Uber may face $7.6 million fine from the California Public Utilities Commission

Uber’s fate in California will be decided Thursday when the California Public Utilities Commission votes on whether the ride-hailing company will be suspended and fined $7.6 million for failing to meet data reporting requirements in 2014.

Last July, an administrative law judge recommended that the San Francisco company be fined $7.3 million and suspended from operating in California.

In his decision, Administrative Law Judge Robert Mason contended that Uber had not complied with state laws designed to ensure that drivers were doling out rides fairly to all passengers, regardless of where they live or who they are.

Uber filed an appeal last August, and a modified decision was made public Wednesday, recommending an even higher fine of $7,626,000, plus a $1,000 contempt fine.

The decision states that Uber will have to suspend its services 30 days after the decision is issued unless it pays the fines.

If the PUC approves the decision, the fines will be leveled immediately, and Uber can pay it right away and continue its operations in California -- which is likely. The company can also appeal the amount of the fine at a later date

If the PUC does not approve the decision, it will be sent back to the drawing board.

An Uber spokesperson said the company has no outstanding data requests.

Twitter: @traceylien