Getting arrested for DUI used to be a straightforward affair: either you were behind the wheel, or you weren’t. But with the explosive growth of ride-share apps like Uber and Lyft, the legal waters have grown murkier—especially in 2025, where new laws and court rulings are reshaping how DUI arrests during ride-share usage are handled. Whether you’re a passenger, driver, or rideshare company being scrutinized for liability, these developments could affect your case in unexpected ways.
This article explores the legal dilemmas, recent court interpretations, and actionable insights surrounding DUI arrests while using a ride-share service, with a focus on Tennessee law and how it applies in cities like Chattanooga.
The Problem: A New Kind of DUI Confusion
Who Is Considered “In Control”?
Tennessee DUI laws traditionally hinge on the concept of “physical control” of a vehicle. That definition made sense in an era when drivers personally operated their own vehicles. But in a ride-share environment, the same rule creates confusion.
Imagine you order an Uber after drinking at a Chattanooga bar. While on the way home, the vehicle gets stopped at a DUI checkpoint. You’re in the backseat, clearly intoxicated and perhaps being disruptive. The driver is sober, but you’re shouting or interfering. Could you still face charges? Shockingly, in some 2024 court cases, the answer was yes.
Passenger Misconduct Can Lead to Charges
While passengers typically aren’t at risk for DUI charges, law enforcement has increasingly cited intoxicated ride-share passengers for other offenses—such as public intoxication, disorderly conduct, and obstruction. In rare cases involving autonomous vehicles, passengers have even been wrongly accused of controlling the vehicle when no human driver was present.
The Legal Solution: Defining Roles in 2025
Tennessee’s Legal Shift
To address growing confusion, Tennessee courts in 2025 issued clearer guidance on what it means to be “in control” of a vehicle. Recent case law now limits DUI liability to individuals who:
- Have possession of the car keys
- Are seated in the driver’s seat with the engine running
- Actively command or operate the vehicle, including via remote systems or digital tools
This shift offers legal protection for responsible passengers using ride-shares. Still, passengers can be charged for other offenses such as open container violations, public intoxication, or interfering with the driver or police.
Legal Grey Areas Remain
Despite this progress, gray areas persist—especially in light of modern technology and unconventional ride-share behaviors.
Dual App Usage: Many ride-share drivers use multiple apps simultaneously for navigation, music, and job alerts. If an intoxicated driver is toggling between apps, prosecutors may argue that app logs prove distraction or intent to drive while impaired. These logs, including screen activity, are now used as evidence.
Shared Vehicles and Contraband: If multiple people share a ride and one passenger is caught with contraband, others in the car may be detained or questioned. This is especially true when the ride was booked using another person’s account.
Driverless Ride-Share Scenarios: Autonomous vehicle testing is underway in parts of Tennessee. If a drunk individual enters a driverless vehicle, causes a scene, or disrupts operations, they may still face arrest—especially under public intoxication or interference statutes. The absence of a human driver doesn’t mean the absence of legal risk.
Currently, Tennessee law lacks specific statutes covering these edge-case scenarios, placing greater importance on legal interpretation. If you’re arrested under such conditions, hiring a DUI attorney familiar with ride-share laws is essential.
Real-World Applications: How These Cases Play Out
Case Study: Passenger Arrest in Chattanooga
In March 2025, a 29-year-old man in Chattanooga was arrested while using a Lyft. Intoxicated and disruptive, he shouted slurs at pedestrians during the ride. While not charged with DUI, he was arrested for public intoxication and verbal assault. The case highlighted unclear responsibilities for drivers and ride-share companies when transporting disruptive passengers.
Case Study: Driver Charged Despite Going “Off Duty”
In Knoxville, a ride-share driver was pulled over and tested over the legal blood alcohol limit. The driver claimed to be off-duty and pointed to app logs showing no active ride. However, because the app was still open and the GPS showed the car moving toward a passenger pickup location, the court ruled the driver was still “active.”
This ruling made it clear: App status and intent can strongly influence how liability is assigned.
Deep Dive: New 2025 Ride-Share Liability Trends
Digital Records Are Now Legal Evidence
Ride-share platforms like Uber and Lyft collect detailed user data: GPS logs, timestamps, ride status, and sometimes in-car audio or dashcam footage. This information is now commonly subpoenaed in DUI and criminal defense cases.
As a driver or passenger, you should be aware:
- Your ride history can establish your timeline and intent
- App activity and logs can support or disprove DUI allegations
- Video and audio may be used in court to validate behavior
Legal experts advise passengers to save receipts and screenshots when using ride-shares after drinking, and drivers should maintain records to support their legal position.
Insurance and Corporate Liability
Uber and Lyft offer commercial insurance coverage during active rides, but only when:
- The driver is logged into the app and en route or transporting a passenger
- The ride is officially accepted in the app system
If an incident occurs and the driver isn’t logged in, coverage may fall to their personal insurance. Understanding these nuances is vital in determining compensation after a crash.
