1. Acceptance of Terms
SOE Rides is a transportation network company (TNC) dispatch platform that connects passengers seeking transportation with independent drivers willing to provide it, operated by Stressed Out Entertainment LLC ("SOE Rides," "we," "us," or "the Company"). These Terms of Service ("Terms") form a binding legal agreement between you and the Company.
By registering for an account, accessing the SOE Rides application or website, requesting a ride, or providing rides as a driver, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms and our Privacy Policy. If you do not agree, you may not use the Platform.
2. Eligibility
- You must be at least 18 years old to create a passenger account.
- Drivers must be at least 25 years old to register and provide rides on the Platform.
- You must be able to form a legally binding contract under Maryland law or the law of your applicable jurisdiction.
- You must provide accurate, current, and complete information during registration and keep that information up to date.
- Drivers must hold a valid driver's license and meet all additional eligibility requirements described in Section 5.
- SOE Rides reserves the right to refuse service, suspend, or terminate any account at its discretion for violation of these Terms or applicable law.
3. The Platform
SOE Rides provides a technology platform that facilitates connections between passengers and independent, third-party drivers. SOE Rides is not a transportation carrier. Drivers using the Platform are independent contractors, not employees or agents of SOE Rides. SOE Rides does not own, operate, or control the vehicles used to provide rides, and is not responsible for the acts or omissions of any driver or passenger.
SOE Rides operates in accordance with applicable state transportation network company regulations, including registration with the Maryland Public Service Commission.
4. Passenger Terms
4.1 Account & Requests
Passengers request rides through the SOE Rides app by specifying a pickup location, destination, and ride type (Standard, Luxury, XL, or Party/Event). Fare estimates are provided prior to booking based on the rate structure in effect at the time of the request.
4.2 Conduct During a Ride
- Treat drivers with respect. Harassment, threats, or abusive behavior toward a driver will result in immediate account suspension.
- Do not bring open containers of alcohol, illegal substances, or weapons into a vehicle.
- Comply with all seatbelt and child-restraint requirements under Maryland law.
- You are responsible for any damage to the driver's vehicle caused by you or your party during a ride, including cleaning fees for excessive mess.
4.3 Ratings
Passengers may rate drivers after each completed ride. Ratings help maintain platform quality and safety, and may factor into driver eligibility to continue providing rides.
5. Driver Terms
5.1 Independent Contractor Status
Drivers are independent contractors and are solely responsible for their own vehicles, fuel, maintenance, applicable taxes, and compliance with all federal, state, and local laws governing the operation of a for-hire vehicle. Nothing in these Terms creates an employment, agency, partnership, or joint venture relationship between SOE Rides and any driver.
5.2 Driver Eligibility Requirements
- Be at least 25 years old.
- Hold a valid, unrestricted driver's license for the class of vehicle operated.
- Maintain a driving record free of disqualifying violations as determined by SOE Rides' review of the driver's Motor Vehicle Report (see Section 6).
- Successfully complete a criminal background check as described in Section 6.
- Maintain a vehicle that meets the standards described in Section 7, including the 15-year maximum vehicle age limit.
- Maintain valid vehicle registration and insurance coverage as required by applicable law and by SOE Rides' insurance program.
- Comply with all applicable Maryland Public Service Commission requirements for TNC drivers, and equivalent requirements in any other jurisdiction where SOE Rides operates.
5.3 Driver Conduct
- Drivers must operate vehicles safely and in full compliance with traffic laws.
- Drivers may not discriminate against passengers on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, or any other protected characteristic.
- Drivers must not operate the Platform while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Drivers are responsible for maintaining a clean, safe vehicle for every trip.
5.4 Payment to Drivers
Drivers are compensated according to the rate structure and payout schedule disclosed within the Platform. SOE Rides may adjust rates, fees, or the payout structure with notice to drivers as described in Section 17.
6. Background Checks & Motor Vehicle Reports (MVR)
To protect the safety of passengers and the integrity of the Platform, every driver applicant must complete the following screening process before being approved to accept rides:
- Motor Vehicle Report (MVR): The driver applicant must self-submit a current driving record from their state's Motor Vehicle Administration (or equivalent agency) as part of the application process.
- Fingerprint / Livescan Check: The driver applicant must independently complete a fingerprint-based background check through the applicable state process and submit proof of completion.
- Criminal Background Check: SOE Rides, through its company account with BackgroundChecks.com, a background screening provider accredited by the Professional Background Screening Association (PBSA), orders a criminal background check on every driver applicant. This check is ordered by the Company — not the individual driver — in order to comply with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and applicable Maryland Public Service Commission requirements. The cost of this check may be charged to or deducted from the driver's earnings, as disclosed at the time of application.
By applying to drive on SOE Rides, you authorize SOE Rides and its background check provider to obtain and review your driving record and criminal history for the purpose of evaluating your eligibility to provide rides on the Platform, consistent with the FCRA and applicable state law.
7. Vehicle Requirements
- Maximum Vehicle Age: Vehicles used to provide rides on the SOE Rides platform must be no more than 15 years old, calculated from the vehicle's model year as of the current calendar year. Vehicles exceeding this age limit are not eligible to be registered or operated on the Platform, regardless of condition.
