NY Rideshare Laws: What New Yorkers Need to Know Now

TL;DR
NY rideshare legal landscape. NYC: TLC-regulated. Rest of state: DMV/TNC Act (June 2017). Insurance $1.25M during trips. 2023 AG settlement $328M (back pay, $26/hr floor, paid sick leave). Congestion surcharge $2.75. Victim protections.

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

We can help answer your questions and connect you with an attorney if you may have a case.

Assaulted by an Uber or Lyft Driver in New York? Your Options

A sexual assault during a rideshare trip is a crime, and it can also be the basis for a civil claim for money damages. In New York, survivors may have a claim against the driver and, in many cases, against Uber or Lyft for failing to screen drivers, act on complaints or use safety measures that could have prevented the assault.

Report it when you’re ready. You can call 911 or your local police. In New York City you can also file a complaint against the TLC-licensed driver through 311, and a TLC prosecutor investigates. Anywhere in the state, you can report the driver in the Uber or Lyft app.
Get medical care, even without a police report. New York hospitals must offer a forensic rape exam at no cost to you, and you don’t have to report to the police to get one. Evidence from an unreported exam is kept for 20 years.
Car insurance usually isn’t what pays. Rideshare trip insurance is built for crashes. Survivors bring claims against Uber and Lyft themselves.
You can choose court over arbitration. For assaults since March 2022, a federal law lets survivors take their case to court even if the app’s terms call for private arbitration.

Who screens New York rideshare drivers?

In New York City, every Uber and Lyft driver needs a TLC license, which requires a fingerprint background check, a drug test and a review of their driving record. Outside the city, state law requires Uber and Lyft to check the state and national sex offender registries and the driver’s record before a driver starts, to repeat criminal checks every year, and to bar anyone who must register as a sex offender. When screening fails, or warning signs are ignored, the company can be held responsible.

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:

Outside New York City, state law (Vehicle and Traffic Law Article 44-B) sets these minimums. In NYC, TLC rules apply instead: for-hire vehicles must carry at least $100,000 per injured person and $300,000 per accident.

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:

Trip insurance is mainly for crashes: outside New York City, rideshare trips carry $1.25 million in liability coverage; in NYC, TLC drivers carry at least $100,000 per person and $300,000 per accident. This insurance usually doesn’t pay for a sexual assault, but survivors can bring claims against Uber or Lyft directly.
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.
Get support: the New York State Domestic and Sexual Violence Hotline (1-800-942-6906, or text 844-997-2121) and, in New York City, Safe Horizon’s Rape and Sexual Assault Hotline (212-227-3000) are free and confidential.
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.

New York Deadlines: How Long Do You Have to File?

New York’s deadlines depend on what happened and who the claim is against. Some are long and some are short, so it’s safest to ask early.

Rape and other serious sexual offenses: 20 years. New York gives survivors 20 years to sue over conduct that would be rape or certain other serious sex crimes. The claim can be brought against anyone whose actions or failures led to the assault, including a company, not only the driver.
Other claims can be much shorter. A claim against the driver for assault or battery, such as unwanted touching, generally must be filed within 1 year. A negligence claim against a company generally has 3 years.
More time after a criminal case. If the driver is prosecuted, you generally have at least 1 year after the criminal case ends to sue the driver, and at least 5 years for the most serious offenses.
New York City: 7 years. For assaults in the five boroughs, the city’s Gender-Motivated Violence Act can allow a claim within 7 years, including against those who enabled the violence.

Every case is different, so talk to someone before a deadline passes. The consultation is free and confidential.

Uber and Lyft Sexual Assault Lawsuits: Where Things Stand

Sexual assault cases against Uber and Lyft filed in federal courts across the country, including New York, are gathered into one national proceeding for each company.

4,916 cases were pending against Uber and 134 against Lyft as of October 1, 2026.
February 2026: a federal jury in Phoenix ordered Uber to pay $8.5 million, finding the driver was acting as Uber’s agent. Uber said it would appeal.
April 2026: a federal jury in North Carolina found Uber liable for battery and awarded $5,000 in a case of unwanted touching.
October 2026: Uber settled the third test case, in Texas, just before trial.
The companies’ own numbers: Uber’s latest U.S. safety report counts 2,717 reports of the most serious sexual assaults in 2021 and 2022, including 355 rapes. Lyft reported 135 rapes in 2022.

New York Rideshare Sexual Assault: Common Questions

Can I sue Uber or Lyft if a driver assaulted me in New York?

Often, yes. Survivors bring claims against the companies for failing to screen drivers, act on complaints or use safety features that could have prevented the assault. Federal juries have already found Uber responsible in two cases.

Does Uber or Lyft insurance pay for a sexual assault?

Usually not. The $1.25 million trip insurance outside New York City, and the TLC driver’s own policy in the city, are built for crashes. Courts and insurers have generally treated a driver’s assault as outside what car insurance covers, so survivors bring claims against the companies themselves.

How long do I have to file in New York?

It depends on what happened. For rape and certain other serious sex crimes, New York allows 20 years, including against a company. Other claims can be as short as 1 year against the driver or 3 years against a company. In New York City, a city law can allow 7 years.

Do I have to report the assault to the police?

No, that’s your choice. You can get a free forensic exam without reporting. New York’s Office of Victim Services can also help with medical and counseling costs and lost wages without a police report, if a hospital, a medical or mental health provider, or a victim services agency documents what happened. You have 3 years to apply.

What if my ride was outside New York City?

State law applies instead of TLC rules. Uber and Lyft must screen drivers against the sex offender registries and carry $1.25 million in insurance during trips. Report the driver in the app and to the police. The same state deadlines apply; only the city’s 7-year law doesn’t.

What does it cost to talk to someone?

Nothing. The consultation is free and confidential. We can help answer your questions and connect you with an attorney if you may have a case.

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:
Outside NYC: $1.25M liability, UM, no-fault (VTL Article 44-B). NYC: TLC rules, at least $100K per person / $300K per accident.

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

Outside NYC: $1.25M liability, UM, no-fault (VTL Article 44-B). NYC: TLC rules, at least $100K per person / $300K per accident.

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-rules.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

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