The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has initiated legal action against Uber Technologies Inc., alleging that the ride-hailing company systematically discriminates against passengers with disabilities. The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, contends that Uber’s practices violate Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which prohibits discrimination by private transportation entities.
According to the DOJ’s complaint, Uber drivers have routinely refused service to individuals with disabilities, particularly those accompanied by service animals or using collapsible wheelchairs. The department also alleges that Uber and its drivers have imposed unauthorized surcharges, such as cleaning fees for service animals and cancellation fees for riders who were denied service. Additionally, some drivers have reportedly exhibited inappropriate behavior towards passengers with disabilities, including insults and refusals to accommodate reasonable requests, such as allowing mobility-impaired passengers to sit in the front seat. These actions have allegedly caused significant economic, emotional, and physical harm to affected individuals. ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/society-equity/us-sues-uber-alleges-disability-discrimination-2025-09-11/?utm_source=openai))
The DOJ is seeking a court order to compel Uber to cease discriminatory practices, implement policy reforms to ensure ADA compliance, and provide training for staff and drivers on disability rights. The lawsuit also demands monetary compensation for individuals subjected to discrimination and a civil penalty to uphold the public’s interest in eliminating disability discrimination. ([justice.gov](https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/justice-department-sues-uber-denying-rides-passengers-service-dogs-wheelchairs?utm_source=openai))
Uber has publicly denied the allegations, emphasizing its commitment to accessible and respectful service for all riders. The company maintains a zero-tolerance policy for confirmed service denials and asserts that it has implemented measures to support passengers with disabilities. ([techcrunch.com](https://techcrunch.com/2025/09/11/justice-department-sues-uber-for-allegedly-discriminating-against-people-with-disabilities/?utm_source=openai))
This legal action follows a previous lawsuit filed by the DOJ in November 2021, which accused Uber of charging “wait time” fees to passengers with disabilities who required additional time to board vehicles. That case was settled in July 2022, with Uber agreeing to pay over $2 million and commit to policy changes to better accommodate disabled riders. ([justice.gov](https://www.justice.gov/archives/opa/pr/uber-commits-changes-and-pays-millions-resolve-justice-department-lawsuit-overcharging-people?utm_source=openai))
The current lawsuit underscores ongoing concerns about the accessibility of ride-hailing services for individuals with disabilities and highlights the DOJ’s continued efforts to enforce ADA compliance within the transportation industry.