Uber generally disqualifies you from becoming a driver if you suffered a DUI conviction within several years of your application. A DUI conviction includes convictions for both drunk driving and driving under the influence of drugs.
Note that certain other criminal convictions will prevent a person from being an Uber driver. Examples include convictions for:
- a felony (as opposed to a misdemeanor),
- violent crimes,
- sexual offenses,
- reckless driving, and
- hit and run.
1. Will a DUI disqualify you from being an Uber driver?
Generally, yes. Both Uber and Lyft will disqualify people from becoming rideshare drivers if they have a DUI conviction that is dated within the past several years from the date of their rideshare application.1
Note that you must successfully pass a “motor vehicle record review” to be eligible to become an Uber driver.2 During this review, Uber takes a look at your driving record, which typically includes a review of any of your records filed with your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
Drivers typically will not pass this review if they have a recent DUI conviction or drug-related conviction on their record.
DUI convictions include convictions in most DUI cases, including cases of
- driving while intoxicated,
- driving with a BAC over the legal limit,
- felony DUI/DWI, and
- DUID.
Further, you will also fail to pass the record review with convictions for:
- reckless driving,
- hit and run, and
- fleeing from a police officer.
Speeding violations also preclude people from being Uber drivers if the violations involved speeding more than 20 miles per hour over the posted limit.
2. What if your DUI case was dismissed?
Some people get their DUI cases/DUI charges dismissed following a DUI arrest. If your case was dismissed, it may still show up on a record review and lead to the potential disqualification from being an Uber driver.
The same may also hold true if there was an expungement of your DUI conviction.
If your DUI case was dismissed, or you were found not guilty of DUI, it is a good idea to consult with a DUI attorney prior to completing an application with a ridesharing service.
A DUI defense lawyer or criminal defense attorney can advise you of your state’s DUI laws and how a DUI may or may not interfere with Uber’s driver requirements.
Note that most DUI lawyers and law firms provide potential clients with free consultations. A free consultation means you can get legal advice at no charge.
3. Do Uber applicants have to pass background checks?
Yes. All Uber applicants must consent to a criminal background check.3 The background check looks at a variety of different resources. Some examples include:
- courthouse records,
- motor vehicle records,
- the multi-state criminal database,
- the National Sex Offender Registry, and
- other state criminal databases.
Drivers will usually fail a background check if it reveals any convictions, within the past seven years, for:
- felony offenses,
- violent crimes and related offenses, or
- sexual offenses.4
4. Does Uber conduct annual background checks?
Yes. The ridesharing company does conduct annual background checks on its drivers.
An annual check means Uber would receive notice of a DUI arrest/DUI conviction if one took place:
- after you were employed by the company, and
- within one year of a prior background check.
This same notice will occur if you were arrested for any offense that may have resulted in you not passing a criminal background check.
5. Are there other requirements for being an Uber driver?
Yes. The basic other requirements for being an Uber driver include:
- meeting the minimum age requirements to drive in your city,
- having at least one year of licensed driving experience in the US (three years if you are under 25 years old),
- having a valid U.S. driver’s license, and
- using an eligible 4-door vehicle.5
You must also have the following documentation:
- a valid US driver’s license,
- proof of residency in your city or state, and
- proof of vehicle insurance if you plan to drive your own car.6
Additional Resources
For more information, refer to these articles on Uber’s official website:
- Driver Requirements – What you need to have before you can drive for Uber.
- Vehicle Requirements – What your car needs to have for you to drive for Uber.
- Eligible Cars – A list of makes/models of cars you may drive for Uber (if they meet the vehicle requirements).
- Impaired Driving – An article on how to prevent DUIs.
- Sign up to Drive – The online application to apply to be an Uber driver.
Legal References:
- See, for example, Uber’s Zero Tolerance Policy.
- See Uber website, “Driver Requirements.”
- See same.
- See, for example, Uber help document.
- Se Uber website, “Driver Requirements.”
- See same.
