Ride-sharing background checks now required in New Jersey

Transportation Network Company Safety and Regulatory Act,” mandates drivers and the companies that employ them meet insurance coverage standards and undergo a driving and criminal background check. The law takes effect on May 1, 2017 and makes N.J. the 36th state to regulate ride-sharing businesses. According to the law, drivers would be banned from employment by a ride-sharing company if they had been convicted of homicide, sexual assault, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, reckless driving and possession or sale of a controlled dangerous substance. The law also states that passengers injured in an accident while being transported by a ride-sharing company would have medical coverage through either the driver, the company, or both that covers $1.5 million in medical bills. Uber spokesman Craig Ewer stated that the legislation “allows us to continue operating across the state and will improve the lives of New Jerseyans through access to safe, affordable transportation for riders and flexible economic opportunities for drivers.” Lyft spokesman Adrian Durbin also expressed gratitude, noting it will allow the company to continue to “improve transportation around the Garden State” and “empower New Jerseyans to improve their lives through economic opportunity.”]]>