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Nobody enjoys receiving a traffic ticket. For most it means a steep fine and an increase in their insurance premium. For Uber and Lyft Drivers, it might mean being deactivated and losing your source of income. A new app called ‘Off The Record’ says that they can get your ticket dismissed or it’s free.
Having a traffic citation on your record can mean being rejected when applying for Uber or Lyft, or being deactivated if you have, in some cases, just one moving violation.
We hear it all the time:
- “Will Uber deactivate me for getting a ticket?”
- “If I get deactivated by Uber due to a traffic ticket, how can I contest the ticket and get re-activated?”
- “How can I fight a speeding ticket or a red light ticket and win?”
Uber's Policy on Your Driving Record and Background Check
It is standard practice for Uber to run basic background checks on all of their potential drivers. That includes a criminal background check and a DMV record check.
Some red flags that can keep you off the platform may include:
- Having 3 or more prior moving violations (i.e. traffic regulations broken while the vehicle was in motion) within the past 3 years. These include things like speeding, tailgating, running a stop sign or red light, etc
- Any previous history of major traffic violations such as a DUI, vehicular homicide or reckless driving. Even one of these types of violations can be a dealbreaker for Uber.
- Any speeding violations 20 miles over the speed limit within the past 3 years
- Any criminal convictions within the past 7 years
Lyft's Policy on Your Driving Record and Background Check
Lyft runs basic background checks on all of their potential drivers as well. That includes a criminal background check and a DMV record check.
Some red flags that can keep you off the platform may include:
- Having 3 or more prior moving violations (i.e. traffic regulations broken while the vehicle was in motion) within the past 3 years. These include things like speeding, tailgating, running a stop sign or red light, etc
- Any previous history of major traffic violations such as a DUI, vehicular homicide or reckless driving. Even one of these types of violations can be a dealbreaker for Lyft.
- Any criminal convictions within the past 7 years. (criminal convictions from 10-20 years ago often appear on background checks and result in Lyft rejecting a driver’s application as well).
Why Do Uber and Lyft Care If I Have a Speeding Ticket?
Well, there are lots of reasons. They pay to insure you when you’re using the app. Just like your personal insurance rates go up when you get a ticket, so do their commercial insurance rates. Also, they wish to protect themselves against any future liabilities or litigation that could occur from knowingly allowing a driver with a history of unsafe driving behind the wheel. Finally, and most obviously, they want to keep their customers safe. If you drive fast, blow through red lights or stop signs, or change lanes without signaling, you’re more likely to be in an accident than someone that obeys traffic laws.
What Can I Do to Keep a Ticket off of My Record?
Pay the ticket and go to traffic school
This can be quite expensive as you will be paying the fine AND a fee to attend the online, or in-person, class. In most jurisdictions, the ticket will not appear on your record if you complete the class and don’t get any other violations within the next 3-6 months.
Fight the ticket in court yourself
There are a few ways for this to succeed:
- The officer that issued the citation doesn’t appear in court (this is unlikely as they often schedule all of their citations for that month on the same court day to make sure they are there to provide any supporting evidence).
- You have evidence that proves your innocense. This does not include “I was speeding, but I had a good reason”. If you are trying to use a technicality on why the officer is mistaken, you had better have a good one because the judge has heard it all and will probably not buy it.
- The judge takes pity on you since you have an otherwise clean record. This is a coin toss, but usually the time to get pity is by politely asking the officer for a warning before the citation is written.
Have 'Off The Record' provide a traffic attorney to fight the ticket for you
How does Off The Record work?
You are legally entitled to contest your traffic tickets, but city and municipal governments make the process inconvenient and cumbersome.
Upload a photo
First, provide a photo of your ticket. This will provide most of the info needed to start your case.
Explain what happened
Answer a few questions in order to match you with the most best lawyer for your situation.
Get an attorney
An experienced lawyer will handle your ticket. You’ll pay one flat fee and be covered by a money back guarantee.
That's it. No mailing in your ticket. No showing up in court.
As an Uber or Lyft driver, you cannot afford NOT to try to fight a ticket. With their money back guarantee, you’ve got nothing to lose.
This article does not constitute legal advice. Consult with a licensed attorney regarding local traffic laws and court procedures. We may receive a referral fee for recommending some of the products, apps or services listed on this website. This article is for informational purposes only.
