Colorado Bill Would Require Cameras in Uber, Lyft Cars to Prevent Rideshare Assault

Between 2017 and 2022, more than 10,000 Uber and Lyft riders were sexually assaulted during rideshare trips, highlighting a significant and ongoing safety concern. A proposed bill in Colorado seeks to address these rideshare assault concerns by requiring audio and video recording of every ride. Furthermore, the bill would require rideshare companies to conduct background checks on drivers every six months and investigate complaints within 72 hours. House Bill 1291 recently passed its first hearing with strong bipartisan support, securing an 11-2 vote from legislators determined to enhance passenger protection. Uber and Lyft, however, have shown no such support. 

Lawmakers Propose Mandatory Recordings in Rideshare Vehicles

In light of the growing issue of rideshare assault, Colorado lawmakers have introduced legislation that would mandate continuous audio and video recording of all rideshare trips. This requirement stands as a central component of proposed amendments to the Transportation Company Consumer Protection Act, aimed at improving passenger safety in Uber and Lyft vehicles.

Representatives Jenny Willford and Meg Froelich jointly sponsored the bill, which initially allowed drivers and passengers to opt out of recordings. However, the provision was subsequently removed amid concerns that too many drivers would choose to leave their cameras off.

“The hope is that the recordings will help rideshare companies verify drivers’ identities while they’re working and provide evidence to investigate passenger complaints,” Willford explained. The legislation stems partly from Willford’s personal experience with rideshare assault, as she revealed the driver who assaulted her was using a profile registered under a different name.

Additional Requirements Under the New Rideshare Bill

Beyond continuous recordings, House Bill 1291 would require drivers to have dash cameras inside their vehicles or implement biometric scanning systems to confirm their identities. If a rider files a complaint with the Public Utilities Commission, transportation network companies must provide all relevant data, video, and photographs related to that specific ride. Moreover, companies would be required to respond to information requests from law enforcement within 24 hours.

While some drivers already voluntarily record trips, the legislation would require rideshare companies to reimburse drivers for the purchase of audio-visual recording equipment upon approval to operate through platforms like Uber. Consequently, if implemented, this Colorado bill would become “the most stringent of its kind in the nation,” according to Willford.

Rideshare Assault: A Growing Problem Across the U.S.

This new rideshare safety bill in Colorado emerges following several high-profile rideshare sexual assault lawsuits, including one lawsuit in Denver where a man allegedly impersonated a rideshare driver for four years before being convicted on 30 charges related to kidnapping, attempted sexual assault, and sexual assault. 

Although rideshare sexual assault statistics show thousands of reported incidents, the new law would create additional safeguards by allowing injured individuals to file civil lawsuits against companies or drivers who violate these safety requirements. Additionally, companies would be required to submit annual reports to the state regarding incidents of assaults, harassment, and other safety-related complaints.

How the Bill Could Impact Rideshare Assault Lawsuits

The proposed Colorado bill creates significant new legal pathways for victims of alleged rideshare assault. Particularly noteworthy, the legislation would classify violations as deceptive trade practices under the Colorado Consumer Protection Act, potentially enabling much larger financial awards for victims.

Both major rideshare companies already face substantial legal challenges. Uber was named in a lawsuit involving over 550 rape and sexual assault claims filed in San Francisco County Superior Court. Similarly, Lyft agreed to a $25 million settlement with shareholders who alleged the company failed to adequately disclose threats to its reputation regarding driver assaults.

What Rideshare Companies Say About the New Requirement

Both major rideshare companies have expressed serious concerns about Colorado’s proposed legislation requiring continuous audio and video recording in vehicles.

Lyft released a statement emphasizing its existing safety protocols: “Safety is fundamental to Lyft, which is why we’ve worked to design policies and features that help protect both drivers and riders.” The company pointed to its dedicated around-the-clock safety response team and partnership with security firm ADT for emergency assistance. Lyft also highlighted its current background check procedures but warned that the bill’s fingerprint-based background check requirement could prove “unreliable, incomplete and discriminatory against minority communities.”

Uber similarly outlined its current safety measures. Ana Paula Penalva, Uber’s public policy manager, noted that Uber pioneered several safety features in the industry: “Uber was the first rideshare company to track trips, display driver and vehicle information before each ride, and enable real-time trip sharing for passengers.” The company also implements frequent screenings, background checks, and real-time identification verification through driver selfies.

Uber Threatens to Exit Colorado if Bill Becomes Law

This week, Uber announced that it would completely cease operations in Colorado if House Bill 1291 becomes law. In a letter to legislative leadership, Camiel Irving, Uber’s vice president of operations, acknowledged the bill’s intention to protect against sexual assault but stated the company would be “unable to comply with the bill as it is currently written.”

Stefanie Sass, another Uber public policy manager, called the requirements “onerous, costly, and unfeasible to implement.” The company noted that while it has temporarily exited some cities due to regulations, “Colorado would be the first state it would exit” if the bill passes. With nearly 30,000 drivers operating on Uber’s platform in Colorado during 2024, such an exit would significantly impact transportation options across the state.