Uber and Lyft are widely used in Kennesaw as alternatives to taxis and other forms of public transportation. Rideshare drivers must meet vehicle and driver requirements for Uber and Lyft in Kennesaw, GA. Both companies have similar driver and vehicle requirements.
Generally, the vehicle and driver requirements help promote passenger safety.
Uber and Lyft Driver Requirements in Georgia
Rideshare drivers in Georgia must meet the following basic requirements:
- Uber drivers must be 23 years old, and Lyft drivers must be 25 years old
- Drivers must have at least one year of driving experience
- Have a valid state driver’s license.
- Pass a background check or have a For-Hire endorsement on their Georgia Driver’s License (Uber and Lyft perform background checks).
- Have a smartphone to download and operate the rideshare app.
- Proof of a valid vehicle registration and Georgia minimum vehicle insurance.
- Pass a driver screening for driving history.
The above requirements are as of June 18, 2025. Drivers should check with the rideshare company and the current Georgia Code for rideshare network services.
Uber and Lyft Vehicle Requirements in Georgia
Both companies require drivers to have a vehicle that is no older than 16 years and has four doors. Vehicles cannot be over ten years old if you pick up/drop off passengers at the ATL airport. Drivers should verify that their vehicles are on the approved lists for Uber and Lyft before starting the application process.
Newer vehicles and specific types of vehicles may qualify for higher fares, such as Comfort, Black, and Black SUV. Each level has specific requirements, as stated on the companies’ websites.
Vehicles must be maintained in good working condition and have no cosmetic damage. There are no safety inspections required in Georgia for rideshare vehicles. However, if a police officer suspects that a rideshare vehicle violates safety requirements, the officer can inspect the vehicle without a warrant.
If the vehicle violates safety requirements, the driver may receive a ticket, and the rideshare company could lose the right to operate in Georgia. Therefore, rideshare companies enforce strict vehicle requirements.
Why Do Uber and Lyft Accidents Happen in Kennesaw, GA?
Rideshare drivers are the same as other drivers, regardless of a company’s safety measures. They may make mistakes that can lead to a car accident. Common causes of Uber and Lyft accidents include:
- Distracted driving
- Speeding and reckless driving
- Failing to follow traffic laws
- Using a cell phone and the rideshare app while driving
- Impaired driving
- Fatigued and drowsy driving
Negligence by rideshare drivers is not the sole reason for accidents. Other motorists, rideshare passengers, truck drivers, bicyclists, and pedestrians may cause a rideshare accident. Uber and Lyft accidents may also be caused by defective automobiles or poorly designed roads.
Parties responsible for causing a rideshare accident can be liable for the damages. Accident victims can seek compensation for economic damages, including out-of-pocket expenses, loss of income, and medical expenses. They may also receive non-economic damages for their pain and suffering.
Who Pays for Damages When an Uber or Lyft Driver Causes an Accident?
Lyft and Uber drivers are independent contractors. Therefore, they can be held personally liable for damages caused by an accident. However, the minimum insurance requirements for drivers in Georgia are only $25,000 per person for bodily injury coverage ($50,000 per accident) and $25,000 for property damage coverage.
Georgia requires rideshare companies to provide insurance coverage for their drivers. The coverage depends on the driver’s status. Both Uber and Lyft provide:
- $50,000 per person ($100,000 per accident) in bodily injury coverage and $25,000 in property damage coverage when the driver is online and available for a trip.
- The insurance coverage increases to $1 million for property damage and bodily injury when the driver is en route or has a passenger.
There could be other coverage depending on state law. For example, the driver may also have first-party coverage for MedPay or PIP. While the app is off, the driver’s personal insurance coverage applies.
Protecting Your Rights After an Uber or Lyft Accident in Georgia
A rideshare accident can cause severe injuries and losses. Accident victims can take steps to protect their rights and increase the chance of receiving a fair settlement. Those steps include:
- Report the accident to the police by calling 911. Having an official record of the crash helps when filing insurance claims and pursuing personal injury lawsuits.
- Document the accident scene, if possible, by making a video and taking photos. Ask eyewitnesses for their names and contact numbers.
- Tell the police officers what you remember from the accident without accepting fault or making assumptions about fault.
- Seek immediate medical treatment for your injuries.
- Document all losses and damages by keeping careful records and copies of all relevant documents.
Taking the above steps helps you have the best chance of recovering compensation.
Contact the Kennesaw Car Accident Lawyers from Starks Byron, P.C. for Help Today
Lyft and Uber accidents can be complicated, especially when dealing with a rideshare company and its insurance provider. An attorney identifies who is responsible for the accident and gathers evidence proving your claim. To learn more, contact Starks Byron, P.C. to schedule a free consultation with a Kennesaw car accident lawyer.
For more information, don’t hesitate to contact our team at Starks Byron, P.C. to schedule a free consultation with a personal injury lawyer in Kennesaw, GA today.
We proudly serve Cobb County and its surrounding areas:
Starks Byron, P.C.
1275 Shiloh Rd NW Ste 2710,
Kennesaw, GA 30144
(404) 795 5115
