A bunch of regular Joes, including teachers, firefighters and even a spacesuit designer will moonlight as hacks for the ride-sharing app called Lyft starting Friday — although the service is illegal in the Big Apple.
More than 500 people will drive for Lyft, which is launching in Brooklyn and Queens, without proper certification from the Taxi and Limousine Commission.
The app is used in 65 other cities, such as San Francisco and Chicago.
Since Lyft drivers are not licensed by the TLC, they risk having their cars seized — as well as steep fines for working as an illegal cabby.
Anyone offering a ride for money without a TLC license is subject to a $600 penalty, as well as $185 in tow fees.
A second-time offense is $800. At three offenses or more, illegal hacks are slapped with $1,000 penalties.
But the company says the city’s regulations don’t apply to ride-sharing apps.
“We don’t believe any city law has the jurisdiction to do anything to these drivers,” said Lyft cofounder John Zimmer.
“If they take any action, it will be unfortunate for the community. We feel we are not tied into those laws.”
The TLC asked Lyft to work with the agency to make sure they follow the laws that protect the public before they launch.
“Every rider deserves the safety and consumer protections our rules provide, and we have a long track record of working successfully with innovative companies to help them start out the right way,” said TLC chief Meera Joshi.
“New Yorkers can rest assured that the TLC will do its job and take the actions necessary to protect them.”
Lyft will be the first ride-sharing app ever used in New York City.
At the end of a trip, the passenger will be given a suggested donation rate — about 30 percent cheaper than a yellow cab.
All rides are done in personal cars, which Lyft says they insure up to $1 million. Drivers are trained and must pass as a background check.