Hammers Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers | June 24, 2025 | Car Accidents
If you’re thinking about driving for a rideshare company in Atlanta, it’s important to know that both Uber and Lyft have specific vehicle and driver requirements. In addition to the platforms’ general rules, Georgia law and City of Atlanta ordinances may also apply.
Whether you want to earn extra income or start a full-time gig, understanding these requirements can help you avoid fines or account deactivation. This blog post will break down the most important vehicle and driver rules for Uber and Lyft in Atlanta, including local regulations, insurance expectations, inspection details, and more.
Basic Driver Requirements for Uber and Lyft
Uber and Lyft both screen their drivers before allowing them to take passengers. The goal is to protect rider safety while ensuring that drivers are legally eligible to operate in Georgia.
If you want to drive for either company in Atlanta, you must usually:
- Be at least 23 years old (or at least 25 for Lyft)
- Hold a valid U.S. driver’s license (for Uber, it must be active for at least one year; three years if under 25)
- Have a clean driving record with minimal traffic violations
- Pass a criminal background check and DMV check
- Carry a smartphone with the rideshare app installed
Drivers must also provide certain documents to the rideshare company, including:
- Proof of Georgia auto insurance in your name
- Proof of vehicle registration
- A valid driver’s license
- A clear headshot photo
Once you’ve passed all of the screenings and submitted your documents, you can begin driving, though you’ll need to ensure your vehicle qualifies as well.
Vehicle Requirements for Rideshare in Atlanta
Uber and Lyft have different vehicle categories, each with its own requirements. However, some basic rules apply to every rideshare vehicle in Atlanta:
- The car must be a 4-door vehicle
- It must be in good condition with no major cosmetic damage
- The vehicle must pass a vehicle inspection
- No commercial branding, taxi-style lights, or advertisements on the car
- All windows and A/C systems must be functional
For both companies, the vehicle must generally be a 16-year-old model or newer. Each company also has premium ride services like Uber Black or Lyft Lux, which have stricter vehicle requirements and higher standards for luxury and appearance.
Local Ordinances and Atlanta-Specific Rules
In addition to company-wide rules, Georgia has its own set of laws that apply to Transportation Network Company (TNC) drivers. These regulations are enforced by the Atlanta Department of Public Works and other local authorities.
Here are a few key points to keep in mind:
- Vehicle inspection: Most drivers in Atlanta must complete a 19-point vehicle inspection annually. This can usually be done at a local certified mechanic or Uber Greenlight Hub.
- Permits and fees: Atlanta charges an annual permit fee for vehicles operating within the city. This cost is typically paid by the rideshare company, but drivers should be aware of it.
- Trade dress: You must display the appropriate Uber or Lyft decal in your windshield while working. This “trade dress” helps law enforcement and passengers identify your vehicle.
Failing to follow Atlanta’s local rideshare rules can lead to citations, temporary suspensions, or permanent deactivation from the platform.
Insurance Requirements in Georgia
Georgia law requires all drivers, including rideshare drivers, to carry minimum auto insurance coverage. However, standard insurance policies often don’t cover commercial driving activity.
Uber and Lyft both offer insurance policies for their drivers, but coverage depends on what stage of the ride you’re in:
- Offline or app off: Your personal auto insurance must meet Georgia’s minimum liability requirements.
- App on, no ride accepted: Uber and Lyft provide limited liability coverage (typically $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage).
- En route to pick up or during a trip: The companies provide up to $1 million in liability coverage, along with contingent comprehensive and collision coverage.
Drivers should still check with their personal insurance provider to make sure their policy won’t be voided. In some cases, rideshare insurance or an endorsement is required to stay compliant.
Vehicle Inspection Process in Atlanta
Both Uber and Lyft require vehicles to pass an annual inspection before they can be used on the platform. In Atlanta, this inspection must be done at a certified facility and typically includes checks on:
- Brake function and tire condition
- Headlights, tail lights, and turn signals
- Windshield wipers and washer function
- Seat belts and horn operation
- Mirrors and emergency equipment
Once you pass, you’ll receive a document to upload to your driver account. Without it, you won’t be allowed to give rides.
Disqualifying Factors for Drivers
While Uber and Lyft do offer opportunities for many people, not everyone will qualify. Common disqualifiers for Atlanta rideshare drivers include:
- More than three minor traffic violations in the past three years
- A major traffic violation, such as reckless driving or DUI, in the last seven years
- A felony or violent crime conviction
- Failure to pass the background or driving record check
Even after you’re approved, both companies monitor your driving record and conduct periodic rechecks. That means violations or criminal charges that occur later can still affect your ability to stay on the platform.
Contact the Sandy Springs Car Accident Lawyers at Hammers Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers Today
Rideshare driving comes with its own risks. If you’re ever injured in an accident while working for Uber or Lyft, you may have a right to compensation. An experienced Atlanta personal injury lawyer can help you evaluate and follow through with your best course of action.
While Uber and Lyft offer some coverage, it may not be enough to cover all your losses. Most lawyers in this area of the law work on a contingency fee basis, so you’ll only pay attorney’s fees if you win compensation.
For more information, contact the Sandy Springs car accident law firm of Hammers Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation. We have convenient locations in Atlanta, Sandy Springs, Lawrenceville, Mableton, Smyrna, and Roswell.
We serve Fulton County and its surrounding areas:
Hammers Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers – Atlanta
201 Joseph E Lowery Blvd NW Suite 312,
Atlanta, GA 30314
Open 24/7
(770) 900-9000
Hammers Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers – Sandy Springs
5555 Glenridge Con, Suite 975,
Sandy Springs, GA 30342
Open 24/7
(678) 990-7024
Hammers Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers – Lawrenceville
265 Culver St S. Suite A.
Lawrenceville, GA 30046
Open 24/7
(678) 626-5067
Hammers Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers – Mableton
5701 Mableton Pkwy SW Suite 108,
Mableton, GA 30126
Open 24/7
(706) 480-5487
Hammers Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers – Smyrna
2400 Herodian Way Ste#220,
Smyrna, GA 30080
Open 24/7
(678) 922-4497
Hammers Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers – Roswell
110 Mansell Cir #111,
Roswell, GA 30075
Open 24/7
(678) 582-8466
About Robert M. Hammers Jr.
Robert M. Hammers, Jr. is the managing partner at Hammers Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers in Atlanta. Committed to justice, he represents individuals harmed by negligence, focusing on personal injury litigation, toxic torts, and mass torts involving defective drugs and medical devices.
With over 50 jury trials and $100 million in verdicts and settlements, Rob is known for his strategic thinking and dedication to achieving the best outcomes for his clients. He serves on the Executive Committee for the Georgia Trial Lawyers Association, the American Association for Justice Board of Governors, and the Plaintiff Leadership Committee in complex multi-district and toxic tort litigations, where he advocates for injured individuals and shapes legal strategies.
Robert is also recognized on Justia for his excellence in personal injury law, further highlighting his reputation and commitment to client advocacy.
