Terms of Service
Terms and conditions for using our services
Last updated: April 9, 2026
These Terms and Conditions (hereinafter, the “Terms”, “T&C”, or “Agreement”) govern access to and use of the Carpil platform, owned and operated by Carpil, LLC, a company duly incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware, United States (hereinafter, “Carpil”, “the Company”, “we”, “us”, or “our”). By downloading, installing, accessing, or using the mobile application, website, or any associated services (hereinafter, the “Platform” or the “Service”), the user (hereinafter, the “User”, “you”, or “your”) fully, unconditionally, and irrevocably accepts these Terms, which constitute a binding contract of adhesion between the User and Carpil.
If you do not agree with any provision herein, you must immediately cease all use of the Platform and delete any installed applications.
1. Company Information and Official Channels
1.1. Carpil is operated by Carpil, LLC, an entity incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware, United States of America.
1.2. Official contact channels:
- Email: [email protected]
- WhatsApp: +506 8448-1439
1.3. All official communications between Carpil and the User shall be conducted exclusively through the channels indicated above, or through in-app notifications and messages sent to the email address registered by the User. Communications received through channels other than those listed shall not be considered official or binding upon Carpil.
1.4. The User is responsible for maintaining their contact information current and accurate. Carpil shall not be liable for any consequences arising from the User’s failure to update their information.
2. Definitions
For the purposes of these Terms, the following definitions shall apply:
- Platform: The Carpil mobile application and any associated digital services, including the website, APIs, and backend systems.
- User: Any natural person who creates an account on the Platform, whether as a Passenger or a Driver.
- Driver: A User who publishes a ride on the Platform, offering available seats in their personal vehicle.
- Passenger: A User who books a seat in a ride published by a Driver.
- Ride: A trip published by a Driver on the Platform, with a defined origin, destination, schedule, route, and price per seat.
- Cost Contribution: The amount per seat established by the Driver, which represents a shared contribution to the travel costs (fuel, tolls, wear and tear) and does not constitute a commercial fare or professional transportation fee.
- Booking: The action by which a Passenger reserves one or more available seats in a Ride.
- Account: The personal profile created by the User upon registration on the Platform.
- Content: Any text, image, data, information, or material uploaded, published, or transmitted through the Platform by a User.
- Infraction: Any violation of these Terms, the Code of Conduct, or applicable law committed by a User.
3. Acceptance of Terms
3.1. Use of Carpil implies full, unconditional, and informed acceptance of these Terms and Conditions, as well as the Privacy Policy and any other policies published on the Platform.
3.2. By creating an Account, clicking the acceptance checkbox, or continuing to use the Platform after any update to these Terms, the User acknowledges having read, understood, and accepted these Terms in their entirety.
3.3. Carpil records and stores evidence of the User’s acceptance, including but not limited to: date and time of acceptance, IP address, device identifier, operating system, geolocation data (when available), app version, and any other metadata reasonably available at the time of acceptance.
3.4. The acceptance recorded by Carpil constitutes sufficient evidence of the User’s consent to these Terms for all legal purposes.
3.5. If the User does not agree with any provision, they must refrain from using the Platform immediately and may request account deletion in accordance with the procedures established herein.
4. Eligibility and Registration
4.1. Age Requirement. Only natural persons who are eighteen (18) years of age or older may create an Account and use the Platform. By registering, the User declares under oath that they meet this age requirement. Carpil reserves the right to request documentary proof of age at any time and to immediately suspend or terminate any Account found to belong to a minor.
4.2. Minors as Passengers. Persons under 18 years of age may only travel as Passengers when accompanied at all times by a responsible adult who holds an active Account on the Platform. The accompanying adult assumes full responsibility for the minor during the entirety of the Ride.
4.3. Accurate Information. Users must register using their real, legal name and a valid, personal email address. The provision of false, misleading, incomplete, or fraudulent information during registration or at any subsequent time constitutes a serious infraction and grounds for immediate Account termination.
4.4. Email Verification. Registration requires validation of the User’s email address through a verification code or link sent by Carpil. Completion of this verification is mandatory to activate the Account.
4.5. One Account Per Person. Each User may hold only one active Account. The creation of multiple accounts by the same person is strictly prohibited and constitutes a serious infraction.
