Driver was following Lyft’s policy, which to me seems reasonable enough to hold up in court
Lyft does not explicitly state specific size or weight limits for passengers in its official policies. However, there are several implications and considerations:
- **Vehicle Capacity**: Lyft's terms of service specify that drivers should not transport more passengers than can be securely seated in the vehicle, with a maximum of seven passengers in any instance. This indirectly implies that passengers should fit safely within the vehicle's seating capacity.[](https://www.lyft.com/terms)
- **Seat Belts**: All riders are required to wear seat belts, which inherently suggests that passengers should be of a size that allows for proper seat belt use.[](https://help.lyft.com/hc/en-us/all/articles/115013080388-Policies-for-passenger-use-of-Lyft)
- **Service Refusal**: Drivers are allowed to refuse service if a passenger's size or weight poses a safety risk or if there's no reasonable way to accommodate the passenger securely. This was highlighted in recent cases where drivers refused service, leading to legal actions based on Michigan's laws against weight discrimination. Such incidents suggest that while Lyft does not have a formal policy on passenger size or weight, practical and legal considerations can influence ride provision.[](https://www.newsweek.com/lyft-sued-489-pound-passenger-cant-fit-inside-car-2022261)[](https://www.tmz.com/2025/01/28/lyft-rider-sues-driver-saying-she-was-too-big-for-his-car/)
- **Lyft XL and Larger Vehicles**: For passengers who might not fit comfortably in standard vehicles, Lyft provides options like Lyft XL which can accommodate larger groups or potentially larger individuals due to the vehicle size. This service implies an acknowledgment that not all passengers will fit in standard vehicles.[](https://www.businessinsider.com/guides/tech/what-is-lyft-xl)
- **Recent Discussions and Changes**: Following legal challenges, there's been discussion on social media and news outlets about Lyft potentially updating its policy to include more explicit guidelines regarding passenger size or implementing a system where riders might select vehicles based on their dimensions. However, these are speculative based on user reactions and not confirmed policy changes by Lyft as of now.
In summary, while Lyft doesn't have a direct policy on passenger size or weight, the practical application of their service involves ensuring safety and comfort, which can lead to situations where a driver might have to refuse service based on these factors. The company's policies are more focused on ensuring all passengers can be safely seated and secured, but recent events might push for more explicit guidelines in the future.