Terms & Conditions

1. Who can use SideSeat

You must be at least 18 years old and able to enter a binding agreement. You agree to give accurate information and to keep it up to date. Drivers must hold a valid driving licence and valid vehicle insurance, and the vehicle they list must be roadworthy and legally registered.

2. SideSeat is a marketplace, not a transport service

SideSeat only connects members. We do not provide transport and are not a taxi or commercial carrier. Any ride is an agreement directly between the driver and the passenger(s). Carpooling on SideSeat is strictly for sharing costs, not for making a profit.

3. Your account

Sign-up requires both a mobile number and an email address. You are responsible for keeping your login details safe and for all activity under your account. One person, one account.

4. Offering a ride

• Publish accurate route, date, time, seats and pick-up points.
• The per-seat price is a fair contribution towards your travel costs (fuel, tolls, wear) — not a fare for profit.
• Honour the rides you publish and communicate promptly if plans change.

5. Booking a ride

• When you book, you agree to pay the driver the seat contribution for your leg of the trip.
• Be on time at the agreed pick-up point and travel respectfully.
• Cancel as early as you can if you can't travel, so the seat can be re-offered.

6. Coins & rewards

SideSeat coins are a loyalty reward. Drivers earn coins for completed trips based on distance and passengers, and passengers earn coins for the distance they travel, at the rates shown in your Wallet. 1 coin = ₹1. Coins are credited only after a trip is completed and can be redeemed via UPI or as gift cards, subject to a minimum balance and identity verification. We may change earning rates, minimums and redemption options at any time. Coins have no cash value except through redemption and may be withheld or reversed in cases of fraud, abuse, or cancelled/disputed trips.

7. Ratings & conduct

Rate honestly and treat other members with respect. Harassment, discrimination, unsafe behaviour, or abusive messages are not allowed. Reviews must reflect a genuine trip.

8. Verification

You may verify your profile with Aadhaar to earn a verified badge and build trust. Verification is optional for browsing but we may require it for certain features, such as redeeming coins. See our Data Protection page for how we handle Aadhaar data.

9. Prohibited use

• Running a commercial taxi or transport business through SideSeat.
• Any illegal activity, or carrying prohibited or dangerous goods.
• Impersonation, fake accounts, or misrepresenting yourself or your vehicle.
• Attempting to defraud the coins/rewards system.

10. Safety & liability

SideSeat is not a party to the journey and is not responsible for the conduct of members or for what happens during a ride. You travel at your own risk. Drivers are responsible for a valid licence, insurance and a safe, legal vehicle. Always take normal safety precautions and follow the law.

11. Suspension & termination

We may suspend or close accounts that breach these Terms, misuse the platform, or put members at risk. You can close your account at any time from Account settings.

12. Changes & governing law

We may update these Terms; continued use means you accept the changes. These Terms are governed by the laws of India, and disputes are subject to the courts of India.