Rideshare drivers in Massachusetts could soon face tougher background checks, mandatory yearly training and more frequent safety inspections, as state regulators roll out a new package of proposed rules aimed at tightening oversight across the industry.
The Department of Public Utilities (DPU) unveiled the draft regulations on Friday, describing them as an attempt to boost passenger safety while keeping the screening process fair for drivers. Under the proposal, children under 16 would generally need to ride with an accompanying adult, a shift that could affect how families use Uber, Lyft and other services.
As reported by NBC Boston, the plan would tighten the agency's background checks, require annual training on safe driving and assisting riders with disabilities, and require routine checks to ensure vehicles are clear of manufacturer recalls. The rules would cover the five transportation network companies currently authorized to operate in the state, including Uber and Lyft.
In a statement, DPU Chair Jeremy McDiarmid said, "Massachusetts has the opportunity to set the standard for safety and oversight of the [Transportation Network Companies] industry with these updated regulations." The changes are meant to "promote passenger safety and ensure driver fairness and dignity in the background check process," he added, according to NBC Boston.
What The Rules Would Change For Riders And Drivers
The draft notes that since 2017 the DPU has certified more than 104,000 rideshare drivers and has run over 800,000 background checks. The new proposal would expand how the state evaluates driver eligibility and vehicle safety, adding another layer of oversight on top of what companies already do.
The proposal is posted online with details on how the public can weigh in and with a rundown of enforcement tools, including civil penalties, according to the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities.
Oversight History Behind The Crackdown
The DPU's move follows a 2021 state audit that flagged weaknesses in how the agency monitored transportation network companies. That report concluded that "the TNC Division did not ensure that transportation network companies conducted background record checks of their drivers," and it urged tighter controls on company practices.
The audit called for more standardized complaint reporting and more consistent reviews of company screening records. Regulators now cite those findings as part of the justification for the new draft rules. The full audit is posted on Mass.gov.
What Happens Next
The DPU says it will accept written comments on the proposal through July 2 and will hold two public hearings before deciding on final rules. Riders, driver advocates and the companies themselves are expected to use that window to push for tweaks and clarifications.
After the comment period, the DPU can revise the draft, approve it as written or send it back for more work. Whatever the outcome, the fight over how to balance convenience, safety and fairness in the rideshare world looks far from over in Massachusetts.
