If you‘re thinking about driving for DoorDash to make some extra money, you might be concerned about how a less-than-perfect driving record could impact your eligibility. Perhaps you‘ve received a speeding ticket or two in the past and are now wondering, "Can I still DoorDash with a speeding ticket on my record?"
The good news is that in most cases, you can DoorDash if you have one or two minor speeding violations. However, having three or more tickets in the last three years will likely disqualify you from becoming a Dasher.
In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll break down everything you need to know about DoorDashing with a speeding ticket, including:
- What DoorDash looks for in a background check
- Other violations that could disqualify you
- The risks and liabilities of dashing with a poor driving history
- How DoorDash‘s requirements compare to other delivery apps
- Tips for being a safe and successful Dasher
By the end of this article, you‘ll have a clear understanding of whether your speeding tickets will be a roadblock to dashing, plus expert insights on how to maximize your earnings potential. Let‘s dive in!
DoorDash Background Check: A Closer Look
To ensure the safety of its customers, merchants, and other road users, DoorDash requires all prospective drivers to undergo a comprehensive background check. This screening process is conducted by a third-party service called Checkr and typically takes 5-7 days to complete.
According to DoorDash‘s official policy, here‘s what they review during a background check:
Motor Vehicle Record
DoorDash will pull your driving history from the past seven years to check for speeding tickets, accidents, DUIs, and other traffic violations. Generally speaking, you can have up to three minor infractions and still be eligible to dash. However, the specifics may vary slightly by location.
"For speeding violations, they cannot be greater than 20 mph over the posted speed limit, and any speed greater than 100 mph is an automatic disqualification." – DoorDash Help Center
It‘s worth noting that DoorDash re-runs these motor vehicle checks periodically (usually once a year) on active drivers. So even if you pass the initial screening, any new tickets or accidents could result in deactivation down the line.
Criminal Background Check
In addition to your driving record, DoorDash will search for any criminal convictions at the local, state and federal level from the last seven years. Most felony convictions will automatically disqualify you from becoming a Dasher, as well as violent misdemeanors, sexual offenses, and drug-related charges.
DoorDash is particularly wary of "crimes of moral turpitude" that could put customers or the company at risk, such as:
- Assault and battery
- Burglary and robbery
- Fraud and embezzlement
- Identity theft
- Vandalism and property damage
If you have pending charges for any of the above offenses, your application will likely be put on hold until the case is resolved. And if you‘re a registered sex offender, you cannot drive for DoorDash under any circumstances.
Other Red Flags That Could Cost You the Gig
Aside from the formal background check, there are a few other issues that could prevent you from becoming a Dasher or get you deactivated after being hired:
Too Many Tickets in a Short Timeframe
While DoorDash is fairly lenient about minor speeding tickets, racking up multiple violations in a short period could raise eyebrows. According to the DoorDash Help Center, "If you receive 3 [moving violations] in the last 3 years you will be disqualified."
This policy makes sense when you consider the potential risks of having unsafe drivers handling food deliveries. One study found that crash rates are 55% higher among drivers who work for app-based delivery services compared to the general population.
Additionally, research shows that employees with poor driving records are more likely to quit or be fired. A report by the American Trucking Association found that drivers with two or more violations have a 41% higher turnover rate than those with clean records.
So by setting strict limits on the number of allowable tickets, DoorDash is likely trying to mitigate the costs and headaches of constantly onboarding and replacing risky drivers. It‘s not personal, it‘s just good business sense.
DUIs and Reckless Driving
It probably goes without saying, but any alcohol or drug-related violations like DUIs are an automatic disqualification from DoorDash. The same goes for more serious offenses like hit-and-runs, street racing, and reckless endangerment.
These "hard stops" are in place to protect DoorDash from liability if a driver causes an accident or injury while on the clock. The last thing they want is to be slapped with a lawsuit because they hired someone with a history of dangerous driving.
Spotty Insurance Coverage
To be approved as a Dasher, you must have a valid auto insurance policy in your own name. If your coverage lapses for any reason (non-payment, too many claims, etc.), you‘ll be unable to continue dashing until you secure a new policy.
