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New Orleans 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 Orleans.
If you're a driver or are applying to drive in Louisiana, visit this page instead.
To apply to drive in New Orleans, 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.
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What you need to drive with Lyft in New Orleans
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. To add documents in the app, tap 'Account' in the main menu, then 'Documents.
Vehicle requirements
Vehicle age requirements in this region have changed. Reach out to us for more information.
All vehicles must meet the following criteria:
  • 2013 or newer
  • 4 doors
  • 5-8 seats, including the driver's
  • Not a taxi, stretch limousine, or non-Express Drive rental vehicle
  • 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.
Driver requirements
  • Valid driver’s license — Temporary or out-of-state licenses are also acceptable.
  • You must be 25 years or older to drive.
  • Pass a driver screening, which reviews your driving history and criminal background check. Learn more about driver screenings.
  • Any smartphone that can download and run the Lyft Driver app. See phone software recommendations.
Document requirements
Vehicle Inspection
If your vehicle is registered in Louisiana, you must have a valid vehicle inspection sticker issued by your state, parish, or city. You can find it on your windshield.
If your vehicle is registered outside of Louisiana, please provide another valid state-approved safety inspection document.
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.
Shows where to place Lyft emblem on front windshield.
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.
Image of the Lyft emblem.
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, place an order in your Lyft Driver app or Dashboard. While waiting for it to arrive, you may print a temporary emblem.
New Orleans driver regulations
Be sure to follow these rules when giving rides in New Orleans, and keep an eye on your email for important updates from Lyft.
For more information regarding TNC rules in NOLA, click here.
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Hourly driver mode limits
In addition to Lyft's mandatory break requirement, New Orleans regulations require that drivers spend no more than 12 consecutive hours in driver mode within a 24-hour period.
Report emergencies or complaints to Lyft
If you experience an accident, an issue which threatens your personal safety, or receive a citation, make sure to take the appropriate steps to protect yourself and get to a safe place. If necessary, call the authorities by dialing 911 or your local non-emergency assistance line, and then call our Critical Response Line by clicking the "Call Me" button on this page. We're available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Important Lyft policies
Zero-Tolerance Policy
We have a strict zero tolerance policy for drivers — more info here. If you have any inquiries regarding the zero tolerance policy, reach out to us.
 
Anti-Discrimination Policy
We have a strict anti-discrimination policy. Drivers are encouraged to read more here.
Drivers may not refuse to take any passenger who has requested to be dropped off within ten miles outside of the city limits once the request has been accepted.
 
Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles
If you’re interested in providing wheelchair-accessible rides, and have a vehicle which can accommodate wheelchairs, let us know.
Best practices
  • Display all required emblems and placards
  • Always have your driver’s license and insurance document
  • Follow all airport rules
  • Don't accept street hail
  • Don't accept cash for rides
  • Follow all parking laws: New Orleans Lyft drivers, as with all Lyft drivers, are prohibited from stopping, standing, parking, loading or unloading passengers in a travel lane or in an officially designated bus or taxi stop.
Know your insurance
Review Lyft's coverage here.
Moving to or from New Orleans
If you're already a driver in a different state, and you're moving to New Orleans, send us a message with the following info. If you're moving to a different city in Louisiana, follow the steps here instead.
  • The date you're moving
  • Your new shipping address
  • A clear photo of your personal vehicle insurance
  • A clear photo of your license plate and registration *
* If you were already required to upload your vehicle registration when you became a driver, you do not need to send it in again.
Please note, your vehicle must be from 2011 or newer to qualify for Lyft in New Orleans.
Moving from New Orleans to a different state? Find your new market here to see what steps you’ll need to take.

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