Background Check Suspensions

Knowledgeable Rideshare Appeals Attorney Serving Clients in Boston and Throughout Massachusetts

For Uber and Lyft drivers in Massachusetts, background checks are more than a formality—they determine whether you can stay on the road. Every year, rideshare drivers are suspended or denied access to the platform because of issues flagged during a state background check. If this happens to you, it’s important to act fast. At the Law Office of Patrick J. Murphy, a trusted Boston rideshare appeals attorney can help you challenge the suspension and fight to restore your driving privileges.

How Rideshare Background Checks Work in Massachusetts

All rideshare drivers in Massachusetts must pass a two-part background check:

• A review by the rideshare company (Uber or Lyft), using their own internal policies
• A separate review by the Transportation Network Company (TNC) Division of the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (DPU), which applies statewide standards

The DPU check reviews both your criminal history and your driving record. If certain offenses appear on either report, the DPU may issue a disqualification notice. Your account can be suspended—even if you’ve already been driving for months or years—based on a flagged item.

Common Reasons for Suspension After a Background Check

Drivers are often surprised to learn what types of records can trigger a suspension. Common disqualifying conditions include:

• A conviction or CWOF (continued without a finding) for a felony within the past seven years
• A conviction for certain violent crimes or sex offenses at any time
• Operating under the influence (OUI) within the past seven years
• Reckless driving, license suspension, or hit-and-run offenses within the past seven years
• An active warrant or pending criminal charge
• Mismatches or errors in identifying information

Even sealed or old records can be flagged. And sometimes, background checks report charges that were dismissed or never led to a conviction.

What to Do If Your Account Is Suspended

If your Lyft or Uber driver account is suspended due to a background check issue, you will receive a notice from the DPU. You then have just 20 days to file an administrative appeal. This is your only chance to challenge the disqualification.

Do not ignore the notice or assume the suspension is final. Many drivers are reinstated after a successful appeal. The key is presenting the right evidence and legal argument.

Why You Need a Boston Rideshare Appeals Attorney

Filing a strong appeal takes more than just telling your side of the story. A skilled Boston rideshare appeals attorney can:

• Review your full criminal and driving history
• Identify whether the flagged item is actually disqualifying
• Gather certified court documents or RMV records to show resolution
• Draft persuasive legal arguments based on DPU regulations
• Address clerical errors or mistaken identity
• Communicate with the DPU and rideshare companies on your behalf

Even if the record is accurate, there may be grounds to argue that it should not disqualify you from driving under the law.

Can You Get Back on the Road?

Yes, you can start driving for Uber or Lyft again if your appeal is successful. A well-prepared appeal can result in:

• Full reinstatement as a driver
• A reduced suspension period
• Dismissal of inaccurate or outdated information
• Restoration of income and rideshare platform access

The DPU has discretion to reverse a suspension—but only if you give them a compelling reason to do so. Success depends on presenting the right documents, understanding how DPU rules apply to your case, and persuasively showing that you are not a risk to passenger safety. In some cases, even old charges that appear serious can be explained in context or shown to be legally irrelevant. The more proactive and organized your appeal, the better your chances of getting back behind the wheel and back on the app.

Take the First Step to Reclaim Your Job

At the Law Office of Patrick J. Murphy, we’ve helped countless drivers appeal background check suspensions and return to driving. If you’ve been flagged or suspended, we can review your case and help you take immediate steps to protect your livelihood.

Call today to speak with a knowledgeable Boston rideshare appeals attorney and learn what it will take to clear your record and get back on the road. Reach out at (617) 367-0450 for a free consultation.