DUI / DWI History and What It Means for Uber and Lyft Drivers

Man with an alcoholic drink and keys in his hand next to a car.

Becoming a driver for Uber or Lyft is an increasingly common profession. Some people do it as a full-time job, while others do it to make a little extra money on the side. Either way, people are drawn to the independence and simplicity of the job – you get to decide when you work, you get to decide how much you want to work, and you even get to do it from the comfort of your own vehicle.

There is one thing a lot of would-be-drivers do not know, however. You may not be approved to become an Uber or Lyft driver if you have even one drunk driving charge or conviction on your driving history. Both Uber and Lyft have strict background check guidelines as part of the process for individuals to get approved to drive for the company.

Uber and Lyft Background Checks

When you apply to become an Uber or Lyft driver, you must consent to allow the companies to run a background check and driving record check.

Uber states that, after you fill out the basic online application, you will be asked to complete a consent form that allows Uber to use a company called Checkr to perform the background check. The background check will include your driver’s history for at least 7 to 10 years.
Lyft advertises that its background checks are also performed by a third-party and include national and county-level databases, and, when necessary, local courthouse record checks going back a minimum of seven years or more.

Your driver’s abstract will let these companies know if you have ever been convicted of any DUI or drug-related driving offense, and your application will automatically be flagged for additional review. A DUI within the last seven years can result in your rejection by either company. Both companies advertise that there are no exceptions to this rule.

Moreover, if you’ve ever been convicted of a felony DUI in any state, even if it was more than 10 years ago, this could result in your application being denied.

What About Ongoing DWI Charges or Expungements?

New Jersey does not provide for the expungement of drunk driving convictions, although some other states might. Both Uber and Lyft advertise that they conduct national background checks, so if you have ever been convicted of DUI in any state and wish to drive for one of these companies, it will be helpful to contact an attorney.

If you have a current or ongoing charge for driving while intoxicated, it is extremely important that you contact a lawyer if you hope to become a commercial driver in the future. Both Uber and Lyft state that they will consider all ongoing charges, and if you are in the middle of proceedings regarding a charge for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, you can expect to have your application denied or flagged for further consideration.

At this time, your best chance to be able to drive for Uber, or keep driving, if you’re already a driver, is to win your case or have the charges against you dropped completely.

How an Attorney Can Help

Man with an alcoholic drink and keys in his hand next to a car., if you refuse to submit to a blood-alcohol test, or if you are convicted of a DUI/DWI offense in New Jersey or any other state. If you are charged with driving while intoxicated, you should always contact a lawyer as soon as possible. An experienced DWI attorney could make a world of difference.

New Jersey DUI Attorney Edward M. Janzekovich Can Help if Your Job is On the Line Due to a Drunk Driving Charge

If you or someone you know is being charged with a DUI/DWI, knowing the potential consequences of that conviction is important. The difference between guilty and innocent could mean the difference between being able to provide for your family and loved ones or losing your right to drive. If you or someone you know is facing a DWI charge, a knowledgeable drunk driving attorney can make all the difference. To speak with an experienced New Jersey DWI lawyer about your situation, call us at 732-257-1137 or contact us online today. We serve clients throughout the state of New Jersey.