New Mexico Driver Information

This page provides information about vehicle, driver, and document requirements, state regulations, insurance coverage, and city-specific requirements, needed to drive with Lyft in the state of New Mexico.

To apply to drive in New Mexico, submit an application online or in the Lyft Driver app –– download it from the App Store (iOS) or the Google Play store. To be approved to drive, applicants must meet these requirements.

Skip to:

1. What you need to drive with Lyft in New Mexico
2. 1. Vehicle requirements
   2. Driver requirements
   3. Document requirements
   4. ASE vehicle inspection
   5. Virtual inspections
   6. Emblem requirements
3. New Mexico driver regulations
4. 1. Hourly driver mode limits
   2. Best practices
5. Know your insurance
6. Moving to or from New Mexico

What you need to drive with Lyft in New Mexico

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 to upload your documents. To add documents in the app, tap 'Account' in the main menu, then 'Documents.

Vehicle requirements

1. 2010 or newer: Las Cruces, Roswell, Taos
2. 2008 or newer: All other cities
3. 4 doors
4. 5-8 seats, including the driver's
5. Not a taxi, stretch limousine, or non-Express Drive rental vehicle
6. Not titled as salvage, non-repairable, rebuilt, or any other equivalent classification

See if your vehicle qualifies for premium ride types to earn more on each ride.

In select cities, you can rent a car through Express Drive with standard insurance included. Rental vehicles must be rented through the Express Drive program to be approved for use on the Lyft platform.

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Driver requirements

1. Valid driver’s license — Temporary or out-of-state licenses are also acceptable
2. 25 or older
3. Pass a driver screening, which reviews your driving history and criminal background check. Learn more about driver screenings.
4. Any smartphone that can download and run the Lyft Driver app. See phone software recommendations.

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Document requirements

1. Driver profile photo: Learn how to take the best photo
2. Vehicle registration
3. Personal vehicle insurance
4. ASE vehicle inspection

ASE vehicle inspection

Drivers are required to pass a vehicle inspection before being approved to drive. Approved drivers will need an updated vehicle inspection annually.

When visiting an approved inspection location, use this form. . Inspection cost varies depending on the area and facility. Once completed, upload your inspection form to the Lyft Driver app. Keep a current inspection form in your vehicle at all times while in driver mode.

To upload your inspection form:

1. Open the menu

2. Tap on 'Account'

3. Tap 'Documents'

Inspections are valid until the marked expiration date. If no expiration date is marked, Lyft will require a new inspection to be done one year after the inspection date.

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Virtual inspections

You’ll receive an email or notification when a virtual inspection is available. Follow the instructions to set up your virtual appointment.

Before your scheduled inspection time, you’ll need to be outside of your vehicle and have:

1. A friend
2. A penny
3. Your keys
4. Your vehicle
5. VIN (on your registration in vehicle)

To complete an inspection, you'll need:

1. Zoom app. Either download the mobile app and create an account, or sign in to an existing one.
2. Seat belts buckled.
3. Headlights and hazard lights on.
4. To turn off Bluetooth.
5. A mobile device charged to at least 20% or more, with good signal strength or W-iFi connection.
6. A penny to measure the tread on your tires.
7. A friend. Your virtual appointment includes a brake light inspection. You’ll need a friend or a way to prop up your phone to see the lights.

If you have any questions about virtual inspections, contact Rideshare Mechanic.

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Emblem requirements

Drivers are required to display the Lyft emblem while in driver mode. The Lyft emblem is Lyft’s official trade dress. It helps passengers and law enforcement identify your vehicle.

The Lyft emblem should be displayed in the lower corner of your windshield on the passenger side every time you enter driver mode. Make sure to remove the emblem when you are not in driver mode.

If you’ve just been approved to drive, you should receive your Lyft emblem shortly. If you didn't get one or need a new one, order one in your Lyft Driver app or Dashboard. While waiting for it to arrive, you may print a temporary emblem.

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New Mexico driver regulations

Be sure to follow these rules when giving rides in New Mexico, and keep an eye on your email for important updates from Lyft.

Skip to:

1. Hourly driver mode limits
2. Best practices

Hourly driver mode limits

Lyft and New Mexico regulations state that drivers may not spend more than 12 hours in driver mode within a 24-hour period. After that, drivers must take a break for a minimum of 6 consecutive hours.

See Lyft's mandatory break and time limits for more information.

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Best practices

1. Display all required emblems and placards
2. Always have your driver’s license and insurance document
3. Follow all airport rules
4. Don't accept street hails
5. Don't accept cash for rides
6. Don't wait in taxi lines

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Know your insurance

Review Lyft's coverage here.

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Moving to or from New Mexico

If you're already a driver in a different state, and you're moving to New Mexico, send us a message with the following info:

1. The date you're moving
2. Your new shipping address
3. A clear photo of your vehicle registration*
4. A clear photo of your ASE vehicle inspection (more information above)

*If you were already required to upload your vehicle registration when you became a driver, you do not need to send it in again.

Moving from New Mexico to a different state? Find your new market here to see what steps you'll need to take.

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