By Shirleen Guerra | The Center Square
A change to how Virginia screens rideshare drivers will take effect this summer after Democratic Gov. Abigail Spanberger signed two bills tightening background check and identity requirements for companies such as Uber and Lyft.
The new rules take effect July 1 and apply to transportation network companies operating in the commonwealth.
House Bill 1469, patroned by Del. Lily Franklin, D-Montgomery County, expands how background checks are conducted by requiring drivers to disclose prior addresses so records can be reviewed across multiple jurisdictions. The bill cleared both the House and Senate without opposition.
Under Virginia law, rideshare companies must conduct background checks before approving drivers, including national criminal history searches and reviews of the sex offender registry.
HB1469 builds on those requirements by requiring background checks to include all prior addresses where a driver has lived since age 18 and by specifying that those checks are not limited to a set period of time.
House Bill 1273, patroned by Del. Jackie Glass, D-Norfolk, focuses on platform safeguards. It requires companies to verify driver identities, gives riders the option to record audio or video during trips and establishes civil penalties for violations. The law also restricts account sharing among drivers.
Civil penalties collected under HB1273 will go to the Department of Motor Vehicles to support enforcement. State fiscal impact statements say agencies are expected to handle any costs using existing resources.
“When technology changes how we move, leadership has to change how we protect people,” Glass said. “This bill is about making sure every rider, every driver, and every family in Virginia can trust the ride before the wheels ever turn.”
Franklin said the legislation reflects concerns raised by constituents.
“Virginia riders deserve to be safe when they step into a rideshare vehicle, no matter what app or company they choose,” Franklin said. “When knocking doors or talking to neighbors in my community, this is the type of legislation they want: a common sense reform to address a real problem.”
Uber said it supported the legislation and worked with state officials on the changes.
“By making these standards effective this July, Virginia is sending a clear message that safety cannot wait,” said LaVita Gardner, a policy manager at Uber.