4.6. Account Security. The User is solely responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of their login credentials. Any activity conducted through the User’s Account shall be deemed authorized by the User. The User must immediately notify Carpil of any unauthorized access or security breach affecting their Account.
4.7. Future Verifications. Carpil reserves the right to implement additional identity verification mechanisms in the future, including but not limited to:
- Identity document validation through external providers (e.g., Veriff or similar services).
- Biometric verification through external providers (e.g., World or similar services).
- Driver’s license verification.
- Vehicle documentation verification.
- Criminal background checks, where permitted by applicable law.
Such requirements shall be communicated to Users in advance and may become mandatory conditions for continued use of the Platform.
5. Nature of the Service — Carpil as Intermediary
5.1. Intermediary Platform. Carpil is exclusively a technology platform that acts as a facilitator and intermediary, connecting Drivers who have available seats in their personal vehicles with Passengers interested in sharing travel costs. Carpil operates as a digital bulletin board or classified ads portal for carpooling purposes.
5.2. Not a Transportation Provider. Carpil does not provide, offer, contract, organize, manage, or supervise transportation services of any kind. Carpil is not a mobility company, taxi service, ride-hailing service, public transportation operator, travel agency, freight carrier, or any form of commercial transportation provider. Carpil does not own, lease, manage, or operate any vehicles.
5.3. No Employment or Agency Relationship. There is no employment, labor, agency, partnership, joint venture, or franchise relationship between Carpil and any Driver or Passenger. Drivers are independent individuals who use the Platform voluntarily and at their own discretion. Carpil does not direct, supervise, control, or manage the activities of Drivers in any manner. Specifically:
- (a) Carpil does not determine, suggest, impose, or regulate the routes chosen by Drivers.
- (b) Carpil does not set, suggest, cap, or regulate the Cost Contribution established by Drivers.
- (c) Carpil does not assign, allocate, or select Drivers for Passengers or vice versa. Users independently choose with whom to share a Ride.
- (d) Carpil does not set, control, or regulate the schedules, departure times, stops, or any other operational aspect of Rides.
- (e) Carpil does not impose any minimum number of Rides, hours of availability, or performance requirements on Drivers.
5.4. Driver Independence. The Driver independently and at their sole discretion determines:
- The origin, destination, and route of the Ride.
- The date, time, and schedule of departure and arrival.
- The Cost Contribution per seat.
- The number of available seats.
- Whether to accept or reject a Booking request.
- The meeting and drop-off points.
- Any stops along the route.
- The vehicle used for the Ride.
5.5. Cost Sharing, Not Commercial Service. The Cost Contribution established by the Driver is intended to represent a reasonable share of the actual travel costs (fuel, tolls, vehicle wear and tear, parking). It does not constitute a commercial fare, professional transportation fee, or compensation for a service rendered. Drivers who use the Platform must not operate as unlicensed commercial transportation providers.
5.6. No Guarantees. Carpil does not guarantee:
- The completion, punctuality, safety, comfort, or quality of any Ride.
- The availability of seats, routes, or Drivers at any given time.
- The accuracy of information provided by Users (including identity, driving record, vehicle condition, or any other representation).
- The mechanical condition, insurance status, or roadworthiness of any vehicle.
- The driving skills, sobriety, health, or fitness of any Driver.
- The behavior, identity, intentions, or reliability of any User.
6. Ride Posting and Management (Drivers)
6.1. Any registered User may post Rides on the Platform by providing the required information: origin, destination, route, date, time, available seats, and Cost Contribution per seat.
6.2. The Driver is solely responsible for ensuring that all information published about a Ride is accurate, complete, and truthful. The publication of false, misleading, or materially inaccurate Ride information constitutes an infraction.
6.3. The Driver represents and warrants that:
- (a) They hold a valid driver’s license issued by the competent authority in their jurisdiction.
- (b) The vehicle used is in safe and roadworthy condition.
- (c) The vehicle has valid registration and passes any required technical inspections (Revisión Técnica Vehicular or equivalent).
- (d) They are not under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any substance that impairs their ability to drive safely.
- (e) They comply with all applicable traffic laws and regulations.
