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Becoming a rideshare driver can be an exciting opportunity. You earn money by simply transporting others without the extensive licensure needed for taxi driving.
Aspiring Uber and Lyft drivers should understand that this convenience doesn’t exempt them from specific legal obligations. Both the state of Illinois and the city of Chicago have set particular requirements that must be met. This guide will outline these requirements to make sure you are well-informed and in adherence.
Illinois Laws For Rideshare Drivers
Requirements To Drive For Uber or Lyft
Rideshare companies, while offering a flexible work opportunity, mandate certain conditions be met by their drivers. Before hiring a new driver, rideshare companies must:
- Collect comprehensive personal and vehicle information.
- Full legal name
- Social security number
- Date of birth
- Driver’s license number
- Driving history
- Vehicle registration details
- Proof of automobile liability insurance to ensure adherence to safe hiring standards
- Perform thorough background checks including criminal history and sex offender database screenings.
- Acquire and assess a driving history report.
- Ensure coverage meets or exceeds the state-mandated minimum for automobile liability insurance.
- Uphold minimum coverage standards for both uninsured and underinsured motorist policies.
- Enforce a strict zero-tolerance policy regarding the use of drugs or alcohol by drivers when driving.
Under Illinois law, the following conditions disqualify an individual from becoming a rideshare driver:
- Being younger than 19 years old
- Having less than one year of driving experience
- Lacking a valid driver’s license
- Failing to provide proof of vehicle registration
- Failing to provide proof of requisite automobile liability insurance
- Being listed in the National Sex Offenders Registry
- Providing false information on the employment application
- Gathering more than three moving traffic violations within the last three years
- Incurring at least one major traffic violation within the last three years
- Having a conviction in the past seven years for any of the following:
- DUI (driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol)
- Fraud
- Sexual offenses
- Felonious use of a vehicle
- Property damage crimes
- Theft
- Violent acts
- Acts of terrorism
Working For Lyft & Uber – Chicago’s Driver Requirements
Illinois has regulations for rideshare operations, and Chicago has additional local laws safeguarding both passengers and drivers, ensuring their protection. These include:
Lyft Driver Age Requirements
To drive for Lyft in Chicago, you must be at least 25 years old. This aligns with the company’s policy on ensuring mature and responsible drivers.
Uber Driver Age Requirements
Uber requires drivers to be at least 21 years old. This offers a bit more flexibility for younger drivers who are looking to enter the rideshare market.
Outside of age specific requirements, Chicago abides by all Illinois laws concerning Uber and Lyft drivers. As one of the most populated cities in the state, they take these laws seriously.
Company Requirements
Uber Driver Car Requirements
Uber stipulates that vehicles must not be older than 15 years. The vehicle must also have four doors and pass an annual vehicle inspection.
Lyft Driver Car Requirements
Similarly, Lyft requires that cars be no more than 10 years old, have four doors, and pass safety inspections regularly.
Common Risks Faced In Rideshares
Uber and Lyft offer significant conveniences for drivers and passengers alike, however, it’s also a major risk. No one is sure what will happen once you let a stranger transport you in their vehicle. The same can be said for drivers who allow strangers to ride in their vehicles.
Here are some of the most common risks that are faced by both passengers and drivers:
- Theft
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Car accidents
- Sexual assault
Drivers can also face damage to their property as a result of passengers. Uber and Lyft are responsible for the safety of both parties. Unfortunately, they also take extensive measure to conceal the identity of passengers and drivers from each other. Without legal help, it’s hard to prove a case after a problem or injury from a past ride.
Who Is Liable In A Rideshare Accident?
In rideshare scenarios, determining liability can be complex. Unlike commercial vehicles, rideshares involve personal vehicles, and drivers are considered independent contractors. Here’s how liability might be distributed:
Lyft and Uber Car Accident Passengers
If you are a passenger involved in a rideshare accident, it’s crucial to document everything at the scene. Take photos of the damage to the rideshare car from a safe spot and seek medical assistance for your injuries.
It’s also a good idea to find legal counsel, especially if you’ve been injured or your property has been damaged. An attorney will help you understand your rights and how you can achieve compensation for your claim.
Lyft and Uber Car Accident Drivers
If you have a car accident while driving for a rideshare service, be sure to protect yourself by taking the right steps.
- Document the incident
- Seek help for injuries
- Report to your respective driver app
- Get legal advice as soon as possible
An experienced car accident attorney will be able to help you. They can make sure all of these payments are acquired from the party responsible for the accident.
Non-Rideshare Drivers Affected By Accident
If a rideshare car crashes, you should treat similarly to a typical car crash. Follow standard procedures for handling the situation by:
- Seeking medical attention
- Documenting the incident with photographs and statements
- Reporting it to the police and your insurance company
- Seeking legal counsel if necessary
Why Seek Legal Help?
While Uber and Lyft drivers are aware of the requirements needed to work for a rideshare app. When accidents, injuries and damages occur, you would think that a company like or Uber or Lyft would be quick to help you. In reality, these companies will only do what they can to protect themselves instead of you, the victim.
If you were in a car accident while using Uber or Lyft and got hurt, you should get legal help. An attorney that holds knowledge over the following topics will be able to help you seek the justice you deserve:
- Uber and lyft’s driver requirements
- State and local laws for rideshares
- Personal injury law
- Accident claims with insurance companies
Shea Law Group: Local Attorneys for Rideshare Drivers & Passengers
In the unfortunate event of an accident involving a rideshare vehicle, securing knowledgeable legal representation is crucial. Whether you are a driver or a passenger, understanding your rights and the nuances of rideshare law is essential.
Our team with Shea Law Group can represent you through these complex situations. Our attorneys contain vast knowledge of Uber and Lyft’s Chicago driver requirements. We will do everything in our power to make sure your case is well-represented.
If you were hurt in an Uber or Lyft ride, contact Shea Law Group at (773) 365-0040 for help right away.
