Lyft Vehicle Requirements in Montreal: Everything You Need to Know (2025 Guide)

As the gig economy continues to grow, rideshare services like Lyft are offering more people in Montreal an opportunity to earn extra income or even launch full-time driving careers. However, before hitting the road with Lyft in Quebec's vibrant metropolis, there are several important requirements you must meet — especially when it comes to your vehicle.

Whether you're a local resident thinking about joining Lyft or a newcomer navigating Montreal's complex regulations, this comprehensive guide will walk you through all the key vehicle requirements, inspection rules, and alternatives available if you don't yet own a car.

1. Why Vehicle Requirements Matter for Lyft in Montreal

Unlike casual personal driving, rideshare driving comes with strict legal, mechanical, and insurance standards. Lyft, working in partnership with the province of Quebec and the Societe de l'assurance automobile du Quebec (SAAQ), enforces a range of requirements to ensure safety and accountability for passengers and drivers alike.

In Montreal, these standards are even more specific due to the city's dense population, regulatory oversight, and unique transportation needs. Not meeting them could mean rejection from the platform or, worse, fines and legal consequences. Additionally, ensuring that every vehicle on the road meets consistent quality standards helps uphold public trust in rideshare services.

2. Basic Vehicle Eligibility for Lyft in Montreal

To be eligible for Lyft in Montreal in 2025, your vehicle must meet the following basic requirements:

Age and Condition

• Vehicle must be from model year 2015 or newer

• Must be in excellent mechanical condition with no fluid leaks or warning lights

• Should not have any visible body damage, excessive wear, or interior defects such as torn upholstery or non-functioning seatbelts

Body Style

• Must be a four-door vehicle to allow easy passenger access

• SUVs, sedans, and minivans are accepted

• Two-door vehicles, pickup trucks, or convertibles are not permitted

Seating Capacity

• Must have 5 to 8 seats, including the driver’s seat

• All seats must be equipped with functioning seat belts and headrests

Vehicle History

• The vehicle cannot have previously been used as a taxi or limo

• Must not be branded as salvage, rebuilt, or irreparable

• Should have a clean title, with no unresolved recalls

Additional Conditions

• The vehicle must undergo a daily pre-drive vehicle inspection

• Must be properly registered in Quebec and associated with the driver’s Lyft account

• Must not be under any lien that prohibits commercial or rideshare use

These requirements ensure the highest level of safety and comfort for both passengers and drivers, and non-compliance may result in deactivation.

3. Mandatory Vehicle Inspection in Montreal

Inspection is a critical part of Lyft’s onboarding process and ongoing vehicle compliance. Quebec, through the SAAQ, imposes stringent requirements for vehicle inspections depending on the age and condition of the vehicle.

A. Mechanical Inspection (Annual or Biannual)

Mechanical inspections are conducted to verify that the vehicle meets provincial safety standards. Here’s how the process works in detail:

When Inspections Are Required:

• Vehicles under 4 years old (based on the model year) do not require a formal mechanical inspection unless they have exceeded 80,000 km.

• Vehicles between 4 and 8 years old must undergo a mechanical inspection every 12 months.

• Vehicles over 8 years old are required to complete a mechanical inspection every 6 months.

• Additionally, any vehicle that surpasses 60,000 km since its last inspection must be re-inspected, regardless of its age.

Where to Get Inspected:

• Inspections must be carried out at SAAQ-authorized mechanical inspection stations.

• Examples in Montreal include Alex Pneu & Mécanique, Point S locations, and Centre de Vérification Mécanique Montreal.

• The inspection evaluates over 100 vehicle components, including:

  • Brake systems and pads

  • Steering column and linkages

  • Suspension and shocks

  • Exhaust system

  • Windshield condition and wipers

  • Emissions and fuel system integrity

What to Bring:

• Valid driver’s licence (Class 5 or higher)

• Proof of registration and insurance

• The Lyft vehicle identification form, if available

Cost and Certification:

• Inspections typically cost between $80 to $130 CAD.

• If the vehicle passes, you’ll receive a Vehicle Inspection Certificate that must be uploaded to the Lyft Driver app.

• If the vehicle fails, repairs must be completed before retesting. Some centres allow retesting within 48 hours at reduced fees.

B. Daily Pre-Drive Inspection (Self Check)

Lyft also requires a daily safety check before each driving session, often referred to as a "circle check."

Items to Inspect:

• Exterior Lights: Headlights, high beams, brake lights, signal indicators, and reverse lights

• Tires: Proper air pressure, tread depth (min 4/32”), and absence of cracks or bulges

• Windshield and Mirrors: Clean, crack-free, properly adjusted

• Wipers and Fluid: Operational with full windshield washer fluid

• Brakes and Steering: Test before departure

• Horn, Seatbelts, Dashboard Alerts: All must be functional

Documentation:

• Though not mandatory to log the inspection, it’s recommended to keep a daily checklist or digital log in case of audit or vehicle issue reports.

