10 Ways Uber and Lyft Riders Can Get Banned

How Uber and Lyft Riders Can Get Banned

Uber and Lyft are considered as two of the top competitors for rideshare services in the United States, but despite that ubiquity Uber and Lyft riders can get banned.

Although these two rideshare companies have established several rules and regulations to maintain a safe environment during trips, there have been many reports of drivers and riders who have committed reckless actions that have resulted in unfortunate circumstances, such as motor vehicle accidents, sexual assaults, and physical assaults. 

Those who have been harmed or involved in an accident due to a negligent rideshare driver or rider are qualified to file a personal injury claim against the party at-fault for damages. At West Coast Trial Lawyers, our skilled Uber and Lyft accident attorneys are available 24/7 to offer assistance to victims who are in need of legal representation. We will strengthen your claim and negotiate with insurance companies to get you a fair settlement offer.

If you are interested in using our services, you may contact our personal injury law firm by calling 213-927-3700 or filling out our quick contact form. 

10 Uber Rider Violations in 2022

1. 1. Requesting a ride that is designed to fit less riders than the actual group size. It is considered a violation to request a ride for a party with more riders than seats available. Many times, riders will order the basic rideshare service, UberX or Lyft, which can seat four riders at maximum, and will attempt to fit a party of five or more inside. Riders should always make sure that they order the correct service that is appropriate for the number of riders they want to include in the same ride. They should consider ordering an UberXL or Lyft XL so that everybody in their party can travel safely.
   2. A minor riding alone. Riders under the age of 18 who are unaccompanied by a parent or legal guardian are not allowed to use Uber or Lyft services. All Uber and Lyft users must confirm that they are 18 or older to request a ride.
   3. Under the influence of drugs or alcohol. It is unlawful for riders to consume drugs or alcohol during a trip. While it is common for people to request rideshare services for a night out of partying that involves consuming such substances, they are not allowed to partake in these activities while inside the vehicle
   4. Smoking or vaping. It is unlawful for riders to smoke while in the rideshare vehicle. Doing so can cause harm to the driver and may inflict damages to the interior of the vehicle. If a driver has evidence of damages caused by smoking, they can report the rider and charge them a damage fee. Damage fees for Uber are up to $250 while damage fees for Lyft can range up to $150.
   5. Carrying a weapon. Riders are not allowed to carry a firearm or other types of dangerous weapons while inside the rideshare vehicle. It is highly recommended to have an Uber safety kit available at all times.
   6. Requesting a ride without a child seat for your child. It is listed as the rider’s responsibility to provide a safety seat when they are bringing a child along with them.
   7. Discriminating against other riders or the driver. According to Lyft’s Community Guidelines, riders are not allowed to discriminate against drivers or other riders about their “race, skin color, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, sex, marital status, gender identity, age, military status, or any other characteristic protected under law.”
   8. Touching the driver or other riders without their explicit consent. Riders are not allowed to touch others in the vehicle without their consent. There should be no reason to touch another person in a rideshare vehicle, and should a reason arise, riders must ask permission first before touching the driver or other rider(s). 
   9. Using “abusive, discriminatory, sexual, or inappropriate language, behavior, or gestures.” This is stated explicitly under Lyft’s Community Guidelines and Uber’s no-sex rule. It is prohibited for sexual acts to be done between riders and drivers during trips.
   10. Violating road safety laws or urging a driver to violate road safety laws. It is unlawful for riders to violate road safety rules, such as refusing to wear a seat belt or taking off their seat belt throughout the duration of the ride. It is also against both company’s terms of service and community guidelines for a rider to pressure a driver to violate road safety laws, such as urging them to speed or dropping them off in an unauthorized area.

Rider Violations Can Cause Fines and Accidents

If a rideshare driver allows a rider to get away with one or more violations, they could be held accountable for damages and may receive a ticket. It is encouraged for a rideshare driver to refuse to offer their services or end their services to riders who violate the terms of service or community guidelines.

5 Uber Driver Violations in 2023

1. 1. 1. Drinking or smoking while on the job. An Uber or Lyft driver is required to be sober when working under either company. If they are found smoking or driving in the vehicle while a rider is present, they will likely lose their job as their negligent actions may pose a safety risk to the rider.
      2. Texting and driving. A rideshare driver is given the duty of care to provide safe transportation services to riders. This requires the rideshare driver to prevent distractions from getting in the way of fulfilling their work-related duties. Riders who notice rideshare drivers texting and driving during a trip are encouraged to report the action to Uber or Lyft. Either rideshare company will likely remove the driver from accessing the Uber or Lyft app for work purposes. This will help future riders from sharing a vehicle with a rideshare driver who is willing to put others' lives at risk over silly distractions.
      3. Driving while drowsy. It is heavily encouraged for rideshare drivers to get 8 hours of sleep before each shift. However, many drivers push themselves to work as much as possible to collect enough income to live a financially stable lifestyle. Although this commitment is understandable, it can be detrimental on your health and will leave you feeling fatigued during trips. Not only will you have a difficult time driving, but you will also be putting others' lives at risk of getting into an accident.
      4. Speeding. Speeding is the leading factor of motor vehicle accidents in the United States. Exceeding the posted speed limit could reduce a driver’s reaction time to road obstacles ahead, such as abrupt stops, sudden turns, road hazards, animals, or pedestrians who are crossing the street. Be mindful of others and maintain a legal speed limit, even if the rider is encouraging you to go faster. Do not give in to the words or actions of a rider who is frustrated from you following the rules of the road.
      5. Sexually or physically assaulting a rider. Like riders, drivers also get anxious at the thought of trusting a stranger who enters the vehicle. Unfortunately, many negligent riders have taken advantage of a driver by physically or sexually assaulting them. It is encouraged for victims of sexual or physical assault to reach out to an experienced personal injury attorney before reporting the incident to Uber or Lyft. An attorney will protect your legal rights and get you the justice you deserve.

West Coast Trial Lawyers Is Here to Help

If you were involved in an Uber or Lyft accident, our skilled personal injury lawyers at West Coast Trial Lawyers will help you get the compensation you deserve for your losses. We are committed to resolving your legal issues as quickly as possible while receiving the best results. Our clients are represented on a contingency fee basis. If we do not win, you owe us nothing. There is no financial risk to prevent you from reaching out. 

Contact us today by calling 213-927-3700 or filling out our contact form to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with our knowledgeable, caring, and compassionate legal team.