The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) has given Uber a 30-day deadline to require fingerprint-based background checks for drivers transporting unaccompanied minors in the state. The ruling, issued on Thursday, aims to ensure the safety of teenagers using the ride-hailing service.

The CPUC's decision comes after Uber launched its "Uber for Teens" service in February 2024, which allows teenagers aged 13 to 17 to hail an Uber without a parent or guardian. The commission sent a warning letter to Uber in March, strongly recommending that the company stop the service until a 2016 rulemaking around background checks could be resolved.

At the heart of the debate is whether Uber should be required to participate in the Department of Justice's Trustline program, which uses fingerprinting to screen caregivers for criminal arrests and convictions. Uber has argued that its current name-based background checks and other safety features, such as live trip tracking, are sufficient to keep riders of any age safe. However, the CPUC has deemed these measures inadequate, citing the need for stricter background checks to protect vulnerable minors.

HopSkipDrive, a startup that provides a ride-sharing service for kids, has been a vocal advocate for the CPUC's ruling. The company's drivers, referred to as "CareDrivers," undergo a 15-point certification process, including a fingerprint-based background check. HopSkipDrive also uses telematics to detect unsafe driving behavior and enable real-time ride tracking, and has a dedicated team monitoring each ride.

The CPUC's ruling also requires transport companies to share information with the agency on how they implement live trip tracking for parents, safety procedures at pickup and drop-off locations, and driver training specifically around transporting unaccompanied minors. Additionally, companies are responsible for paying for the fingerprint-based background checks, a stipulation that Uber has argued against, citing the potential for price hikes.

However, the CPUC has countered that if smaller companies like HopSkipDrive can cover the cost of TrustLine background checks, Uber should do so as well. The ride-hailing giant has a market capitalization of around $150 billion, and has a history of offloading costs associated with rulings and legislation onto customers.

Uber has 30 days to comply with the CPUC's ruling or risk discontinuing its "Uber for Teens" service in California. The company did not respond to TechCrunch's request for comment on the matter.

The CPUC's ruling has significant implications for the ride-hailing industry, particularly in the context of transporting minors. As the debate around safety and accountability continues, it remains to be seen how Uber and other companies will adapt to the new regulations.