Archive · 24 Dec 2025
Uber Clears Violent Felons to Drive
Uber says it checks its drivers for safety, but it actually allows some people with old violent felony convictions to drive.
This is because Uber's background checks don't look at all crimes or go back very far.
Some drivers with these records have been accused of sexually assaulting passengers.
Uber says it balances safety with giving people a second chance.
Other companies like Lyft have stricter rules.
Experts say Uber should do more to check and train drivers to keep passengers safe.
Uber's background checks allow drivers with certain violent felony convictions if they are at least seven years old in 22 states.
Uber rejects drivers convicted of murder, sexual assault, kidnapping, and terrorism.
Background checks in 35 states only go back seven years, potentially missing older crimes.
Uber has faced lawsuits and accusations from passengers who were sexually assaulted by drivers with criminal records.
Lyft, Uber's rival, bans drivers with any violent felony convictions, regardless of when they occurred.
- Who
- Uber and its drivers
- What
- Uber's background check policies allow drivers with certain violent felony convictions
- When
- Ongoing, with specific incidents between 2020 and 2024
- Where
- United States, with specific cases in San Diego, Tampa, Florida, and Atlanta
- Why
- Uber aims to balance safety with giving people with older criminal records a chance to work
- Company
- Uber
- Background Check Provider
- Checkr
- Disqualifying Offenses
- Murder, sexual assault, kidnapping, terrorism
- Felony Conviction Cutoff
- 7 years in 22 states
- Background Check Scope
- 7 years of residence history in 35 states
- Massachusetts Audit
- Banned 8,000 drivers (11%) in 2017
- Sexual Assault Reports
- Almost every 8 minutes (2017-2024)
- Lyft Policy
- Lifetime bans for violent felonies