Driver Platform Access Agreement
& Independent Contractor Terms
This Driver Platform Access Agreement and Independent Contractor Terms (the “Agreement”) governs your access to and use of the Royal Rideshare technology platform, mobile applications, and related services (collectively, the “Platform”). Royal Rideshare, Inc. provides a lead-generation and dispatch technology that connects independent transportation providers with riders seeking rides.
You must be at least eighteen (18) years of age, hold a valid driver's license, and meet all applicable jurisdictional requirements to use the Platform. Your continued use of the Platform after any modification to this Agreement constitutes your acceptance of the modified Agreement.
1.1 Nature of the Relationship. You expressly acknowledge and agree that you are an independent contractor of Royal Rideshare, Inc. and not an employee, partner, joint venturer, franchisee, or agent of the Company for any purpose whatsoever.
1.2 Driver Autonomy. As an independent contractor, you retain sole and exclusive control over:
- Your work schedule, including when, where, and how often you log into the Platform;
- The vehicle you use, its condition, maintenance, and equipment;
- The routes you take and the methods by which you provide transportation services;
- Your acceptance or rejection of individual ride requests;
- Your business expenses, tax obligations, and any other operational decisions.
1.3 No Employment Relationship. This Agreement does not create an employer-employee relationship. You are not entitled to any employment benefits from the Company, including but not limited to workers' compensation coverage (except where required by law), unemployment insurance, health insurance, retirement contributions, paid time off, overtime pay, or minimum wage protections.
1.4 Tax Responsibility. You are solely responsible for reporting and paying all federal, state, and local income taxes, self-employment taxes, and any other applicable taxes on the compensation you receive through the Platform. The Company will issue IRS Form 1099-K, 1099-NEC, or applicable equivalents where required by law.
1.5 Classification Disclosure. You acknowledge that worker classification (contractor vs. employee) is ultimately determined by applicable law and the actual working relationship, not solely by the label used in this Agreement. Nothing in this Agreement is intended to misrepresent the true nature of the relationship.
2.1 Assumption of Risk. You acknowledge that operating a motor vehicle and transporting passengers involves inherent risks. You voluntarily assume all such risks arising from your provision of transportation services.
2.2 Disclaimer of Liability for Driver Conduct. To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, the Company disclaims all liability for your acts or omissions, including any negligent, reckless, or intentional acts that occur during your use of the Platform or your provision of rides.
2.3 Limitation of Liability. IN NO EVENT SHALL THE COMPANY, ITS AFFILIATES, OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, EMPLOYEES, OR AGENTS BE LIABLE TO YOU FOR ANY INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE, SPECIAL, EXEMPLARY, OR INDIRECT DAMAGES (INCLUDING LOST PROFITS, LOST BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES, OR LOSS OF DATA) ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR YOUR USE OF THE PLATFORM, EVEN IF THE COMPANY HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.
2.4 Damages Cap. The Company's total cumulative liability to you for any and all claims arising out of or related to this Agreement shall not exceed the greater of (a) the total service fees you paid to the Company in the six (6) months immediately preceding the event giving rise to the claim, or (b) one hundred U.S. dollars (US$100).
2.5 Carve-Outs. The limitations in this Section 2 do not apply to liability arising from the Company's gross negligence, willful misconduct, or fraud, or to any liability that cannot be excluded or limited under applicable law.
3.1 Driver Indemnity. You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Royal Rideshare, Inc., its parent, subsidiaries, affiliates, officers, directors, employees, contractors, and agents (collectively, the “Indemnified Parties”) from and against any and all claims, demands, actions, proceedings, damages, losses, liabilities, judgments, penalties, fines, costs, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees and court costs) arising out of or relating to:
- Your provision of rides or other services facilitated through the Platform;
- Your operation, maintenance, or ownership of any vehicle;
- Your breach or alleged breach of this Agreement or any representation, warranty, or covenant contained herein;
- Your violation of any law, rule, or regulation, or the rights of any third party;
- Your negligence, gross negligence, willful misconduct, or fraud;
- Any claim brought by a passenger, another driver, a pedestrian, a property owner, or any other third party arising from or related to your services or conduct;
- Any tax liability, employment claim, or governmental assessment related to your independent contractor status.
