Vehicle and Driver Requirements in Missouri for Uber and Lyft

Ryan Bradley | May 10, 2022 | Car Accident

Uber and Lyft, the country’s top ridesharing services, are a great alternative to taxi services. Still, as with any type of public transportation, there are driver and passenger safety requirements. 

Understanding safety requirements for Uber and Lyft drivers can help you stay safe.

What Are the Vehicle Requirements in Missouri for Uber and Lyft?

Before drivers receive approval to drive for either ridesharing service, they must meet specific vehicle requirements. 

Missouri is one of a few states that does not conduct a driver inspection for Uber or Lyft vehicles, but there are other requirements. Uber does not allow cars more than 15 years old. Lyft does have a few exceptions for 2003 and 2004 models in some smaller cities, but bigger towns such as St. Louis have stricter requirements for vehicle age.  

Other basic vehicle requirements are:

• Four doors
• Good condition with no visible damage
• Current Missouri license plate
• No salvage title
• No advertising
• Five to eight seatbelts, depending on the number of seats

Many subcompact cars are prohibited, as well. Each company has a list of prohibited vehicles on their respective websites.

What Kind of Insurance Policies Are Required for Missouri Uber and Lyft Drivers?

All drivers must have a current personal auto insurance policy. If they are not actively transporting a fare, their own coverage applies in case of an accident. 

However, if the driver is logged into the app and awaiting a passenger, both Lyft and Uber offer the following coverage:

• $50,000 in bodily injury per person
• $100,000 in bodily injury per accident
• $25,000 in property damage per accident

When a driver is on their way to pick up a passenger or has a passenger in their car, both companies offer the following coverage:

• $1,000,000 third-party liability
• Uninsured/underinsured motorist bodily injury
• Contingent comprehensive and collision

Each company has a different deductible, though. Uber’s is $2,500 while Lyft’s is $1,000.

What Are Missouri’s Uber and Lyft Driver Requirements?

Both companies conduct annual background checks on their drivers, including criminal checks. Each company uses an outside service for these checks. If a driver has been arrested, each company states that they will be removed from the roster. 

Missouri rideshare driver requirements also include:

• A copy of the driver’s record
• At least one year of licensed driving (for Lyft)
• At least three years of licensed driving (for Uber)
• Passing the background check

Serious driving violations, criminal charges, and DUI or DWI charges will often mean automatic rejection of a driver or the end of their contract. Moving and traffic violations are also considered when accepting a driver into Uber or Lyft. 

Drivers may be rejected for the following violations within a 3-year span:

• Expired license or tags
• Illegal turns
• Speeding
• Traffic light or stop sign violations

If an Uber or Lyft driver is involved in an accident while logged into the app, whether they have a passenger in the car or not, they may also be subject to immediate removal from the company.

Other Rideshare Safety Tips to Follow

Although ridesharing companies are getting stricter with their requirements for drivers and vehicles, accidents still happen. If you note that the seat belt in your rideshare car isn’t working, or if the vehicle looks unreliable or has visible damage, it’s okay to cancel the ride. 

If the driver is driving erratically or you suspect they’re operating the vehicle under the influence, try to end the ride in a safe area as quickly as you can. If you ever feel uneasy getting into a vehicle, don’t hesitate to cancel the ride. 

Contact Our Car Accident Law Firm For Help Today

For more information, please contact Bradley Law Personal Injury Lawyers at your nearest location to schedule a free case evaluation today.

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1430 Washington Ave Suite #226 St. Louis, MO 63103
(314) 400-0000

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1509 NE Parvin Rd, Suite A., Kansas City, MO 64116
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