Originally Posted by
Tamino
Uber Pop service has been withdrawn within France. Uber X continues as a private car service but prices are similar to those of taxis with the exception of Uber's surge pricing which often makes Uber X more expensive than taxis.
The Conseil constitutionnel (the highest body in France that interprets the French Constitution) has just issued a decision in a case brought by Uber challenging the constitutionality of the Thévenoud law banning any services which connect potential fee-paying clients with drivers who do not have a taxi or 'VTC' (private hire) licence (in effect, Uber X drivers). The Conseil constitutionnel rejected Uber's argument that the law violated the constitutional principle of entrepreneurial freedom ("la liberté d'entreprendre"). The Conseil constitutionnel also stated that the penalty (up to 2 years' imprisonment and a fine of EUR 300,000) for violating the law was not manifestly disproportionate.
Note that, according to the provisions of the Thévenoud law, carpooling is permitted (as long as the driver does not make a profit from the journey, and the passenger only contributes towards the expenses of operating the vehicle).
The decision is available in full at
http://www.conseil-constitutionnel.f...15.144387.html