Ride-Hailing Drivers Sell Coffee and Snacks During Trips; Platforms Ban but Oversight Relies on Passenger
Some ride-hailing drivers in China have turned their vehicles into mobile shops, selling jade ornaments, coffee, and snacks during trips, with one product priced at up to RMB 29. Platforms prohibit such activities but enforcement depends largely on passenger complaints. In November 2025, a driver in Guangzhou was involved in a fatal accident while video-chatting, prompting renewed scrutiny of in-car safety features.
Some ride-hailing drivers have been found selling items during trips, with one driver hanging jade ornaments throughout the car, another installing a coffee machine in the front passenger seat to sell a product called "Red Light Coffee" for up to RMB 29 per cup, and yet another attaching bags of puffed snacks to the back of the front passenger seat. Passengers have nicknamed such vehicles "shopping carts."
In November 2025, a ride-hailing driver in Guangzhou was video-chatting while driving, leading to the death of a pedestrian. Ride-hailing vehicles are equipped with features such as audio recording and distraction detection.
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