Lyft Vehicle Requirements
A complete list of all the vehicles that qualify [update 2024]

Bestreferraldriver.com

Lyft Vehicle Requirements: Can you drive with Lyft with your car?

lyft car requirements

If you plan to drive with Lyft, very similar to Uber and other rideshare apps, applicants must meet both their driver and vehicle requirements. Applications to the Lyft driver will be accepted after prerequisite requirements are met.

You can take a look at our complete list of driver requirements and background checks. Basically, all the applicants must meet the following lyft requirements:

  • Be at least 21 years old
  • Own a smartphone iPhone or Android (for the Lyft driver app)
  • Have a valid U.S. driver’s license
  • One year of driving experience
  • Pass the background checks
    • Have clean driving history
    • No Major infractions in the last seven years
  • Pass the criminal background check
  • Social Security Number
  • Provide required documents:
    • Proof of valid insurance with your name on the policy
    • Proof of vehicle registration

Uber and Lyft drivers are independent contractors. Using your car for a business purpose, it is important to change your personal coverage and take instead a rideshare insurance. Take a look at our guide and learn how to get cheap car insurance.

However, Lyft offers primary liability insurance designed to act as the primary coverage from the time you accept a ride request until the time the ride has ended in the app.

What Cars are Eligible for Lyft?

Lyft car requirements are not so complicated. You can drive your own vehicle or rent one. Lyft in the past dipped into the rental space via a partnership with the car sharing company Getaround. Both Uber and Lyft have also rented and leased cars to drivers on their platforms.

Recently, Lyft has partnered with General Motors to provide rental cars via the Express Drive Program. Renting a vehicle with Express drive is the easy way to save money on your lease. In addition, you can also check the renting option of other traditional rideshare rental companies or lease a vehicle with Hyrecar .

So, which car qualifies for lyft? Some requirements are generic and apply to all the United States of America. In addition your car needs to meet all the Lyft car year requirements that vary by state.

To summarize, here are all of the basic Lyft car qualifications that all car owners should know:

  • 4-doors
  • 5-8 seats, including the driver's
  • Taxis and stretch limousines are not allowed on the Lyft platform
  • Personal vehicle insurance
  • Good condition with no cosmetic damage (read more below: Lyft Vehicle Inspection)

Other requirements for rideshare drivers vary from state to state. In particular regarding the maximum age of your car. Your vehicle must respect your city’s vehicle age requirement and will not qualify for Lyft and your application will be rejected if it doesn't meet the vehicle age requirements. Even if your car is in good condition, there are no exceptions regarding the maximum age of your vehicle.

How old Does Your Car Have to Be for Lyft?

Checklist of Lyft Age Vehicle Requirements for all the States and Cities [Update December 2023]