- (f) The Ride is undertaken for personal travel purposes with the primary intention of reaching their own destination, and the offering of seats is ancillary to their personal trip.
6.4. Once a Booking has been accepted by the Driver, the Driver shall make reasonable efforts to complete the Ride as published. Modifications to essential Ride details (route, time, origin, destination) after a Booking has been confirmed require notification to affected Passengers through the Platform.
6.5. Future Documentation Requirements. Carpil reserves the right to require the following documentation from Drivers in future versions of the Platform, which may become mandatory:
- Valid driver’s license (photographed copy).
- Valid vehicle insurance policy.
- Current vehicle registration.
- Current vehicle technical inspection certificate (RTV or equivalent).
- Vehicle owner authorization (when the Driver is not the vehicle owner).
- Profile photo matching the Driver’s identity.
6.6. Carpil does not verify the documentation, driving record, criminal history, or background of Drivers unless explicitly stated otherwise. The Passenger assumes the risk of traveling with a Driver whose background has not been independently verified by Carpil.
7. Booking and Ride Participation (Passengers)
7.1. Passengers may search for and book available Rides through the Platform based on their preferred origin, destination, date, and time.
7.2. By confirming a Booking, the Passenger agrees to:
- (a) Be present at the agreed meeting point at the scheduled time.
- (b) Pay the Cost Contribution established by the Driver.
- (c) Comply with the Code of Conduct and any reasonable requests from the Driver regarding vehicle use.
- (d) Behave respectfully toward the Driver and other Passengers.
7.3. The Passenger acknowledges and accepts that:
- (a) The Ride is a private arrangement between individuals facilitated by the Platform, not a commercial transportation service.
- (b) The route, schedule, stops, and conditions of the Ride are determined solely by the Driver.
- (c) Carpil has no control over and accepts no responsibility for the conduct of the Ride.
7.4. The Passenger is solely responsible for evaluating the risks associated with sharing a Ride with third parties, including reviewing available information about the Driver before confirming a Booking.
8. Code of Conduct
8.1. General Obligations. All Users are obligated to maintain respectful, ethical, lawful, and appropriate behavior at all times when using the Platform and during any Ride.
8.2. Prohibited Conduct. The following behaviors are strictly prohibited and constitute infractions of varying severity:
8.2.1. Conduct Prohibited for All Users
- (a) Any form of physical, verbal, psychological, or sexual harassment, aggression, intimidation, threats, or violence against any person.
- (b) Discrimination based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, nationality, disability, age, socioeconomic status, or any other protected characteristic.
- (c) Carrying, transporting, displaying, or using weapons of any kind (firearms, knives, blunt objects, or any instrument that may be used to cause harm), except where required and authorized by law.
- (d) Possession, consumption, transportation, or distribution of illegal drugs or controlled substances.
- (e) Consumption of alcoholic beverages during a Ride by the Driver, or excessive consumption by any User that causes discomfort or risk to others.
- (f) Driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, medication, or any substance that impairs driving ability.
- (g) Requesting, offering, or accepting payments, tips, or any form of compensation outside the Platform.
- (h) Providing false, misleading, or fraudulent information, including identity, contact details, Ride information, or any other representation.
- (i) Using the Platform for any purpose other than carpooling, including but not limited to: commercial transportation, courier or delivery services, advertising, solicitation, or any illegal activity.
- (j) Smoking (including e-cigarettes and vaping devices) inside the vehicle without the express consent of all occupants.
- (k) Damaging, soiling, or mistreating the vehicle, personal property, or belongings of any User.
- (l) Recording audio or video of other Users without their explicit consent, except where required to document a safety incident.
- (m) Sharing personal contact information of other Users obtained through the Platform with third parties without consent.
- (n) Creating fake profiles, impersonating other persons, or using the Account of another person.
- (o) Any behavior that violates applicable laws or regulations.
8.2.2. Additional Obligations for Drivers
- (a) Drive safely, responsibly, and in compliance with all traffic laws and regulations at all times.
- (b) Ensure the vehicle is in safe, clean, and roadworthy condition before each Ride.
- (c) Provide sufficient seatbelts for all Passengers and ensure their use.
- (d) Not exceed the number of Passengers declared in the Ride posting.
