California Limits When Employers Can Require Driver’s Licenses

California has enacted legislation that restricts employers from including in a job posting or advertisement that a candidate must have a driver’s license. The restriction is the result of enactment of Senate Bill 1100 and takes effect Jan. 1, 2025.

The details

Under Senate Bill 1100, it is an unlawful employment practice for an employer to include a statement in a job advertisement, posting, application, or other material that an applicant must have a driver’s license unless both of the following conditions are satisfied:

• The employer reasonably expects driving to be one of the job functions for the position.
• The employer reasonably believes that satisfying the job function using an alternative form of transportation wouldn’t be comparable in travel time or cost to the employer.

For purposes of the law, “alternative form of transportation” includes, but is not limited to, all the following:

• Using a ride hailing service.
• Using a taxi.
• Carpooling.
• Bicycling.
• Walking.

Next steps

• Review policies and practices to ensure compliance with Senate Bill 1100.
• Train individuals involved in the hiring process on the new law.