Driver Partner Agreement

1. Parties and Recitals

This Driver Partner Agreement ("Agreement") is entered into between Royal Ride Plus, LLC ("Company") and you ("Driver Partner" or "You"), collectively referred to as the "Parties."

WHEREAS, the Company operates a premium transportation service connecting passengers with professional chauffeur services; and

WHEREAS, the Driver Partner wishes to provide transportation services to passengers through the Company's platform as an independent contractor;

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises and covenants contained herein, the Parties agree as follows:

2. Independent Contractor Status

2.1 Relationship of Parties

You acknowledge and agree that you are an independent contractor, not an employee, agent, joint venturer, or partner of Royal Ride Plus. Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to create an employment relationship between the Parties.

2.2 Control and Methods

As an independent contractor, you maintain control over:

• When and how long you choose to work
• Which booking requests you accept or decline
• The route taken to complete transportation services (subject to passenger preference)
• Whether to use the Company platform or other platforms simultaneously

2.3 Tax Obligations

You are solely responsible for all tax obligations arising from your work as an independent contractor, including but not limited to income taxes, self-employment taxes, and any applicable state and local taxes. The Company will issue a 1099-NEC form for earnings exceeding $600 annually.

3. Driver Qualifications and Requirements

3.1 Minimum Requirements

To become and remain a Driver Partner, you must:

• Be at least 21 years of age
• Hold a valid driver's license in good standing for at least 3 years
• Possess a valid TLC license, chauffeur's license, or equivalent (where required by jurisdiction)
• Successfully pass a background check conducted by our approved provider
• Have no major moving violations within the past 3 years
• Have no DUI/DWI convictions within the past 7 years
• Have no felony convictions
• Be authorized to work in the United States

3.2 Background Check Authorization

By signing this Agreement, you authorize Royal Ride Plus and its designated background check providers to conduct comprehensive background checks, including:

• Criminal history check (federal, state, and county)
• Motor vehicle records (MVR) check
• Sex offender registry check
• Identity verification
• Social Security number trace

You understand that adverse findings may result in rejection or deactivation from the platform.

3.3 Ongoing Compliance

You must maintain all required licenses, certifications, and qualifications throughout the term of this Agreement. You must immediately notify the Company of any changes to your license status, any new criminal charges, any motor vehicle violations, or any changes affecting your eligibility.

4. Vehicle Requirements

4.1 Vehicle Standards

All vehicles used for Royal Ride Plus services must meet the following requirements:

• Model year 2018 or newer (for standard service)
• Model year 2020 or newer (for luxury/premium service)
• 4-door sedan, SUV, or approved vehicle type
• Minimum of 4 passenger seats (excluding driver)
• Functional air conditioning and heating
• Clean interior and exterior with no visible damage
• Working seatbelts for all passengers
• Registration and inspection current in your state

4.2 Insurance Requirements

You must maintain the following insurance coverage at all times:

• Commercial auto liability: Minimum $1,000,000 combined single limit
• Uninsured/underinsured motorist: Minimum $100,000 per occurrence
• Personal injury protection: As required by your state

You must provide proof of insurance upon request and notify the Company immediately if your coverage lapses.

4.3 Vehicle Inspections

The Company reserves the right to require vehicle inspections at any time. Failure to maintain vehicle standards may result in temporary or permanent deactivation from the platform.

5. Service Standards and Conduct

5.1 Professional Conduct

As a representative of premium transportation services, you agree to:

• Maintain professional appearance (clean, business casual or formal attire)
• Greet passengers courteously and assist with luggage
• Maintain a clean, smoke-free, odor-free vehicle
• Follow traffic laws and drive safely at all times
• Arrive at pickup locations on time or early
• Communicate professionally with passengers and dispatch
• Respect passenger privacy and confidentiality

5.2 Prohibited Conduct

You shall NOT engage in the following conduct:

• Operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any impairing substance
• Using a mobile phone for calls or texting while driving (except hands-free navigation)
• Discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or other protected status
• Sexual harassment or inappropriate contact with passengers
• Aggressive, rude, or threatening behavior
• Soliciting tips, asking for cash payments, or conducting side deals with passengers
• Carrying firearms or weapons in the vehicle (unless legally permitted and disclosed)
• Smoking, vaping, or consuming food/beverages while transporting passengers
• Refusing to transport service animals

5.3 Safety Priorities

Safety is our highest priority. You agree to never compromise safety for speed, to report all accidents or incidents immediately, and to refuse service if conditions are unsafe.

6. Compensation and Payment

6.1 Fare Structure

The Company sets fare rates for all rides booked through its platform. Current rate structures are available in the Driver Portal. The Company reserves the right to modify rates at any time with reasonable notice.

