Justice Department Sues Lyft Over Alleged Discrimination Against Passengers with Disabilities

The U.S. Department of Justice has filed a federal lawsuit against Lyft Inc., accusing the rideshare company of discriminating against passengers with disabilities. The legal action, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, alleges that the company has failed to provide equal access to individuals who use service animals and mobility devices, such as stowable wheelchairs.

The government is seeking $53 million in damages to compensate individuals with disabilities who have been subjected to discrimination and have submitted complaints to either Lyft or the Department of Justice. The lawsuit aims to hold the company accountable for practices that allegedly deny essential transportation services to those protected by federal law.

Allegations of Denied Service and Improper Fees

The civil complaint alleges that Lyft and its drivers frequently refuse service to people with disabilities. According to the filing, the company also imposes impermissible surcharges, such as cancellation fees, on riders who were denied service. Furthermore, the lawsuit claims that Lyft has refused to modify its policies to prevent discrimination, including by denying riders with mobility disabilities the ability to sit in the front seat when necessary.

Legal Protections Under the ADA

The lawsuit is based on Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA). This law prohibits private transportation companies from discriminating against individuals based on disability. Under the ADA, companies are required to transport passengers with disabilities and their service animals, as well as assist with stowable wheelchairs and other mobility devices.

The Department of Justice clarified the definition of a service animal under the ADA as a dog trained to perform a task related to a person’s disability. The agency noted that emotional support dogs do not qualify as service animals because providing emotional support is not considered a task related to a disability.

Demands for Policy Reform

The lawsuit asks the court to order Lyft to stop its discriminatory practices and update its policies to comply with the ADA. The government also demands that the company implement mandatory training for its staff and drivers regarding federal accessibility requirements. In addition to the $53 million for affected individuals, the lawsuit seeks a civil penalty to address the public interest in ending disability discrimination.

What This Means for Passengers

For individuals who rely on rideshare services, this case highlights the federal government’s focus on ensuring equal access to transportation. If you believe you have been denied service or charged unfair fees due to a disability, you can report potential violations of federal civil rights laws to the Department of Justice through their official website. The Department also maintains a toll-free ADA Information Line at 800-514-0301 for those seeking more information on their rights.

If you have experienced discrimination while using a rideshare service, speaking with a qualified attorney may help you understand your legal rights and potential options for seeking compensation.

This article is general information based on U.S. Department of Justice and court or agency records available at publication time. It is not legal advice; laws and deadlines differ by state and by case. Published November 10, 2026.