- (e) Make reasonable efforts to follow the published route and schedule, notifying Passengers of any material deviations.
- (f) Not consume any alcoholic beverages or impairing substances before or during the Ride.
8.2.3. Additional Obligations for Passengers
- (a) Arrive punctually at the agreed meeting point.
- (b) Respect the vehicle, its interior, and any instructions from the Driver regarding vehicle use (e.g., eating, pets, luggage placement).
- (c) Wear a seatbelt at all times during the Ride.
- (d) Not distract the Driver or interfere with their ability to drive safely.
9. Infraction Classification and Sanctions
Carpil classifies infractions into three categories based on their severity and impact on the safety and integrity of the Platform community:
9.1. Minor Infractions
Include, but are not limited to:
- (a) Isolated failure to arrive on time at the agreed meeting point.
- (b) Minor inaccuracies in Ride information that do not materially affect the Ride.
- (c) Failure to respond to messages within a reasonable time.
- (d) First-time isolated cancellation without reasonable cause or adequate notice.
- (e) Minor disrespectful behavior that does not rise to the level of harassment.
Sanctions for Minor Infractions: Written warning through the Platform; temporary restriction of certain features; mandatory acknowledgment of the Code of Conduct.
9.2. Serious Infractions
Include, but are not limited to:
- (a) Repeated minor infractions (three or more within a six-month period).
- (b) Requesting or accepting payments outside the Platform.
- (c) Providing materially false or misleading information in a Ride posting.
- (d) Repeated cancellations that negatively affect other Users (four or more within a three-month period).
- (e) Verbal aggression, insults, or threatening language toward other Users.
- (f) Smoking in the vehicle without consent of all occupants.
- (g) Material deviation from the published route without prior notification to Passengers.
- (h) Bringing unauthorized additional passengers not booked through the Platform.
Sanctions for Serious Infractions: Temporary Account suspension (7 to 30 days); withholding of pending payments during investigation; permanent loss of certain Platform privileges; formal notice of potential permanent ban.
9.3. Very Serious Infractions
Include, but are not limited to:
- (a) Physical, sexual, or severe psychological harassment or aggression.
- (b) Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- (c) Carrying or using weapons during a Ride.
- (d) Possession, distribution, or use of illegal drugs during a Ride.
- (e) Theft, robbery, or misappropriation of property.
- (f) Fraud, identity theft, or deliberate deception causing material harm.
- (g) Any criminal act committed during or in connection with a Ride.
- (h) Repeated serious infractions.
- (i) Deliberately endangering the safety of any person.
- (j) Creating multiple fraudulent accounts.
Sanctions for Very Serious Infractions: Immediate and permanent Account suspension and ban from the Platform; permanent withholding of any pending payments; reporting to competent authorities as appropriate; cooperation with law enforcement and judicial authorities; Carpil reserves the right to pursue legal action against the offending User.
9.4. Sanctions Procedure
9.4.1. Carpil may impose sanctions at its sole discretion based on available evidence, which may include: reports from other Users, screenshots, metadata, information voluntarily provided by the parties, and any other evidence reasonably available.
9.4.2. Given the nature of the Platform (encrypted chat, limited visibility into Rides), Carpil’s ability to investigate is limited. Carpil will make decisions based on the best evidence available and in good faith, but does not guarantee that all investigations will reach a definitive conclusion.
9.4.3. Users who believe a sanction has been imposed in error may submit a written appeal to [email protected] within fifteen (15) calendar days of notification. Carpil will review the appeal and communicate its final decision, which shall be binding.
9.4.4. The imposition of any sanction by Carpil does not preclude the affected User from pursuing legal remedies independently against the offending party.
10. Payments, Fees, and Financial Terms
10.1. Cost Contribution. The price per seat (Cost Contribution) is determined solely and exclusively by the Driver. Carpil does not set, suggest, regulate, cap, or otherwise influence the Cost Contribution.
10.2. Current Commission Structure. As of the effective date of these Terms, Carpil does not charge commissions on Rides. The Platform is currently offered on a no-commission basis to promote adoption and growth.