6.2 Driver Earnings

For each completed ride, you will earn your portion of the fare as follows:

• Standard rides: 75% of base fare
• Airport transfers: 75% of base fare plus applicable tolls
• Hourly bookings: 75% of hourly rate
• Tips: 100% retained by Driver Partner

The Company retains 25% as a service fee covering platform operations, payment processing, marketing, customer support, and insurance costs.

6.3 Payment Schedule

Earnings are paid weekly via direct deposit to your designated bank account. Payments are processed every Monday for rides completed during the previous week (Monday through Sunday). A valid W-9 and direct deposit authorization are required to receive payments.

6.4 Deductions

The Company may deduct amounts from your earnings for:

• Disputed charges or refunds issued to passengers
• Cleaning fees for vehicle damage caused by passengers (charged to passenger, credited to you)
• Any fees or fines paid by Company on your behalf
• Overpayments or errors

7. Booking Acceptance and Cancellation

7.1 Accepting Rides

When you receive a booking request, you have the option to accept or decline. However, consistent declining of rides may affect your account standing. Rides you accept become binding commitments.

7.2 Cancellation by Driver

Cancellation of accepted rides is strongly discouraged and should only occur for legitimate reasons:

• Personal emergency or illness
• Vehicle breakdown or accident
• Safety concerns
• Passenger no-show (after mandatory wait time)

Excessive cancellations may result in warnings, temporary suspension, or permanent deactivation.

7.3 No-Show Policy

For scheduled pickups, you must wait a minimum of 10 minutes past the scheduled time before marking a no-show. For airport pickups, the wait time is 30 minutes after flight landing/baggage claim.

8. Insurance and Liability

8.1 Your Insurance Obligations

You are responsible for maintaining your own commercial auto insurance as specified in Section 4.2. Your policy must cover your activities as a for-hire driver.

8.2 Company Insurance

The Company maintains contingent liability insurance that provides coverage when you are:

• En route to pick up a passenger
• Transporting a passenger
• Completing a ride on the platform

This coverage is secondary to your personal commercial insurance policy.

8.3 Indemnification

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Royal Ride Plus, its officers, directors, employees, and agents from any claims, damages, losses, or liabilities arising from your actions, your breach of this Agreement, or your violation of any law.

9. Confidentiality and Data Protection

9.1 Confidential Information

You agree to keep confidential all passenger information, ride details, fare structures, and any proprietary Company information. You may not disclose this information to third parties or use it for any purpose other than providing transportation services.

9.2 Data Use

You authorize the Company to collect and use data related to your activities on the platform, including location data, ride history, ratings, and performance metrics. This data is used to improve services, ensure safety, and comply with regulatory requirements.

10. Term and Termination

10.1 Term

This Agreement begins when you accept it and continues until terminated by either party.

10.2 Termination by Driver

You may terminate this Agreement at any time by providing written notice to the Company. Termination takes effect immediately, and you should complete any accepted rides before your final day.

10.3 Termination by Company

The Company may terminate or suspend this Agreement immediately for:

• Violation of this Agreement or Company policies
• Safety concerns or unsafe behavior
• Receipt of multiple passenger complaints
• Criminal activity or arrest
• Loss of required licenses or insurance
• Failure of a background check or periodic re-check
• Fraudulent activity
• Any other conduct detrimental to the Company's reputation

10.4 Effect of Termination

Upon termination, you must cease providing services through the platform immediately, return any Company-provided materials, and remove any Company branding from your vehicle. Outstanding earnings will be paid according to the regular payment schedule.

11. Dispute Resolution

11.1 Informal Resolution

Before initiating formal proceedings, you agree to attempt to resolve disputes informally by contacting our Driver Support team at drivers@royalrideplus.com.

11.2 Arbitration

Any disputes not resolved informally shall be resolved through binding arbitration administered by the American Arbitration Association under its Commercial Arbitration Rules. Arbitration shall take place in New Haven, Connecticut.

11.3 Class Action Waiver

You agree to resolve disputes on an individual basis only. You waive any right to participate in class actions, collective actions, or representative actions against the Company.

12. General Provisions

12.1 Entire Agreement

This Agreement, together with the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy, constitutes the entire agreement between the Parties regarding the subject matter hereof.

12.2 Amendments

The Company may amend this Agreement at any time by posting an updated version. Continued use of the platform after changes constitutes acceptance. Material changes will be communicated via email.

12.3 Governing Law

This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Connecticut without regard to conflict of law principles.

12.4 Severability

If any provision of this Agreement is found unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect.

12.5 Assignment

You may not assign or transfer this Agreement without the Company's written consent. The Company may assign this Agreement to any successor or affiliate.

12.6 No Waiver

Failure to enforce any provision of this Agreement shall not constitute a waiver of that provision or any other provision.

13. Contact Information

For questions about this Agreement or driver-related matters: