New York City Driver Information
Information for active NYC drivers
This page provides information about city regulations, document requirements, and insurance coverage, needed to drive with Lyft in New York City.
If you're a driver in any other city in New York State, visit this page instead.
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Driving and going online in NYC
If you can't go online, it's because demand is too low in your area. See the video below for an explanation of how driving works in New York City:
To minimize downtime and stabilize driver earnings, the number of cars that can be on the road in New York City is limited based on passenger demand. This means when you’re online, you should receive more rides and be able to earn more per hour. Plus, you’ll spend less time waiting for your next ride.
During periods of low demand, you may have to wait to go online or drive to a busier area, but we’ll show you where and when to drive to maximize your earnings.
With priority driving, you can go online whenever and wherever you want. You'll see real-time, in-app tracking of your acceptance rate and the number of rides you've given in the last 30 days.
Drivers will be added to the priority driving list in real time, and removed on a daily basis if they no longer meet requirements. You’ll receive an in-app notification letting you know when your status has changed.
Learn how priority driving works and see tips for going online below.
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How priority driving works in New York City
Drivers who maintain an acceptance rate of 90% or above and have completed 180 rides in the last 30 days can drive whenever and wherever they want. To continue having priority, be sure to maintain your acceptance rate and ride total. You can view your acceptance rate and total ride count in the Driver Dashboard, which will be updated in real-time. Drivers will need version 1002.73 or higher of the driver app to use priority.
Rides given with Express Drive or Wheel Chair Accessible (WAV) vehicles also have priority to drive.
If you don’t have priority to drive, see these tips for going and staying online while you work to get priority.
How online zones work
Online zones are specific areas where you’re guaranteed a spot online during a scheduled period of time. Some online zones are limited to a specific neighborhood, while others include the entirety of New York City. The size of an online zone depends on anticipated passenger demand.
You’ll see currently active online zones on your map.
To check for upcoming online zones scheduled for the next two weeks, swipe up on your map screen.
- Tap a row to see details about the location of an upcoming online zone.
- To set a reminder for specific online zones, toggle the bell icon on.
Tips for going and staying online
- Start where and when it’s busy: Increase your chances of going online by driving in online zones.
- Accept rides to keep driving: Only cancel a ride if you really need to. We may have to take you offline if you miss or cancel two rides in a row.
- Move to busy areas: If demand drops, try moving to a busier area to stay online. You may see orange on the map showing areas with high demand. Tap and hold an orange area to navigate there.
About airport queues
JFK and LGA airport queue spots will be limited. This means there can only be a certain number of drivers in the queue at a given time.
This limit applies to all drivers, even those with priority driving. You can check the airport queue in your app before going to the airport to see whether or not the queue is full.
Frequently asked questions
How are my incentives affected?
If you have an active Personal Power Zone or ride streak, you will not be taken offline, even if demand drops while you’re online.
Can I switch between rideshare services?
Switching between rideshare services is still possible. However, if you are online and miss two or more Lyft rides, we may have to take you offline. If you drive with another service, be sure to go offline.
Can I claim scheduled rides?
No, drivers won't have the ability to claim scheduled rides in New York City.
What are the orange areas on the map?
You may see orange areas on the map that show places with high passenger demand. If you drive to the orange area, you’re more likely to be able to drive and stay busy with rides, but your spot online is not guaranteed. Tap and hold an orange area to navigate there.
What you need to drive with Lyft in NYC
To drive in New York City, you must be at least 19 years of age.
Drivers are required to maintain current documents. Failing to update a required document before the expiration date results in temporary deactivation.
Use your Lyft Driver app or Driver Dashboard to upload your documents.
Vehicle requirements
All vehicle requirements in New York City are governed by the Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC).
Document requirements
See details and sample images of each required document below.
Driver's License
Drivers are required to have a valid driver's license. Driver's license can be from any state, as long as you have a current TLC driver license.
New York State or New Jersey vehicle registration
Drivers are required to upload a copy of their New York State or New Jersey vehicle registration.
