Uber launched in Portland, Oregon on Friday, and like previous pushes into new cities, it knew full well that it was against the law. Portland's lawyers were apparently busy over the weekend, because they just sued the ridesharing company to stop operations in the city.
Uber had been talking with city officials for months before dropping the bomb on Friday that it was starting service without the approval of Portland's transportation department.
The city went so far as to threaten the company and its drivers with fines – $1,500 for the first offense, up to $2,250 for the driver, and maxing out at $5,000 – but like a corporate Honey Badger, Uber don't care.
"Our main concern is public health and safety, because the state invested in the cities the responsibility to do that," Portland Mayor Charlie Hales said in a statement. "Beyond that, though, is the issue of fairness. Taxi cab companies follow rules on public health and safety. So do hotels and restaurants and construction companies and scores of other service providers. Because everyone agrees: good regulations make for a safer community. Uber disagrees, so we're seeking a court injunction."