FLORIDA REQUIREMENTS FOR RIDESHARE DRIVERS

The traditional taxi service sector has been completely disrupted by ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft, in particular. Uber and Lyft have contracted with private individuals who use their own automobiles as a mode of transportation. This is in contrast to traditional taxi services, which provide a fleet of vehicles of questionable quality and drivers who are not always pleasant. 

Both businesses, on the other hand, have stringent criteria for both the drivers and the vehicles that are used to carry consumers. 

What Kind of Vehicle Requirements does Florida have for Uber and Lyft Drivers?

Both Uber and Lyft have requirements that must be met by the vehicles driven by its drivers. For instance, neither of the ridesharing services permits drivers to pick up passengers in subcompact cars with only two seats. Additionally, vehicles that are registered with each ridesharing operator must be fewer than 15 years old, and in some Florida cities, automobiles must have at least four (functional) doors and five seatbelts that are in good condition. 

• The car requires valid registration and tags from the state of Florida. 

• Other fundamental standards for vehicles, shared by both Uber and Lyft, include the following: 

• It is required that the car be in good shape and free of any visual harm. 

• On Lyft and Uber cars, advertising is not permitted at any time. 

• At a minimum, eight seatbelts are required to be installed in SUVs. 

• There is a strict prohibition against the use of any automobiles with salvage titles. 

Every company maintains a list of permitted automobiles as well as those that are not allowed. In addition, Uber requires its drivers to have top-tier vehicles in order to accept luxury rates. 

Requirements for Uber and Lyft Insurance in the State of Florida

Every driver for a ridesharing service is required to have their own private, personal insurance coverage, which protects them even when they are not actively using the app or looking for passengers. 

If a driver is signed into the app and waiting for a fare, however, both Uber and Lyft give some coverage in the event of an accident: 

• Bodily injury per accident: $100,000 

• Bodily injury per person: $50,000

• Property damage per accident: $25,000

Each ridesharing company provides supplementary coverage, such as the following, in the event that the driver has a passenger in the vehicle: 

• Third-party liability: $1,000,000 

• Uninsured driver bodily injury

However, drivers are responsible for paying their own deductibles out of their own pocket. The deductible for Uber is $2,500, whereas Lyft will only cost you $1,000. 

Florida’s Driver Requirements for Lyft and Uber 

Every driver is subject to a comprehensive background check performed by the company, which examines not only their driving record but also their criminal history.

A contracted driver's removal from the ridesharing roster occurs when they acquire certain traffic offenses or are arrested. For instance, drivers who receive tickets for driving under the influence, driving while intoxicated, or driving recklessly will lose their status. 

Florida driver regulations also include: 

• Copies of the driver's license, proof of insurance, and registration for the car 

• At least three years behind the wheel with a valid license (Uber) or one year behind the wheel with a valid license (Lyft) 

• Successfully complete a background check 

• Lyft drivers must be at least 21 years old, while Uber drivers must be at least 23 years old 

• Both services will instantly terminate a driver's membership if they are found to have committed serious traffic offenses or been charged with a criminal offense. Nevertheless, both companies allow drivers to have a certain number of moving offenses on their records, although having three or more in a period of three years might result in drivers losing their employment:

• Speeding
  • Infractions of the stop sign or the traffic signal 
  • Tags or licenses that have expired o Illegal turning
  • Involvement in a vehicle collision while logged into app may cause user to be terminated

Additional Safety Advice for Riders Using Ridesharing Services in Tampa

Even though each company puts in a lot of effort to make sure that its drivers are properly vetted and that their cars are safe, there are still occasions when people get through the gaps. You should never feel forced to take a trip, or a fare, if you are driving, especially if you are concerned about your safety. 

Always compare the information supplied by the driver and car through the ridesharing app with what you find out about them.

If the driver begins acting suspiciously or driving in a manner that is risky, do not be afraid to advise the driver to stop in a safe spot and to discontinue the ride when they have done so. Or, if you feel in danger, contact 911. 

Most importantly, employ sound judgment, and put your faith in your gut feelings. 

When using one of these common ridesharing services, putting these strategies into practice will protect you from potential dangers. 

Contact Nooney, Roberts, Hewett & Nowicki Today!

The attorneys at Nooney, Roberts, Hewett & Nowicki have decades of combined experience in personal injury cases. As a passionate firm, we fight for the compensation you rightfully deserve. 

Call us at (904) 398-1992 or fill out a quick form to schedule a free initial consultation with our aggressive negligent security attorneys! ¡Hablamos español!

We serve clients throughout Florida, including, but not limited to, those in the following localities: Duval County including Atlantic Beach, Jacksonville, and Jacksonville Beach; Hillsborough County including Brandon, Riverview, and Tampa; Leon County including Tallahassee and Woodville; Orange County including Ocoee, Orlando, and Winter Garden; St. Lucie County including Fort Pierce, Lakewood Park, and Port St. Lucie; and Walton County including DeFuniak Springs, Miramar Beach, and Santa Rosa Beach.