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Nobody enjoys a traffic ticket. For most people it means a fine and higher insurance. For Uber and Lyft drivers, it can also mean being rejected or deactivated and losing your income. Apps like Off The Record say they can match you with an attorney who will fight your ticket, with a money-back guarantee if the attorney cannot help.
We hear these questions all the time:
- “Will Uber deactivate me for getting a ticket?”
- “If I get deactivated because of a ticket, how can I contest it?”
- “How can I fight a speeding ticket or red light ticket and win?”
Uber's Policy on Your Driving Record and Background Check
Uber runs a criminal background check and a motor vehicle record (MVR) check on drivers, and it re-checks periodically. Requirements can vary by state and city, so check the current rules for your area on Uber’s website. In general, red flags include:
- Major moving violations such as a DUI, reckless driving or vehicular homicide, usually within the past 7 years
- More than three minor moving violations (speeding, tailgating, running a stop sign or red light) in the past 3 years
- Serious speeding, such as 20 or more miles over the limit, in recent years
- Certain criminal convictions within the lookback period
Lyft's Policy on Your Driving Record and Background Check
Lyft also runs a criminal background check and a DMV record check. Requirements vary by location, so check Lyft’s current driver requirements page. Typical red flags include:
- Multiple moving violations within the past few years
- Major violations such as a DUI, reckless driving or vehicular homicide
- Certain criminal convictions within the lookback period
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.
For an Uber or Lyft driver, a ticket can cost more than the fine, so it is worth considering your options. Compare the fee and the guarantee terms before you decide.
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.
