Driving for Uber offers flexibility and supplemental income, making it an attractive option for many in Houston. However, if you have been charged with a DWI in Houston, you might wonder about your eligibility to drive for Uber. The answer depends on several factors, including the nature of the offense, the time elapsed since the conviction, and Uber’s current policies.
If you’ve been charged with a DWI, a DWI defense lawyer from The Law Offices of Ned Barnett can evaluate your situation and inform you if you can drive for Uber with a DWI. Call us at (713) 222-6767 for a free consultation.
Uber’s Driver Eligibility Requirements
To drive for Uber in Texas, you must meet the following criteria:
- Be at least 25 years old to transport passengers (as of August 12, 2024) and have at least one year of licensed driving experience in the U.S. (three years if under 25).
- Possess a valid U.S. driver’s license, proof of vehicle registration, and insurance.
- Use a 4-door vehicle that meets Uber’s standards for your area.
- Pass a comprehensive background check, which includes a review of your driving record and criminal history.
Impact of a DWI on Uber Eligibility
A DWI conviction can seriously affect your ability to drive for Uber in Texas. Uber conducts a thorough background check on all driver applicants, which includes both criminal history and driving records. If you’ve been convicted of a DWI within the past seven years, Uber’s policy will likely disqualify you from becoming a driver.
Even if your case is still pending or you’ve received deferred adjudication, it may still appear in the background screening and result in disqualification. However, the ultimate decision can depend on how the record is presented and whether the offense has been legally sealed. That’s why it’s important to know how your DWI is recorded and what options you may have for clearing it from public view.
Understanding Expungement and Nondisclosure in Texas
In Texas, there are two main legal options for limiting access to a criminal record: expungement and nondisclosure. Expungement is available only in limited situations—such as when a DWI case is dismissed, results in a not-guilty verdict, or ends through participation in a diversion program. If granted, an expungement permanently removes the arrest and charge from public record, which means Uber and other background check services won’t see it.
Nondisclosure, also known as sealing your record, is available in some cases where you’ve completed deferred adjudication or satisfied the terms of your sentence. Although a sealed record is hidden from most employers, it may still be accessible to certain government agencies. Whether you’re seeking expungement or nondisclosure, a qualified Texas DWI attorney can evaluate your situation and help determine the best path forward to protect your future job prospects.
How a Houston DWI Attorney Can Help
If you are facing a DWI arrest and would like to drive for Uber, a Houston DWI attorney may be able to make your wish a reality by helping you avoid a conviction. Our firm will thoroughly investigate every aspect of your case and build a solid defense strategy that may dismiss your charges and allow you to be eligible to drive for Uber. Several examples of defense strategies that we may use include:
- The police officer did not read you your Miranda rights in some situations.
- There were errors in your DWI blood and breath alcohol test.
- The police lacked probable cause for your arrest.
- A health condition such as heartburn or GERD led to a false reading on the breath alcohol test.
Other Options if You’re Ineligible
If you’re unable to drive passengers for Uber due to a DWI on your record, you may still have the option to deliver for Uber Eats. The eligibility requirements for Uber Eats are generally less strict—drivers must be at least 19 years old, have a valid driver’s license, and pass a background check. While the background check is similar to Uber’s, it may be more flexibile regarding older DWIs, especially if several years have passed without additional incidents.
That said, Uber still reserves the right to disqualify applicants based on its safety standards, so a DWI can still be a barrier. However, for individuals looking to earn income while navigating the consequences of a DWI, Uber Eats may provide a more accessible alternative.
Charged with a DWI in Texas? Call The Law Offices of Ned Barnett
If you’re serious about driving for Uber and would like to avoid the harsh penalties that come with a DWI conviction, it is in your best interest to call The Law Offices of Ned Barnett at (713) 222-6767 for a free consultation.