Rideshare services, such as Uber and Lyft, are frequently used throughout Illinois. Both companies enforce specific driver and vehicle requirements to prioritize passenger safety and reliability.
These standards are especially important in personal injury cases where compliance can impact liability and insurance coverage. Here is what you need to know.
Uber Requirements in Illinois
Uber enforces clear driver and vehicle standards in Illinois to make sure riders have safe, qualified drivers. These requirements help establish accountability and quality for all rides.
Driver Requirements
Uber drivers in Illinois must:
- Be at least 21 years old
- Hold a valid U.S. driver’s license with a minimum of one year of driving experience, or three years if under 25.
- Provide documentation showing proof of residency, vehicle registration, and auto insurance.
- Pass a background check reviewing criminal history and driving records.
- Have a smartphone compatible with the Uber Driver app.
These measures ensure drivers are qualified and vetted before being allowed to transport passengers. Verifying that a driver met these standards can be crucial for determining liability and insurance coverage in a personal injury context.
Vehicle Requirements
To operate for Uber in Illinois, vehicles must:
- Be four-door models, in good working order, and generally 16 years old or newer. The preference is for even newer models in larger cities, such as Chicago.
- Be free of cosmetic damage, commercial branding, salvage titles, or rebuilt classifications.
- Undergo annual inspections to confirm condition and compliance.
Uber’s tiered services, including UberX, UberXL, and Uber Black, have additional requirements related to seating capacity and luxury specifications.
Lyft Requirements in Illinois
Lyft also mandates structured driver and vehicle guidelines throughout Illinois to uphold safety and service consistency. These rules are especially stringent in larger metropolitan areas.
Driver Requirements
Lyft drivers in Illinois must:
- Be at least 25 years old.
- Hold a valid driver’s license with at least one year of licensed driving experience, or three years if under 23.
- Pass a criminal background check and driving history screening.
- Provide proof of insurance, registration, and a profile photo, all uploaded via the Lyft Driver app.
- Use a smartphone capable of running Lyft’s driver app.
These requirements are designed to keep drivers vetted. Confirming that a Lyft driver complied with these standards may affect whether Lyft or the driver is liable for an accident. If the driver did not meet Lyft’s requirements but was still allowed to operate, that may strengthen a personal injury claim.
Vehicle Requirements
For Illinois, Lyft vehicles must:
- Be model year 2009 or newer (2015 or newer in cities like Bloomington).
- Have four doors and 5–8 seatbelts.
- Be in proper working condition, without salvage titles or stretch-limo status.
- Display the Lyft emblem on the windshield while in driver mode.
In places like Chicago, drivers must also follow city-specific requirements. These include requirements for inspections and licensing. Local requirements can influence coverage and liability if an accident occurs while a driver is noncompliant.
Why These Requirements Matter in Personal Injury Cases
Questions of liability and insurance hinge on compliance with Uber’s and Lyft’s standards when a rideshare accident occurs. If a driver or vehicle does not meet platform rules, rideshare companies may attempt to deny coverage or shift blame, which can complicate claims. Both Uber and Lyft provide layered insurance for riders, but noncompliance could limit access to coverage.
You may also have a claim against Uber or Lyft if they failed to properly vet a driver or their vehicle, which contributed to your accident or injuries. An experienced Peoria car accident lawyer can help investigate compliance. This includes reviewing inspection reports, driver background checks, and company records to identify potential safety lapses.
Driving for or Hurt by an Uber or Lyft? Know Their Requirements
Uber and Lyft uphold driver and vehicle requirements in Illinois, which are essential for safety and accountability. If an Uber or Lyft driver has injured you or a loved one, understanding how compliance may affect your case is important.
Contact Our Personal Injury Lawyers At Joel E. Brown, P.C. in Peoria for Assistance Today
To learn more, contact our skilled personal injury attorney at Joel E. Brown, P.C to schedule a free consultation. We are conveniently located in Peoria and proudly serve Peoria County, IL, and the neighboring communities.
Joel E. Brown, P.C
416 Main St Suite 1300 Peoria, IL 61602, United States
(309) 673 4357
Available 24/7