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 York.
To apply to drive in the State of New York, 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 the State of New York
- New York State driver regulations
- Know your insurance
- In-person support (Lyft Hubs)
- Moving to or from New York State
What you need to drive with Lyft in the State of New York
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
- 2004 or newer
- 4 doors
- 5-8 seats, including the driver's
- Not on the list of ineligible subcompact vehicles
- Not a taxi or stretch limousine
- Not titled as salvage, non-repairable, rebuilt or any other equivalent classification
See if your car qualifies for Lyft Lux or Lyft Lux Black to earn more on each ride.
In select cities, you can rent a car through Express Drive with standard insurance included.
Driver requirements
- Valid New York State driver’s license — Temporary or out-of-state licenses are also acceptable (see example here)
- 21 or older
- 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
- Driver profile photo: Learn how to take the best photo
- Vehicle registration
- Personal vehicle insurance
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 Dashboard. While waiting for it to arrive, you may print a temporary emblem.
New York State driver regulations
Be sure to follow these rules when giving rides in New York State, and keep an eye on your email for important updates from Lyft.
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Hourly driver mode limits
In addition to Lyft's mandatory break requirement, New York City regulations require that drivers:
- No conduzcan más de 10 horas consecutivas
- No conduzcan más de 60 horas dentro de un periodo de 7 días
Solo cuenta el tiempo transcurrido en los viajes hacia a estas limitaciones.
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 hails
- Don't accept cash for rides
- Don't wait in taxi lines
- Do not stop, park, load, or unload passengers in a travel lane or in an officially designated bus or taxi stop
Nuevas reglas de la TLC y la posibilidad de manejar en la Ciudad de Nueva York
La Comisión de taxis y limusinas (TLC, por sus siglas en inglés) de la Ciudad de Nueva York introdujo recientemente reglas para desalentar a las compañías de rideshare a que tengan mas conductores activos en la carretera que la demanda de pasajeros. Como respuesta a las nuevas reglas, estamos obligados a tomar medidas para asegurar que los conductores pasen más tiempo con pasajeros en sus autos.
Si deseas obtener consejos para conectarte y permanecer conectado en la Ciudad de Nueva York, consulta nuestro Artículo informativo para conductores de la Ciudad de Nueva York.
Know your insurance
- Review Lyft's insurance policy here.
- Consulta tu seguro en la app: “Configuración > Auto > Seguro de Lyft”
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 State
If you're already a driver in a different state, and you're moving to New York, send us a message with the following info:
- Tu nombre, número de teléfono y la dirección de e-mail asociada con tu cuenta de Lyft
- La ciudad en la que manejas actualmente
- El área del estado de Nueva York al cual te gustaría cambiar
- Una foto de tu licencia de conducir del estado de Nueva York
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 to a different state? Find your new market here to see what steps you'll need to take.