3.2 Procedure. The Indemnified Parties shall provide reasonably prompt notice of any claim for which indemnification is sought. The Company reserves the right to assume the exclusive defense and control of any matter subject to indemnification, and you agree to cooperate fully with such defense.
3.3 Exceptions. Your indemnification obligation does not extend to claims arising solely from the Company's own gross negligence, willful misconduct, or fraud.
4.1 Personal Auto Insurance. You must at all times maintain valid personal automobile liability insurance that meets or exceeds the minimum coverage limits required by the state or jurisdiction in which you operate. Such insurance must include any required rideshare / Transportation Network Company (TNC) endorsement or commercial rider where required by law.
4.2 Driver Responsibility. You are solely responsible for:
- Selecting, purchasing, and maintaining your own vehicle insurance policy;
- Vehicle inspection, maintenance, and mechanical fitness;
- Compliance with all applicable motor vehicle laws, registration, and licensing requirements;
- Payment of all fuel, tolls, parking, and other operating expenses.
4.3 Company Contingent Coverage. The Company may, where required by applicable TNC law, maintain contingent or primary commercial liability insurance during defined periods, which typically include: (a) Period 1 — when the Driver is logged in and available but has not accepted a request; (b) Period 2 — en route to pick up a rider; and (c) Period 3 — from rider pickup to drop-off. Coverage limits and applicability vary by jurisdiction; you are responsible for reviewing the Company's current insurance disclosures for your state.
4.4 Proof & Additional Insured. Upon request, you shall promptly provide the Company with proof of insurance. Where required, you shall name the Company as an additional insured on your policy. Any lapse, cancellation, or material change in coverage must be reported to the Company within 24 hours.
PLEASE READ THIS SECTION CAREFULLY. IT AFFECTS YOUR LEGAL RIGHTS.
5.1 Binding Individual Arbitration. Except as set forth below, you and Royal Rideshare, Inc. agree that any and all disputes, claims, or controversies arising out of or relating to this Agreement, your use of the Platform, or the provision of services (each, a “Dispute”) shall be resolved exclusively by final and binding individual arbitration administered by the American Arbitration Association (AAA) under its Commercial Arbitration Rules and the Supplementary Procedures for Consumer-Related Disputes, or another mutually agreed-upon administrator.
5.2 Class Action & Representative Action Waiver. You and the Company each waive the right to bring or participate in any class, collective, mass, private attorney general (PAGA to the maximum extent permitted by law), or representative action. Disputes must be brought in an individual capacity only.
5.3 Exceptions. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the following claims are excluded from arbitration:
- Claims that qualify for small-claims court, provided they remain in that forum and on an individual basis;
- Claims for temporary injunctive relief to protect intellectual property rights;
- Individual claims of sexual assault or sexual harassment, where applicable federal or state law permits the claimant to elect a judicial forum (e.g., the Ending Forced Arbitration of Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment Act);
- Any claim that, by law, cannot be subject to pre-dispute arbitration.
5.4 Opt-Out. You may opt out of the arbitration and class-waiver provisions of this Section 5 by sending written notice to legal@royalrideshares.com within thirty (30) days of the date you first accept this Agreement, stating your full name, address, and intent to opt out. Opting out does not affect any other provision of this Agreement.
5.5 Governing Law & Venue. This Agreement and any Dispute shall be governed by the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to conflicts-of-law principles. Any judicial proceedings not subject to arbitration shall be brought exclusively in the state or federal courts located in New Castle County, Delaware, and each party consents to personal jurisdiction and venue therein.
