If you’re thinking about driving for Uber or Lyft in Las Vegas, you’ll need to meet specific requirements. Nevada has strict laws for rideshare drivers and vehicles, and Uber and Lyft each have their own rules as well. Whether you’re signing up to drive or you were involved in a rideshare accident and want to know more about the industry, it’s important to understand these requirements.
Nevada Laws for Rideshare Drivers
Nevada classifies Uber and Lyft as Transportation Network Companies (TNCs). This means drivers must follow both state and company rules.
The Nevada Transportation Authority (NTA) regulates TNCs and requires:
- A valid driver’s license
- Proof of insurance that meets state minimums
- A clean driving record
- A vehicle inspection
- No DUI convictions in the past 7 years
- No major moving violations (like reckless driving) in the past 3 years
Drivers also need to submit to a criminal background check before being approved.
Uber Driver Requirements in Las Vegas
To drive for Uber in Las Vegas, you must:
- Be at least 21 years old
- Have at least one year of licensed driving experience (or 3 years if you’re under 25)
- Have a valid Nevada driver’s license
- Pass a background check
- Use a four-door vehicle that’s 15 years old or newer
- Have in-state license plates
- Pass a vehicle inspection at an Uber Greenlight Hub
Your vehicle must also be registered and cannot be salvaged or rebuilt.
Lyft Driver Requirements in Las Vegas
Lyft’s requirements are similar but slightly different.
Lyft drivers must:
- Be at least 25 years old
- Have a valid driver’s license and Nevada plates
- Own or lease a four-door vehicle that seats at least 5
- Pass a background check and driving history check
- Submit vehicle inspection documents annually
- Maintain insurance that meets or exceeds Nevada’s TNC requirements
Lyft may also require your car to have specific features depending on the service level (Lyft XL, Lux, etc.).
Vehicle Requirements for Uber and Lyft
The specific vehicle requirements may vary slightly between platforms, but generally include:
- No cosmetic damage or missing parts
- Fully functional seat belts for every passenger
- Working A/C and heat
- Four doors that open and close independently
- No commercial branding or taxi lights
- Cars must be free of visible damage and must pass regular inspections
Luxury services like Uber Black or Lyft Lux have stricter rules, including newer models, leather interiors, and higher-end brands.
Insurance Requirements for Rideshare Drivers
Nevada law requires different types of insurance coverage depending on the stage of a rideshare trip.
- Period 1: App is on, but no ride accepted ($50,000 per person/$100,000 per accident for bodily injury and $25,000 for property damage)
- Period 2: Ride accepted, en route to passenger (Uber or Lyft must provide $1 million in liability coverage.)
- Period 3: Passenger in the vehicle (The $1 million policy remains active, plus limited uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.)
Drivers must maintain their own personal car insurance as well. Some insurers offer rideshare add-ons that help bridge the gap between personal and commercial use.
Background Checks for Uber and Lyft
Both companies require background checks before onboarding.
These checks typically look back 7 years and search for:
- Felony convictions
- DUIs or drug-related offenses
- Violent crimes
- Sexual offenses
- Major traffic violations
Minor violations may not disqualify you, but anything involving safety concerns can be flagged.
Vehicle Inspections in Nevada
Uber and Lyft require annual vehicle inspections, which review:
- Brakes
- Lights
- Tires
- Mirrors
- Windshield wipers
- Seat belts
Inspections must be performed by an ASE-certified mechanic or a participating partner shop. Documentation must be uploaded to the app or provided in person at the Uber Greenlight Hub or Lyft inspection site.
Special Rules for McCarran International Airport
Driving for Uber or Lyft at McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas comes with added rules:
- Drivers must display the proper trade dress (Uber or Lyft sticker)
- Pickups and drop-offs must happen at designated areas
- Vehicles must be in driver mode when entering the TNC lot
- TNC permit fees may apply
Violating these rules could result in fines or removal from the rideshare platform.
Can You Get in Trouble for Not Meeting the Requirements?
Yes. Drivers who don’t meet requirements may face fines, suspension, or removal from Uber or Lyft. Passengers involved in a crash may also struggle to get compensation if the driver wasn’t properly insured or registered.
Failing to follow these rules can also hurt a personal injury claim. If a rideshare driver caused your accident and didn’t meet legal requirements, it could affect liability and settlement negotiations.
Contact the Las Vegas Rideshare Accident Attorneys at De Castroverde Accident & Injury Lawyers for Help Today
Whether you were a passenger, another driver, or a pedestrian, De Castroverde Accident & Injury Lawyers can help if you were hurt in an Uber or Lyft accident.
Our Las Vegas rideshare accident lawyers can investigate whether the rideshare driver followed all legal and platform requirements, identify all applicable insurance policies, calculate the full extent of your damages, and negotiate directly with Uber, Lyft, or their insurers.
Contact us today for a free consultation.
We have three locations in Nevada for your convenience, including Las Vegas, Summerlin, and Henderson. We’re proud to serve Clark County and the surrounding areas.
De Castroverde Accident & Injury Lawyers – Las Vegas Office
1149 S Maryland Pkwy, Las Vegas, NV 89104
(702) 222-9999
De Castroverde Accident & Injury Lawyers – Summerlin Office
410 S Rampart Blvd, Ste 480 Las Vegas, NV 89145
(702) 964-1806
De Castroverde Accident & Injury Lawyers – Henderson Office
9555 S Eastern Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89123
(702) 800-3455
About the Author
Alex De Castroverde earned his law degree from Nova Southeastern University Shepard Broad College of Law and is licensed to practice in Nevada. He is a dedicated trial lawyer who assists clients across Las Vegas in a wide range of legal matters, with a focus on personal injury. Alex has successfully represented clients in cases involving car accidents, catastrophic injuries, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents and more. Click here to learn more about the outstanding case results Alex has achieved for his clients.
