Uber hearing canceled as Nevada Supreme Court decides on jurisdiction

A Clark County court hearing slated for Friday involving the ride-sharing company Uber has been canceled, as the Nevada Supreme Court decides which judge should preside over the case.

To determine whether Clark County or Washoe County has jurisdiction over the Nevada Transportation Authority’s complaint against Uber Technologies, the high court has asked for written arguments from both sides by noon Friday.

Uber launched in Nevada on Oct. 24, prompting the state attorney general’s office to seek temporary restraining orders against the company in Clark County, Washoe County and Carson City.

Judges in Washoe County and Carson City agreed to issue the orders, but Clark County District Judge Douglas Herndon denied the request that came before him.

Uber’s lawyers then asked the Nevada Supreme Court to sort out questions about jurisdiction.

Regulators have argued that the company must obtain licensing to transport people, while Uber calls itself a technology company that matches riders with independent contractors who have available vehicles.

Herndon had scheduled a status check for Friday, but the hearing was canceled after the high court decided to fast-track the case.

The Clark County judge has refused to grant a restraining order against Uber, but he said agents with the Nevada Taxicab Authority and the Nevada Transporation Authority could continue citing drivers they suspect are violating the law.

Contact reporter David Ferrara at dferrara@reviewjournal.com or 702-380-1039. Find him on Twitter: @randompoker