conflict, and Portland wishing to enforce its own laws against Uber might qualify.

Portland is also seeking an injunction to prevent Uber from operating until the company and its drivers are in compliance with the city's code. Although the city has already issued its own cease-and-desist order to Uber, an injunction issued by the state court system may have more weight.

As of Tuesday, Uber had yet to respond to the city of Portland's lawsuit.

City of Portland Sues Uber - Complaint and Cease-and-Desist Order by FindLaw