Colorado has enacted what lawmakers are describing as the strictest rideshare safety law in the United States, raising fresh questions about whether other states will follow suit or continue a patchwork approach to regulating companies like Uber and Lyft.
Democratic Governor Jared Polis this week signed House Bill (HB) 26-1424 into law after a similar measure was vetoed in 2025, marking the culmination of more than a year of legislative debate and negotiation with industry giants.
Why Colorado Acted
The new law was driven in part by high-profile safety concerns. The Denver Post reported that Democratic State Representative Jenny Willford, one of the bill’s sponsors, said she introduced the measure after she was sexually assaulted by a man impersonating a rideshare driver—an incident that highlighted vulnerabilities in existing safeguards.
Lawmakers behind the bill argue the changes will improve protections for both riders and drivers, positioning Colorado as a national leader on rideshare safety.
An ‘Uphill Battle’ With Industry
The legislation didn’t come easily. Sponsors described an “uphill battle” with major rideshare companies, which have historically pushed back against stricter regulations.
A previous version of the bill was vetoed by Polis because it would “impose unworkable regulations” on rideshare companies, and “potentially jeopardize their continued operation in Colorado.”
The final version signed into law represents a compromise, but it still marks a significant expansion of oversight compared with previous rules.
What Colorado’s New Law Does
Supporters say the new law puts stricter rules on rideshare companies to improve rider safety.
The legislation builds on earlier proposals, and include requirements such as:
Ongoing background checks (not just one-off)
- Companies must run new criminal background checks every six months for drivers
- Additional checks are required if a complaint is filed against a driver
- Large companies must also pay for initial background checks
Mandatory review of drivers after complaints
- Companies must start a review for possible deactivation within seven business days if serious complaints are raised
Stronger oversight and information sharing
- Regulators must create a system to share information on deactivated drivers between companies to prevent unsafe drivers from switching platforms
How Other States Compare
Colorado’s move highlights how uneven rideshare regulations remain across the U.S., where rules vary largely by state.
According to the Government Accountability Office, in general, 45 states and Washington, D.C. require criminal background checks for rideshare drivers, but proposals in Colorado go further by requiring ongoing checks and stricter monitoring of complaints, reflecting a more proactive approach to safety.
Here are what some of the key states are doing, regarding the rollout of rideshare regulations:
California
Aside from Colorado, California, one of the first states to bring in rideshare regulations, has one of the strictest frameworks.
It requires:
- Mandatory background checks for all drivers
- High insurance requirements—up to $1-million liability coverage during active rides
- Annual vehicle inspections
Texas
Texas takes a similar approach, but relies more heavily on company compliance.
It mandates:
- Background driver checks, including criminal and driving history
- A similar insurance structure to California (up to $1 million during rides)
The American Judicial System states that rideshare companies must perform background checks on drivers, including reviews of driving records and criminal history.
New York
New York’s rules are significantly tougher in New York City.
- Drivers must get a special license from the Taxi and Limousine Commission
- They must also carry commercial insurance
NYC also has some of the highest liability coverage requirements in the country, reaching up to $1.5 million.
A Potential Model for National Policy
Supporters of Colorado’s new rideshare safety law say it could serve as a template for other states grappling with similar concerns about rideshare safety.
The issue has gained prominence in recent years, with lawmakers citing reports of assaults, accidents, and impersonation cases as evidence that stronger oversight is needed.
At the same time, pushback from the industry over “unworkable regulations” shows how hard it is to balance safety with keeping rideshare services available.
The Key Takeaway
Colorado’s new law signals a shift toward stricter oversight of rideshare companies while highlighting the fragmented nature of rideshare regulation across the country. Whether it remains an outlier or becomes a model for other states could help shape the next phase of rideshare safety policy in the United States.
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