What must drivers maintain to operate a for-hire vehicle legally?

To operate a for-hire vehicle legally, drivers must maintain insurance coverage as required by Indiana law. This insurance serves as a safety net, protecting both the driver and their passengers in the event of an accident or incident. For-hire vehicles, such as taxis or rideshare services, often have specific insurance requirements that exceed those for personal vehicles to ensure higher safety standards and financial responsibility while carrying passengers.

While it is also important for drivers to have a valid driver's license and ensure that their vehicle is registered, these are baseline requirements for all drivers and vehicles, not specific to for-hire operations. A commercial driving permit is typically necessary for larger vehicles, such as buses or trucks, but for standard for-hire vehicles, like taxis or smaller rideshare cars, a standard valid driver’s license with the appropriate endorsements is sufficient, provided that insurance requirements are met. Hence, the focus on insurance coverage is vital for the legal operation of for-hire vehicles.