Tips for Passengers and Drivers in 2025
For Passengers:
- Use your own account to book the ride so your trip is properly documented
- Avoid bringing open alcohol containers
- Remain respectful and calm during police interactions or checkpoints
- Exit and rebook the ride if the driver appears impaired or suspicious
For Drivers:
- Do not consume alcohol at all before logging into the app
- Log out of the app immediately after ending your shift
- Secure your vehicle from illegal substances or unruly passengers
- Use your own dashcam to document incidents in case of legal disputes
Following these best practices can help both drivers and riders stay safe and avoid unnecessary legal trouble.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Ride-Share DUI Situations
Understanding what not to do in ride-share DUI scenarios can make a significant difference in avoiding unnecessary legal trouble. While using Uber or Lyft is generally a safer and smarter choice than driving under the influence, there are still risks involved. Many people unknowingly make mistakes that lead to legal consequences even when they think they’re doing the right thing. Here’s a deeper look at the most common missteps:
- Assuming You Can’t Be Charged if You’re Not Driving
Just because you’re not in the driver’s seat doesn’t mean you’re immune from legal scrutiny. Passengers can still be arrested for public intoxication, disorderly conduct, or even interfering with a police investigation. In some cases involving driverless vehicles, intoxicated passengers have mistakenly been considered “in control” simply due to their interaction with the vehicle. - Not Documenting the Ride
Failing to screenshot your booking details, ride confirmation, or route can put you at a disadvantage if there’s a dispute later. Documentation can help prove that you took responsible steps to avoid a DUI and may serve as crucial evidence in court. - Confronting or Arguing with Law Enforcement
Arguing during a police stop can escalate the situation. Remaining calm, cooperative, and silent until you can speak with an attorney is a far better strategy. Many passengers and drivers alike have seen minor traffic stops turn into legal battles due to aggressive behavior. - Riding with Intoxicated or Problematic Individuals
If your ride-share companions are in possession of drugs, causing disturbances, or have outstanding warrants, you could get caught in the legal fallout. Always be cautious about who you share a ride with—law enforcement doesn’t always distinguish between individual actions at first glance. - Believing the Ride-Share Company Will Handle Everything
Uber or Lyft may provide insurance or legal support under certain conditions, but they’re not obligated to protect you in every scenario. If you’re involved in an incident while the driver is off-duty or if you’ve violated community guidelines, you may be on your own legally and financially.
Avoiding these mistakes requires awareness and preparation. If you find yourself in legal trouble following a ride-share incident, contact an attorney familiar with Tennessee DUI laws and ride-share case dynamics to protect your rights and build a strong defense.
Conclusion: Know Your Rights, But Know the Risks
Using ride-share services like Uber or Lyft is a smarter alternative to driving under the influence—but it’s not without risk. In 2025, with new case law, advanced ride-share technologies, and shifting definitions of “control,” passengers and drivers must be more informed than ever.
If you’ve been arrested in a ride-share situation, expert legal guidance can make all the difference. The team at Mochel Law is equipped to analyze your case, challenge unfair charges, and help you move forward.
FAQ: DUI and Ride-Share Legal Questions in 2025
Can I get a DUI as a ride-share passenger in Tennessee?
Typically, DUI charges are reserved for individuals in control of a vehicle. However, passengers can still face criminal charges if their behavior crosses legal lines. For example, if you’re intoxicated and create a public disturbance, interfere with the driver’s ability to operate the vehicle, or obstruct law enforcement during a stop, you could be arrested for offenses like public intoxication, obstruction of justice, or even disorderly conduct. While these are not DUI charges, the consequences can still be serious and lead to a criminal record.
Can ride-share drivers be charged if they’re off-duty but still logged into the app?
Yes. In Tennessee, the courts are increasingly looking at app activity and GPS direction to determine whether a ride-share driver was functionally “on duty.” If a driver is logged into the app and their route suggests they were heading to pick up a passenger—even if no ride had been formally accepted—law enforcement may interpret that as active operation of a commercial vehicle. This means that DUI laws can still apply, and any claims of being “off duty” may not hold up in court without strong evidence.
Are ride-share companies liable for DUI-related incidents?
Ride-share companies like Uber and Lyft can be held partially liable, but only under specific conditions. If the driver was logged into the platform, actively engaged in a ride, and the company failed to meet safety responsibilities—such as background checks, proper training, or suspending previously flagged drivers—they may share legal responsibility. However, if the driver was operating independently or violating company policies, liability usually falls on the individual, not the platform.
What happens if I’m in an accident during a DUI-related ride-share event?
The outcome depends on several factors, including whether the ride was active, the app was running, and the insurance coverage in place. Uber and Lyft provide commercial insurance for on-duty drivers, but if the driver was not officially transporting or en route to pick up a passenger, the coverage may default to the driver’s personal policy. This can affect your ability to recover compensation for medical expenses, damages, or lost wages.
Do autonomous vehicles change DUI enforcement rules?
Yes—and they add complexity. In cases involving driverless ride-share vehicles, passengers can still be arrested if they act dangerously, interfere with the vehicle’s systems, or cause a public disturbance. Even though no human is driving, a drunk passenger can still violate Tennessee public safety laws. This emerging area of law is under scrutiny, and future cases will likely shape how responsibility is assigned in autonomous ride-share scenarios.
Should I get a lawyer if I was arrested during a ride-share trip?
Absolutely. DUI law is complicated enough, but when ride-share platforms, digital app data, and third-party liability are involved, your defense needs to address multiple angles. An experienced criminal defense lawyer can examine your app records, witness accounts, and company policies to identify weaknesses in the case against you and help protect your rights.
Can my Uber or Lyft ride history be used in court?
Yes, and it often is. Ride-share records—including time stamps, GPS data, driver activity, audio or video from the vehicle, and app status—are frequently subpoenaed in DUI and criminal defense cases. These records can confirm or refute your version of events and are used by both prosecution and defense attorneys to build a timeline of the incident. If you are involved in any ride-share-related legal matter, preserving this data early is key.
Need help navigating a DUI arrest involving a ride-share trip? Contact Mochel Law for a confidential consultation today.