Rideshare services are great for passengers, but they also allow drivers to make some extra cash. If you are considering driving for Uber or Lyft, you should know that both platforms do have some requirements that must be met before you can get behind the wheel.
Both companies have requirements for vehicles as well as drivers. If you are planning to drive for Uber or Lyft in Atlanta, GA, make sure you know all the vehicle and driver requirements that may apply.
Vehicle Requirements for Uber and Lyft
If you want to drive for Uber or Lyft, your vehicle must meet their requirements. The requirements can vary slightly from one location to the next, and they can also differ from one ride tier to the next.
However, the general vehicle requirements for Uber and Lyft are:
- Meet the applicable model-year requirements for Atlanta and the specific ride type (between 10-16 years old in the Atlanta metro area)
- Four doors that open and close properly from both the inside and outside
- Seating capacity of 5 to 8, including the driver
- All seats must have working seat belts
- Exterior must be free from damage, rust, large dents, or other major cosmetic issues
- No salvage or rebuilt titles
Standard rideshare vehicles generally cannot be taxis, limousines, or other marked commercial vehicles. Different requirements can apply to premium or professional ride services. Additionally, vehicles with commercial branding, such as paint, wraps, or other logos, cannot be used to drive for Uber or Lyft.
Uber and Lyft Driver Requirements
Both Uber and Lyft have similar requirements for drivers. Those requirements include:
- Meet the platform’s minimum age requirement. Lyft currently requires Georgia drivers to be at least 25, while Uber’s requirements can vary based on the driver’s age and location.
- Drivers for Uber must have an in-state license, while Lyft allows temporary and out-of-state licenses in some cases
- Uber requires drivers to have at least 1 year of driving experience (3 years if under age 25), but Lyft does not have this requirement in Georgia
- Both Uber and Lyft require drivers to have liability insurance that meets the minimum Georgia requirements, and the driver’s name must be on the policy
- Drivers must have a smartphone that can run the rideshare app with GPS services
Drivers will also need a clear profile photo for the app as well as proof of residency.
The Background Check Process
In addition to the requirements above, both companies require drivers to undergo background checks. These checks include historical criminal information as well as information from your driving record. If the results are unsatisfactory, you may not be allowed to drive for the platform.
Some things that might disqualify you from becoming an Uber or Lyft driver include:
- Multiple moving violations
- Multiple at-fault accidents
- Any type of violent crime or sexual assault convictions
- Reckless driving convictions
- DWI or DUI within the last seven years
- Theft or other property crime convictions
Uber and Lyft have this process in place to protect the safety of their riders. Drivers should know that they may be subject to ongoing background and driving checks to ensure that they continue to meet the safety standards that these companies have in place.
What Should I Do If I’m Hurt in a Rideshare Accident?
Even with these requirements and high safety standards, accidents still happen. With the volume of traffic in Atlanta, the chances of getting into an auto accident (even in a rideshare) are fairly high. If you have been hurt in a rideshare accident, knowing what to do afterward can help preserve your right to compensation when someone else has liability.
After the accident, you should:
- Call the police so that they can create an accident report
- Get photos of all the vehicles involved
- Notify Uber or Lyft of the accident, but avoid oversharing information
- Get immediate medical treatment for any injuries
- Save all receipts, medical records, and other accident-related documentation
- Get help from an experienced personal injury lawyer
Taking these steps can help protect your health and preserve important evidence for a potential claim. An attorney can also review the accident, determine which insurance policies may apply, and help you pursue compensation from the responsible parties.
Contact the Atlanta Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyers at Rafi Law Firm for Help Today
Uber and Lyft use vehicle, driver, and screening requirements intended to promote passenger safety, but rideshare accidents can still happen. If you are injured in a crash, questions about the driver’s status, available insurance coverage, and who caused the accident can affect your claim.
Rafi Law Firm can investigate your rideshare accident, identify available sources of compensation, and help you understand your legal options. Contact our Atlanta Uber and Lyft accident attorneys today to schedule a free consultation.
We proudly serve clients throughout Fulton County and the greater Atlanta metro area in Georgia.
Rafi Law Firm – Atlanta
1776 Peachtree St NW UNIT 423, Atlanta, GA 30309
(404) 800-9933