10.3. Future Commissions and Fees. Carpil reserves the right to implement commissions, service fees, administrative charges, subscription fees, or other monetary charges in the future. Any such changes will be communicated to Users in advance through the Platform, email, or other official channels. Continued use of the Platform after such notification constitutes acceptance of the new fee structure.
10.4. Payment Processing. Payments are processed through third-party payment processors (currently Stripe and/or SINPE móvil). Carpil does not directly store or process payment card data. By using the Platform’s payment features, the User also agrees to the terms and conditions of the applicable payment processor.
10.5. Payment Timing. Payments to Drivers will be processed after confirmation of Ride completion. The specific timing and method of disbursement may vary and will be communicated through the Platform.
10.6. Payment Withholding. Carpil reserves the right to:
- (a) Temporarily withhold payments pending investigation of reported incidents, disputes, or suspected fraud.
- (b) Permanently withhold payments in confirmed cases of fraud, serious infractions, or material violation of these Terms.
- (c) Deduct from pending payments any amounts owed to Carpil by the User, including refunds issued to Passengers due to the Driver’s fault.
10.7. Taxes and Legal Compliance. Each User is solely responsible for complying with all tax obligations, reporting requirements, and legal duties arising from their use of the Platform and any income received through it. Carpil does not provide tax advice and is not responsible for the User’s tax compliance. Users are encouraged to consult with a qualified tax professional regarding their individual obligations.
10.8. Currency. All amounts displayed on the Platform are in the currency indicated at the time of the transaction. Exchange rate fluctuations are the User’s responsibility.
11. Cancellations, Refunds, and Right of Withdrawal
11.1. Cancellations by the Driver
11.1.1. If the Driver cancels a Ride, all affected Passengers will be notified through the Platform.
11.1.2. If payment has already been processed, Passengers will receive a full refund of the Cost Contribution.
11.1.3. Repeated cancellations by a Driver constitute a serious infraction and may result in sanctions as described in Section 9.
11.2. Cancellations by the Passenger
11.2.1. If a Passenger cancels a Booking, the Driver and any other affected Passengers will be notified.
11.2.2. Currently, there are no monetary penalties for cancellations by Passengers.
11.2.3. Carpil reserves the right to implement cancellation fees and advance cancellation windows in the future.
11.2.4. Repeated cancellations by a Passenger constitute an infraction and may result in sanctions.
11.3. Right of Withdrawal (Derecho de Retracto)
11.3.1. In accordance with applicable consumer protection regulations, Users who have booked and paid for a Ride have the right to withdraw from the transaction within five (5) calendar days from the date of Booking, provided that the Ride has not yet taken place (i.e., the service has not been consumed).
11.3.2. To exercise the right of withdrawal, the User must notify Carpil through the Platform’s cancellation feature or by contacting the official support channels before the scheduled departure of the Ride.
11.3.3. Upon valid exercise of the right of withdrawal, Carpil will process a full refund of the Cost Contribution within a reasonable timeframe, using the original payment method when possible.
11.3.4. The right of withdrawal does not apply:
- (a) After the Ride has commenced or been completed.
- (b) To services fully performed with the User’s prior express consent and acknowledgment that they would lose their right of withdrawal upon full performance.
11.4. Disputed Rides
11.4.1. If a Ride does not take place and the parties cannot reach an agreement, Carpil reserves the right to make a final decision regarding any applicable refund based on available information and evidence.
11.4.2. Carpil’s decision in such cases is made in good faith and based on the best available evidence, but Carpil does not guarantee that it will be able to determine fault in all cases.
12. Liability and Limitation of Liability
12.1. Acknowledgment of Risk
12.1.1. The User acknowledges and expressly accepts that carpooling involves inherent risks associated with sharing a vehicle and traveling with persons who are not professionally licensed transportation providers. These risks include, but are not limited to: traffic accidents, vehicle breakdowns, personal injury, property damage, theft, harassment, exposure to criminal acts, and other foreseeable and unforeseeable events.
12.1.2. By using the Platform, the User voluntarily assumes these risks and agrees that Carpil shall not be held liable for any harm, damage, loss, injury, or death arising from or in connection with any Ride or interaction between Users.
12.2. Carpil’s Limited Liability
12.2.1. Carpil, as an intermediary technology platform, is not liable for:
- (a) Traffic accidents, personal injuries, or property damage occurring during or in connection with any Ride.
