Introduction

Federal, state, and local laws apply to for-hire passenger transportation. These laws promote safety and consumer protections, assure transportation availability and accessibility, and allow communities to control traffic and prevent pollution. Officials can follow up on consumer complaints, reports of criminal convictions, or information showing a violation of Virginia laws or federal laws such as the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Currently in Virginia, a business or person that is paid to provide transportation is required by law to obtain authorization from DMV and meet certain standards intended to safeguard consumers. Applicants for a license to operate as a passenger carrier need certain liability insurance coverage and a bond to cover customers’ claims based on fraud or contract breach. Existing businesses or individuals in the community can protest an application. Some forms of transportation are exempt from state passenger carrier requirements, most notably “ridesharing arrangements,” because they do not provide transportation for profit. Since TNCs provide transportation for-hire, they do not qualify as “ridesharing arrangements.” All of these laws are in the Virginia Code, Title 46.2, Chapter 20, which you can view online,here. You can also learn more about Virginia’s requirements, here.

Localities in Virginia have broad authority to regulate for-hire drivers and vehicles in their jurisdiction. They can require criminal background checks and set standards for vehicles used. For taxis, localities can control the number allowed on the streets and set liability insurance requirements.

Please Provide Your Views

DMV welcomes your input to various questions like: How do you define the emerging business models such as Uber, Lyft, and Sidecar, and any other companies that may provide similar service in the future? What requirements do you believe would allow these businesses to operate successfully in the Commonwealth and at the same time guarantee these services are safe and reliable for all Virginians? To provide answers to these questions or to provide further comments, please email tncstudy@dmv.virginia.gov.

Please provide your specific input by answering the following questions.

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