• Any issue found should be reported and resolved immediately before starting a shift.

Failure to comply with inspection requirements, even minor ones, can result in temporary or permanent deactivation from the Lyft platform.

4. Driver Requirements That Impact Vehicle Eligibility

In Montreal, Lyft’s platform eligibility depends on both the vehicle and the driver.

Driver’s Licence

• You must hold a valid Class 5 Quebec driver’s licence

• You must be at least 25 years old to apply

Background and Driving History Checks

• A driving record check will verify your driving history (must not have more than three violations in the last three years)

• A criminal background check is also mandatory, focusing on violent crimes, theft, and impaired driving

Insurance Requirements

• Your insurance policy must include rideshare use coverage

• The vehicle must be insured in Quebec, and you must be listed on the policy as a primary or secondary driver

• Proof of insurance must be uploaded in the Driver app and updated annually or with any changes

Vehicle Registration

• Vehicle registration must match the name on your insurance or you must have a legal agreement allowing its use

• Must show a valid Quebec plate and registration expiry

5. Required Accessories and Signage

Lyft drivers must display the following accessories to legally operate in Montreal:

• Lyft emblems (decals): Display on the front passenger-side windshield and rear window. These must be visible at all times while driving with Lyft.

• Quebec Mobility Accessory: Required under SAAQ regulations to indicate participation in transportation services. This includes a driver ID card and/or a digital identifier, depending on your authorization.

Failure to display appropriate signage may result in tickets, fines, or deactivation.

6. If You Don’t Own a Vehicle: Your Options

Not owning a car doesn’t mean you can’t drive for Lyft. Here are the best alternatives:

A. Gig Economy Rental Services

While Lyft’s Express Drive is not available in Canada, alternatives include:

• HyreCar: Allows drivers to rent vehicles specifically approved for Lyft/Uber. Rentals come with rideshare insurance and may be available for daily or weekly periods.

• Local providers: Some Montreal-based rental companies offer fleet vehicles with commercial insurance suitable for rideshare.

Typical costs range between $300–$500 per week, including insurance, mileage allowance, and maintenance.

B. Traditional Rentals (With Limitations)

Some companies like Turo allow car rentals that can be used for rideshare, provided:

• The insurance explicitly allows commercial use

• You are listed as a named driver on the rental policy

Be sure to read the terms carefully—most traditional rental agreements prohibit using the car for rideshare.

C. Leasing or Financing

Leasing a newer vehicle (2015 or newer) with a clear allowance for rideshare is a longer-term investment. Benefits include:

• Full control over maintenance and condition

• Cost-efficient monthly payments (starting at ~$350 CAD/month)

• Eligibility for tax write-offs

Speak with dealerships that offer rideshare-focused leasing plans.

D. Borrowing a Vehicle

If you borrow from family or friends:

• You must be a listed driver on the vehicle’s insurance

• The vehicle must meet Lyft’s requirements in full

• You must obtain a written authorization if your name is not on the registration

7. Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Avoid these common mistakes that can lead to deactivation:

• Submitting expired or incorrect documents (inspection, insurance, registration)

• Using a vehicle that’s over 10 years old or fails inspection

• Not displaying the proper Lyft or Quebec decals

• Skipping the daily vehicle inspection

• Not updating your insurance after policy changes

• Forgetting to resolve mechanical issues quickly

Being proactive and keeping detailed records can prevent most issues.

8. How to Get Started as a Lyft Driver in Montreal (2025 Edition)

Here’s a complete checklist to become a driver:

1. Verify eligibility: 25+ years old, Class 5 Quebec licence

2. Choose a qualified vehicle: 2015 or newer, 4+ doors, clean title

3. Secure appropriate insurance with rideshare endorsement

4. Schedule a mechanical inspection, if required

5. Perform your first daily circle check

6. Upload documents to the Lyft Driver app:

   • Driver’s licence (front and back)

   • Insurance certificate with rideshare use

   • Quebec vehicle registration

   • Valid inspection certificate (if applicable)

7. Pass the background and driver history check

8. Display Lyft emblems and Quebec mobility accessory

9. Accept your first ride and start earning!

9. Final Thoughts

Driving for Lyft in Montreal offers flexibility, autonomy, and the chance to earn competitive income. However, the process to get started—and remain active—requires close attention to detail. Inspections, insurance, signage, and licensing all play essential roles in ensuring legal and safe operation.

By understanding and fulfilling these requirements thoroughly, you’ll not only maximize your earnings but also provide a better experience for riders. Whether you own, rent, or lease, your success depends on consistent compliance and proactive vehicle care.

Need more help? Visit the SAAQ website for authorized inspection stations or contact Lyft’s in-app support. Montreal’s local driving community is also a great resource for peer advice and vehicle rental recommendations.

Happy driving!