Uber Moves to Enact Stricter Background Checks for Drivers

The ride-hailing company is changing its policies after a New York Times investigation revealed drivers with criminal records, including violent felonies, were approved to work.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Uber is taking steps to enact stricter background checks for its drivers, after a New York Times investigation in December revealed that the ride-hailing giant's policies allowed for drivers with many types of criminal convictions, including violent felonies. The company had previously barred drivers convicted of murder, sexual assault, kidnapping and terrorism, but in 22 states, The Times found, the company had approved people convicted of most other crimes - including violent felonies, child abuse, assault and stalking - so long as the convictions were at least seven years old. Now, Uber is preparing to change those policies to bar people convicted of violent felonies, sexual offenses, and child or elder abuse and endangerment from driving for Uber, regardless of when those crimes occurred.

Why it matters

The changes to Uber's background check policies come as the company faces increased scrutiny over its safety record from lawmakers, investors and others. Women who reported being sexually assaulted during Uber rides had said the company's vetting practices put them in harm's way, and the company has faced lawsuits over incidents of sexual misconduct by drivers.

The details

Uber is preparing to change its policies to bar people convicted of violent felonies, sexual offenses, and child or elder abuse and endangerment from driving for Uber, regardless of when those crimes occurred. The company is also considering changing its policies for other offenses, including harassment, restraining order violations and weapons charges, which are generally allowed if the convictions are more than seven years old.

  • In December, a New York Times investigation revealed Uber's policies allowed drivers with many types of criminal convictions, including violent felonies.
  • Between 2017 and 2022, Uber received a report of sexual assault or sexual misconduct in the United States almost every eight minutes on average, far more than what the company has publicly disclosed.

The players

Uber

A ride-hailing company that is taking steps to enact stricter background checks for its drivers.

The New York Times

A media outlet that conducted an investigation revealing Uber's policies allowed drivers with many types of criminal convictions, including violent felonies.

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What they’re saying

“Safety isn't static, and our approach isn't, either. We listen, we learn, we speak with experts and we evolve as the world changes. We believe that's the hallmark of a healthy, effective safety culture.”

— Matt Kallman, Uber spokesman (The New York Times)

“Drivers were slipping through the cracks. There needs to be reform.”

— Lily Franklin, House delegate (The New York Times)

What’s next

It is unclear when and how the changes to Uber's background check policies will go into effect.

The takeaway

This case highlights the need for ride-hailing companies to prioritize passenger safety and implement robust background check policies to prevent drivers with criminal histories, including violent offenses, from operating on their platforms.