Tougher Background Checks for Massachusetts Uber, Lyft Drivers

Massachusetts is increasing the pressure on Uber and Lyft to hire dependably safe drivers. Adam Vaccaro writes, "The popular on-demand ride services already require their drivers to pass background checks conducted by third-party vendors before they can get on the road. But a law passed over the summer brought the state into the fold, requiring drivers to both pass the company check and one from the state." Current drivers must pass the new checks by April 3, 2017.

"The state will conduct Criminal Offender Record Information and Sex Offender Registry Information background checks and consult Registry of Motor Vehicles records to determine drivers' suitability. The state will also know whether applicants face any arrest warrants in Massachusetts, which Uber and Lyft cannot determine." 

The agreement provides that "one past incident of violent crime, sexual assault, driving under the influence, reckless driving, or driver's license suspension could be grounds for denying an applicant." In a compromise, the state will not require driver fingerprinting.

Under the Massachusetts system, "Different offenses will draw different levels of scrutiny. For example, officials will search for reckless driving convictions within the last seven years, but the 'look-back period' for a sex offense is unlimited. Drivers with more than four traffic violations or at-fault accidents on their record over a three-year period will be denied."