Massive fine for getting a lift

Will Uber ride-share drivers be slapped with a $110,000 fine in NSW? Source: AP

RIDE-SHARING apps have hit the mainstream. The buzz on the street is we'll all be raking in cash by helping out strangers. Or will we?

The concept of ride-sharing is hitting Australia with apps such as Uber allowing everyday people to drive passengers for a fee.

But is there a catch? It appears drivers may be in breach of the law and could be slapped with a whopping $110,000 fine - in NSW at least - for charging strangers for lifts.

NSW Transport have released a statement stating drivers can be fined for "taking paying members of the public as passengers".

"A person who carries on a public passenger service in breach of the Act may face

prosecution and fines of up to $110,000," it read.

The government noted this does not apply to groups of friends sharing expenses or carpooling.

Uber is being investigated by the Roads and Maritime Authority. Source: AP

A spokesman for Transport NSW admitted apps that are purely a platform for connecting drivers and passengers, such as Backseat, are "in a grey area" of the law.

"Whether or not their service is contravening the act is yet to determined," the spokesman told news.com.au.

David Rohrsheim from Uber doesn't seem fazed by the crackdown.

"We've had regular positive discussions with the NSW Government for some time. We know they are watching this ride-sharing trial very closely, and they will be very interested to hear the feedback from customers," he told news.com.au.

"Early feedback from drivers and passengers has been overwhelmingly supportive. I'm confident what we are building will be the safest, most reliable, most affordable transportation option for consumers."

Uber says they have been involved in positive talks with the NSW government. Source: ThinkStock

A Roads and Maritime Service spokeswoman said Uber is currently being investigated in NSW.

"Roads and Maritime Services has received allegations Uber has breached the Passenger Transport Act and is investigating."

"If there are found to be breaches, companies and individuals can be pursued as appropriate."

VicRoads have been contacted for comment on whether drivers in Victoria are subject to fines.

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