+ Alabama

2004 or newer

+ Alaska

2007 or newer

+ Arizona
  • 2005 or newer:
    • Eastern Arizona
    • Lake Havasu City/Kingman
    • Northern Arizona
    • Yuma
  • 2003 or newer: All other cities
+ Arkansas
  • 2005 or newer:
    • Fayetteville
  • 2003 or newer: All other cities
+ California
  • 2005 or newer:
    • Bakersfield
    • Eastern Sierras
    • Fresno
    • Inland Empire/San Bernardino
    • Lake Tahoe
    • Los Angeles
    • Modesto
    • Monterey
    • Napa & Sonoma
    • Orange County
    • Sacramento
    • San Diego
    • Santa Barbara
    • Santa Cruz
    • Stockton
    • Ventura
  • 2004 or newer:
    • San Francisco
    • Silicon Valley/San Jose
  • 2003 or newer: All other cities
  • 4 doors
  • 5-8 seats, including the driver's
+ Colorado
  • 2004 or newer
+ Connecticut
  • 2007 or newer
+ Delaware
  • 2003 or newer
+ Florida
  • 2007 or newer:
    • Bradenton
    • Jacksonville
    • Miami/South FL
    • Naples
    • Orlando
    • Port of Charlotte
    • Sarasota
    • Tampa
  • 2004 or newer:
    • Daytona Beach
    • Florida Keys
    • Fort Myers
    • Lakeland
    • Ocala
    • Port St. Lucie
  • 2003 or newer: All other cities
+ Georgia
  • 2007 or newer
+ Hawaii
  • 2003 or newer
+ Idaho
  • 2005 or newer:
    • Coeur d'Alene
    • Idaho Falls
  • 2004 or newer:
    • Boise
+ Illinois
  • 2009 or newer:
    • Bloomington
  • 2005 or newer:
    • Decatur
    • Kankakee
  • 2004 or newer:
    • Chicago
  • 2003 or newer: All other cities
+ Indiana
  • 2005 or newer:
    • Gary
    • Muncie
    • Terre Haute
  • 2003 or newer: All other cities
+ Iowa
  • 2003 or newer
+ Kansas
  • 2005 or newer:
    • Manhattan
    • Topeka
    • Western Kansas
  • 2003 or newer: All other cities
+ Kentucky
  • 2003 or newer
+ Louisiana
  • 2011 or newer:
    • New Orleans
  • 2006 or newer:
    • Baton Rouge
  • 2005 or newer:
    • Monroe
  • 2003 or newer: All other cities
  • 4 doors
  • No commercial vehicles (Lafayette and Shreveport only)
+ Maine
  • 2004 or newer
+ Maryland
  • 2007 or newer
+ Massachusetts
  • 2004 or newer:
    • Cape Cod
    • Springfield
    • Worcester
  • 2003 or newer: All other cities
+ Michigan
  • 2006 or newer
+ Minnesota
  • 2009 or newer:
    • Duluth
  • 2003 or newer: All other cities
  • Minneapolis/St.Paul
    • 2004 or newer
    • 2008 vehicles and older must have less than 150K mileage
+ Mississippi
  • 2005 or newer:
    • Gulfport-Biloxi
  • 2003 or newer: All other cities
+ Missouri
  • 2007 or newer:
    • St. Louis
  • 2005 or newer:
    • Springfield
  • 2003 or newer: All other cities
+ Montana
  • 2004 or newer
+ Nebraska
  • 2005 or newer:
    • Western Nebraska
  • 2003 or newer: All other cities
+ Nevada
  • 2009 or newer:
    • Las Vegas Area
  • 2003 or newer: All other cities
+ New Hampshire
  • 2003 or newer
+ New Jersey
  • 2004 or newer
+ New Mexico
  • 2005 or newer:
    • Las Cruces
    • Roswell
    • Taos
  • 2003 or newer: All other cities
+ New York City
  • All vehicle requirements in New York City are governed by the Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC)
+ New York State
  • 2004 or newer
  • No taxis, livery vehicles, limos, black cars, or other for-hire vehicles
+ North Carolina
  • 2005 or newer:
    • Outer Banks
  • 2003 or newer: All other cities
+ North Dakota
  • 2003 or newer
+ Ohio
  • 2003 or newer
+ Oklahoma
  • 2009 or newer:
    • Ardmore
    • Woodward
  • 2003 or newer: All other cities
+ Oregon
  • 2009 or newer:
    • Portland
  • 2003 or newer:
    • Medford
  • 2004 or newer: All other cities
+ Pennsylvania
  • 2004 or newer
  • Fewer than 350,000 miles
  • No taxis, livery vehicles, limos, black cars, or other for-hire vehicles
+ Rhode Island
  • 2004 or newer
+ South Carolina
  • 2003 or newer
+ South Dakota
  • 2009 or newer
+ Tennessee
  • 2005 or newer:
    • Cookeville
    • Jackson
    • Johnson City
  • 2003 or newer: All other cities
+ Texas
  • 2005 or newer:
    • Abilene
    • Amarillo
    • Tyler
    • Victoria
  • 2003 or newer: All other cities
+ Utah
  • 2005 or newer
+ Vermont
  • 2009 or newer
+ Virginia
  • 2005 or newer:
    • Fredericksburg
  • 2003 or newer: All other cities
+ Washington State
  • 2009 or newer (2008 or newer with a valid FHP):
    • Seattle
    • King County
    • Tacoma
  • 2009 or newer:
    • Olympia
  • 2004 or newer: All other cities
+ Washington DC
  • 2009 or newer
+ West Virginia
  • 2005 or newer:
    • Martinsburg
  • 2003 or newer: All other cities
+ Wisconsin
  • 2005 or newer:
    • Janesville
    • Madison
    • Milwaukee
    • Sheboygan-Fond du Lac Area
  • 2004 or newer:
    • Green Bay
  • 2003 or newer: All other cities
+ Wyoming
  • 2005 or newer

What kind of cars are eligible for Lyft Lux?

lyft lux cars

Lyft offers different ride options including bikes, scooters, public transit routes. In some cities riders have also the flexibility to rent a car for a road trip or a weekend getaway, business trips. Understanding the different ride options is important to learn the different car eligibility in particular regarding Lyft Lux.

All the Lyft premier and Lyft Lux cars have higher standards. They are sedan or SUV that seats 4. The vehicles have leather or leather-like seats.

Here is the Lyft car list of the current vehicles eligible for Lyft Lux:

  • Acura
    • MDX
    • RLX
    • RL
  • Alfa Romeo
    • Giulia
  • Audi
    • A6
    • Q7
  • BMW
    • 5GT
    • 7 series
    • X5
  • Cadillac
    • DTS
    • XTS
    • CTS
  • Infinity
    • Q50
    • QX56
    • QX80
  • Jaguar
    • XF
    • XJ
  • Lexus
    • ES
    • GS
    • LS
    • RX
    • GX
  • Mercedes-Benz
    • E-class
    • S-class
    • ML-class
  • Porsche
    • Panamera
    • Cayenne
  • Range Rover
    • Landrover LR4
    • Range Rover Sport
  • Tesla
    • Model S

These are the principal models. You can also download our complete list.

