1. Introduction
Québec has always been a unique market — from culture to language to laws — and that includes the rideshare industry. For years, Uber has dominated this space, with local challengers like Eva also fighting for market share. But in June 2025, Lyft officially entered (and re-entered) the Québec market with bold promotions, a sleek app rollout, and aggressive driver onboarding incentives.
This blog post is your ultimate resource for everything Lyft in Québec — whether you're a rider looking for discounts, a potential driver navigating licensing requirements, or a curious urbanite watching the growing mobility landscape.
2. Lyft’s 2025 Relaunch in Québec
Lyft’s history in Québec has been rocky. The company initially attempted entry back in 2019–2020 but pulled back due to tight provincial regulations. But times have changed.
As of June 17, 2025, Lyft launched operations in:
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Montréal
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Québec City
This time, Lyft came prepared. The company worked closely with Québec's Ministère des Transports (MTMD) and SAAQ to meet licensing, insurance, and inspection standards.
Key launch highlights:
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Promo code “QUEBEC” – 50% off your first 5 rides (up to $10/ride)
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Driver bonuses – $250 for 25 completed rides within 30 days
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Micromobility focus – Lyft already operated BIXI & à Vélo, giving it a logistical edge
3. Where Lyft Operates in Québec
As of mid-2025, Lyft is active in:
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Montréal
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Québec City
And is expanding into:
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Laval
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Longueuil
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Gatineau
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Sherbrooke
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Trois-Rivières
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Saguenay
This makes it the second-largest rideshare rollout in Canadian history, trailing only Uber’s 2014 launch.
4. Rider Promotions & Experience
Riders across Québec were greeted with a generous welcome:
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Promo Code: QUEBEC
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50% off your first 5 rides
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Maximum discount: $10/ride
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Valid within 14 days of sign-up
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Other perks include:
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Real-time fare estimates
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Contactless payment
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24/7 app support
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ETA tracking
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Ride ratings and driver tipping
The rider experience mirrors Lyft’s UX across North America, with French-language support fully integrated.
5. How to Become a Lyft Driver in Québec
Becoming a Lyft driver in Québec involves meeting several regulatory and company requirements.
Minimum criteria:
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Be 25 years or older
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Have a valid Québec Class 5 driver’s licence
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Own or lease a vehicle that meets Lyft standards
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Pass criminal and driving history background checks
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Submit a vehicle inspection report
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Carry insurance listing you as a driver
If you're just starting out, Lyft provides extensive guidance in the driver app, including inspection center lists, document upload tips, and background check timelines.
6. Québec Driver Requirements (2025 Edition)
Here are the latest 2025 requirements to drive for Lyft in Québec:
Category | Requirement |
---|---|
Age | 25+ |
Driver’s Licence | Québec Class 5 or higher |
Driving Experience | Minimum 1 year |
Phone | iPhone/Android capable of running Lyft Driver app |
Background | No violent crime, sexual offenses, or major violations in last 7 years |
Documents | Selfie, licence (front/back), insurance, registration, inspection |
Lyft uses the company Checkr to run these background checks. Drivers are reviewed yearly.
7. Vehicle Requirements: Eligibility, Age, and Type
Your vehicle must meet these criteria:
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Age: 10 years old or newer
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Type: 4-door car, sedan, SUV, or minivan
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Capacity: Seats 5 to 8 passengers
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Condition: No commercial branding or cosmetic damage
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Inspection: Annual or biannual (see next section)
Lyft disallows taxis, stretch limos, salvage/rebuilt titles, or vehicles without a VIN.
8. Background Checks: What Lyft and the Province Require
Lyft requires two types of background checks:
A. Criminal History
Conducted by Checkr. Disqualifiers include:
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Violent crimes
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DUIs (within 7 years)
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Sexual offenses
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Felony theft or fraud
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Ongoing charges
B. Driving Record
Assessed through Québec’s SAAQ or partner services. Red flags include:
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Suspended licence
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Reckless driving
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Multiple moving violations in 3 years
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DUI or refusal to test
Check completion time: 3–10 business days, but delays of up to 3 weeks have been reported.