6.1 Driver Representations & Warranties. You represent and warrant that:
- You possess a valid and unrestricted driver's license issued in the jurisdiction where you operate;
- You have passed all required background checks and have no disqualifying criminal or driving history;
- You own or have full legal authority to operate the vehicle used on the Platform;
- Your vehicle meets the Company's minimum year, condition, and safety standards and is registered, inspected, and insured as required by law;
- You will comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, and regulations, including motor vehicle, TNC, tax, anti-discrimination, and public health laws.
6.2 Suspension & Termination. The Company reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to deactivate, suspend, or terminate your access to the Platform at any time, with or without cause and with or without notice, for reasons including but not limited to: safety incidents, low rider ratings, fraud, violation of Company policies, complaints, non-compliance with law, or expiration of required documentation.
6.3 Modifications. The Company may modify this Agreement at any time by posting a revised version on the Platform. Your continued use of the Platform after such modifications constitutes acceptance of the revised Agreement. Material changes will be communicated with reasonable advance notice.
6.4 Confidentiality & Data. You agree to maintain the confidentiality of rider information and to use it solely for the purpose of providing the requested transportation service. You will not solicit riders outside the Platform.
6.5 Severability. If any provision of this Agreement is held unenforceable, that provision shall be severed and the remainder shall remain in full force and effect.
6.6 Entire Agreement. This Agreement, together with any addenda expressly incorporated by reference, constitutes the entire agreement between you and the Company with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior or contemporaneous understandings.
6.7 No Assignment. You may not assign or transfer this Agreement without the Company's prior written consent. The Company may assign this Agreement freely.
6.8 Notices. Legal notices to the Company must be sent to legal@royalrideshares.com. Notices to you may be sent via the email or in-app message associated with your account.
- Classification is fact-based. This Agreement does not guarantee your independent-contractor status under all applicable laws. Courts, agencies, and administrative bodies look at the actual working relationship, including the degree of control, economic dependence, and integration with the business.
- Statutory rights cannot be waived. Contractual limitations in this Agreement cannot waive certain statutory rights (including wage-and-hour, workers' compensation, unemployment insurance, and anti-discrimination protections) if you are later reclassified as an employee under applicable law.
- Third-party claims may still proceed. Notwithstanding the disclaimers herein, third parties (including passengers, other drivers, pedestrians, and property owners) may still be able to pursue claims directly against the Company under theories of vicarious liability, negligent hiring or retention, or direct negligence, depending on jurisdiction and facts.
- State-specific TNC laws apply. Laws governing Transportation Network Companies vary significantly by state and locality. Some jurisdictions have specific TNC statutes that override or supplement the provisions of this Agreement, particularly with respect to insurance, licensing, and classification.
- Not legal advice. This document is provided by the Company as a template-style agreement for use with its Platform. It is not, and should not be construed as, legal advice for any specific circumstance. The Company strongly recommends that Drivers consult with qualified independent legal counsel licensed in the relevant jurisdictions before signing or relying on these terms.
8.1 Electronic Signature. By clicking “I agree,” typing your name into the acknowledgment field, checking the acceptance box on the driver sign-up page, or continuing to use the Platform, you are executing this Agreement electronically pursuant to the U.S. E-SIGN Act and applicable state law. Your electronic acknowledgment carries the same legal weight as a handwritten signature.
8.2 Acknowledgment Language. By signing up as a Driver you affirm the following:
8.3 Ongoing Acceptance. Your continued use of the Platform after any update to this Agreement constitutes acceptance of the updated terms. If you do not agree, you must immediately stop using the Platform and may terminate your account by contacting legal@royalrideshares.com.
Royal Rideshare, Inc. · For legal inquiries, contact legal@royalrideshares.com.
This document is a template-style agreement for illustration and platform onboarding. It is not a substitute for personalized legal advice. Consult qualified counsel licensed in the jurisdictions where you operate before relying on any provision herein.
© 2026 Royal Rideshare, Inc.. All rights reserved. Last updated February 3, 2026.
