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Cancel and no-show fee policy for drivers

Lyft uses cancel and no-show fees to make sure you’re paid for your time and effort.
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Cancellation info
You’ll be paid a cancellation fee if a passenger cancels 1 minute or more after you’ve already started driving to pick them up.
You won’t be paid a cancellation fee if you are already giving a ride and the next ride in your queue is canceled.
Rate cards
If you're in a region that uses a rate card, your cancellation policy will look different. You’ll either get paid a minimum cancellation fee or receive earnings based on the time and distance you drive, whichever is greater.
You can view your cancellation fee minimum in your rate card. Your cancellation fee is calculated with your rate card, based on your time and distance on the way to the passenger.
When a passenger cancels a ride, you’ll be paid a cancellation fee when you meet both of these requirements:
  1. The passenger’s cancel window has passed.
  2. You’re still on track to arrive by your original estimated time of arrival.
Note: The original estimated time of arrival is the time given when you first accept the ride.
You won’t be paid a cancellation fee if you are already giving a ride and the next ride in your queue is canceled. Since you were still giving a ride, you were already earning for that time and mileage.
Washington drivers only
Washington drivers need to meet more specific requirements to receive a no-show fee. See the Washington Driver Information page to learn more.
Acceptance rate
Your acceptance rate will be negatively impacted if the queued ride lapses or is not accepted. Your acceptance and cancel rate will be negatively impacted if you cancel a queued ride.
Your acceptance rate isn't affected if a passenger cancels or is a no-show.
If a passenger contacts you and says they don't need a ride, ask them to cancel the ride in their app.
Scheduled rides
Passenger cancels scheduled ride
You’ll be paid a cancellation fee for a scheduled ride if:
  1. You reserved a scheduled pickup.
  2. You’re online.
  3. Passenger cancels within 1 hour of pickup.
Note: The cancellation fee for your scheduled ride is set at a fixed amount.
Passenger was a no-show
You’ll be paid a cancellation fee for a scheduled ride if you mark the passenger as a no-show.
To mark a passenger as a no-show:
  1. Tap to arrive at the pickup location.
  2. Wait for the timer to count down to 0:00 without moving from the pickup location.
  3. Respond if the passenger contacts you.
  4. Cancel the ride by tapping 'Passenger is no-show,' then tap 'Confirm no-show.'
Late to pickup
Pre-accept drivers are not eligible for the cancellation fee if they are more than 5 minutes late for the scheduled ride pickup.
Passenger no-shows
If your passenger isn’t at the pickup location, you’ll receive a cancel fee as long as you:
  1. Tap to arrive as close to the passenger’s pickup location as possible.
  2. Wait for the time to count down to 0:00 without moving from the pickup location.
  3. Contact the passenger or respond if they contact you.
  4. Cancel the ride by tapping ‘Passenger didn't show up’.
  5. Tap ‘Cancel ride’ to finish.
Note: If you miss any of these steps, you won’t be eligible for a cancel fee.
You won't get a no-show fee if you're:
  1. Too far from the pickup location.
Washington drivers need to meet more specific requirements to receive a no-show fee. See the Washington Driver Information page to learn more.
Find more information in the Lyft Terms of Service.
I got a warning for too many cancels
Your account may be suspended if you have an excessive amount of no-show cancellations.
You’ll receive a warning before being suspended or deactivated. Check the email linked to your Lyft account for more details.
I canceled the ride
There may be times when you have to cancel a ride for reasons outside your control.
Always ask your passenger to cancel their ride if:
  1. Your passenger has luggage or other items that can’t fit in your car.
  2. You have a technical issue where you can’t tap to arrive or pick up.
  3. Roadwork or drawbridges prevent you from reaching the pickup location.
Some other reasons why you might cancel a ride include (but aren’t limited to):
  1. You or a loved one has an emergency.
  2. You feel unsafe completing the ride.
  3. You've looked for your passenger, tried contacting them, and still can’t see them.
  4. Your passenger is under the age of 18 and not accompanied by an adult.
  5. Your passenger didn’t bring a car seat for their child.
  6. There were too many passengers to fit in your vehicle.
To cancel a ride:
  1. Swipe up on the bottom panel.
  2. Tap ‘Cancel,’ and then select the option that fits your situation.
Lyft's community is diverse, representing differing generations, ethnicities, gender, sexual orientations, and religions. We encourage open-mindedness and mutual respect. Before canceling a ride, please read more about our Anti-Discrimination Policies.
Health safety cancellations
The CDC updated its guidance for transportation, and masks are now optional in all rides.
Drivers and riders aren’t required to wear a mask during rides, but you can keep wearing one if it makes you more comfortable.
Although you won’t be able to report a rider or driver for health safety reasons, you can still report a ride if you feel unsafe.
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