January 8, 2026 | Car Accidents
Uber and Lyft have become popular ways to get around Arizona, offering quick and convenient transportation through a mobile app. While rideshare services can feel simple and reliable, they are governed by specific state laws that regulate driver qualifications, vehicle safety, and insurance coverage.
Understanding these requirements is important, especially after an accident involving an Uber or Lyft vehicle, when compliance with Arizona law can directly affect liability and compensation.
Why Uber and Lyft Requirements Matter in Arizona
Arizona allows Uber and Lyft to operate statewide, but that permission comes with rules. These rules aim to protect passengers, pedestrians, cyclists, and other drivers.
Vehicle and driver requirements matter because they:
- Set safety baselines for rideshare vehicles
- Determine whether Uber or Lyft insurance applies
- Help establish negligence after an accident
- Affect who may be held legally responsible
If a driver or vehicle fails to meet required standards, that failure may strengthen an injury claim.
Uber and Lyft Requirements in Arizona
When you request an Uber or Lyft in Arizona, you will not be picked up in just any car. Both companies impose minimum vehicle requirements that drivers must meet before they can accept rides.
Although Uber and Lyft may update their own policies from time to time, Arizona drivers generally must meet the following vehicle standards.
Basic Vehicle Requirements
In Arizona, Uber and Lyft vehicles typically must:
- Be four-door vehicles
- Seat at least four passengers, excluding the driver
- Be within the company’s approved model year range
- Be in good working condition with no major cosmetic or mechanical damage
- Have working seat belts for all passengers
- Display valid Arizona license plates
- Not be salvaged, rebuilt, or branded title vehicles
- Not display commercial advertising
Two-door vehicles, heavily damaged cars, and vehicles with major safety issues are not allowed.
Vehicle Age and Condition
Uber and Lyft restrict how old vehicles can be. While exact model year cutoffs can vary by service level and location, vehicles generally must be newer and well-maintained.
Rideshare vehicles must:
- Pass a vehicle inspection
- Have no cracked windshields or broken mirrors
- Have functioning headlights, brake lights, and turn signals
- Be free of dangerous mechanical defects
Arizona law requires that rideshare vehicles remain safe for public use at all times. It is not enough to simply be safe at the time of approval.
Vehicle Inspections
Uber and Lyft require regular inspections of rideshare vehicles. These inspections are meant to confirm that the vehicle is roadworthy and meets safety standards.
Inspections typically review:
- Brakes and tires
- Steering and suspension
- Lights and signals
- Windshield and mirrors
- Seat belts
- Horn
If a vehicle fails inspection, the driver cannot operate on the platform until repairs are made.
Uber and Lyft Insurance Requirements in Arizona
Insurance coverage is one of the most important parts of Uber and Lyft operations. Arizona law requires rideshare vehicles to provide insurance coverage based on the driver’s activity at the time of the accident.
When the Driver is Not Logged Into the App
If the Uber or Lyft driver is not logged into the app:
- Uber and Lyft provide no coverage
- The driver’s personal auto insurance applies
This distinction becomes critical when determining liability after a crash.
When the Driver Is Logged in but Has No Passenger
When a driver is logged into the app and available to accept a ride, Arizona law requires minimum insurance coverage amounts. This coverage applies only while the driver is waiting for a ride request.
When the Driver Is Picking up a Passenger or Transporting One
Once a driver accepts a ride and is either on the way to pick up a passenger or actively transporting one, Uber and Lyft provide significantly higher coverage. This coverage may be up to $1,000,000.
This level of coverage often becomes a primary source of compensation in serious rideshare injury cases.
How a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help
A personal injury lawyer plays a key role in rideshare accident cases. At KRLG Injury Lawyers, we help clients by:
- Determining the driver’s app status at the time of the crash
- Identifying applicable insurance coverage
- Investigating driver and vehicle compliance
- Gathering digital records and trip data
- Handling negotiations with Uber, Lyft, and insurers
- Calculating full economic and non-economic damages
- Pursuing compensation through settlement or litigation
Uber and Lyft vehicle and driver requirements exist for a reason. When those requirements are ignored, people can get hurt.
Contact a Phoenix Car Accident Lawyer for Help
Uber and Lyft are required to follow specific safety and insurance rules in Arizona. When those requirements are not met, determining liability and insurance coverage after an accident can become complicated. Understanding how rideshare laws apply can play a key role in recovering compensation.
If you were injured in an Uber or Lyft accident in Phoenix, Arizona, KRLG Injury Lawyers is here to help. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a Phoenix car accident lawyer.
We serve Scottsdale, Phoenix, Maricopa County, & Arizona’s surrounding areas.
Kurtz Riley Injury Lawyers
7702 E Doubletree Ranch Rd, Suite 150, Scottsdale, AZ 85258
(623) 303-5754
