Uber Tightens Driver Background Checks Across the US

Uber is cracking down on who gets to drive for the platform. The ride-hailing giant is expanding the list of criminal convictions that disqualify drivers in the US while also extending the background-check review timeline.

The kicker: these new standards aren't just for fresh applicants. Uber is applying them retroactively to its existing driver pool. That's a significant move that could boot roughly 0.5% of active US drivers off the platform.

Half a percent might sound small, but given Uber's massive driver network, that translates to a meaningful number of people losing access to the gig. The company is clearly prioritizing rider safety optics and tightening the screws on driver eligibility.

No word yet on exactly which convictions have been added to the disqualification list or how affected drivers will be notified.