NY Rideshare Laws: What New Yorkers Need to Know Now

When rideshare incidents turn serious—whether due to assault, discrimination, or negligence—it’s essential to know your rights under New York’s evolving legal landscape. This guide breaks down the protections that Uber and Lyft riders and drivers enjoy in the state, so victims and families can act effectively and confidently.

Rideshare sexual abuse and assault

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Who Regulates Rideshare in NYC vs. the Rest of New York State

In New York City, Uber and Lyft are regulated by the NYC Taxi & Limousine Commission (TLC)—the same agency that licenses taxis, limousines, black cars, and other for-hire vehicles. The TLC oversees driver licensing, vehicle inspections, app approval, fare-setting, and enforcement of safety rules.

Outside NYC, rideshare services like UberX and Lyft fall under the Transportation Network Company (TNC) Act, governed by the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). This law took effect on June 29, 2017, allowing counties and large cities to prohibit TNC pick-ups, though only NYC currently enforces its own rules.

Insurance & Minimum Coverage Requirements

NY laws set strict insurance rules to protect riders:

Period 1 (while drivers are logged into the app):
- $75K per person / $150K per accident / $25K property damage
Period 2 (during a trip):
- $1.25 million liability, uninsured/underinsured coverage, and no-fault insurance^[1]

Drivers must carry proof of this coverage at all times, and rideshare companies must maintain group policies covering their drivers.

Settlements that Protect Drivers & Riders

The NY Attorney General secured landmark settlements with Uber and Lyft in 2023, totaling $328 million:

Back pay restitution went to drivers wrongly denied paid sick leave, overcharged local taxes, or incorrectly paid.
An “earnings floor” guarantees drivers outside NYC at least $26/hour, adjusted for inflation. NYC drivers already have higher minimums due to TLC rules.
Both companies now provide paid sick leave: 1 hour per 30 worked, up to 56 hours annually. Pay differs by region.
Enhanced app transparency, earnings statements, in-app support, and the ability to appeal deactivations were also mandated.

These reforms emphasize that both drivers and passengers have explicit rights—and channels for recourse.

Congestion Surcharge & Fare Transparency

New York continues imposing a congestion surcharge—currently $2.75 per non-medallion trip—payable by passengers and collected by TNCs . Should a dispute arise (for instance, if the surcharge is missing or misapplied), you can reference your receipt and contact the Department of Taxation and Finance.

Picking Up Passengers & Local Permissions

The TNC Act excludes NYC, meaning only the TLC regulates rideshare operations in the five boroughs.
In the rest of the state, counties or cities with over 100,000 people may opt out—though none currently prohibit rideshare pickups.
Rideshare vehicles registered for other uses (e.g., livery cars) must obtain separate registration to operate as a TNC in NYC.

Key Protections for Victims of Abuse & Negligence

New York’s current framework empowers victims in several ways:

Strict liability insurance during trips:
With $1.25M coverage, victims have access to strong redress for injury or property damage.
Transparency and recourse via app controls:
Updated policies enable appeals of driver deactivations and access to in-app reports—crucial if a driver is abusive .
Reporting and licensing enforcement by TLC/DMV:
Filing complaints can trigger investigations; both agencies have authority to suspend or revoke licenses.
Paid sick leave laws:
Victims can claim leave time after abusive incidents tied to sickness or trauma—complementing legal options.
Tax & surcharge protections:
Misapplied fees are enforceable through the Department of Taxation—with victims entitled to restitution.

What You Should Do if You Suffer Harm

If you or a loved one is harmed during a rideshare trip:

Report to the TLC or DMV depending on your location.
Save all documentation: app screenshots, receipt (with surcharge), contact information.
Seek medical care immediately, then move quickly to file injuries/insurance claims.
Use in-app tools to lodge complaints or appeal.
Contact the NY Tax Department for surcharge or overcharge issues.
Know your timeline: NYC’s TLC likely handles complaints within 30–60 days; insurance claims depend on the provider.

Our Commitment to the Community

Our law firm is dedicated to supporting New Yorkers affected by rideshare abuse. We offer guidance on:

Navigating the TLC and DMV complaint systems
Ensuring full access to insurance payouts
Holding TNCs accountable under surcharge violations
Claiming paid sick leave after traumatic incidents

Your safety matters. If you’re facing the aftermath of a rideshare incident, we’re here to help you understand your rights and pursue the justice and compensation you deserve.

Summary

Insurance during trips:
VTL Article 44-B: $1.25M liability, UM, no-fault

Driver pay & leave rights:
2023 AG settlement + TLC minimums

Congestion surcharge:
NY Tax Dept collection & enforcement

Licensing & oversight:
TLC (NYC) and DMV (statewide)

Complaint mechanism:
TLC/DMV investigations, in-app appeal options

ISSUE

PROTECTION SOURCE

Insurance during trips

VTL Article 44-B: $1.25M liability, UM, no-fault

Driver pay & leave rights

2023 AG settlement + TLC minimums

Congestion surcharge

NY Tax Dept collection & enforcement

Licensing & oversight

TLC (NYC) and DMV (statewide)

Complaint mechanism

TLC/DMV investigations, in-app appeal options

Final Thoughts

Rideshare services must operate transparently and safely under New York law. Whether you’re a victim of physical, emotional, or financial harm, legal mechanisms are in place to support you. Remember:

Rideshare insurance covers you in case of injury.
App tools allow immediate actions and appeals.
Regulatory agencies have tools to impose sanctions.
You can recover surcharges and lost wages.

Stay informed. Stay safe. As your local law firm, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

NYC TLC Regulations https://www.nyc.gov/site/tlc/about/tlc-trip-records.page
NY State DMV – TNC Act Overview https://dmv.ny.gov/more-info/transportation-network-companies
NY State DFS – Rideshare Insurance Requirements https://www.dfs.ny.gov/apps_and_licensing/property_insurers/trans_network_co_ride_sharing_faqs
NY Attorney General 2023 Uber/Lyft Settlement https://ag.ny.gov/press-release/2023/attorney-general-james-secures-328-million-uber-and-lyft-taking-earnings-drivers
NY Department of Taxation – Congestion Surcharge https://www.tax.ny.gov/bus/cs/csidx.htm
NY DMV – Local Opt-Out Clause for TNC Act https://dmv.ny.gov/business/tnc-information-for-local-governments

Take Back Control. Start TODAY.

Being assaulted by a Lyft or Uber driver is not your fault. You deserve answers. You deserve advocacy. And most of all—you deserve justice.

Let us help you move forward.

Contact Survivors Justice now for your free, private consultation.