If you’re seeing the option to drive for Uber as an extra way to earn money, you don’t have to have a perfectly clean driving record. This doesn’t mean that your record should be abundant with DUI charges, but it has to be relatively clean. If you had a few speeding tickets, then you’re meeting Uber minimum requirements. But, what if you have a DUI?
To put it simply, you can’t drive for Uber with a DUI, but there’s a bit more to it than that.
Do you currently have any DUI problems? Seek help from a Portland DUI attorney
Uber Checks Your Driving Record
Before Uber decides to start a collaboration with you, you and your vehicle will have to meet some minimum requirements. You’ll need to have a four-door vehicle, rather than a 2-door. Besides that, you will have to have at least one year of driving experience. If you meet these requirements, Uber will then doa final background on you. This background has two parts:
- criminal record
- driving record
If you were charged with DUI in the past, it may show up on your criminal or driving record. So, Uber will screen you out as a driver based on your DUI. This is important because some people wonder if they can drive for this company if their DUI is erased from their criminal record. This isn’t a bad idea, but keep in mind that the DUI will remain on the driving record, so Uber will still be able to see it.
DUI Charges Older Than 7 Years
Uber looks at the past seven years of your driving record. If your DUI occurred eight or more years ago, it shouldn’t affect your ability to drive for this company. They will also check your record for fatal accidents or reckless driving.
However, it’s not entirely clear if the company strictly follows this seven-year rule in all states.
If you were convicted of a felony DUI, you’re legally considered a convicted felon and can’t expect to be hired by Uber. The company has a policy against hiring felons of any kind.
Getting a DUI While Driving for Uber
If you’re already an Uber driver and are charged for DUI, then it’s very likely that you won’t continue driving for the company. Periodically, Uber will check the driving records of their drivers. So, in case they see your DUI, expect that you will not continue to work for them.
You may get DUI and go to court and have your charges dropped. If this happens, contact Uber. If you’re able to prove that you were never convicted of a DUI, then it means your record is clear, so the company will likely want to continue the collaboration with you.
In the past, the company was facing some serious legal troubles because of their failure to thoroughly screen their drivers for DUI and other crimes.
What Are the Requirements for Driving for Uber?
Besides having a clean driving record in the past seven years, you should have the following qualifications:
- Be at least twenty-one years old and have at least three years of driving experience in the U.S
- Have a driver’s license from the state you’ll work in
- Have in-state personal auto insurance
- Have an in-state registration for your vehicle.
Vehicle Requirements for Driving for Uber
The company has several requirements when it comes to the type of vehicle their drivers can use. Driving for this company means you’ll have to meet the following criteria:
- A four-door vehicle with five working seatbelts;
- Your vehicle should be a 2001 model or newer (this varies by city);
- Your car should be registered in the state in which you will be driving;
- Your can shouldn’t be a salvaged vehicle or a marked taxi;
- It should be able to pass the Uber vehicle inspection.
If you’re currently driving for Uber and have faced DUI charges that could affect your collaboration, it’s best to consult with a DUI attorney. They should be able to help you with your case.
Also, a DUI attorney will answer your questions about other potential driving violations you have on your driving record.
If you believe that you were wrongly charged with DUI (and it could affect your job with Uber), your attorney will do their best to help your case.
Before you make any assumptions or quit your job, allow our team of attorneys to help you.
We have a skilled and experienced team; don’t hesitate to contact us.