- (b) Theft, robbery, loss, or damage to personal property, luggage, or belongings.
- (c) Criminal acts, assaults, harassment, inappropriate behavior, or any illegal conduct by any User.
- (d) The identity, truthfulness, accuracy, reliability, behavior, driving ability, sobriety, mental health, or criminal history of any User.
- (e) The mechanical condition, insurance status, registration, roadworthiness, or safety of any vehicle used for a Ride.
- (f) False, expired, forged, or inaccurate documentation or information provided by any User.
- (g) Failure of a Driver to complete a Ride, arrive on time, follow the published route, or comply with any representation made on the Platform.
- (h) Any direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, special, punitive, or exemplary damages arising from use of the Platform or participation in any Ride.
- (i) Interruptions, errors, bugs, downtime, data loss, or security breaches affecting the Platform.
- (j) Acts of God, natural disasters, government actions, pandemics, or other force majeure events.
12.3. Exoneration Clause
12.3.1. Any legal claims arising from incidents during or in connection with a Ride must be directed at the individual User responsible for the alleged harm, not at Carpil. Carpil shall not be a party to, responsible for, or liable under any circumstances for acts, omissions, behaviors, negligence, or offenses committed by Users.
12.3.2. The User expressly and irrevocably waives, to the maximum extent permitted by law, any right to bring claims, lawsuits, or legal actions against Carpil for damages arising from the conduct of other Users or from the inherent risks of carpooling.
12.4. Maximum Liability Cap
12.4.1. In any event, and to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, Carpil’s aggregate liability for any and all claims arising out of or related to the Platform shall not exceed the total amount of fees paid by the User to Carpil (excluding Cost Contributions paid to Drivers) during the twelve (12) months preceding the event giving rise to the claim.
12.4.2. If Carpil has not charged any fees to the User, Carpil’s maximum aggregate liability shall not exceed fifty United States dollars (USD $50.00).
12.5. Cooperation with Authorities
12.5.1. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Carpil will cooperate in good faith with law enforcement and judicial authorities when required by law, providing available information and evidence as appropriate and to the extent legally permissible.
12.5.2. Carpil may also, at its sole discretion and without any obligation, cooperate with victims of incidents to the extent possible, including facilitating contact with relevant authorities, providing available non-encrypted metadata, and offering guidance on available legal remedies.
12.6. Insurance Disclaimer
12.6.1. Carpil does not provide, arrange, require, or guarantee insurance coverage of any kind for Rides, Users, vehicles, or any related risks. The Driver is solely responsible for maintaining adequate personal vehicle insurance and complying with all applicable insurance requirements in their jurisdiction.
12.6.2. Carpil encourages, but does not require, Drivers to maintain comprehensive vehicle insurance that covers third-party passengers. Carpil may implement incentive programs (such as points, badges, or priority visibility) for Drivers who voluntarily demonstrate adequate insurance coverage or other safety measures (e.g., in-vehicle cameras), but such programs are not guarantees of safety.
13. Incident Reporting and Dispute Resolution
13.1. Reporting Mechanism
13.1.1. Users may report infractions, incidents, or disputes through the Platform’s in-app reporting feature or by contacting Carpil’s official support channels.
13.1.2. Reports should include as much detail and evidence as possible, including screenshots, photographs, dates, times, descriptions of events, and identification of involved parties.
13.1.3. Given that in-app chat messages are encrypted and not accessible to Carpil, Users must voluntarily provide any chat-based evidence (e.g., screenshots) if they wish it to be considered in an investigation.
13.2. Investigation and Resolution
13.2.1. Carpil will review reports in good faith and take reasonable action based on available evidence. However, Carpil’s ability to investigate and resolve disputes is inherently limited by its role as an intermediary and the encryption of user communications.
13.2.2. Carpil does not act as a mediator, arbitrator, or adjudicator. Decisions made by Carpil regarding sanctions are administrative in nature and do not constitute legal determinations of fault or liability.
13.3. External Dispute Resolution
13.3.1. For disputes that cannot be resolved through Carpil’s internal processes, Users may pursue the following remedies:
- (a) Free conciliation proceedings before the consumer protection agency of the User’s jurisdiction (e.g., Ministerio de Economía, Industria y Comercio in Costa Rica).
