John W. Redmann | March 19, 2026 | Car Accidents
Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have exploded in popularity in recent years, and with that rise come safety and other concerns. Both companies have strict rules in place for vehicles and drivers to help them maintain safety and a strong public image.
Keep reading below to learn all the details about vehicle and driver requirements for Uber and Lyft in Louisiana.
Uber and Lyft Vehicle Requirements
When you get picked up by Uber or Lyft, you want to get into a nice vehicle without any broken parts or components. Thankfully, both Uber and Lyft require regular vehicle inspections to ensure that anyone driving for the platform meets all their vehicle requirements.
In Louisiana, the basic vehicle requirements for the Uber and Lyft platforms are:
- Vehicles must be 16 years old or newer
- At least four doors
- Minimum of five seat belts
- Must have a clean title (no rebuilt titles)
- The vehicle must display a Louisiana license plate
- No major cosmetic damage, such as dents and dings
- No commercial branding on the vehicle
Both Uber and Lyft may also require regular inspections. Vehicles could be required to pass an inspection every year or every 50,000 miles, whichever comes first.
Uber and Lyft Driver Requirements
Drivers on both platforms must meet strict requirements before they are approved to drive. Both Uber and Lyft conduct initial and ongoing background checks and criminal record checks.
In addition to background checks, both Uber and Lyft also require drivers:
- Be at least 25 years old (21 for Uber in some cases)
- Have at least one year of licensed driver experience in the United States
- Have a valid Louisiana license (out-of-state licenses may be allowed for Lyft drivers)
- Have proof of insurance, vehicle registration, and a valid profile photo
- Must have a smartphone that can run the rideshare app
Typically, both Uber and Lyft review your driving and criminal records over the past 7 years. However, older convictions can still get your driver’s application rejected, especially for serious convictions. Three moving violations within 3 years are also likely to result in your application being rejected.
Uber and Lyft Insurance Requirements
While you must carry your own insurance, Uber and Lyft also provide drivers with additional coverage while they are active on the platform. The additional insurance provided by Uber and Lyft depends on the driver’s status at the time of an accident.
These coverages may vary by company and by what stage of :
- Driver is offline: No additional coverage provided. Drivers must use their own liability coverage.
- Driver is online and waiting for a ride request: $50,000 in bodily injury per person, $100,000 in bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 in property damage liability coverage
- Driver is en route to pick up a passenger or actively completing a trip: $1,000,000 in liability coverage
Even though Uber and Lyft do everything they can to make their services safe, accidents can still happen. These additional insurance coverages help protect victims in the event an accident does occur.
What to Do After an Uber or Lyft Accident
If you have been hurt in an Uber or Lyft accident, you could be entitled to significant compensation for your injuries. This includes both economic damages and non-economic damages.
To protect your legal rights, you should:
- Get immediate medical treatment for any injuries
- Take photos of all the vehicles and your injuries, if possible
- Obtain contact information for any witnesses
- Talk to an experienced personal injury lawyer for help
Avoid giving any statements before consulting with an attorney.
Contact Our Metairie Car Accident Lawyers at Law Office of John W. Redmann, L.L.C. for a Free Consultation After an Uber or Lyft Accident
If you’ve been in a crash involving a rideshare driver or vehicle, contact the Law Office of John W. Redmann, L.L.C. to schedule a free consultation. Our Metairie car accident lawyers can answer all your questions and help you get the justice you deserve. Reach out today to let us put our experience to work for you.
If you were injured in an accident in Metairie or Gretna, Louisiana, and need legal help, contact our car accident attorneys at The Law Office of John W. Redmann, LLC, to schedule a free case review today.
We serve Jefferson Parish County and Louisiana’s surrounding Areas
The Law Office of John W. Redmann, LLC – Metairie, LA Office
2901 N Causeway Blvd, STE 202, Metairie, LA, 70002
(504) 500-5000
The Law Office of John W. Redmann, LLC – Gretna, LA Office
1101 Westbank Expy, Gretna, LA, 70053
(504) 384-8053