Driving under the influence (DUI) is one of the most serious violations a driver can commit. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), approximately 28 people in the United States die every day in drunk-driving crashes—that‘s one person every 52 minutes.^1 Given these sobering statistics, it‘s no surprise that rideshare and food delivery companies have strict policies when it comes to applicants with DUIs on their record.
If you‘re interested in earning money delivering food with Uber Eats, you may be wondering how their DUI policy could impact your eligibility. Can you still get approved to deliver if you have a prior DUI conviction? If so, how long after the offense do you need to wait? What if you get a DUI while actively driving for Uber Eats?
Drawing on my experience covering the retail and delivery industry, I‘ve put together this comprehensive guide to Uber Eats‘ DUI policy in 2024. We‘ll cover:
- An overview of Uber Eats‘ driver background check process and disqualifying offenses
- Specific details on the DUI lookback period and whether there are any exceptions
- What happens to your Uber Eats driver account if you get a DUI after being approved
- Why DUIs are particularly concerning for delivery companies from a consumer safety perspective
- How Uber Eats‘ DUI policy compares to other major food delivery platforms
- Advice and resources for delivery drivers with a DUI seeking to get back on the road
In an era where consumers increasingly expect fast, seamless delivery, gig economy companies have to balance the need for efficient driver onboarding with safety considerations. Let‘s dive in to how Uber Eats and its background check partner Checkr approach the critical issue of driver DUIs.
Uber Eats Background Checks: DUIs an Automatic Disqualification
Uber Eats requires all applicants to undergo a criminal background check in order to be approved as a delivery driver. This applies whether you plan to deliver by car, bike, scooter, or even on foot. The background screening is carried out by a third-party company called Checkr, which uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to quickly and accurately review an applicant‘s record.
According to Uber‘s Help page, the background check looks for the following disqualifying offenses:^2
- Felony convictions within the past seven years
- Any conviction for a serious crime (homicide, sexual assault, terrorism, etc.) at any time
- Pending charges for any serious criminal offenses
- Multiple traffic violations or at-fault accidents in the past three years
- Driving with a suspended or revoked license in the past three years
- Major driving violations in the past seven years (e.g. DUI, reckless driving, hit-and-run)
Notably, any DUI conviction in the past seven years is an automatic disqualification for Uber Eats no matter the circumstances. Uber‘s official policy states:
"If your driving record contains a DUI or similar impaired driving violation within the last 7 years, you cannot be approved to drive on the Uber platform."^3
This strict stance reflects the company‘s commitment to keeping customers safe from potentially impaired drivers. Even for a first-time misdemeanor DUI, Uber Eats still enforces a full seven-year waiting period before you can be eligible again. By contrast, for some other types of felonies, Uber only looks at the past five years of your record.^4
In my view, this zero-tolerance approach to recent DUIs is prudent given the unique responsibilities of a delivery driver. When a customer orders from Uber Eats, they‘re putting their trust in the driver to get their food to them quickly and safely. Even one bad actor could cause immense harm. As attorney and legal writer Gemma Bayly notes:
"Food delivery services have a responsibility to adequately screen their drivers for safety risks. Allowing drivers with DUI convictions to transport orders could put the public at risk and open up these platforms to major liability issues if an accident occurs."^5
It‘s worth pointing out that in some cases, a DUI conviction more than seven years old may not show up on Uber‘s background check. If you have an older offense but an otherwise clean driving record, you could potentially still get approved to deliver. But this is not guaranteed, as some states allow background checks to go back further for certain serious violations.^6 If in doubt, it‘s best to contact Uber support for clarification on your specific case before applying.
The Costly Consequences of DUIs for Delivery Drivers
Beyond the obvious safety risks, DUIs can carry hefty fines, license suspensions, and even jail time depending on the state. For example, California imposes the following penalties for a first-time misdemeanor DUI:^7
- Up to 6 months in county jail
- $390 to $1000 in fines plus penalty assessments
- 6-month license suspension
- 3 to 9 months DUI school
- 3 to 5 years probation
Repeat offenses often trigger harsher punishments, like mandatory ignition interlock devices. In addition to these court-ordered penalties, auto insurance premiums can skyrocket by an average of 80% after a DUI.^8 For delivery drivers who rely on affordable coverage to work, these increased costs can be devastating.
Given the steep legal and financial repercussions of drunk driving, you might think DUIs would be exceedingly rare among professional drivers. However, studies suggest they may be more common than the public realizes:
- A 2019 report from the Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health found that 15% of rideshare drivers have driven drunk at least once.^9
- Alcohol was the most commonly detected substance category among drivers involved in fatal accidents in 2020 (32% of crashes), per NHTSA data.^10
- Over 1 million drivers were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs in 2018.^11
- A BBC investigation found that more than 200 London Uber drivers had been accused of sexual assault or abuse, prompting calls for more thorough safety checks.^12
- A 2021 survey by Alcohol.org found that 40% of food delivery workers admitted to sometimes drinking on the job.^13
Of course, these figures represent a small fraction of the overall gig workforce. The vast majority of delivery drivers are responsible professionals who would never get behind the wheel impaired. Still, the potential for abuse is one of the main reasons experts urge a cautious approach to vetting drivers.
Uber Eats‘ Continuous Background Checks Provide Ongoing Oversight
Uber Eats doesn‘t just screen drivers before they‘re approved to deliver—the company also receives notifications of any new violations that occur after onboarding thanks to Checkr‘s continuous background check technology.
