A rising number of New Yorkers are turning to ridesharing as a way to make some side cash or as a full-time living. For many, being a driver for Uber, Lyft, Via, Gett/Juno or any other ridesharing business is a convenience. For others, it is a necessity.
Either way, a driver must abide by a contract agreement in order to retain the right to be a registered driver for one or more platforms. These agreements have specific rules about traffic violations and auto accidents. Violating those agreements can result in being dropped as a driver.
Three Strikes
Those who have applied to be drivers for Uber or Lyft may remember that the company conducts background checks and pulls driving records for all applicants. Both applications state clearly that drivers with more than three moving violations in three years can be denied. A moving violation, according to their contract agreement, includes minor traffic infractions like speeding tickets. It also includes auto accidents while driving for uber (regardless of fault).
This threshold remains in place for drivers whose applications are accepted. Once a person becomes a driver for Uber or Lyft, that person will be expected to maintain as clean a driving record as possible. Three tickets and/or accidents within three years and the person could lose the right to drive for the rideshare company.
Will Uber or Lyft Find Out About A Speeding Ticket?
Anecdotal evidence from rideshare drivers conflict as to if and how the companies discover convictions for speeding tickets and other infractions. However, it would be unwise to presume that the company would not care. Since the employment agreement states that the driver is expected to keep his/her driving record as clean as possible, it would be in a person’s best interest to avoid speeding or breaking other traffic laws.
What If the Speeding Ticket Is Issued on My Own Time?
The driving agreement for rideshare companies does not limit instances of speeding tickets or other moving violations to when that person is driving for the company. Any speeding ticket-- even one received while on vacation, commuting to another part-time job, heading to the supermarket, etc.—can affect one’s ability to drive for Uber or Lyft.
What Happens If a Person Gets A Speeding Ticket While Driving for Uber?
Uber, Lyft, Via and other rideshare apps that operate in NY are not transparent about how often it checks drivers’ records. Nor are they open about how they notify a driver when they become aware of speeding tickets or other moving violations. Some drivers have reported getting emails warning them that further instances of bad driving can result in being dropped. However, others have claimed to have never been contacted by the company following a speeding ticket conviction.
Should Uber or Lyft Drivers Fight NY Speeding Tickets?
Given that too many speeding tickets can impact one’s ability to earn money as a rideshare driver, it is in one’s best interest to fight every speeding ticket. By fighting a speeding ticket, a person can ensure that it never shows up on one’s driving record. In many cases, a speeding ticket can be negotiated down to a parking ticket, which is not a moving violation and does not affect one’s ability to drive for rideshare companies. In some cases, the ticket may be dismissable.
When Should I Hire An Attorney?
An Uber, Lyft, Via or other rideshare drivers should always consider hiring an attorney to fight a speeding ticket. There are several reasons why:
- In parts of New York that allow for a pretrial conference, an attorney is far more likely to get a speeding ticket reduced to an offense that won’t impact one’s ability to drive for a rideshare company.
- In New York City, where negotiating speeding tickets is not allowed, an attorney offers the best chance of getting the charge dismissed or getting the driver acquitted.
- The cost of hiring an attorney is often less than the overall addition in premiums one might pay over three or more years if convicted of the speeding ticket.
- The cost of hiring an attorney is less than the amount of money a person would lose if he/she is disqualified from driving for a rideshare company.
Who Should I Contact?
If you or someone you love drives for Uber, Lyft, Via, or Gett/Juno and has been ticketed for speeding, contact the expert attorneys at Rosenblum Law. Our NYC traffic ticket lawyers can help you avoid the points and costs associated with a conviction and ensure you are able to continue to earn money from ridesharing. Call 888-434-0406 or email Rosenblum Law today for a free consultation about your case.