Lyft Vehicle Inspection

Now that you have verified that your car has all the requirements it is important that you know that Lyft and Uber want to ensure safe rides to all the users on their platforms.

Your car has to be in excellent condition and has to undergo a vehicle inspection. You can take a look at our complete guide to Lyft vehicle inspection. Basically it is a part of the application process to become a Lyft driver.

Very similar to Uber vehicle inspection, Lyft vehicle inspection is required for all the vehicles in the Lyft platform. Each vehicle must in any case pass a vehicle inspection every year.

How do I book a Lyft Vehicle Inspection?

You can schedule your Lyft vehicle inspection through the Lyft App or your Lyft driver account. Do not worry, the Lyft app will remind you that you have to do your inspection one month before expiry. Lyft vehicle inspection is FREE in the Lyft HUB Lyft vehicle inspection is FREE in the Lyft HUB where you can get potential additional requirements for driving on the Lyft platform.

What does Lyft check in a car inspection?

lyft vehicle inspection

The safety inspection criteria set by Lyft is designed to make sure that your vehicle is operating safely and includes:

  • All four doors must be able to open and close from the interior and the exterior
  • Front seats must be able to move forward and backward.
  • Passengers must be able to unlock and lock their own doors
  • All seat belts equipped in the vehicle must be functional
  • Air conditioning and heat must be fully functional
  • Windows must be functional (able to roll up and down) and free of cracks
  • Mirrors must be free of cracks
  • Engine, suspension, steering, and brakes must be fully functional and safe
  • All exterior lights must function
    • Headlights (both high and low beams)
    • Turn signals (both sides, front and rear)
    • Brake lights
    • Reverse lights (both lights)
  • All tires need sufficient tread.

If you need to verify that your tires are in good condition, perform a penny test. Watch the video below.

👀 For safe journeys, we suggest you consult our guides to dash cams for rideshare drivers and best flashlights to keep in your car.

Lyft Vehicle Requirements FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

What are the best cars for Lyft?

If rideshare driving will be your main job, choosing the right car it is a really important decision. You need a reliable model and a fuel economy car, since you'll be driving many more miles than a typical driver.

You also need a spacious rear seat to help ensure your riders are comfortable. From our experience the best and fuel efficient car for Uber and Lyft are the hybrid version including:

  • Toyota Prius
  • Ford Fusion
  • Toyota Camry
  • BMW series 6 series

Does Lyft Pay for Gas

You are responsible for your gas expenses. Do not worry at Bestreferraldriver we share with you the best tips to save money on gas. Do not forget to take a look at our guide to GetUpside.

How to track mileage for Lyft?

Tracking your mileage is really important to get the most out of the tax deduction. You can do it with a paper or use an app that tracks your driving. Take a look at our guide with the best mileage tracker apps.

Can I drive for Lyft in another state?

You can only drive in the state where you were approved. However, if you move to another state and you meet the lyft driver car requirements of the new state, the best thing to do is to contact the Lyft Support to make the change.

How does it work for driving for Lyft?

Very similar to drive for Uber, driving with Lyft and make money on the go it is easy:

  • Open the Lyft driver App
  • Accept ride requests
  • Start driving to the pick up location
  • Dropoff the Lyft customer
  • Rate the rider
  • Earn Money

Can a Salvage car be used for Lyft?

Your car cannot be used for Lyft might not be accepted if it is a rebuilt or salvaged vehicle

Does Lyft Offer Roadside Assistance?

Whether you have a flat tire or simply run out of gas, Lyft partners with Allstate Roadside Services to bring you 24 hour emergency tire service and 24/7 roadside assistance right from the app. Lyft drivers who purchase roadside assistance will receive a discount on the service. In addition you can get access to rewards such as roadside assistance with the Lyft rewards program.

Can I drive with Lyft if my car is damaged?

The list of Lyft car restrictions includes damaged cars. Your car must be free of body damage and dents. You cannot drive with Lyft with a damaged car.

Does Lyft accept 2 doors cars?

Nope. 2 doors cars do not qualify for Lyft. All the cars on the Lyft platform must have 4 doors. If you have a 2 doors car you may think to sign up for Postmates or become an Uber Eats driver.

How long does Lyft car inspection take?

The actual Lyft car inspection takes 15 minutes once the car is in the Lyft HUB. Paperwork may take another 5/10 minutes.

Be Your Own Boss

Be your own boss and start earning money in your own terms. Now you know the details for Lyft driver and vehicle qualifications in order to drive for Lyft. Qualifying for Lyft is not so complicated. If you have your own car you only need to pass a vehicle inspection and you can start quickly to earn money as a Lyft driver. If you don’t have a car, you can easily rent a car with Lyft Express Drive.

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