- (b) Formal dispute resolution proceedings before competent authorities.
- (c) Legal action before competent courts.
13.3.2. Carpil reserves the right to participate in any such proceedings and to present these Terms, the Privacy Policy, and any available evidence in its defense.
13.4. Emergency Situations
13.4.1. In cases involving imminent danger to life or physical safety, Users should contact local emergency services immediately (e.g., 9-1-1 in Costa Rica) before contacting Carpil.
13.4.2. Following any emergency situation, Users are encouraged to report the incident to Carpil as soon as practicable for documentation and follow-up purposes.
14. Chat and Internal Communications
14.1. The Platform provides a chat system to facilitate coordination between Drivers and Passengers regarding Ride details (meeting point, timing, etc.).
14.2. Chat messages are designed to be fully encrypted in transit and storage, such that Carpil does not have routine access to message content.
14.3. Carpil does not proactively monitor, review, or moderate the content of chat messages.
14.4. In case of disputes or investigations, Carpil can only base its decisions on:
- (a) Evidence voluntarily provided by Users (screenshots, recordings, etc.).
- (b) Available metadata (existence of a conversation, timestamps, message count) when technically accessible and legally appropriate.
14.5. Users shall not use the chat system for purposes unrelated to coordinating Rides, including but not limited to: solicitation, advertising, harassment, sharing of illegal content, or any activity that violates these Terms.
15. Privacy and Personal Data
15.1. Carpil collects and processes personal data as described in the Carpil Privacy Policy, which is an integral part of these Terms.
15.2. By using the Platform, the User consents to the collection, processing, storage, and transfer of their personal data as described in the Privacy Policy.
15.3. Users have rights regarding their personal data, including access, rectification, erasure, restriction, objection, and portability, as described in the Privacy Policy and in accordance with applicable law.
15.4. For detailed information about data processing, retention, security measures, and User rights, please refer to the Privacy Policy available at carpil.app/privacy.
16. Intellectual Property
16.1. All intellectual property rights related to the Platform, including but not limited to: the Carpil name and trademark, logo, visual identity, color scheme, graphic design, user interface, user experience design, software, source code, object code, algorithms, databases, content, documentation, and any other materials created by or for Carpil, are the exclusive property of Carpil, LLC and are protected by applicable intellectual property laws.
16.2. The Carpil trademark is registered in Costa Rica. Use of the Carpil name, trademark, or logo in any jurisdiction without express written authorization is strictly prohibited.
16.3. The User is granted a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable, revocable license to use the Platform solely for its intended purpose (carpooling) in accordance with these Terms.
16.4. The following activities are strictly prohibited without the prior, express, written authorization of Carpil:
- (a) Reproducing, copying, distributing, publicly displaying, or creating derivative works based on any Carpil content or materials.
- (b) Reverse engineering, decompiling, disassembling, or attempting to extract the source code of the Platform or any component thereof.
- (c) Using automated tools, bots, scrapers, crawlers, or similar technologies to access, extract, or interact with the Platform or its data.
- (d) Using the Carpil name, trademark, logo, or any confusingly similar marks without authorization.
- (e) Framing, mirroring, or embedding any portion of the Platform on other websites or applications.
- (f) Commercially exploiting any aspect of the Platform without authorization.
16.5. Any Content uploaded by Users to the Platform (e.g., profile photos, Ride descriptions) remains the intellectual property of the User. However, by uploading Content, the User grants Carpil a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free, sublicensable license to use, display, reproduce, and distribute such Content solely for the purposes of operating and promoting the Platform.
17. Account Suspension, Termination, and Deletion
17.1. Suspension and Termination by Carpil
17.1.1. Carpil may, at its sole discretion and without prior notice, suspend, restrict, or permanently terminate any Account when it reasonably believes that:
- (a) The User has violated these Terms, the Code of Conduct, or any applicable law.
- (b) The User’s conduct poses a risk to the safety or wellbeing of other Users or the Platform community.
- (c) The Account is being used for fraudulent, illegal, or unauthorized purposes.
- (d) The Account is inactive for an extended period (twelve months or more).