New York State registration example
TLC inspection
You must submit one of these two:
- Blue Base sticker
- TLC inspection certificate
Inspections are valid until the marked expiration date. If no expiration date is marked, Lyft requires a new inspection one year after the inspection date.
TLC driver license
Drivers must have a TLC Driver License issued by the Taxi and Limousine commission (TLC). Current (not expired) For-Hire Vehicle License or a Medallion FHV License are also acceptable.
Vehicle insurance
All drivers must have a valid vehicle insurance in their Lyft Driver app. Upon expiration, all drivers must upload their new vehicle insurance.
Documents to update if you own your car
- FH-1 Insurance
- Certificate of Liability insurance
Go to your insurance broker to renew your policy at least 1 week prior to the expiration date on your FH-1.
Documents to update if you rent your car
- FH-1 Insurance
- Certificate of Liability insurance
- Declaration page (or "Driver's list)
- Only needed if your name is NOT on the Certificate of Liability
Ask the vehicle or fleet owner for the updated insurance documents at least 1 week prior to the expiration date on your FH-1.
What happens if you do not update your insurance documents by the expiration date? Your vehicle will be deactivated until you update the required documentation.
FH-1 Insurance
What is this document? Standard driver insurance certificate
Who needs it? All TLC vehicle drivers (you!)
Who’s name is on the document? The owner of the car
Certificate of Liability Insurance
What is this document? The proof of insurance coverage and policy limit
Who needs it? All TLC vehicle drivers (you!)
Who’s name is on the document? The owner of the car
Note: If your name does not appear on the document, you must provide a Declaration Page (or Driver’s List) listing your name and matching policy number.
Declaration Page - Driver’s List
What is this document? A list of drivers covered under the insurance
Who needs it? A renter who’s name is not on the Certificate of Liability
Who’s name is on the document? Authorized drivers associated with the vehicle
Note: If the policy numbers on the Certificate of Liability and Declaration Page (or Driver’s List) do not match, you must provide a Policy Cover Sheet.
How to upload your vehicle insurance documents
When should I upload my vehicle insurance documents? Before your policy expiration date
New York City driver regulations
Make sure to follow these rules when giving rides in New York City, and to keep an eye on your email for important news and updates from Lyft.
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Hourly Driver Mode limits
In addition to Lyft's mandatory break requirement, New York City regulations prohibit drivers from:
- Providing rides for more than 10 hours in a 24-hour period. Drivers can reset the 24-hour period by taking a break for 8 hours.
- Providing rides for more than 60 total hours during a calendar week.
Only time spent in actual rides counts toward these limitations.
Health safety requirement
Lyft is offering personal protection equipment to eligible drivers under New York’s Hero Act.
The Hero Act in New York mandates specific rules in response to an airborne infectious disease outbreak like COVID-19.
Eligible drivers interested in receiving masks should visit the Lyft Store and use the coupon code ‘NYMASK’.
All Drivers and riders are required to wear masks, leave the front seat empty, and keep windows down whenever possible on all rides.
Check out our Air Care Guide designed specifically for rideshare. It’s based on scientific research and has the latest guidance from the CDC to help you improve airflow during your rides
Best practices
- Follow all airport rules
- Don't accept street hails
- Don't accept cash for rides
- Don't wait in taxi lines
- If you run into any issues on the road, let us know
Know your insurance coverage
Review Lyft's coverage here.
In-person support (Lyft Hubs)
We're opening Lyft Hubs across the country to offer in-person support for drivers. Your local Hub is a one-stop shop for answers on everything from setting up direct deposit to discovering where you’ll get the most ride requests.
Moving to or from New York City
If you're already a driver in a different state, and you're moving to New York City, send us a message with the following info:
- Your name, phone number, and email address associated with your Lyft account
- The city you are currently driving in
- A photo of your New York state driver’s license
Please note: If you are a driver whose home region is New York City, and a passenger ride has brought you into New Jersey, your next match should be a ride request heading back to New York City.
Moving from New York City to a different state? Find your new market here to see what steps you'll need to take.