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Lyft Car And Vehicle Requirements That Every Driver Must Meet In 2023

Learn about the driver and vehicle requirements that every Lyft driver must meet in order to get approved to drive. We'll break them down in detail.

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Key Information

Driver Documentation

Must provide a valid driver’s license, Social Security number, current registration, and valid insurance policy.

Driving Record

No more than three moving violations in the past three years, no major violations, and no DUI/drug-related issues in the last seven.

Vehicle Standards

Four-door car with 5-8 seat belts, certain subcompacts excluded. Vehicle inspection necessary for safety and aesthetics.

Additional Essential

Mobile device with cellular connection (iOS 11/Android 7 or newer). Maintain state-required insurance, and consider rideshare insurance for coverage gaps.

Rideshare driving for Lyft offers flexible hours and unique encounters. This article details Lyft’s driver prerequisites, ensuring you meet all criteria before applying, avoiding potential rejection.

Why Does Lyft Have Requirements for Drivers?

Lyft implements requirements for drivers and vehicles to ensure the safety, reliability, and legality of their services. These stipulations:

  1. Ensure Safety: By checking drivers’ backgrounds and driving records, Lyft can reduce the risk of accidents or dangerous situations for passengers.
  2. Guarantee Legal Compliance: The requirements ensure that drivers are legally allowed to drive in their state, without issues like suspended licenses or outdated license plates.
  3. Maintain Quality: By setting certain standards, Lyft aims to provide a consistent, high-quality experience for its riders. This is the main aim of the Lyft vehicle inspection.
  4. Adhere to Local Regulations: Different states and cities have their own rules for ridesharing services, and Lyft’s requirements help the company stay compliant with these local regulations.

While these requirements are generally similar from state-to-state, visit the Lyft website for a detailed breakdown of requirements in every state.

Lyft Driver Requirements for 2023

Applicants must first meet some driver-specific requirements to get approved to drive for Lyft.

Documents You’ll Need

When filling out your Lyft application, you’ll need to provide several documents. The precise documents required vary from state to state, but Lyft requires all applicants to have the following documents:

  • Current valid driver’s license
  • Social Security number (in order to conduct the background check)
  • Valid license plates with current registration
  • Current valid insurance policy in your name

Since you must complete a Lyft application online, having digital copies of these papers will make the process much easier for you.

In addition to presenting valid documents, drivers must meet their state’s minimum age criteria, undergo a background and driving record check, and complete Lyft’s Community Safety Education Program.

How Old Do You Have To Be To Drive For Lyft?

To become a Lyft driver, you typically need to be at least 21 years old. However, the specific age requirement can vary by region, ranging from 21 to 25 years old. It’s essential to consult your local regulations or Lyft’s website for precise information.

But rest assured, there isn’t a maximum age cap. As long as you meet all the legal and health requirements to drive and pass Lyft’s criteria, you’re eligible, regardless of age. Many retirees find driving for Lyft a rewarding way to spend their time and earn extra income.

Why Lyft Has a Minimum Age Requirement

Lyft’s age restrictions are in place to comply with state and local laws. They’re not arbitrarily set by the company but are meant to ensure drivers are legally permitted to operate in their respective areas.

Driver eligibility for Lyft varies based on location, with local and state governments setting age requirements. It’s essential to check the Lyft website or local guidelines before applying.

Also, a driver’s age can influence insurance costs, with younger drivers typically paying more. Lyft provides limited insurance, so personal rideshare coverage is recommended.

Lastly, while base pay is consistent for Lyft drivers, younger drivers might earn more by accepting more rides and achieving bonuses.

Lyft Driving Record Check Requirements

To drive with Lyft, your driving record will be assessed. While minor infractions like parking tickets might not disqualify you, you may be ineligible if your state’s DMV report shows:

  • Over three moving violations in the past three years.
  • Major violations within the last three years, such as driving on a suspended license.
  • DUI or drug-related violations in the past seven years.
  • Convictions like hit-and-run or vehicle-involved felonies in the past seven years.

Maintain a clean record even after approval; significant changes can result in deactivation. Lyft’s primary concern is ensuring drivers are safe and responsible.

Lyft also requires a criminal background check, conducted via a third-party called Checkr. While minor offenses might be overlooked, major offenses, including violent crimes, sexual offenses, and certain felonies, can disqualify you.

Background checks might take time due to coordination between various law enforcement agencies. If something potentially disqualifying appears on your check, Lyft will notify you and provide dispute options.

Just as with driving records, any subsequent crimes can lead to deactivation. Committing a crime while driving for Lyft will likely result in permanent deactivation, as safety is Lyft’s top priority.

Lyft Phone Requirements

For Lyft to function seamlessly, drivers must have a reliable mobile device. It’s the conduit connecting drivers to passengers, regardless of location or weather. Your device should adhere to these specifications:

  • A cellular connection: The Lyft driver app demands this, so devices reliant solely on WiFi (e.g., certain tablets, MP3 players, or phones without active data plans) won’t suffice.
  • For iPhones: iOS 11 or newer.
  • For Android devices: Android 7 or above.

While older OS versions might support the Lyft app, they could hinder its optimal performance and potentially impact ride quality and safety.

Lyft Insurance Requirements

The topic of insurance is confusing for aspiring Lyft drivers. Essentially, Lyft mandates drivers to maintain the minimum insurance coverage as dictated by their state, primarily liability coverage. Additionally, Lyft provides drivers with up to $1 million in liability insurance when they’re with a passenger.

However, there’s a “coverage gap”.

