Rideshare drivers in Austin, Texas, may choose to operate through Uber, Lyft, or both platforms. To qualify, drivers must meet certain eligibility criteria related to personal qualifications, vehicle standards, and required documentation.
These requirements can vary by state and city. This article focuses on the specific driver and vehicle standards applicable to Uber and Lyft in Texas. In Texas, Transportation Network Company (TNC) regulations establish baseline rules governing driver eligibility, vehicle safety, and insurance coverage.
The general standards for drivers and vehicles include:
Lyft Car Requirements in Texas
Lyft requires vehicles to have a minimum of four doors. The vehicles must have a minimum of five seat belts, including the driver’s seat belt, with a maximum of eight seat belts. Specific Lyft car requirements in Texas include:
- Vehicle that is 2009 or newer
- 4 doors
- 5 to 8 seat belts, including the driver’s
- Valid license plate
Vehicles cannot be on the list of ineligible subcompact vehicles to be eligible for Lyft. Also, some vehicles may qualify for “Black” status, which earns a higher rate. It is always advisable to check the specific requirements for your city to ensure your vehicle meets any local requirements for Lyft vehicles.
Lyft Driver Requirements in Texas
Drivers for Lyft must meet the following requirements in Texas:
- Must be 25 years old or older
- Have a valid driver’s license
- Pass the driver screening requirements, including a background check and a driving history
- Have a smartphone that can download and operate the Lyft Driver app
In addition, drivers must submit proof of vehicle insurance. They must have proof of a Texas Two Step sticker and submit a driver profile photo.
Uber Car Requirements in Texas
Uber’s requirements are similar to those of Lyft. The basic vehicle requirements for Uber in Texas are:
- Must have four doors and be able to transport a minimum of four passengers
- Vehicle model must be 16 years old or newer.
- Cannot have any cosmetic damage, missing pieces, or commercial branding
- Vehicle title cannot be rebuilt, reconstructed, or salvaged
- Rental vehicles are not permitted, except for rentals from an approved Uber rental car partner
Some vehicles qualify for an upgraded status. If you want to drive for Uber, you can check the list of eligible vehicles on Uber’s website.
Uber Driver Requirements in Texas
Uber drivers must meet minimum requirements to transport passengers. The requirements for Uber drivers in Texas are:
- Must meet the minimum age to drive in your city. However, if you activate your account after August 12, 2024, you must be at least 25 years old to transport passengers.
- Have at least one year of licensed driving experience in the United States (three years if you are under 25 years old)
- A valid Texas driver’s license
Drivers must also pass the required background checks and provide proof of vehicle insurance. They must also have a driver profile photo on record.
What Are the Insurance Requirements for Uber and Lyft Drivers in Texas?
Drivers in Austin are required to have the state minimum car insurance coverage of:
- $30,000 per person for bodily injury and death
- $60,000 per accident for two or more injuries or deaths
- $25,000 per accident in property damage
A driver may purchase additional coverage, including collision, comprehensive, PIP, uninsured/underinsured coverage, and medical payments coverage.
The driver’s personal car insurance applies when the app is not turned on. However, Chapter 1954 of the Texas Insurance Code requires higher amounts of liability insurance when the Uber or Lyft apps are in use. Those requirements are:
Rideshare App Is on and Driver Is Available for Rides
The driver must have $50,000 for bodily injury, $100,000 for death, and $25,000 for property damage. They must also have uninsured, underinsured, and personal injury protection coverage as required by law.
En Route to a Ride and During a Ride
The driver must have a minimum of $1 million in total liability coverage for bodily injury, death, and property damage per accident. They must also have uninsured, underinsured, and personal injury protection coverage as required by law.
Uber and Lyft provide their drivers with the required insurance when the rideshare app is on and they are engaged in a prearranged ride. However, when the app is off, the company’s insurance coverage does not apply.
Who Is Responsible for Damages Caused by an Uber or Lyft Accident?
Uber and Lyft accidents often occur for the same reasons as other car crashes: speeding, distracted driving, impaired driving, drowsy driving, or failure to follow traffic laws. Determining who is legally responsible for damages after a rideshare accident depends on the circumstances of the crash.
Liability in an Uber or Lyft crash can extend to several parties:
- The rideshare driver: If the Uber or Lyft driver’s negligence caused the crash, they may be held responsible.
- Another driver: If another motorist crashes into a rideshare vehicle, that driver may be liable.
- Commercial drivers or trucking companies: In collisions involving large trucks, liability may fall on the driver, their employer, or both.
- Employers of negligent drivers: If an at-fault driver was working at the time of the crash, their employer may share liability.
- Government entities: Poor road design or unsafe conditions could make a city, county, or state agency responsible.
- Manufacturers or mechanic shops: Defective car parts or negligent repairs can also contribute to accidents.
Any party whose actions or negligence played a role in causing the crash may be required to pay damages, including economic and non-economic damages.
The Role of Insurance in Uber and Lyft Accidents
Identifying the liable party is critical because it determines which insurance policy applies to the claim. In some cases, this could be the rideshare company’s insurer. Uber and Lyft carry third-party liability coverage for drivers who are logged into the app and transporting passengers.
Depending on the driver’s status at the time of the crash, the rideshare company’s policy—or the driver’s personal insurance—may apply.
Seek Help With an Uber or Lyft Accident Claim
Filing a personal injury claim for a rideshare accident can be a frustrating process. The drivers involved in the crash may deny that they caused the crash. The rideshare company and its insurance provider may fight your claim. Accidents involving Uber and Lyft drivers often involve complicated legal issues that can delay and prevent payment to the accident victims.
At McMinn Personal Injury Lawyers, our Austin car accident lawyers understand the laws and regulations that govern rideshare companies. Call us today for a free consultation with an attorney to learn more about how we can help you with a claim.
If you’ve been injured, contact your nearest McMinn Personal Injury Lawyers location to schedule a free consultation today.
We serve in Austin, TX, and Salt Lake City, UT.
McMinn Personal Injury Lawyers – Austin, TX Office
502 W 14th St, Austin, TX 78701
(512) 474-0222
McMinn Personal Injury Lawyers – Salt Lake City, UT Office
650 S 500 W Suite 290, Salt Lake City, UT 84104
(385) 462-7630