9. Vehicle Inspections in Québec
Vehicle inspection is mandatory depending on age and mileage:
Vehicle Age or Mileage | Inspection Requirement |
---|---|
≤ 4 years old | No inspection required yet |
> 4 years or > 80,000 km | Annual mechanical inspection |
> 8 years | Biannual mechanical inspection |
Top SAAQ-licensed inspection centers in Montréal:
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Alex Pneu et Mecanique
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Groupe St-Henri Inc
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Prestige Gabriel Métropolitaine
Upload the signed inspection document to the Lyft Driver app to activate your account.
Also required: daily pre-trip inspection through the app.
10. What If You Don’t Have a Car?
Unlike the U.S., Lyft’s Express Drive rental program is unavailable in Canada.
Your options:
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Borrow from friends/family
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Must be added to insurance policy as a driver
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Lease or finance a vehicle
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Ensure leasing agreement permits rideshare usage
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Rent from third-party rental agencies
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Ensure they offer commercial rideshare insurance
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Buy a used car
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Preferably 2016 model year or newer
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Tip: Avoid vehicles older than 10 years. They’ll be rejected by Lyft’s system.
11. The Lyft Sign-Up Process – Step-by-Step
Step 1: Visit lyft.com/drive
Step 2: Select your city (e.g. Montréal)
Step 3: Create an account
Step 4: Upload the following:
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Class 5 driver’s licence
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Registration
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Proof of insurance
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Vehicle inspection report
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Selfie
Step 5: Wait for background checks
Step 6: Receive approval and emblem
Step 7: Install app, go online, start driving
Step 8: Complete 25 rides in 30 days → Get CA$250 bonus
12. Lyft’s Micromobility in Québec (BIXI & à Vélo)
Even before offering rideshare services, Lyft had a major micromobility footprint in Québec through:
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BIXI Montréal
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à Vélo Québec City
Lyft Urban Solutions operates 10,000+ e-bikes and docks, and has tripled à Vélo’s fleet since 2021.
Services include:
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Smart locking
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E-bike rental via app
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Real-time GPS tracking
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Discounted subscriptions for students & residents
This makes Lyft more than a rideshare app — it’s a full urban mobility solution.
13. Lyft vs Uber vs Eva – Québec Rideshare Wars
Uber:
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Market leader since 2014
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Larger fleet, shorter wait times
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Less generous to new drivers
Eva (Québec-based co-op):
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Profit-sharing with drivers
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Québec-grown, union-friendly
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French-first interface
Lyft:
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New challenger
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Aggressive promo strategy
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Higher driver payouts (initially)
The verdict? Competition is heating up, and riders/drivers benefit the most.
14. Legal & Regulatory Environment
Lyft must comply with:
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SAAQ vehicle regulations
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MTMD licensing frameworks
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Société de l'assurance automobile du Québec safety standards
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Privacy and app data rules under PIPEDA and Québec Bill 64
This ensures your data, insurance, and safety are protected.
15. Final Thoughts: Why Lyft Québec is Just Getting Started
Lyft’s return to Québec in 2025 wasn’t just symbolic—it was strategic.
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By offering aggressive bonuses and rider promos, it’s poised to chip away at Uber’s dominance
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With its micromobility infrastructure, Lyft is building a long-term presence, not a quick land grab
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And with drivers gaining new options, Lyft empowers local gig workers with competitive earnings
If you’re considering using Lyft as a rider, the app is sleek, affordable, and backed by strong local infrastructure.
If you're thinking about driving, now’s the best time — while bonuses are high and competition is still shaking out.
Want to Drive for Lyft in Québec?
Start now at Lyft.com/drive and use the first-mover advantage to earn big and ride smarter.
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