When en route to pick up a passenger, personal insurance might not cover you (since you’re driving commercially), and Lyft’s policy hasn’t kicked in as you don’t have a passenger yet.

To bridge this gap, consider rideshare insurance— a reasonably priced supplement to many standard insurance plans.

Become a Driver
Become a Lyft Driver Now

New drivers can earn a guaranteed bonus amount, varying by city. Apply today to unlock what yours will be!

  • Getting started is simple. All that is needed to apply is a mode of transportation and a smartphone.
  • Enjoy a flexible schedule, choosing when, where, and how much you earn.

Lyft Car Requirements for 2023

Lyft maintains strict safety standards for its vehicles, ensuring they meet both city and state regulations. Before you apply or move to a different city, you should check the specific driver application requirements for the area to understand the minimum vehicle age stipulation.

vector graphic showing a hand holding a clipboard and a man standing against a lyft vehicle in the background getting evaluated for lyft driver requirements

As a general rule of thumb, your car must be a four-door vehicle with a minimum of five seat belts, including the driver’s, but no more than eight.

If you’re without a vehicle, Lyft’s Express Drive program offers rental options, but only those rented through this program are approved for use.

From August 25, 2021, subcompact vehicles have been permitted on the platform. However, taxis, stretch limousines, and certain subcompacts, like Chevrolet, Mazda 2, and Ford Fiesta, are not eligible.

Vehicle Inspection for Lyft

All cars must undergo a safety inspection. Depending on your state, you may need to visit specific inspection sites and provide certain forms.

This assessment ensures functionality and safety, examining elements like tires, brakes, and lights. Aesthetically, your car should have no major dents larger than a baseball, not exhibit significant damage or overly faded paint, and be free from missing parts.

Lyft Car Requirements by State

Below you’ll find the current Lyft vehicle and document requirements for each state (or city, where applicable), including the vehicle age requirements. Click on the name of the state to skip to that section.

Vehicle Requirements for Specific Lyft Services

Depending on the type and features of your car, you might qualify for different Lyft services. This article will help you understand the various service levels and their requirements.

1. Standard Lyft Car Requirements

  • Services: Regular Lyft rides (max 3 passengers), Wait & Save (discounted price with longer wait during peak times), and Priority Pickup (faster rides at a higher price).
  • Requirements: Four doors, at least five seat belts, meet the state’s model-year requirements.
  • Examples: Subaru Impreza (2020), Ford Fusion (2020), Toyota Camry (2020), etc.

2. Lyft Luxury Car Requirements

  • Services: Premium options for luxury cars.
  • Requirements: SUV or high-end sedan with leather interior, at least four seats, specific model-year requirements which vary by city (e.g., 2014 or newer generally, but 2016 or later in Houston, Texas), and a minimum 4.85 driver rating.
  • Examples: Acura MDX, Bentley Continental Flying Spur, Tesla Model 3, etc.

3. Lyft XL Vehicle Requirements

  • Services: For larger groups of passengers.
  • Requirements: Car model seven years old or less, four doors, at least six seats and seat belts.
  • Examples: Toyota Sienna (2014), Mitsubishi Outlander (2015), Dodge Caravan (2014), etc.

4. Lyft Black XL Vehicle Requirements

  • Services: Premium service for larger groups.
  • Requirements: Black-colored SUV with leather interior, seating for at least six passengers with ample luggage space.
  • Examples: Audi Q7, BMW X7, Tesla Model X, etc.

5. Lyft Access Vehicle Requirements

  • Services: Designed for passengers with wheelchairs.
  • Requirements: Must accommodate either foldable or motorized wheelchairs, with sufficient trunk/backseat space.
  • Examples: Hyundai Sonata, Subaru Forester, Chevrolet Silverado, etc.

6. Lyft Car Seat Requirements

Passengers with children must provide their own car seats. Drivers can decline rides if passengers don’t have the necessary car seats, and passengers may face a cancellation fee. Depending on state laws, even eight-year-olds might require booster seats. Always prioritize safety and check local regulations.

Also Required: Complete Lyft Community Safety Education Program

Part of applying for Lyft is taking part in their Community Safety Education Program.

This program is designed to help drivers understand the safety features that are in place on the app so that both the driver and passenger stay safe during the ride.

Here are some of the features you’ll go over during the education program:

  • Criminal monitoring features and 911 access from the app
  • License and photo verification features for passengers to enter the correct vehicle
  • Route sharing for passengers so others can see their ETA
  • Driver and passenger ratings that give Lyft data to act against poor drivers and passengers
  • Anti-fraud measures for drivers

These features all combine to make Lyft a safe platform for work and rides.

Lyft has also partnered with RAINN, an anti-sexual violence organization, to help Lyft and its driver recognized threats of that kind and how to handle those circumstances.

Frequently Asked Questions

Still confused on the Lyft car requirements? Check out some of the most frequently asked questions below to get answers and get on the road.

Does your vehicle need to be in your name to meet the Lyft vehicle requirements?

Your car does not need to be registered in your name. However, your car insurance policy needs to include your name in order to drive for Lyft. Therefore, you can drive a leased or rented car.

If I get rejected by Lyft, can I still re-apply to drive?

Re-applying to Lyft after getting rejected may be a complicated process, but it can be done. You should be able to re-apply about six months after you are rejected.

Does Lyft accept temporary registration or paper plates?

Yes, Lyft will accept temporary registration or paper plates. However, you may have difficulty uploading short-lived documents, and it is possible that your state or city may not let you drive Lyft with a temporary registration.

If you do have temporary documents, you can upload them to the Lyft driver app or contact the Lyft support team.

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