Drivers for ride-hail firms face new rules

Bills signed by Brown impose tougher background checks and DUI standards.

SACRAMENTO — Drivers for Uber, Lyft and other ride-hailing companies will face greater restrictions under new legislation signed Wednesday by Gov. Jerry Brown.

Drivers will be subject to stricter background checks and face tighter rules on driving under the influence through legislation authored by Assemblymen Jim Cooper (D-Elk Grove) and Katcho Achadjian (R-San Luis Obispo).

Under one law, ride-hailing companies no longer can hire drivers who are registered sex offenders, have been convicted of violent felonies or, within the last seven years, have a drivingunder-the-influence conviction.

The companies will face fines of up to $5,000 for violating the rules. The second law prohibits drivers from having a blood-alcohol level of 0.04% or higher, compared with the current 0.08% level for non-commercial drivers.

Brown also signed legislation from Assemblyman Mike Gatto (D-Glendale) making it easier for potential drivers to work for the companies. The new law allows potential drivers to rent cars to work for Uber, Lyft and the other companies.

That effort, which has been part of expansion plans for Uber and Lyft, is currently allowed, but the industry’s regulator, the California Public Utilities Commission, was weighing whether to limit it. The new law ensures the rental practices will continue.

Brown also vetoed a bill from Assemblyman Evan Low (D-Campbell) to create a statewide taxi commission in an effort to level the regulatory playing field for taxis and ride-hailing companies.

In a veto message, Brown said the state shouldn’t shoulder the responsibility of regulating the taxi industry.

“I do not believe that such a massive change is justified,” Brown wrote.