Delegate Tom Rust’s (R-Herndon) legislation to allow transportation network companies like Uber and Lyft to be licensed by the Department of Motor Vehicles was signed today by Governor Terry McAuliffe. The measure passed both the House and the Senate with broad bipartisan support.
Speaking about the legislation, Del. Tom Rust said, “As technology gives us more options for transportation, our laws must keep up so we can take advantage of those opportunities in a safe way. I’m glad the governor signed this compromise legislation with no amendments, as it incorporated input from the public, from the transportation network companies, from the DMV, from taxi cab operators and many others. This is a good bill for Virginians who want more choices in transportation and for companies who want to bring new ideas to the Commonwealth.”
Background on House Bill 1662 (Rust): The bill requires transportation network companies (TNCs) to screen drivers (TNC partners), ensure that all drivers are at least 21 years old and properly licensed to drive, and conduct background checks on all drivers including criminal background, driving history, and status on the sex offender registry.
The bill also requires that TNC partner vehicles be titled and registered personal vehicles; be insured; have a maximum seating capacity of no more than seven persons, excluding the driver; be registered with DMV for TNC use; and display TNC and DMV identification markers. The bill further requires that TNC drivers be covered by a specific liability insurance policy. The bill also imposes several other operational requirements, including requirements that the TNC provide a credential to the driver and disclose information about the TNC partner and TNC policies to passengers, and specifies the nature and limits of the insurance coverage.
The bill authorizes DMV to conduct periodic reviews of the TNC to confirm compliance and authorizes fees to cover DMV’s costs of administering the program.
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