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What are vehicle requirements for Lyft?
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The Guru Take
Vehicle Requirements for Lyft
As of November 2017, it is as stated below. (See here for latest)
Vehicle age
Lyft vehicles must be model age 2005 or newer unless listed below:
| Lyft market or state | Oldest vehicle year |
|---|---|
| Alabama: Birmingham, Huntsville, Mobile | 2007 |
| California (all cities) | 2004 |
| Colorado (all cities) | 2004 |
| Washington, D.C. | 2007 |
| Hawaii (all cities) | 2002 |
| Illinois: Bloomington | 2007 |
| Illinois: Chicago | 2004 |
| Louisiana: New Orleans | 2009 |
| Maryland (all cities) | 2007 |
| Massachusetts (all cities) | 2004 |
| Minnesota: Duluth | 2007 |
| Minnesota: Minneapolis-St. Paul | 2004 |
| Nebraska: Omaha | 2002 |
| Nevada: Las Vegas | 2008 |
| Nevada: Reno | 2002 |
| New Jersey (all cities) | 2004 |
| New York: New York City | Vehicle age requirements governed by the TLC |
| North Carolina: Charlotte, Raleigh-Durham | 2002 |
| Pennsylvania (all cities) | 2004 |
| Ohio: Cleveland, Cincinnati, Toledo | 2002 |
| Oregon: Portland | 2007 |
| Rhode Island: Providence | 2004 |
| Tennessee: Nashville | 2004 |
| Texas: Austin, Dallas, & Houston | 2004 |
| Virginia: Virginia Beach | 2002 |
| Washington: Seattle | 2007 |
4 doors
- Lyft vehicles must have four doors
- All four doors must be able to open and close from the interior and the exterior
- Passengers must be able to unlock and lock their own doors
Here are some examples of cars with jump doors that aren't Lyft approved:
Engine/suspension/brakes
- Engine, suspension, steering, and brakes must be fully functional and safe
- If you were asked to fix these, visit a mechanic and have them perform the appropriate inspection or repair based on the issue with your car (see our inspection form.)
Seat belts
- All seat belts equipped in the vehicle must be functional
- There must be at least five seat belts, including the driver's
Lights
All exterior lights must function.
- Headlights (both high and low beams)
- Turn signals (both sides, front and rear)
- Brake lights
- Reverse lights (both lights)
Body
Car must be free of body damage and dents. Taxis and stretch limousines aren't allowed on the Lyft platform.
Tires
All tires need sufficient tread. If you need to show us your tires are in good condition, perform a penny test and take a picture of each tire. Tap 'Contact Support' below to send the photos as attachments so we can sign off.
Here's what a penny test looks like:
Windows
- Windshield must be free of large cracks or any cracks in the driver’s field of vision
- Windows must be functional (able to roll up and down) and free of cracks
- Mirrors must be free of cracks
Wipers
Wipers must be in good condition and functional.
Horn
Horn must function.
Seat adjustment controls
Front seats must be able to move forward and backward.
Tailpipe and muffler
The vehicle's exhaust system must meet state standards (lacking modification and excessive wear).
A/C and heat
Air conditioning and heat must be fully functional.
Comments
"All four doors must be able to open and close from the interior and the exterior"
So I guess that rules out cop cars. Too bad, could be a nice moonlighting opportunity.
That'd be a win-win. Solves people's concerns over safety.
The backseats of those cruisers are really uncomfortable though... My friend told me.
You must be referring to this.
Sometimes it even has little molded channels for your arms to go into with handcuffs on. I mean, I heard that.
A/C and heat are required. I don't know why but that made me laugh.
Remember the horns and windwos must be "functional."
Cars from 2004 are allowed? It's 2017; that's 13 years old!!!!
My car is ten years old and I still think of it as my new car. I'm not even joking. What is wrong with me.
Front seats must be able to move forward and backward.
That seems like a weird requirement to me. Is the driver obligated to move is seat into an unsafe driving position if he is driving someone with long legs? Maybe they just mean the passenger seat.
The much bigger challenge I bet is to keep the car clean. Perhaps they should put that as a vehicle reuirement.
"Keep clutter away from your vehicles."
No london taxis huh. They have doors that open backwards. I always thought that was cool.