**Unregistered Didi and Uber Drivers to Face Fines in Baja California**
The Sustainable Mobility Institute of Baja California (Imos) has announced its intention to begin imposing fines and seizing vehicles from drivers using ride-hailing apps like Didi and Uber if they operate without proper registration. According to Alberto Gutiérrez Topete, the director of the institute, registration compliance has seen a significant drop, prompting the need for enforcement actions if drivers do not regularize their status.
In a recent update, the state government extended a registration discount decree until December 31, offering a 50% reduction on fees associated with driver IDs, QR stickers for vehicles, and operating permits for those providing transportation through ride-sharing companies (ERT). Gutiérrez Topete emphasized that this decree is intended to ease registration fees, not to allow unregistered operations. He warned that unregistered vehicles risk being seized if compliance isn’t achieved.
As of now, around 10,500 drivers out of approximately 20,000 in Baja California have completed the necessary registration process. Ensenada has shown the best response to this initiative, while Mexicali lags behind. To secure a registration and the required badge, drivers are mandated to periodically submit a criminal record clearance and undergo drug testing, among other requirements. Violations could result in fines up to 56,000 pesos, and vehicles could be impounded.
**Growing Concerns Over Ride-Share Driver Safety in Tijuana**
In a related development, concerns over safety conditions for ride-hail drivers continue to escalate in Tijuana. As crime rates rise, drivers from platforms like Uber and Didi are urged to enhance their preventive measures to safeguard themselves and their passengers. Industry experts recommend following safety protocols, avoiding dangerous areas, and alerting the authorities when suspicious activities occur during rides.
Furthermore, as the number of ride-share drivers grows, city officials are also advising both drivers and users not to execute trips outside the designated application system to maintain transparency and personal security.
These developments underscore the broader challenges facing ride-hailing services in the region, balancing regulatory compliance with heightened safety concerns for drivers operating in volatile environments.