Safety is one of the biggest concerns for rideshare passengers, and New Jersey has taken extra steps to protect riders using Uber and Lyft. Both companies already require background checks, driving history reviews, valid licenses, insurance, and safe vehicles. Uber now requires most new drivers to be 25 or older unless they were approved before August 12, 2024. Lyft also requires drivers to be at least 25. On top of company rules, New Jersey enforces its own safety standards through the Transportation Network Company Act and Sami’s Law, a law created after the tragic killing of Samantha “Sami” Josephson, who got into a car she mistakenly believed was her Uber. Sami’s Law requires rideshare vehicles to display a lit or reflective sign, a scannable QR or barcode to confirm the driver, and visible placards on the windows identifying the driver. Drivers who do not follow these rules can face fines and may lose their right to operate in the state.
Both Uber and Lyft also rely on in-app tools to help keep riders safe. GPS tracking is active on every trip, and riders can share their route with friends or use an emergency button that connects directly to 911. Uber focuses heavily on crash detection and quick reporting systems, while Lyft highlights visible safety prompts and tools that help riders identify their vehicle. These features are meant to prevent riders from entering the wrong car and to give them quick access to help if something feels unsafe.
So which service is safer? Lyft generally reports fewer serious incidents, while Uber’s numbers appear higher partly because it completes far more rides. The reality is that both companies offer strong safety features, but no rideshare trip is completely risk-free. Riders should always check the car’s make, model, license plate, and the QR/barcode required under Sami’s Law before getting inside. If someone is injured or harmed during an Uber or Lyft trip, our firm can explain their rights, who may be responsible, and how New Jersey law protects them.