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DOJ Sues Uber for Disability Discrimination

Justice Department Sues Uber for Discriminating Against Riders with Disabilities

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has filed a lawsuit against Uber Technologies Inc., the nation’s largest ride-hailing service, for repeatedly discriminating against passengers with disabilities. The lawsuit, filed September 12, 2025, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, seeks $125 million in damages for riders who were denied equal access.

The DOJ alleges Uber violated Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by:

Denying rides to passengers with service animals.
Refusing to serve individuals with mobility devices such as stowable wheelchairs.
Charging unlawful “cleaning” and cancellation fees to disabled riders.
Failing to modify policies to ensure equal service, including front seat access for riders with mobility needs.

As a result, many passengers with disabilities have faced missed appointments, delays, and being stranded in unsafe conditions.

DOJ Leadership Speaks Out

Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the DOJ’s Civil Rights Division stated:

“For too long, blind riders have suffered repeated ride denials by Uber because they are traveling with a service dog. This lawsuit seeks to end this persistent discrimination and allow riders with disabilities to use Uber.”

U.S. Attorney Craig H. Missakian added that the lawsuit reflects the government’s commitment to enforcing the ADA’s promise of equal access to transportation for all.

Penny Forward’s Response

Chris Peterson, AFC®, founder and CEO of Penny Forward, issued the following statement:

“Equal access to affordable, reliable, and timely transportation is critical to improving the financial well-being of people with blindness and low vision. As a service dog user myself, I’ve experienced this discrimination countless times first-hand, including when traveling to job interviews. I applaud the Justice Department’s action here and I hope that this will finally resolve this long-standing and pervasive issue.”

What Comes Next

The DOJ is seeking a court order to stop Uber from discriminating against riders with disabilities, require ADA compliance training for staff and drivers, and secure compensation for those harmed.

For more information on this case and the ADA:

Visit justice.gov/crt
Report possible civil rights violations at civilrights.justice.gov
Call the ADA Information Line: 800-514-0301 (TTY 1-833-610-1264)

What’s Next?

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