Can I Drive for Uber/Lyft if I’m Arrested?

Written By: Matthew W. Peterson

Published: 08/18/2022

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How an Attorney Can Help Rideshare Drivers Following an Arrest

If you’re arrested, you could lose your license to operate for Uber/Lyft. This is even before you’re convicted. I am an attorney who has helped people get their license to operate a rideshare back after their arrest.

Reasons for Rideshare License Suspension

Massachusetts regulations, 220 CMR 274, provide that if you’re charged with certain crimes, your license to operate a rideshare will be immediately suspended. This includes domestic violence offenses, operating under the influence, any sort of assault case, and many theft-related offenses.

This is a state law, and it is not up to the rideshare company. If you’re arrested for any of these offenses, Uber/Lyft has to suspend your right to operate on their platform. This can happen immediately.

If you are convicted of any of these offenses, your license to operate a ride share could be suspended anywhere from five years to indefinitely.

Other Reasons for Suspension

Your right to drive for Uber/Lyft can be suspended even if you’re not arrested. This can include tickets, surchargeable accidents, and driving-related offenses. A wide range of charges, from traffic violations and operating under the influence (OUI) to failure to pay taxes, can lead to the loss of your driving privileges.

Your rideshare license can also be suspended for discretionary reasons, such as a customer complaint that does not result in criminal charges. In that situation, you have the right to appeal the suspension, and I have assisted people in appealing their suspensions in those situations. If your license to operate an Uber or Lyft is suspended due to unsuitability, you have the right to appeal the decision within thirty (30) business days. However, this only applies to discretionary suspensions and not for suspensions due to criminal charges.

Importance of Hiring an Attorney

The Law Office of Matthew W. Peterson have successfully worked with drivers for Uber/Lyft to get their right to operate back after being arrested. If you’re charged with domestic violence or any offense and rely on ride-sharing as your job, you should hire a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. Call or text us at 617-295-7500 as soon as possible. Let’s get started on your defense.