CHARLESTON, W.Va. - Companies like Uber and Lyft can soon start offering rides in West Virginia under a new law approved by Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin.
The Democrat signed a bill Tuesday letting ride-booking companies operate in the state. The Republican-led Legislature passed it with only a handful of "no" votes.
The law takes effect July 1.
It applies to companies using smartphone apps to book rides.
Companies will need a nondiscrimination policy and must comply with nondiscrimination laws.
The law requires a Division of Motor Vehicles permit, car insurance, underinsured and uninsured motorist coverage, a zero tolerance drug and alcohol policy, and driver background checks.
Charleston and Morgantown have been mentioned as likely locations for ride-booking companies.
In a statement, Uber said it looks forward to offering rides in the coming months.
- The Associated Press