DoorDash does provide some supplemental insurance for drivers, but it only kicks in after your personal auto insurance is exhausted. So if you cause an accident while dashing and your insurance denies the claim or drops you as a customer, you could be on the hook for some hefty out-of-pocket expenses.
DoorDash vs. Other Delivery Apps: How Do They Compare?
If you‘re curious how DoorDash‘s background check stacks up to other popular food delivery apps, here‘s a quick comparison:
| Company | Driving Record Criteria | Criminal History Criteria |
|---|---|---|
| DoorDash | Max 3 minor violations in 3 years | No felonies in 7 years |
| Uber Eats | Max 3 minor violations in 3 years | No major crimes in 7 years |
| Grubhub | Varies by location | No violent crimes or theft |
| Postmates | Max 3 moving violations in 3 years | No major crimes |
| Instacart | Max 3 moving violations in 3 years | No felonies |
As you can see, most of these apps have fairly similar screening criteria, with some minor variations. GrubHub, for instance, is a bit more vague about the specifics of their background check process, simply stating that any "major violations" could disqualify you.
At the end of the day, all of these companies have a vested interest in hiring safe, responsible drivers to minimize their own risks and liabilities. So if you‘ve got a few dings on your driving record, you may have a harder time getting approved across the board.
Tips for Being a Safe and Successful Dasher
Even if you do have a speeding ticket or two, that doesn‘t necessarily mean you can‘t be a great DoorDash driver. After all, we all make mistakes from time to time. The key is learning from those errors and making a concerted effort to improve your driving habits moving forward.
Here are a few tips for being a safe and successful Dasher, even with a less-than-perfect driving history:
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Obey all traffic laws. This may seem like a no-brainer, but it bears repeating. Stick to the speed limit, come to a full stop at red lights and stop signs, and always use your turn signal. Not only will this help you avoid getting more tickets, but it will also keep you and your customers safe.
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Give yourself plenty of time. One of the most common reasons drivers speed is because they‘re running behind schedule. To avoid this trap, try to give yourself ample time to complete each delivery. Don‘t be afraid to decline orders that are too far out of the way or have unrealistic time expectations.
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Take breaks when needed. Driving for long stretches can be mentally and physically taxing, especially in heavy traffic or inclement weather. If you start to feel fatigued, stressed, or frustrated behind the wheel, pull over and take a breather. It‘s better to be a few minutes late on a delivery than to risk causing an accident.
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Keep your vehicle in good shape. Regular maintenance like oil changes, tire rotations, and brake checks can go a long way in preventing accidents. If your car is making strange noises or pulling to one side, get it checked out ASAP. A well-maintained vehicle is a safer vehicle.
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Invest in a dashcam. While not required by DoorDash, many drivers find that having a dashboard camera provides an extra layer of protection and peace of mind. In the event of an accident or dispute with a customer, you‘ll have video evidence to back up your side of the story.
By following these tips and making safety a top priority, you can set yourself up for success as a Dasher, even with a ticket or two on your record. Just remember to always use good judgment, follow the rules of the road, and never take unnecessary risks.
The Bottom Line
At the end of the day, a single speeding ticket probably won‘t disqualify you from driving for DoorDash. As long as you have fewer than three minor violations in the last three years and no major offenses like DUIs or hit-and-runs, you should still be eligible to dash.
However, it‘s important to remember that driving for DoorDash (or any other app-based delivery service) comes with certain risks and responsibilities. You‘re not just transporting food, you‘re also representing the company and interacting with customers. So it‘s crucial to always prioritize safety, professionalism, and good judgment behind the wheel.
If you do have a few blemishes on your driving record, don‘t let that discourage you from applying to DoorDash. With a clean criminal history and a commitment to being a responsible driver, you can still make great money and enjoy the flexibility of being your own boss.
Just be sure to review DoorDash‘s full list of driver requirements, follow the tips outlined in this guide, and always put safety first. With a little bit of effort and self-discipline, you can build a successful and rewarding career as a Dasher, one delivery at a time.
