French court decides: UberPop officially banned in France

The French Constitutional Court declined Uber Technologies' appeal and ordered non professional drivers must not render services in the country, particularly UberPop. It indicates the service is illegally operating in the country and should be banned.

The Constitutional Court upholds the law that halts UberPop service in the country. The legislation, which has been passed last year, states that only certified drivers and taxi services could deal transactions with the clients, The Verge reported.

Uber made an appeal contesting it would be unfair to them and it limits the competition among businesses. That being said, the court has deliberated on Tuesday. "The Constitutional Court rejects all the arguments raised by the company and declares the contested parts of the law as conforming with the Constitution," Reuters UK published the statement.

The company offers two ride service; the UberX and the UberPop. UberX is ride service that hires professional drivers, while UberPop connects clients to non-professional drivers, cited on Consumerist.

With UberPop, drivers don't pay expensive licenses and insurances which professional drivers are compelled to do. Several taxi unions rallied nationwide against the UberPop last June because of the unjust competition.

The following month, the company suspended UberPop operation in France to ease the tension over the government and the public protest.  

Two executives from Uber France were arrested; Uber France CEO Thibaud Simphal and Uber GM for Western Europe Pierre-Dimitri Gore-Coty. They will both stand for trial on September 30 for charges based on the supported legislation.

Uber France might be disappointed with the court's decision, but the company still wants to offer other options. In an email, the company said, "We will continue to work with the French government on new, common sense regulations that offer rides more affordable, reliable options and drivers new job opportunities."  

For Uber, the verdict is unmerited, but the authorities only responded to the safety of the passengers and its drivers as well. The court's decision is another setback for Uber as it continually challenges national laws in other European countries.