JUSTICENTER Personal Injury Lawyers | August 10, 2025 | Uber/Lyft
Rideshare companies, such as Lyft and Uber, have exploded in popularity in recent years. In fact, Uber alone completed nearly 11.3 billion trips in 2024. The ease of use of these platforms, the cleanliness of the vehicles, and the friendliness of the drivers have all contributed to riders turning away from traditional taxi service.
Uber and Lyft both take rider safety very seriously, and they implement strict requirements for both drivers and vehicles. Dive into all the details below to learn more about the requirements that Lyft and Uber have in place for their vehicles and drivers.
Lyft and Uber Vehicle Requirements
Lyft and Uber both want to make sure that their riders are safe and comfortable. For this reason, neither company allows vehicles with only two doors. Some compact 4-door vehicles are also not allowed.
Generally, the vehicle requirements are as follows:
- 2005 model or newer (Lyft does allow 2003 and 2004 models in some locations)
- 4-door vehicles required
- Good condition with no cosmetic damage
- No commercial branding on the vehicle
- No vehicles with a salvage title
- The vehicle must display a valid license plate
Both official and temporary registration documents will work, and the vehicle does not have to be registered in the driver’s name.
Lyft and Uber also require all vehicles to pass regular inspections. These inspections are conducted every year or every 50,000 miles, whichever comes first.
Lyft and Uber Driver Requirements
In addition to the vehicle itself, rideshare drivers must also meet certain requirements. To maintain safety, all drivers are subject to a background check when they sign up with the rideshare platform.
This background check looks at both your driving history as well as any criminal history that may be on your record. Additionally, these background checks are performed at least annually, with even more frequent checks in some locations.
Drivers are also required to provide a photo ID, proof of residency, and a valid driver’s photo. Lyft and Uber use all of these items to verify the driver’s identity and look for potential fraudulent drivers. Finally, drivers must:
- Be at least 21 years old
- Have at least 1 year of driving experience (3 years if under 25)
- Have an in-state driver’s license
Serious driving offenses on your record will get you denied as a driver. For instance, if you have a DUI on your record, you likely won’t be able to drive for either Lyft or Uber.
Lyft and Uber Insurance Requirements
Insurance options through Lyft and Uber are nearly identical. With both services, the driver must provide their own insurance coverage. This personal coverage applies at all times when the driver is offline or not logged into the app.
Lyft and Uber also provide drivers with additional insurance coverage when they are working. The coverages available are:
- Driver is online and waiting for a ride request: $50,000 per person for bodily injury, $100,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 in property damage
- Driver is en route or actively completing a ride: $1,000,000 in liability coverage for both injuries and property damage
If you get into a car accident as a rideshare passenger or one of these vehicles hits you, this insurance coverage can help cover your damages. You may be entitled to recover both economic damages and non-economic damages in these situations.
Keep in mind that not every accident involving a rideshare vehicle is the rideshare driver’s fault. An experienced personal injury lawyer can investigate your claim and help you hold the responsible party accountable for your injuries.
A Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help
Although Lyft and Uber both work hard to keep passengers and others safe, accidents still happen. If you have been hurt in one of these accidents, call JUSTICENTER Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation. Let us help you get the justice you deserve.
Contact the Encino Personal Injury Lawyers of JUSTICENTER Personal Injury Lawyers for Help Today
Please contact an experienced personal injury lawyer at JUSTICENTER Personal Injury Lawyers for a free initial consultation today at (833) 852-3600.
Our main office is in Encino, CA, but we serve all through Los Angeles County.
JUSTICENTER Personal Injury Lawyers
16633 Ventura Blvd suite 1011,
Encino, CA 91436
