Can You Drive for Lyft with a Misdemeanor?
As a driver for Lyft, you’ll face a background check before getting accepted into the platform. One of the most crucial questions on many drivers’ minds is: Can I drive for Lyft with a misdemeanor? The short answer is: Maybe. It’s complicated, and the decision is not always straightforward.
What Is a Misdemeanor?**
Before we dive deeper, let’s clarify what a misdemeanor is. **A misdemeanor is a non-felony crime, punishable by a sentence of less than one year, usually a fine or even no punishment at all**. Examples of misdemeanors include traffic violations, Disorderly Conduct, Possession of Small Amount of Drugs, and Petty Theft, among others.
Lyft’s Driver Requirements**
To drive for Lyft, you’ll need to meet the company’s requirements, which include:
* Being at least 21 years old (for Lyft)
* Having a valid driver’s license
* Having a vehicle in good condition
* Completing a background check (more on this later)
Lyft’s Background Check Policy**
Lyft uses a third-party service, called [Checkr](https://www.checkr.com), to conduct background checks. When you sign up to be a Lyft driver, Checkr will review your **criminal history, motor vehicle records, and credit reports** to determine if you’re eligible to drive. The company uses a multi-step process to assess drivers’ suitability:
* Level 1: Basic checks, which include federal databases and some state-level criminal records
* Level 2: Enhanced checks, which include additional state and local records, plus the National Sex Offender Registry
* Level 3: Extended checks, which include federal and state prisons, and other public sources
Misdemeanors and Lyft’s Background Check**
When you apply to drive for Lyft, Checkr will scrutinize your criminal history to identify any misdemeanors you may have committed. Lyft’s policy is **strictly no felonies or violent crimes**, but for misdemeanors, it depends on the type, age, and circumstances.
* **If you have a misdemeanor on your record**:
+ Checkr will review the severity of the offense, considering the type, age, and circumstances
+ They’ll also look for **any pending charges, restraining orders, or civil legal actions**
+ The decision to approve or decline your application will depend on Checkr’s assessment
* **If you’ve already been approved and later charged with a misdemeanor**:
+ Lyft reserves the right to re-investigate and re-evaluate your case
+ If the new charges warrant, Lyft may **revoke your driving privileges and terminate your account**
Types of Misdemeanors and Your Chances**
Lyft doesn’t provide an explicit list of approved and prohibited misdemeanors. However, we can look at the following examples to get an idea of how they might categorize different types of offenses:
* ** Petty Traffic Violations**: Most states consider these minor offenses and are usually not disqualifying factors.
* **Disorderly Conduct**: This offense might raise a red flag, as it can indicate a disregard for authority or public order. **Approval is uncertain**
* **Possession of Small Amount of Drugs**: This offense might lead to a denial, especially if it’s a repeated or recent incident.
* **Theft or Petty Theft**: **Approval is likely to be denied**, as these offenses indicate a higher risk of dishonest behavior
Additional Tips and Considerations**
While Lyft’s policy on misdemeanors is not strictly explicit, here are some crucial points to keep in mind:
* **Transparency is key**: When signing up, be truthful and disclose any criminal history
* **Checkr might contact you**: During the background check process, you might receive a phone call or email from Checkr to discuss your record
* **Lyft reviews each case individually**: Their decision-making process considers not only the offense itself but also your overall record, age, and circumstances
Conclusion**
In conclusion, driving for Lyft with a misdemeanor is possible, but not a guarantee. The outcome largely depends on the type of offense, age, circumstances, and Checkr’s assessment. **Honesty and transparency** are essential when signing up for Lyft, as the background check process is thorough.
**Remember:**
| **Type of Misdemeanor** | **Likely Approval?** |
| — | — |
| Petty Traffic Violation | Yes |
| Disorderly Conduct | No/Pending |
| Possession of Small Amount of Drugs | No |
| Theft/Petty Theft | No |
Keep in mind that these are general guidelines, and Lyft’s decision is subjective. If you have any concerns or questions about driving for Lyft with a misdemeanor, consult the Lyft help center or contact a professional background check service.
