Lyft Drivers: Lawbreakers Or Misunderstood?

Lyft drivers are not breaking the law, but they are governed by a specific set of laws and regulations. For example, in California, Lyft drivers must clearly display Lyft decals on their windshields, pass an annual background check, and meet certain emissions standards. They are also required to undergo vehicle inspections every 12 months or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first. Additionally, Lyft drivers cannot refuse to pick up passengers with service dogs and are allowed to cancel rides if they believe the passenger could be at risk. While there are no laws prohibiting drivers from installing dashboard cameras, they may need to disclose the presence of the recording device to passengers.

Lyft drivers must display Lyft decals on their vehicles

Lyft's terms of service also state that drivers are granted a limited, revocable, non-exclusive license to display and use the Lyft decals on the Lyft stickers and any other Lyft-branded items provided by Lyft directly to the driver in connection with providing rideshare services. The license is non-transferable and non-assignable, and drivers shall not grant to any third party any right, permission, license, or sublicense with respect to any of the rights granted under this agreement without Lyft's prior written permission.

Lyft drivers who do not display Lyft decals on their vehicles are not in compliance with the law and may be subject to penalties.

Lyft drivers must pass an annual background check

Lyft drivers must consent to this background check and provide their social security number. The background check will flag any major issues in the applicant's criminal history, even if they occurred over seven years ago, and can result in disqualification. Disqualifying crimes include violent crimes, sexual offenses, driving under the influence, fraud, drug-related offenses, and theft or property damage.

Lyft also performs continuous criminal and driving record monitoring of active drivers, and drivers may be required to re-authorize their consent to background checks. This helps ensure that Lyft drivers continue to meet the company's background standards and promotes the safety and reliability of the service.

Lyft drivers cannot refuse to pick up passengers with service dogs

Lyft drivers are required by law to accommodate service animals, even if they have allergies, religious or cultural objections, or a fear of them. Service animals are not pets but working animals that undergo extensive training to assist individuals with disabilities. They help blind people travel, alert deaf people to sounds, and perform many other tasks to help individuals with disabilities.

Lyft's service animal policy states that drivers should always say yes to transporting riders with service animals. If a driver refuses a rider with a service animal, they could face immediate and permanent deactivation if an investigation into the alleged denial verifies a wrongful denial.

Riders with service animals are not required to display any kind of proof that their animal is a service animal. If a rider with a dog says it is a service animal, the driver should transport the rider. However, if a driver wants to, they may ask the rider two questions: "Is the animal required because of a disability?" and "What work or task has the animal been trained to perform?".

Lyft informs and regularly reminds drivers about its service animal policy. Riders have the option to disclose if they are traveling with a service animal when requesting a ride, and if they do so, the driver will be notified.

Lyft drivers can cancel rides if they believe it could put a passenger at risk

Lyft drivers can cancel rides if they feel unsafe or uncomfortable completing the ride. This is in line with Lyft's anti-discrimination policies and is encouraged if the passenger is an unaccompanied minor, or if there is no car seat for a child travelling with the passenger.

Lyft drivers are independent contractors and are not employed by Lyft. They are, however, bound by an agreement with Lyft, which includes a code of conduct and anti-discrimination policies. This agreement also allows drivers to cancel rides if they believe it could put a passenger at risk.

Lyft drivers are expected to maintain a certain standard of behaviour and conduct themselves in accordance with the company's Community Guidelines. They are also expected to uphold certain safety standards, such as not driving recklessly or under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Lyft drivers are encouraged to use their best judgement when cancelling rides and are advised to contact Lyft's support team if they feel unsafe or uncomfortable completing a ride.

Lyft provides data to law enforcement if presented with valid legal process

Lyft has a dedicated online system for law enforcement officers to submit lawful requests for data. The company has a team of specialists who manage and respond to these requests.

Lyft will only disclose user information if presented with valid legal processes, such as a subpoena issued in connection with an official criminal investigation or a search warrant issued under the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure. The company requires valid and sufficient legal processes before disclosing any business records.

Lyft's Law Enforcement Request Guidelines outline the process for law enforcement officials to submit requests and detail the types of information the company may provide. The company also has a process for handling emergency requests, where there is an immediate threat to someone's life or safety.

Lyft's terms of service state that the company will notify users before disclosing their information in response to a criminal investigation unless prohibited by law, or if there is a risk to the user's safety. The company will also notify users after the fact if their information was provided under a gag order or in response to an emergency request.

Lyft takes user privacy seriously and provides transparency around how often it receives requests from law enforcement for user data.

Frequently asked questions