Here‘s how it works: once a driver consents to the initial pre-employment background check, Checkr keeps monitoring their record for any changes. If a new charge or conviction comes through that violates Uber‘s safety standards, Checkr will automatically send an alert so Uber can take immediate action.^14
For DUIs specifically, Uber‘s policy is to permanently deactivate any driver who gets one while on the platform, with no option to reapply later on. The company may also report the violation to law enforcement and cooperate with any investigation.
By leaving the monitoring on autopilot, Uber Eats can quickly weed out risky drivers without constantly having to rerun background checks. This also creates an extra deterrent for any active delivery people who might consider driving under the influence.
It‘s worth noting that this real-time reporting only catches offenses that show up in official government databases. Not all DUIs will be flagged right away, especially if a case gets dragged out in court. But in general, being able to continuously screen for serious violations is an important safeguard for gig platforms.
How Uber Eats‘ DUI Policy Stacks Up to Competitors
Nearly all major food delivery apps have similar disqualification rules when it comes to DUIs:
-
DoorDash: No approvals for any DUI/DWI within the past seven years. Drivers deactivated if convicted while on the platform.^15
-
Grubhub: Will not onboard any driver with a DUI or comparable violation in the past seven years.^16
-
Postmates: Automatic rejection for DUIs within the past seven years. Repeat DUIs at any time also disqualifying.^17
-
Instacart: No approvals for any alcohol or drug-related driving violation in the past seven years.^18
As you can see, a seven-year lookback window for DUI offenses is standard across the on-demand delivery industry. Companies are well aware of the liability risks of allowing drivers with recent drunk driving charges to transport orders.
One notable exception is Amazon Flex, which only appears to consider DUIs from the past five years for its delivery driver background checks.^19 However, Amazon‘s vetting process is still quite rigorous overall.
Smaller local courier companies may be slightly more flexible depending on the specific offense. But in general, if you have a DUI conviction anytime in the seven years before applying, your odds of getting approved for most national delivery gigs are slim to none.
From a business standpoint, having a clear, consistent policy for DUIs is beneficial for several reasons:
-
Minimizing legal risks. If Uber Eats permitted drivers with recent DUIs and one ended up causing a drunk driving accident, the company could be held liable. Even one major lawsuit could be devastating.
-
Protecting brand reputation. Reports of delivery drivers with DUIs could erode consumer trust and generate negative PR for Uber. Maintaining high safety standards is critical for the company‘s image.
-
Avoiding higher insurance costs. Commercial auto insurers often charge substantially higher premiums for gig platforms that don‘t thoroughly screen drivers. Keeping costs down helps Uber stay competitive.
-
Ensuring regulatory compliance. Some cities and states are exploring mandatory background checks for gig workers.^20 Staying ahead of these laws positions Uber to adapt to potential new requirements down the line.
While you can never eliminate all misconduct, having a clear zero-tolerance policy for DUIs sends the message that safety is a top priority. Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi has emphasized the company‘s commitment to "raising the bar on safety" through initiatives like continuous background checks and new safety features in the app.^21
Tips for Recovering from a DUI as a Delivery Driver
Bouncing back from a DUI is never easy, especially if you depend on gig work for your livelihood. But a drunk driving conviction doesn‘t have to end your delivery career permanently. Here are a few pieces of advice to get back on track:
-
Wait out the disqualification period. In most cases, you‘ll need to wait at least seven years from the date of your DUI before reapplying to Uber Eats and other major apps. Use this time to demonstrate a track record of safe driving habits.
-
Investigate legal remedies. Some states allow certain DUIs to be expunged or sealed after a waiting period. If your record is cleared, this may help you get approved for more gigs. Consult a local DUI attorney to see if you‘re eligible.
-
Consider non-driving delivery options. Even with a DUI, you may still qualify to deliver by bike, scooter, or on foot in some markets as long as your overall criminal record is otherwise clean.
-
Look into smaller local platforms. Mom-and-pop food delivery services in your area may have more relaxed background check criteria compared to national companies. Build up experience with these while you wait to get back on major apps.
-
Be upfront and take responsibility. If a prior DUI does come up, it‘s always better to own up to it rather than make excuses. Acknowledge your mistake, express what you‘ve learned, and focus on how you‘ve stayed on track since.
Remember, gig companies‘ strict DUI policies are in place to keep customers and the general public safe. By making responsible choices going forward, you can ultimately get your delivery side hustle back on the road.
The Bottom Line on Uber Eats and DUIs
Driving under the influence is a serious offense with major ramifications for delivery workers. If you‘ve had a DUI or similar charge within the past seven years, Uber Eats will automatically reject your application as part of its standard background check process. If you‘re convicted of a DUI while actively delivering for Uber Eats, expect to be permanently deactivated.
This might seem like a tough stance, but it‘s one that promotes trust and safety for all parties involved. Uber Eats customers need to feel confident that their orders are in good hands, and the company can face significant legal and reputational risks if it allows unsafe drivers to transport food.
Ultimately, the best way to avoid problems with Uber Eats‘ DUI policy is simple: don‘t drink and drive, period. Losing access to a side gig is nothing compared to the potential aftermath of a drunk driving crash.
If you do have an older DUI on your record though, don‘t lose hope. Once you‘ve demonstrated at least seven years of responsible driving, you should be eligible to get back on the platform—and in the meantime, there are still ways to earn through other types of delivery. Just stay focused on making smart, safe choices behind the wheel moving forward.
