Vehicle and Driver Requirements For Uber and Lyft in South Carolina
Whether you intend to drive full-time or just want some extra money, working for Uber or Lyft can be a profitable venture. However, not all drivers and their vehicles qualify for work on either platform.
Both Uber and Lyft have strict requirements in place to reduce the risk of car accidents and subsequent harm to passengers. Here’s what you need to know about both rideshare companies’ requirements for South Carolina drivers.
Lyft Requirements For South Carolina Drivers
Lyft requires South Carolina drivers to use vehicles fitting the following criteria:
- Must not be titled as rebuilt, non-repairable, or salvage
- Must have a permanent license plate
- Must have five to eight seats (including the driver’s seat)
- Must have four doors
- Must be from model year 2009 or newer
- Must not be a rental car (unless rented through Express Drive)
- Must not be a taxi or stretch limousine
- Must pass a vehicle inspection before being approved for the platform
- Must pass an annual inspection thereafter
Lyft also imposes these requirements for drivers:
- Must be age 25 or older
- Must have a valid driver’s license (including temporary or out-of-state licenses)
- Must have personal car insurance
- Must pass a Lyft driver screening
With regard to that last point, Lyft does not publish a definitive list of what disqualifies someone from driving for the company. However, it notes that your application may be denied if any of the following are true:
- You are a registered sex offender
- You have been convicted of a violent crime or sex offense
- You have been convicted of an act of terror
- You have been convicted of a DUI or drug-related offense in the past seven years
- You have been convicted of fraud in the past seven years
- You have been convicted of theft/property damage in the past seven years
Background checks also look at driving records. If you have a long history of traffic tickets or a vehicle-related offense like a hit and run, you may not be allowed to drive for Lyft.
Thankfully, if something on your background check is flagged during the application process, Lyft gives you the right to dispute it.
Uber Requirements For South Carolina Drivers
The requirements for Uber drivers and cars are similar to those for Lyft drivers. In South Carolina, Uber has the following criteria for vehicles:
- Must not be titled as reconstructed, rebuilt, or salvaged
- Must be 16 years old or newer
- Must have four doors
- Must be able to transport at least four passengers
- Must not have cosmetic damage or any commercial branding
- Must not be a rental car (unless rented from an approved Uber rental car partner)
- Must pass a vehicle inspection within 30 days of the first trip
- Must pass an annual vehicle inspection afterward
It also lists these requirements for drivers:
- Must meet the minimum age requirement, which can vary by jurisdiction
- Must have at least one year of driving experience (at least three if under 25)
- Must have a valid driver’s license
- Must pass a driver screening
- Must have proof of insurance to drive
That last point is critical; if you cause an Uber accident, Uber’s insurance coverage may not always apply.
Additionally, with regard to driver screenings, Uber doesn’t offer as much information about what’s on the background check, much like Lyft. Nevertheless, it will check both driving records and criminal records.
The following may disqualify a prospective worker from driving:
- Convictions for murder or other violent felonies
- Sexual assault convictions
- Terror-related convictions
Uber says that pending charges may also disqualify a driver unless they have been resolved in the driver’s favor.
Make Sure You’re Ready To Get Behind the Wheel
Both Uber and Lyft periodically update and add to their requirements, so you may need to adhere to additional criteria not mentioned above. Navigating the application process can be tedious, but if you run into any roadblocks, both companies’ support agents are a phone call away.
Contact The Rock Hill Personal Injury Lawyers At Elrod Pope Accident & Injury Attorneys For Help Today
For more information, please contact our Personal Injury lawyers in South Carolina at Elrod Pope Accident & Injury Attorneys to schedule a free consultation today.
We proudly serve York County, Lancaster County, and its surrounding areas:
Elrod Pope Accident & Injury Attorneys – York Office
6 N Congress St,
York, SC 29745
(803) 902-7225
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Elrod Pope Accident & Injury Attorneys – Rock Hill Office
212 E Black St,
Rock Hill, SC 29730
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Elrod Pope Accident & Injury Attorneys – Lancaster Office
204 A S Main St,
Lancaster, SC 29720
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1201 Carolina Pl Suite 102D,
Fort Mill, SC 29708
(803) 902-4045
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264 Latitude Ln #102A,
Lake Wylie, SC 29710
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Elrod Pope Accident & Injury Attorneys – Charlotte Office
1100 S Mint St #109,
Charlotte, NC 28203
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