U.S. Justice Department Sues Lyft Over Disability Access Denials

WHO:

Engadget - The U.S. Justice Department sued Lyft, accusing its drivers of refusing service to passengers who use wheelchairs or have service animals.

Techmeme - The U.S. DOJ sued Lyft, identified as LYFT.O; Lyft disputes the allegations.

ABC News - The lawsuit names people across the country who said drivers refused to take them to their destinations.

ABC News - Jesus A. Osete, acting assistant attorney general, said the DOJ intends to uphold the Americans with Disabilities Act’s promise of equal access.

ABC News - Lyft said it had cooperated with the DOJ and remained committed to serving every rider, including riders with disabilities.

WHAT:

Engadget - The Justice Department accused Lyft drivers of routinely refusing service to passengers with wheelchairs and service animals.

Techmeme - The DOJ is seeking $53 million in compensation in its lawsuit alleging discrimination against riders with disabilities.

ABC News - The lawsuit alleges Lyft “is aware of, but fails to prevent and remedy” discriminatory practices against riders who need accommodations under the ADA.

ABC News - Alleged practices include denying rides to people with service animals or stowable wheelchairs and refusing to let passengers with mobility issues sit in the front seat.

ABC News - The DOJ seeks $53 million for people who were discriminated against and submitted complaints to Lyft or the department.

ABC News - The lawsuit describes riders experiencing delays in reaching medical appointments, cancellation fees and other problems after drivers refused service.

ABC News - Osete said: “Individuals with disabilities should be able to rely on rideshare services free of discrimination.”

ABC News - Lyft said its policies require drivers to accommodate riders with service animals or mobility devices, and violations can lead to “serious consequences, including permanent deactivation.”

WHERE:

ABC News - The lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California.

ABC News - The lawsuit cites affected individuals across the country.

WHY:

ABC News - The DOJ says the lawsuit seeks to address alleged discrimination against passengers with disabilities and enforce the ADA’s equal-access protections.

HOW:

ABC News - The lawsuit cites instances in which one or, in some cases, several Lyft drivers allegedly refused riders.

ABC News - Lyft said its in-app tools and policies remind drivers to provide ADA accommodations and warn of consequences for refusing.

ABC News - The article says the federal government filed a similar lawsuit against Uber, which remains ongoing; Uber settled a separate suit in 2022, and Lyft settled a different suit in 2020.

(UPDATED November 10, 2026 18:03 UTC)

The Justice Department sued Lyft, alleging drivers denied rides to passengers with disabilities. The lawsuit seeks $53 million for riders allegedly refused service or accommodations. Lyft disputes the allegations, citing policies requiring drivers to accommodate riders with disabilities.