Harlene Labrum | October 9, 2024 | Tennessee Law
Vehicle and Driver Requirements For Uber and Lyft in Nashville
Every day, you share the road with Uber and Lyft drivers. These drivers are taking members of your community to airports, grocery stores, and other destinations. But you may wonder how safe rideshare app drivers are and what requirements they must meet before getting on the road.
Both Uber and Lyft have stringent requirements for drivers and the vehicles they drive with the companies’ emblems. Take a closer look at the general guidelines that apply to Tennessee rideshare drivers.
Driving For Uber
More than 1.7 million drivers take paying passengers to their destinations in U.S. towns and cities. As one of the most popular of the rideshare apps, Uber clearly states rules for drivers and vehicles on its app and website, where individuals sign up to drive for the company.
Uber Driver Requirements
To sign up as an Uber driver, an applicant must be at least 21 years old and have a current driver’s license in the state that they serve. In California and Florida, the minimum age is 25.
Applicants 25 years old or older must have a minimum of one year of licensed driving experience in the United States. Drivers younger than 25 must have at least three years of licensed driving experience.
Before accepting any driver, Uber requires that they pass a background check. This includes a motor vehicle report and criminal record check, but it excludes a credit check. If the criminal record check turns up certain convictions or pending charges, an applicant may be disqualified.
Uber’s Vehicle Requirements
Under Uber’s basic vehicle requirements, the vehicle must have four doors and have the capacity to transport four passengers. It must also have valid license plates, current registration, and insurance coverage.
Additionally, the vehicle must be in good condition, with no cosmetic flaws. It should have no missing parts or commercial branding, as well as no salvage or rebuilt title.
Uber doesn’t allow drivers to use rental cars. While they do not need to own the vehicle that they shuttle passengers in, they have to be listed on the insurance policy as an approved driver.
Driving For Lyft
Lyft’s requirements differ somewhat compared to Uber.
Lyft Driver Requirements
Drivers who apply to Lyft must have a valid driver’s license, plates, registration, and insurance. Depending on the state, drivers must be 21 to 25 years old. In Tennessee, the minimum age is 25.
While Tennessee drivers must have a valid driver’s license, a temporary or out-of-state license is acceptable. In several states, including California, Minnesota, and Pennsylvania, the driver must have one year of licensed driving experience.
Similar to Uber, Lyft applicants undergo a driver screening, which reviews their driving history and criminal record. The check covers a search of the National Sex Offender Registry database and for convictions. Lyft regularly monitors its drivers’ criminal and driving records as well.
Lyft’s Vehicle Requirements
Lyft vehicles must have four doors and at least five seat belts. If drivers don’t own or have access to a vehicle, Lyft offers a program that allows drivers to rent a car.
In Tennessee, vehicle rules vary by city. In Nashville, for example, a vehicle must be 2004 or newer; 2008 or newer in Chattanooga, Clarksville, Knoxville, and Memphis; and 2010 or newer in Cookeville, Jackson, and Johnson City. Tennessee also requires vehicles to have 5 to 8 seats, counting the driver’s seat.
Lyft’s Liability Insurance
Although Lyft requires drivers to maintain personal auto insurance, it also provides third-party liability insurance coverage when the app is on, whether it’s while they’re en route to pick up a passenger or the passenger is in the vehicle. This insurance covers the cost of injuries or damage when a driver’s personal policy does not cover them.
Despite These Requirements, Rideshare Accidents Still Occur
Despite these rules and requirements, car accidents can still happen with Uber or Lyft drivers. Fortunately, when accidents do happen, drivers have insurance coverage, and passengers can benefit from the representation of a skilled Lyft or Uber accident lawyer.
Contact our Nashville Car Accident Attorneys at Labrum Law Firm Personal Injury Lawyers Today
For more information, please contact the Nashville personal injury law firm of Labrum Law Firm Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation today.
We proudly serve Nashville, Brentwood, and its surrounding areas in Tennessee:
Labrum Law Firm Personal Injury Lawyers – Nashville
315 Deaderick St, Suite 1525
Nashville, TN 37238
(615) 685-8546
Labrum Law Firm Personal Injury Lawyers – Brentwood
320 Seven Springs Way, Suite 250
Brentwood, TN 37027
(615) 455-3384