Story Time: My Russian Uber Driver Got Arrested

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A Crazy Story About the Police, Uber, and Russia

Once upon a time, my dad and I visited Russia. We discovered that Uber was so cheap in St. Petersburg, we started taking it everywhere. Well, one day, when trying to get back to the city from the Peterhof Palace, we climbed aboard an Uber, not knowing what was about to happen.

The first hint should have been the fact that he looked really young and had no Uber profile picture. Red flag number one. But there were limited cars available outside the city and it was cold, so we climbed in. He was driving within the rules. He was probably one of the few that wasn't speeding their way around the city, weaving in and out of lanes. So for once, we actually felt decently safe in a Russian car.


Finally we entered the city center, and we were five blocks from our destination when a policeman flagged down the car. Now, I don't speak Russian, but I do understand when someone is giving attitude. The police questioned the kid and immediately he did not want to comply. He handed over his papers in a huff and the police started questioning him even more. The kids windows were tinted and the police started telling him to take off the plastic tint. The kid didn't budge. That's where things got interesting.


The police had it the kids snarky attitude and told him to get out of the car. That is when the kid held onto the steering wheel and said no. The police then proceeded to drag him out of the car, with the kid still gripping the steering wheel. Finally, backup came and they both started pushing the kid around. That's when we realized that things were very serious.


So my dad throws his hands up in the air, yelling Uber and English. The police look at us and wave their hands, telling us to get out of the car. Looking back once we were out, the police gave us a smile and one even laughed at the situation we were in, and we continued along our way.


My dad felt bad for the kid, I did too. He shouldn't have been so snarky but I also don't agree with police brutality. So we walked the last five blocks to our destination. When Uber asked for its usual review of the experience, my dad responded with five starts and commented that it was an entertaining ride. Oh Russia, keeping us on our toes!