- Vehicles must carry a valid state registration and pass any inspection required by applicable law.
- Vehicles must be maintained in safe, functioning condition, including operational seatbelts, brakes, lights, and tires.
- Vehicles must meet the passenger capacity and category requirements (Standard, Luxury, XL, Party/Event) that they are registered under.
The 15-year vehicle age limit is a condition of SOE Rides' commercial auto liability insurance coverage and Maryland TNC compliance, and is strictly enforced. Drivers operating a vehicle that no longer meets this requirement must update their registered vehicle before continuing to accept rides.
8. Fares & Payment
Fares are calculated based on the rate structure disclosed within the Platform at the time of booking (base fare, per-mile rate, and minimum fare, which vary by ride type) and, where applicable, an hourly rate for Party/Event bookings. Payment is processed securely through Square. Passengers authorize SOE Rides to charge the payment method on file for the fare, any applicable fees, and any adjustments described in these Terms (e.g., cleaning fees, cancellation fees).
Payment must be completed before a ride is dispatched to a driver. SOE Rides is not responsible for delays caused by payment processing issues outside of its control.
9. Cancellations & Refunds
- Passengers may cancel a ride request prior to driver arrival. A cancellation fee may apply depending on how much time has elapsed since a driver accepted the ride.
- Party/Event bookings are billed hourly and do not include cancellation, cleaning, wait-time, or surge fees, as disclosed at time of booking.
- Refund requests for billing errors or service issues may be submitted through the support channels described in Section 18 and are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
10. Prohibited Conduct
The following are strictly prohibited on the SOE Rides platform, by both passengers and drivers:
- Harassment, threats, discrimination, or abusive language directed at another user.
- Physical violence or any conduct that endangers the safety of another person.
- Fraudulent activity, including falsified payment information or fraudulent ride requests.
- Operating or requesting rides while impaired by alcohol or drugs.
- Circumventing the Platform to arrange off-platform rides or payments.
- Creating multiple accounts to evade a suspension or ban.
Violation of this section may result in immediate suspension or permanent termination of a user's account, and may be reported to law enforcement where appropriate.
11. Safety & Location Sharing
SOE Rides provides in-app safety features, including an emergency alert function that notifies dispatch of the user's location during an active ride. In an emergency, users should always contact local emergency services (911) directly in addition to using any in-app safety feature.
11.1 Trip Sharing
Passengers may generate a live trip-tracking link to share their real-time location and trip status with a third party of their choosing (for example, a family member or friend). This feature is optional and initiated solely at the passenger's discretion. Anyone with access to a shared link can view the trip's live status, driver information, and location while the ride is active; the link automatically stops updating once the ride is completed or cancelled. Passengers are responsible for whom they choose to share this link with.
12. Insurance Disclosure
SOE Rides maintains commercial insurance coverage applicable to TNC operations in accordance with Maryland law, structured across the phases of a ride (driver available/waiting, en route to pickup, and passenger onboard), as required for TNC operation. Specific coverage limits and phase structure are available upon request or as required to be disclosed under applicable Maryland Public Service Commission regulations.
Drivers are independently responsible for maintaining any personal auto insurance required under Maryland law and for disclosing their TNC driving activity to their personal insurer where required.
13. Limitation of Liability
To the maximum extent permitted by law, SOE Rides, its owners, officers, and affiliates are not liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages arising out of or relating to your use of the Platform, including but not limited to personal injury, property damage, or loss of data, even if SOE Rides has been advised of the possibility of such damages.
SOE Rides' total aggregate liability for any claim arising from use of the Platform shall not exceed the amount paid by the user to SOE Rides in the twelve (12) months preceding the claim, except where such limitation is prohibited by applicable law or the terms of SOE Rides' insurance coverage.
14. Indemnification
You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless SOE Rides and Stressed Out Entertainment LLC, its owners, officers, and affiliates from any claims, damages, losses, liabilities, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees) arising out of your use of the Platform, your violation of these Terms, or your violation of any rights of a third party.
15. Dispute Resolution
These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of Maryland, without regard to its conflict-of-laws principles. Any dispute arising out of or relating to these Terms or your use of the Platform shall first be attempted to be resolved informally by contacting SOE Rides support. If a dispute cannot be resolved informally, it shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the state and federal courts located in Maryland, and each party consents to personal jurisdiction in those courts.
16. Suspension & Termination
SOE Rides may suspend or terminate your access to the Platform at any time, with or without notice, for violation of these Terms, failure to meet driver eligibility requirements, safety concerns, or as otherwise permitted by law. You may close your account at any time by contacting support.
17. Changes to These Terms
SOE Rides may update these Terms from time to time. Material changes will be communicated through the app or by email prior to taking effect. Continued use of the Platform after changes take effect constitutes acceptance of the revised Terms.
18. Contact Us
Stressed Out Entertainment LLC (operating SOE Rides)
Randallstown, MD, with operations in Charlotte, NC
General support: support@stressedoutent.com
Rides-specific inquiries: rides@stressedoutent.com