- (e) Continued operation of the Account would expose Carpil to legal, financial, or reputational risk.
17.1.2. In cases of very serious infractions or imminent risk, Carpil may take immediate action without prior notice. In other cases, Carpil will endeavor to notify the User.
17.2. Voluntary Account Deletion by User
17.2.1. Users may request deletion of their Account at any time by contacting Carpil through the official support channels.
17.2.2. Account deletion is not permitted if there are:
- (a) Pending or upcoming Rides (as either Driver or Passenger).
- (b) Unresolved payments, refunds, or financial disputes.
- (c) Active investigations or dispute resolution proceedings involving the User.
17.2.3. Upon resolution of any pending matters, Carpil will process the Account deletion within a reasonable timeframe.
17.3. Effects of Termination
17.3.1. Upon Account termination, the User loses access to the Platform and all associated data, subject to Carpil’s retention obligations as described in the Privacy Policy.
17.3.2. Termination does not release the User from any obligations, liabilities, or sanctions incurred prior to termination.
17.3.3. Sections of these Terms that by their nature should survive termination (including but not limited to: liability limitations, intellectual property, dispute resolution, and governing law) shall survive any termination or expiration of the User’s Account.
18. Modifications to the Terms
18.1. Carpil reserves the right to modify, update, or replace these Terms at any time. Material changes will be communicated to Users through one or more of the following means: in-app notification, email to the registered email address, or prominent notice on the Platform.
18.2. The updated Terms will indicate the date of the last modification.
18.3. Continued use of the Platform after the publication or notification of updated Terms constitutes acceptance of the new Terms.
18.4. Users who do not agree with the updated Terms must cease use of the Platform and may request Account deletion.
18.5. Carpil may require Users to affirmatively re-accept the Terms upon material changes before continuing to use the Platform.
19. Governing Law and Jurisdiction
19.1. These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Republic of Costa Rica, to the extent that the Platform operates primarily in the Costa Rican market.
19.2. For matters related to the corporate structure of Carpil, LLC, the laws of the State of Delaware, United States shall apply.
19.3. For the resolution of disputes, the parties agree to submit first to conciliation or alternative dispute resolution mechanisms available in Costa Rica (e.g., Ministerio de Economía, Industria y Comercio) before resorting to judicial proceedings.
19.4. If conciliation is unsuccessful, the competent courts of the Republic of Costa Rica shall have jurisdiction, unless a different forum is mandated by applicable law.
19.5. Carpil reserves the right to pursue legal action in any jurisdiction where it deems necessary to protect its rights, intellectual property, or legitimate interests.
20. Service Evolution and Platform Changes
20.1. Carpil may add, modify, suspend, or discontinue any feature, functionality, or service of the Platform at any time, with or without notice.
20.2. Carpil shall not be liable for any modification, suspension, or discontinuation of any feature or the Platform itself.
20.3. Continued use of the Platform after any changes constitutes acceptance of such changes.
21. Severability
If any provision of these Terms is held to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, such provision shall be modified to the minimum extent necessary to make it enforceable, or if modification is not possible, it shall be severed. The invalidity of any provision shall not affect the remaining provisions, which shall continue in full force and effect.
22. Entire Agreement
These Terms, together with the Privacy Policy and any other policies expressly referenced herein, constitute the entire agreement between the User and Carpil regarding the use of the Platform, and supersede all prior communications, proposals, and representations.
23. No Waiver
Carpil’s failure to exercise or enforce any right or provision of these Terms shall not constitute a waiver of such right or provision. Any waiver will be effective only if in writing and signed by an authorized representative of Carpil.
24. Contact
For inquiries, support, complaints, or any communication related to these Terms:
Carpil, LLC Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +506 8448-1439
25. Pending Items for Future Versions
The following items are under development and will be incorporated into future versions of these Terms as the Platform evolves:
- Specific penalty and refund rules for cancellations.
- Commission percentages and fee structures.
- Mandatory documentation requirements for Drivers (driver’s license, insurance, vehicle inspection).
- Advanced dispute resolution policies and procedures.
- Driver incentive and reward programs.
- Insurance partnership programs.
- Enhanced identity verification requirements.
- Regional adaptations for expansion into new markets.