Learn about Lyft’s current health safety guidelines in this article.
In this article, we'll cover:
What is Lyft’s current health safety guidelines?
Learn more in the new full blog post about the program.
Soon after the pandemic began, Lyft established new in-ride policies based closely on public health guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Now that the CDC order mandating masks on transportation is no longer in effect, starting April 19, 2022, we’re updating our policies for riding and driving with Lyft.
What does that mean for riders and drivers?
This means that if you're riding or driving with Lyft:
- Wearing a mask is now optional for everyone in the car
- Riders and drivers are no longer required to keep the front seat empty or the windows open
- While riders and drivers can always cancel any ride they don’t wish to take, health safety reasons – like not wearing a mask – will no longer appear as cancellation options in the app
- Riders and drivers should continue to not use Lyft if they have COVID-19 or any related symptoms
Wearing masks on transportation may still be required by law in some areas, and we encourage riders and drivers to check their local public health requirements before using Lyft.
FAQs
When will these changes go into effect?
These changes are effective immediately.
What are Lyft’s current vehicle capacity requirements?
Since riders can again ride in the front seat, vehicles can take four riders in a standard Lyft and six in an XL.
Can riders / drivers still cancel rides for health safety reasons?
While health safety reasons – like not wearing a mask – will no longer appear as cancellation options in the app, riders and drivers always have our support to cancel any ride that makes them feel unsafe. Lyft’s Safety team is available 24/7 to provide prompt support for users who reach out with concerns, and we will continue to take action in response to violations of our Community Guidelines.
Will health safety-related cancellations still be penalty-free?
While health safety reasons – like not wearing a mask – will no longer appear as cancellation options in the app, riders and drivers have our support to decline any ride that makes them feel unsafe. Lyft’s Safety team is available 24/7 to provide prompt support – which can include refunds of cancellation fees – with any concerns, and we will continue to take action in response to violations of our Community Guidelines.
Can riders/drivers request a driver/rider who is wearing a mask?
No. We know everyone has different comfort levels, and anyone who wants to continue wearing a mask is encouraged to do so.
Can riders/drivers request a driver/rider who is vaccinated?
No. There is no requirement for drivers or riders to be vaccinated, but we strongly encourage drivers and riders to get vaccinated. In our most recent Economic Impact Report, 75% of drivers report being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 – well over the national average.
To date, we have also provided millions of rides for those who wish to get vaccinated.