Beginning January 1, 2025, employers in California must be careful about requiring a driver’s license in job advertisements. According to the new law, it is generally illegal to state that a driver’s license is required unless specific conditions are met.
First, the employer must expect that driving will be part of the job duties. For example, jobs like delivery drivers or salespeople who travel to meet clients might need this requirement.
Second, the employer must believe that alternative transportation options wouldn’t work as well. This means that options like ride-hailing services, taxis, carpools, bicycles, or even walking might take too much time or cost too much for the employer.
The law ensures that employers don’t unfairly limit job opportunities for people who don’t have driver’s licenses, especially if the job can be done without one. For instance, if someone could easily use public transportation or carpool to do the job, requiring a license might not be fair.
(See Link(s): SB110)