VirginiaProposed rules would set minimum pay for rideshare drivers
If enacted, Virginia rideshare companies would have to use minimum payment rates, protect driver tips, and return remaining account funds after deactivation.
What it does
Rideshare companies would have to pay drivers minimum amounts for passenger trips and certain cancellations, with yearly adjustments tied to inflation.
Drivers would keep all passenger tips, and companies would have 10 days to return money left in a driver's account after a ban or deactivation.
Drivers and former drivers could report violations for investigation, while people who lose money could sue; companies could face repayment orders, fines, or license action.
Argument forDrivers could receive clearer minimum payments for rides and some cancellations, including compensation when riders cancel or fail to appear.
Argument againstHigher required payments could raise trip prices or reduce service if companies pass added compensation costs to passengers.
More detail
Transportation network companies would have to use a rate card with minimum payments for drivers. The rule would cover every transportation network company operating in Virginia and all drivers connected with that company. Each passenger trip would require at least $6. The rate would also include a $2 base fare, $1.50 per mile, and $0.50 per minute during covered trip time or required platform login time. A cancelled request would require at least $5 when the passenger cancels or fails to appear within five minutes after the driver arrives and is notified. The Department would adjust the listed amounts and fares each year using the Consumer Price Index.
Transportation network companies would have to give drivers their tips and send remaining account funds after a ban or deactivation. The tip rules would cover gratuities paid by passengers to drivers, while the account-funds rule would cover drivers whose platform access is banned or deactivated. Tips would belong to the driver and would not count toward required fares or other payment calculations. Drivers could accept tips in cash or electronically, and companies could not limit the tip amount through their platforms. A company would have to deposit remaining account funds into the driver's linked bank account or mail a check to the driver's last known address. The company would have to send or deposit remaining funds within 10 days after banning or deactivating the driver.
The Department would investigate reported violations and could order repayment, impose civil penalties, or suspend or revoke a company's operating certificate. Drivers and former drivers could report violations, and any person who loses money because of a violation could bring a civil lawsuit. The Commissioner could order fines or money paid back to the driver. The Department could impose civil penalties on the company or suspend or revoke its certificate of fitness. A private lawsuit would be available in addition to the Department's remedies.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Jul 21Continued from last sessionLatest
- Feb 10Continued to next session in Transportation (Voice Vote)
- Feb 5Subcommittee recommends reporting with amendment(s) (7-Y 3-N)
- Feb 5House subcommittee offered
- Jan 22Assigned HTRAN sub: Innovations (Ad Hoc)Minor
- Jan 14Referred to Committee on TransportationMinor
- Jan 14Prefiled and ordered printed; Offered 01-14-2026 26105167DIntroduced
Economy & JobsConsumer ProtectionTransportation