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Requirements on the road

To help you stay safe and compliant on the road, this page talks about being aware of local regulatory requirements. Please take the time to read and understand your obligations under these regulations.

Local compliance

As a driver and/or vehicle owner of a for-hire vehicle (FHV), you are required to follow the Taxi & Limousine Commission rules that apply to the license(s) you hold. Among other things, the TLC rules require drivers and/or vehicle owners to:

Display a safety sticker within the FHV that states “Turning? People are Crossing.” This is also known as the “Vision Zero Sticker.” The sticker should be affixed to the inside of the front windshield, in the center and at the top of the windshield directly behind the rearview mirror. The sticker should not be placed on the windshield in a way that will obstruct the driver’s view. [TLC Rule 59A-29(j)]

Drivers are limited to a combined 10 hours of driving on trips transporting passengers. The 10-hour limit does not include time spent waiting for trip requests or driving to pick up passengers. Drivers can reset this 10-hour clock by taking an 8-hour break. Drivers are also limited to 60 hours of passenger time each calendar week (Sunday to Saturday). [TLC Rule 80-14(f)]

Failing to comply with the TLC rules may result in summonses, fines, or other penalties. You are responsible for your own compliance with the TLC rules, and you are responsible for handling incidents resulting in violations of those rules.

Drivers of FHVs may not pick up passengers at any taxi stand. [TLC Rule 80-19(d)(2)]

Only use an “electronic communication device” (i.e. your mobile device) while the FHV is legally parked or legally standing. Using your device includes operating the device in any way (including to text or make calls), having the device in your hand, and using a Bluetooth or other hands-free device in or near your ear. Note that using the Driver app to accept trips is allowed, provided that the device is mounted in a fixed position. [TLC Rule 80-14(g)]

Get FHVs inspected at least once every 4 months. [TLC Rule 59A-26(a)]

Display your TLC driver’s license while you are operating the vehicle for hire. Your license should be displayed in a place that is clearly visible to passengers. [TLC Rule 80-24(a)(2)]

Only complete trips by prearrangement with a licensed for-hire base. A driver cannot solicit or pick up passengers in any other way, including “street hails,” “private trips,” or any trips that are not prearranged by a licensed for-hire base. [TLC Rule 80-19(c)]

Driver requirements

Display sticker/sign

Some regulations require you to display a sign or sticker that helps riders identify that you are a rideshare driver. To help with this, we provide a removable Uber sticker to be displayed on your vehicle whenever you’re online (where required). If the sticker is not properly displayed, or if it’s not visible while you’re driving with the Driver app (day or night), you could be subject to penalties by local authorities.

Driving-hour limits

State and local regulations may enforce limits on the number of hours drivers can spend online on rideshare platforms. To help you keep track of your time online, the Driver app will alert you when you’re approaching the applicable limit, and then again when you’ve been online for the maximum amount of time. After a substantial period of time offline, driving time resets and you can go online again to receive trip requests.

Community Guidelines

Our Community Guidelines were developed to help make every experience feel safe, respectful, and positive. Everyone who signs up for an Uber account across all of our apps, including drivers, riders, delivery people, Uber Eats users, and restaurants, is expected to follow the guidelines. Tap here for more information.

NYC regulations

  • As of April 1, 2019, we are not accepting new driver signups in New York City, due in part to new TLC regulations.
  • New York City regulations prohibit drivers from transporting passengers for more than 10 hours in any 24-hour period and for more than 60 hours in a calendar week (Monday-Sunday)
  • Only the time when a passenger is in your car is counted against the 10 hour limit; time spent waiting for trip requests, driving to pick up customers, or waiting for customers to get to your car is not counted
  • You can reset the 10 hours and get back on the road after 8 hours offline

Other ways people can earn through the platform

Driving at the airport

You can get clear, detailed information related to airport pickups by tapping below.

Trips outside of New York City

Information for FHV drivers

Commercially licensed drivers are not allowed to do trips that both start and end outside of the 5 boroughs of New York City.

  • If you’re a commercially licensed driver and complete a trip that starts in New York City and ends in Westchester, Nassau, Suffolk, Rockland, Dutchess, or Ulster County, you will then only receive a trip request returning to New York City
    • You do not need to change anything in your app or set a destination—you will automatically receive only a trip back to New York City
  • Uber rates for the counties above will apply to any trips from those counties back into New York City

Trips back to NYC

This is a map of where you'll be able to receive a trip request returning to New York City.

Note: no action is needed if you want to continue driving in NYC as a TLC-licensed driver.

Remember, it's always your responsibility to understand and comply with the law when you’re out on the road. Nothing on Uber’s website is legal or tax advice. If you have questions about the law, you can always consult your local department of transportation and/or an appropriate legal or tax professional.

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