Information for Drivers
Pre-Employment Background Checks
Background Checks
A Transportation Network Company (TNC) must perform a background check on all their drivers. This check includes at a minimum a local, state, and national criminal background check that includes a commercial multistate and multijurisdictional criminal records locator or similar national database.
The criminal background check must also include a background check that includes the national sex offender public website maintained by the U.S. Department of Justice or a successor agency.
A TNC must perform the background and driver history checks at least annually on each of its drivers.
Fingerprinting
Although not required, TNCs may choose to require fingerprinting of drivers.
Disqualifying Convictions
Individuals may not be a TNC driver if they were convicted of any of the following crimes in the preceding seven-year period:
- use of a motor vehicle to commit a felony;
- any felony crime involving property damage;
- fraud;
- theft;
- An act of violence; or
- An act of terrorism; or
- driving while intoxicated
Individuals who are registered in the national sex offender public website maintained by the U.S. Department of Justice or a successor agency may not be a TNC driver.
Driver Requirements
A driver must be approved and authorized by the TNC before being allowed to operate on the TNC’s digital network. TDLR does not license TNC drivers, although there are certain requirements that establish minimum requirements for drivers who may be employed by a TNC.
Minimum Age
You must be at least 18 years old to be a TNC driver.
Driver’s License
You must have a driver’s license to become a driver, however individuals who recently moved to Texas may use their out of state or District of Columbia driver license to work as a TNC driver in Texas. Check Texas laws to determine how long you may drive in Texas using your out of state or District of Columbia license after moving.
Driving History
Individuals with any of the following offenses in the previous three years may not be a TNC driver:
- more than three offenses classified as moving violations; or
- fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer; or
- reckless driving; or
- driving without a valid driver license.
Law-Enforcement Interactions
On request of law enforcement or a government official, you must display the digital identification and electronic proof that a ride was matched through the digital network.
You do not have to relinquish control of your mobile device to display this information, but it must be presented.
Requirements for Vehicles
Vehicles must meet the requirements of Chapter 548, Transportation Code and additionally must:
- have four doors;
- have a maximum passenger capacity of eight people including the driver;
- be owned, leased, or rented by, or made available to, the driver.
A TNC may have additional requirements for vehicles.
Vehicles capable of transporting fixed-frame wheelchair passengers in the cabin are exempt from the requirement to have four doors.
Vehicles used to provide ride-sharing services may not be used as a taxicab, limousine, or any vehicle type that is otherwise regulated by a municipality or joint airport board without obtaining the proper license or registration.
Providing Rides to Customers
Non-Discrimination
A TNC driver may not prohibit or refuse a ride for a passenger based on location, destination, race, color, national origin, religious belief or affiliation, sex, disability, or age.
Refusing Service
A TNC driver may only refuse a ride to a passenger acting in an unlawful, disorderly or endangering manner.
Service Animals
A TNC driver must provide service to passengers with a service animal.
Insurance Requirements
Standard insurance companies may choose to deny coverage while operating as a TNC driver. Check with your insurance company and TNC to determine what coverage is provided.
A TNC driver or a TNC on the driver’s behalf must maintain primary automobile insurance as required by Texas Insurance Code 1954 while the driver is logged on to the TNC’s digital network and while engaged in a prearranged ride. The requirements for insurance may be satisfied by the TNC’s insurance, the TNC driver’s insurance or a combination of both.
See Texas Insurance Code 1954 for a full list of insurance requirements.
