The US Department of Justice (DOJ) has filed a lawsuit against Uber Technologies, accusing the ride-hailing company of discriminating against passengers with disabilities.
The case, filed Thursday in federal court in San Francisco, alleges that Uber drivers routinely denied rides to people traveling with service animals or stowable wheelchairs, CNN reported.
According to the complaint, some drivers went further by charging improper fees.
Riders with service animals were reportedly billed cleaning charges, while passengers who were denied rides were still hit with cancellation fees.
The DOJ also said drivers insulted people with disabilities or refused reasonable requests, such as allowing riders with mobility issues to sit in the front seat.
"Despite the importance of its services to people with disabilities, Uber denies people with disabilities full and equal enjoyment of its services in several critical ways," the DOJ's complaint states.
Officials argued that Uber's actions caused "significant economic, emotional, and physical harm" to affected individuals.
Uber was sued by the US Justice Department over claims that the ride-sharing giant discriminates against people with physical disabilities in violation of federal law https://t.co/5Nduy22Sup
— Bloomberg (@business) September 11, 2025
Read more: Uber, Baidu Partner to Launch Self-Driving Cars in China, Other Countries Under Ride-Hailing App
DOJ Seeks Court Order to Force Uber ADA Compliance
The lawsuit seeks multiple remedies, including a court order requiring Uber to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), monetary damages for those impacted, and civil penalties against the company.
Passed in 1990, the ADA protects more than 61 million US adults who report having a disability, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Uber has pushed back against the government's allegations. According to CNBC, in a statement, the company said, "We have a clear zero-tolerance policy for confirmed service denials, and we fundamentally disagree with the DOJ's allegation."
Uber noted that its Community Guidelines prohibit discrimination and pointed to recent efforts to improve service for disabled riders.
Earlier this year, the company rolled out new features, including a video to educate drivers about the rules for transporting service animals.
The DOJ, however, claims Uber has refused to "reasonably modify" its policies to ensure equal access.
By failing to enforce protections consistently, the government says, the company created barriers that left disabled passengers feeling excluded or demeaned.
If successful, the DOJ's lawsuit could force Uber to change its practices nationwide and pay damages to riders who say they were wrongfully denied service.
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