Driving for Uber/Lyft After a DUI
In order to work for rideshare services like Uber and Lyft, there are specific requirements one must meet. These requirements range from the vehicle having to have four doors to having less than three moving violations within three years. While the requirements necessary to drive for Uber and/or Lyft are lengthy, it is all to ensure the safety of not only the passengers but the drivers as well.
Uber
Uber was one of the first ride share services to start revolutionizing the industry. Driving for Uber has quickly become a quick and convenient way for individuals to make money. However, getting approval to drive for Uber, is not as quick. There are specific requirements that one must meet in order to qualify to drive for Uber. One of those requirements is passing a background check.
The background check that individuals are required to undergo, in order to drive for Uber, consists of a criminal background check and a motor vehicle report. The criminal background check scans for any serious crimes and convictions while the motor vehicle report looks at driving history, incident reports, and more. Within the motor vehicle report, it specifically calls out “no DUIs and no reckless driving”, also specifying that “California Uber drivers must not have a DUI within the last 10 years.”.
Therefore, if you have had a DUI within the last 10-years and are considering applying to drive for Uber, you most likely will not be approved, due to violating the conditions of their motor vehicle report.
Lyft
Coming into the ride share industry later on, Lyft follows a lot of the same background protocols as Uber does when accepting applicants to drive for the company. Much like Uber, individuals applying to drive for Lyft must submit to a background check consisting of both a criminal background check and a motor vehicle check.
The background check goes back at least 7 years, depending on local regulations, and states that an applicant must have “no DUI” on their record. The motor vehicle check also follows the at least 7-year timeline, reiterating the strict “no DUI” requirement in addition to any “other drug-related driving offenses”.
Similar to Uber, if you are thinking of applying to Lyft with a DUI on your record, you should double check the local regulations to ensure your eligibility.
DUI Cases
Neither Uber or Lyft grant any exceptions to the DUI stipulations of their criminal background check and motor vehicle check policies. With that, a DUI conviction within at least the last 7 years, will make you ineligible to drive for Uber and/or Lyft. However, if you are currently facing DUI charges, hiring a DUI Specialist, can help with your chances of being able to drive for Uber or Lyft in the future.
While there is no guarantee, another option, depending on the circumstances surrounding your DUI arrest, is hiring a DUI Attorney to help with an expungement. While an expungement generally helps to remove the DUI from your criminal record, it still remains visible on ones driving record. This means, that while you may pass the background check portion, the DUI may still be visible on the motor vehicle check.
Similarly, if your DUI case was dismissed, this ultimately means you will have faced no penalties. However, Uber and Lyft still have the right to hold the initial arrest against you during the application process.
While a DUI expungement or dismissal could be beneficial to your application process for Uber/Lyft, there is ultimately no guarantee that either of the two will allow you to fully pass the background and vehicle check portion of the application process.
San Diego DUI
If you receive a DUI arrest while driving for Uber and/or Lyft, they will terminate you immediately. While your ability to drive for Uber/Lyft will be immediately terminated, you will be given the opportunity, by both companies, to discuss the circumstances of your situation with a representative.
If you or someone you know, finds themselves in a position of a DUI while driving for Uber/Lyft or while applying to be a part of either ride share company, contact a DUI attorney as soon as possible. In the greater San Diego area, Rick Mueller, a California DUI Lawyers Association Specialist, can help you navigate your specific situation. Whether you are looking to apply to Uber and/or Lyft with a previous DUI, or obtain a DUI while driving for them, contact Rick Mueller for all your DUI needs.
Driving for Uber/Lyft After a DUI