North Carolina’s Rules for Rideshare Drivers: What You Need to Know

North Carolina has specific rules and requirements for rideshare drivers working with companies like Uber and Lyft. These regulations are designed to ensure safety, proper insurance coverage, and compliance with state law. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know if you want to drive for a rideshare service in North Carolina:

Driver Requirements

Age:

You must be at least 25 years old to drive for Lyft (Uber’s minimum age varies by city, but often requires at least 21 years old and additional experience for younger drivers).

Valid Driver’s License:

A valid driver’s license is required. Temporary or out-of-state licenses are acceptable.

Background Check:

All rideshare drivers must pass a thorough background check, which reviews driving history and criminal records. Disqualifications include:

Being under the minimum age

Having more than three moving violations in the past three years

DUI, fraud, sexual offenses, or using a vehicle to commit a felony in the past seven years.

Documentation:

You must provide a driver profile photo, vehicle registration, personal vehicle insurance, and—if your vehicle is registered out-of-state—a North Carolina vehicle inspection.

Vehicle Requirements

Vehicle Age: For Lyft, vehicles must be 2009 or newer; Uber requirements may be more lenient, depending on the city.

Doors and Seats: Vehicles must have four doors and seat at least five people (including the driver).

Condition: No cosmetic damage, broken parts, or commercial branding is allowed (Uber). Salvage, rebuilt, or otherwise flagged titles are not permitted.

Inspection: Vehicles registered in North Carolina must pass the state’s standard safety inspection. Out-of-state vehicles must be inspected at a North Carolina facility.

Emblem/Placard: Drivers must display the company’s official emblem or placard while in driver mode.

Insurance Requirements

Personal Insurance:

Rideshare drivers must maintain their own personal vehicle insurance.

Rideshare Company Insurance:

While logged into the app and during rides, the rideshare company provides additional insurance coverage:

Waiting for a Ride: As of January 1, 2025, minimum liability coverage is $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident, and $50,000 property damage (previously $30,000/$60,000/$25,000).

On a Ride: At least $1 million in third-party liability coverage is required by state law.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage:

Required and provided by the rideshare company during active periods.

Proof of Coverage:

Drivers must carry proof of insurance at all times while using the app and provide it upon request.

Additional Regulations

Background Check Renewal: Rideshare companies must renew background checks at least every five years.

Continuous Monitoring: Companies monitor for new violations and may deactivate drivers who no longer meet requirements.

Local Rules: Some cities or regions may have additional requirements, such as specific vehicle age limits or additional documentation.

What Happens If You Don’t Meet Requirements?

Account Deactivation: Failure to meet safety, documentation, or insurance requirements can result in temporary or permanent deactivation from the rideshare platform.

Insurance Gaps: Accidents that occur while not in compliance may not be covered by rideshare insurance, leaving drivers personally liable.

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