Workman Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers | November 20, 2025 | Car Accidents
Uber and Lyft are popular ways for people to earn money in Fort Lauderdale, but you can’t just hop in your car and start driving. Both companies have specific driver requirements, vehicle rules, and safety standards you must meet before getting approved in order to avoid car accidents.
Understanding these requirements can help you avoid delays during the application process and keep your account in good standing once you start driving.
Basic Driver Requirements
Uber and Lyft have similar rules for who can drive for their platforms.
To qualify, you must meet these basic requirements:
- You must be at least 21 years old.
- You must have at least one year of licensed driving experience (three years if you’re under 25).
- You need a valid U.S. driver’s license.
- You must pass a criminal background check.
- You must pass a driving record check.
These checks look for recent moving violations, DUIs, violent offenses, and other issues that could disqualify an applicant.
Insurance Requirements
Rideshare drivers are required to carry personal auto insurance. In Florida, this includes meeting the state’s minimum coverage requirements and complying with the no-fault Personal Injury Protection (PIP) system. Once you are logged into the app, Uber and Lyft provide additional coverage.
Florida’s modified comparative negligence rule may also affect how insurance claims are handled after a crash. If a driver is found more than 50 percent responsible, they may not be able to collect damages from another party.
Vehicle Requirements for Uber
Uber’s rules vary slightly by service level, but all vehicles must meet minimum standards:
- The car must be 10–15 years old or newer, depending on the location.
- The vehicle must have four doors.
- It must seat at least four passengers, not including the driver.
- It must pass a vehicle inspection.
- It must not have cosmetic damage or major mechanical issues.
Uber also requires working seat belts for all passengers, functioning air conditioning, and a clean interior.
Uber Service Levels
Different Uber services have different rules:
- UberX: Standard vehicles, the most common category.
- UberXL: SUVs or minivans with seating for six.
- Uber Comfort: Newer, larger cars with more legroom.
- Uber Black: Premium black vehicles with commercial licensing.
Drivers must meet higher standards to qualify for the premium categories.
Vehicle Requirements for Lyft
Lyft’s rules are similar, though there are slight variations depending on the driver’s city:
- The vehicle must have four doors and five to eight seats.
- It must be no more than 15 years old in most markets.
- It must pass a Lyft-approved vehicle inspection.
- It must have a working horn, lights, seat belts, windows, and A/C.
Lyft also prohibits rebuilt, salvaged, or rental vehicles (except specific rental partners the company approves).
Additional Rules for Both Platforms
Rideshare companies monitor driver performance, and drivers must follow these rules to stay active:
- Maintain a strong customer rating.
- Avoid excessive cancellations.
- Follow all local traffic laws.
- Keep the car clean and safe for passengers.
- Never use the app while impaired, fatigued, or distracted.
Failure to follow these rules can result in account warnings or deactivation.
Common Reasons Applicants Get Rejected
Many drivers are surprised when their application is denied.
Common reasons include:
- Recent DUI, reckless driving, or major traffic violations
- Too many minor violations in a short period
- Problems found during the background check
- An older vehicle that doesn’t meet requirements
- A failed inspection, often due to lights, brakes, or worn tires
Fixing vehicle issues and reapplying is often possible once the car passes inspection.
What Happens After an Accident?
If an Uber or Lyft driver in Fort Lauderdale is involved in a crash, they should:
- Report the accident to law enforcement.
- Seek medical care, even for minor injuries.
- Report the crash in the rideshare app.
- Avoid discussing fault with insurers or the other driver.
Under Florida’s statute of limitations, injured people generally have two years to file a personal injury lawsuit.
Contact the Fort Lauderdale Car Accident Lawyers at Workman Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers for Help Today
Driving for Uber or Lyft can be a flexible way to earn income, but it comes with strict rules for both drivers and vehicles. Meeting these requirements helps protect passengers, keeps you compliant with Florida law, and reduces the risk of account problems.
If you’ve been in an accident with a rideshare driver, Workman Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers is here to help. Our Fort Lauderdale car accident attorneys are here to get you the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.
For more information, please contact an experienced car accident lawyer at Workman Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers for a free consultation.
We proudly serve Fort Lauderdale, Clermont, and its surrounding areas:
Workman Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers
633 S Andrews Ave Ste 401, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
(954) 361-3997
Workman Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers
1655 E Hwy 50 ste 316, Clermont, FL 34711
(352) 77-33866