Vehicle and Driver Requirements for Uber and Lyft
If you’re considering driving for Uber or Lyft in Birmingham, Alabama, you’ll need to meet specific requirements before you can start accepting rides. Both rideshare companies have established standards for driver eligibility and vehicle condition to ensure passenger safety and comply with state and local regulations.
Understanding these requirements before you apply can save time and help you get on the road faster.
Vehicle Requirements for Rideshare Driving
Your vehicle must meet specific standards to be approved for rideshare driving in Alabama.
The general standards for Lyft and Uber vehicles include:
- Model year: 2011 or newer (Uber requires vehicles less than 17 years old)
- Doors: Four doors that open and close properly from both the inside and outside
- Seating capacity: Five to eight seats, including the driver’s seat, all with working seat belts
- Exterior condition: No significant body damage, large dents, rust, or major cosmetic issues that could concern passengers
- Title status: No salvage or rebuilt titles, and no history of flood damage
Taxis, limousines, and vehicles with commercial logos or branded paint are generally prohibited from standard rideshare platforms. Your vehicle must also be clean and well-maintained to provide a comfortable experience for passengers. Both companies also require vehicle inspections in accordance with Alabama state regulations.
Driver Requirements for Uber and Lyft
Both rideshare companies have similar baseline requirements for drivers:
- Age: You must be at least 21 years old for Uber (25 years old for Lyft).
- License: Uber requires an in-state license, while Lyft also accepts temporary and out-of-state licenses.
- Driving experience: Uber requires at least one year of licensed driving experience in the United States, and three years if you are under 25. Lyft, however, has no such requirement in Alabama.
- Insurance: Both companies require proof of personal auto insurance that meets Alabama’s minimum coverage requirements, with your name listed on the policy.
- Smartphone: Drivers for Uber and Lyft will need a compatible iPhone or Android device capable of running the driver app with GPS and data service.
Both companies also require you to submit a clear profile photo and proof of residency in the city or state where you plan to drive.
Background Checks and Screening
Both Uber and Lyft conduct thorough background checks on all driver applicants. The screening process typically includes searches of national, state, and local criminal databases. The companies also review your driving record through state motor vehicle records to identify any concerning patterns or serious violations.
Factors that may disqualify you from driving include:
- Violent crimes or sexual offenses of any kind
- DUI or DWI convictions within the past seven years
- Hit-and-run incidents or leaving the scene of an accident
- Reckless driving convictions
- Multiple recent at-fault accidents or moving violations
- Theft, fraud, or property crime convictions
Once approved, drivers are subject to ongoing background and driving record checks to ensure continued compliance with safety standards.
Contact Our Birmingham Car Accident Lawyers at Belt, Bruner & Barnett Personal Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation
Available insurance coverage in an Uber or Lyft crash depends on the driver’s status at the exact moment of impact. Each phase triggers different coverage limits and liability rules, making these accident cases more complex than standard personal injury claims, which is why working with an attorney is crucial.
If you’ve been hurt in a wreck involving an Uber or Lyft driver, you need an experienced attorney to ensure you don’t miss your chance to recover compensation. Call Belt, Bruner & Barnett Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with our Birmingham car accident lawyers to learn how we can help.
Contact an experienced car accident lawyer at Belt, Bruner & Barnett Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation today.
We serve Shelby County, Madison County, Montgomery County in Alabama, and its surrounding areas. We are located in Birmingham, Huntsville & Montgomery.
Belt, Bruner & Barnett Personal Injury Lawyers – Birmingham Office
880 Montclair Road, Ste 300,
Birmingham, AL 35213
(205) 973-6417
Belt, Bruner & Barnett Personal Injury Lawyers – Huntsville Office
116 Jefferson St. Suite 207
Huntsville, AL, 35801
(256) 781-9242
Or find us with our GeoCoordinates: 34.73159361945047, -86.58690898412395
Belt, Bruner & Barnett Personal Injury Lawyers – Montgomery Office
7 Clayton St, Suite 200,
Montgomery, AL 36104
(334) 518-6098
Or find us with our GeoCoordinates: 32.373594220209505, -86.3092041262694