Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have changed the way people travel and created flexible earning opportunities for drivers across Oklahoma and the country. But as rideshare companies continue increasing safety standards and background screening procedures, a DUI conviction can create significant obstacles for both current and prospective drivers.
In recent years, Uber and Lyft have expanded their use of ongoing background screening, and tightened their standards for eligibility for drivers. Even an older driving under the influence (DUI) conviction, a pending case, or a reduced charge may impact your ability to drive through these platforms.
If you’re wondering whether you can drive for Uber or Lyft with a DUI, here’s what you need to know about current policies, background checks, Oklahoma DUI issues, and how these cases might impact your eligibility.
Can You Drive for Uber With a DUI?
Over the past 15 years, Uber has grown from an exclusive, black-car-only rideshare service to a global platform that moves people, food, prescriptions, and more, in almost every type of wheeled vehicle. The opportunities to drive for Uber have expanded dramatically, but there are still some strict requirements you must meet.
The minimum requirements for all drivers include:
- Meeting your state’s minimum driver age
- 1 year of licensed driving experience in the U.S.
- Valid in-state license
- Eligible 4-door vehicle
- Proof of residency
- Proof of insurance
- Passed vehicle inspection form
After signing up to drive with Uber, you will complete an online screen and background check. Your driving record and criminal history will surface at this point as the background check includes records from courthouses, criminal databases, and the National Sex Offender Registry.
Uber generally disqualifies anyone convicted of a DUI within the past 7 years to drive on their platform (in California, it’s 10 years). In addition, Uber does not allow individuals to become drivers if they have been convicted of: three or more minor traffic violations in the past 3 years; any major traffic violations, such as reckless driving, in the past 7 years.
Uber’s DUI policy applies to both potential and current drivers. The company conducts background checks on its drivers at least annually, so if you’re charged with a DUI while already working as an Uber driver, you’ll likely be removed from the platform.
If your DUI was dismissed, you can request Uber to review your application. In some cases, you might be allowed to start driving.
Please note that policies and regulations change—it’s important to check the most current requirements directly with Uber. Additionally, driving requirements can vary significantly based on the state in which you intend to drive. Some regions may have stricter or more lenient standards regarding driving records and the ability to become a rideshare driver.
Can You Drive for Lyft With a DUI?
The minimum age to become a Lyft driver ranges from 21-25 years old, depending on specific location and region. Like Uber, it is required to have a valid driver's license and the necessary insurance and vehicle. Individuals can apply online to become drivers and will undergo a background and driving record check. The screening results are then assessed against Lyft’s internal safety criteria and applicable regulations.
Per Lyft’s website, applicants may be disqualified if their driving record reveals:
- Four or more moving violations in the past 3 years (such as accidents or traffic light violations)
- Any major moving violation in the past 3 years (such as driving on a suspended license or reckless driving)
- A serious driving-related conviction in the past 7 years (such as a hit-and-run or a felony involving a vehicle)
- A DUI or other drug-related driving violation in the past 7 years (this can vary by region but holds true for most states)
Similar to Uber, Lyft continuously monitors the DMV record of its drivers and will be notified of any new violations. Also, Lyft reserves the right to remove a driver from the platform at any time if their driving record reveals any disqualifying information or for any other safety-related reason. Rules and regulations change, so be sure to verify the most current requirements with Lyft and your state.
Can You Drive for Uber or Lyft in Oklahoma if You Got a DUI in a Different State?
If you’re applying to be a rideshare driver in Oklahoma and were convicted of a DUI in another state, in most cases, the answer is “no” unless you are outside the typical 7-year lookback period. You’ll supply your social security number and driver’s license during the background check, which may reveal your driving record for the last seven years (or more) under each previous address where you resided, as well as looking for any criminal convictions. It won’t matter if you moved states—your record will follow you and appear in the checks run by Uber and Lyft.
Can a Pending DUI Affect Your Ability to Drive for Uber or Lyft?
Even if your DUI case has not resulted in a conviction yet, it may still impact your ability to drive for a rideshare company. Both Uber and Lyft continuously monitor drivers through ongoing background screenings which may temporarily suspend or remove drivers with pending criminal charges. Specific policies vary by company and region, but pending DUI charges can still create issues for current and prospective drivers.
Can Expungement Help After a DUI?
In some cases, an expungement may improve your ability to pass background checks and apply for rideshare platforms after a DUI charge. Eligibility decisions are ultimately made by Uber and Lyft, and some records may still appear on third-party background screening services. As policies change and vary, it is important to review the current standards and guidelines for the platform and state that you plan to drive.
Can an Attorney Help You Become a Rideshare Driver?
If you’ve been charged with a DUI and are currently driving for Uber or Lyft (or planning to), hiring an experienced attorney can help you get the best possible outcome for your case. Your lawyer will analyze the details of the traffic stop and arrest to ensure your rights were respected, as well as identify any potential errors in the standard field sobriety test.
If a dismissal is not possible, negotiating a plea to a lesser offense might be an option. However, this is where the guidance of a skilled attorney is critical—rideshare drivers must carefully weigh the consequences of such pleas, as even reduced charges like reckless driving—which is often offered to circumvent a DUI conviction—can render a driver ineligible for Uber or Lyft if convicted within the past three years.
Tulsa DUI Guy has been helping people protect their livelihoods and put their DUI behind them since 2007. Our seasoned attorneys can guide you on the legal pathways that offer the greatest chance at mitigating the repercussions of a DUI, and potentially maintaining your eligibility to be a rideshare driver.
If you have questions after being charged with a DUI, we can help. Contact us for a free case evaluation.