Your Guide: Can you Drive for Uber with a DUI?
In the past few years, taxi apps like Uber and Lyft have changed the way people get around and given many people flexible work options. A wide range of drivers are using these services because they let them work from home and make money on their own time.
What about the people who drive? Maybe you’re looking for a new gig but might have some not-so-good history. If you’ve ever wondered, “Can you Drive for Uber with a DUI?”, you’re in the right place. Keep reading to learn more.
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How to Drive for Uber?: The Basics
There are basic standards that every person who wants to drive for Uber must meet. Some of these are:
- Age Limit: People who want to drive must be at least 21 years old.
- Driving Experience: Applicants over 23 years old must have at least one year of driving experience in the United States. Applicants under 23 years old must have at least three years of experience.
- legal Driver’s License: You must have a driver’s license that is up-to-date and legal.
- Eligibility of Vehicle: Your car must have four doors and meet
How does a DUI affect your chances of getting a job?
“Can you drive for Uber with a DUI?” is a question you may have. The details of your conviction will determine the answer. Uber has strong rules about people with criminal records, especially DUIs. Know this:
Time frame
Uber usually doesn’t hire people who have been convicted of DUI in the last seven years. In some places, like California, this time limit can be raised to ten years.
Background Checks
Uber does regular background checks on its drivers, which can show if they have been charged with or convicted of DUI recently. If you get a DUI while working for Uber, you could be kicked off the site.
Dismissals and Appeals
If your DUI was thrown out, you can ask for your application to be looked over again. You might be able to drive sometimes.
How Lyft Handles People Who Have Been Convicted of DUI?
In the same way that Uber does, Lyft has strict rules about driving records. Here’s what you should know if you want to drive for Lyft:
- Offenses That Disqualify You: Lyft may not hire candidates who have had a DUI or drug-related driving offense in the last seven years.
- If you have had four or more moving complaints in the last three years, you may also not be able to get the job.
- Continuous Monitoring: Lyft keeps an eye on its drivers’ records all the time. If they get caught breaking the law again, they could be kicked off the platform.
- If you have a DUI record and want to drive for rideshare companies, you need to know these rules.
Getting Around in Different States
If you have a DUI record from another state and want to drive in a different state, the rules may still be the same. Your driving record from all places where you have had a license will be part of the background check. Remember these things:
Records from Interstate: Your driving record follows you around, and Uber and Lyft can see records from every state you’ve been in.
Specific rules for each state: Different states may have different rules about DUIs and driving for rideshare companies. Always look at the company’s rules and the laws in your area.
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Help with the law and your rights
You might want to talk to a lawyer if you have been charged with DUI and are worried about your ability to drive for Uber or Lyft. A lawyer can help in these ways:
- Case Evaluation: An experienced lawyer can look at the details of your DUI charge and tell you if there are any reasons to have it dropped or reduced.
- Plea Bargaining: If the case can’t be dropped, you might be able to work out a deal to plead guilty to a lower crime. But be careful, because some lower charges may still affect your status.
- Understanding the Consequences: A lawyer can help you understand how different results might affect your ability to work as a rideshare driver.
Getting the Right Legal Help
When looking for a lawyer, think about these things:
- Experience with DUI Cases: Pick a lawyer who focuses on DUI cases and knows how the rideshare business works.
- Many law firms give free consultations, so you can talk about your case with an attorney without having to pay anything.
- Local Knowledge: An attorney who knows the rules of your state can give you specific advice.
How to Keep Your Driving Record Clean?
Having a clean driving record is very important if you want to drive for Uber or Lyft. Here are some ways to make sure you follow the rules:
- Follow the rules of the road: Always respect the speed limit and stop at the lights to avoid small traffic violations.
- Avoid Driving Carelessly: Driving carelessly, like going over 20 miles per hour over the speed limit, can get you in a lot of trouble with the law.
- Stay Informed: Check your driving record often and take care of any problems before they get worse.
What Will Happen to Ride-Share Driving After a DUI?
The rules that rideshare businesses follow change as the companies do. Rules may seem strict right now, but they can change over time. Pay attention to these things:
- Policy Changes: Check Uber and Lyft’s websites often to see if their driving rules have changed.
- State rules: Changes to state rules about DUIs and driving for rideshare companies can also affect who is eligible.
- Public Perception: As more people learn about drunk driving, rideshare companies may change their rules to match how people feel about it.
Conclusion
It can be hard to find work as a ridesharing driver after getting a DUI, but it’s not impossible. Knowing what companies like Uber and Lyft need from you, as well as your rights, and getting legal help can help you make smart choices.
If you want to drive for rideshare companies full-time or part-time, staying aware and taking action can help you find new jobs. Don’t be afraid to get in touch with a lawyer for a free session if you have any questions or need more help. Happy job hunting!