Washington State has implemented a robust set of rules and protections for rideshare drivers, focusing on compensation, insurance, and workplace rights. Here’s what you need to know as of 2025:
Compensation and Payment
Minimum Payment Rates:
- Trips starting inside Seattle:
- $0.68 per passenger platform minute plus $1.59 per passenger platform mile, or
- $5.95 minimum per dispatched trip (whichever is greater).
- Trips starting and ending outside Seattle:
- $0.39 per passenger platform minute plus $1.34 per passenger platform mile, or
- $3.45 minimum per dispatched trip (whichever is greater).
Payment Schedule:
- Rideshare companies must pay drivers at least every two weeks for all compensation, tips, reimbursements, or other amounts due.
- Payment must be made by the 10th day after the pay period ends, via direct deposit or other electronic methods.
Electronic Receipts:
- Companies must provide electronic receipts to drivers within 24 hours of each trip.
Insurance Requirements
Before Ride Acceptance:
- Minimum liability coverage: $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident (bodily injury), $30,000 (property damage).
- Underinsured motorist coverage and personal injury protection as required by state law.
During a Prearranged Ride:
- $1 million combined single-limit liability coverage for death, personal injury, and property damage.
- Enhanced underinsured motorist coverage: $100,000 per person, $300,000 per accident.
- Continued personal injury protection.
Alternative Coverage:
- Drivers may secure their own primary insurance policy that meets or exceeds these requirements, but if not, the TNC’s policy is primary and must cover claims from the first dollar.
Worker Protections
Paid Sick Leave:
- Drivers accrue one hour of paid sick leave for every 40 hours spent driving passengers.
- Leave becomes available after 90 hours of passenger platform time.
- Can be used for the driver’s or a family member’s illness, injury, or qualifying domestic violence leave.
Workers’ Compensation:
- Rideshare drivers are eligible for workers’ compensation benefits as of January 1, 2023.
- Note: Workers’ compensation does not cover vehicle repairs.
Protection from Retaliation:
- Drivers are protected from retaliation for exercising their rights under the law, including rights related to compensation, sick leave, and workers’ compensation.
Deactivation Appeals:
- A Driver Resource Center is available to represent drivers during deactivation appeals and provides support, outreach, and education.
Independent Contractor Status:
- Drivers remain classified as independent contractors, not employees.
Other Requirements
Driver Resource Fund Fee:
- As of July 1, 2024, rideshare companies must collect and remit a $0.15 per trip fee to the Driver Resource Fund.
Enforcement:
- The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) is responsible for enforcing these rules.
Summary Table
| Area | Requirement/Protection |
|---|---|
| Compensation | Minimum per minute, per mile, and per trip rates; biweekly payments |
| Insurance | High liability and underinsured motorist coverage at all times |
| Paid Sick Leave | 1 hour per 40 hours driven; available after 90 hours |
| Workers’ Comp | Covered for injuries on the job; excludes vehicle repairs |
| Retaliation | Protected for exercising rights |
| Deactivation | Appeal process and Driver Resource Center support |
| Status | Independent contractor |
| Fund Fee | $0.15 per trip to Driver Resource Fund (since July 1, 2024) |
Washington’s rules for rideshare drivers provide strong protections in compensation, insurance, and workplace rights, while maintaining drivers’ independent contractor status. If you believe your rights have been violated, you can file a complaint with the Department of Labor & Industries.
Sources:
- https://atlaslawps.com/2023-law-changes-for-rideshare-drivers
- https://perkinscoie.com/insights/update/washington-states-new-rideshare-law
- https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/WADLI/bulletins/3c8efd5
- https://www.fingerprintingexpress.com/background-checks-for-ride-sharing-services/