NEW YORK CITY (NYCDV) – In a major legal development for New York City’s for-hire vehicle industry, U.S. District Judge Gregory H. Woods has granted Uber and Lyft’s request for a preliminary injunction, temporarily blocking Local Law 52, the city’s landmark Driver Deactivation Protection Law, from taking effect on July 28.
The ruling prevents enforcement of the law while the broader legal challenge proceeds through federal court, dealing a significant setback to thousands of app-based drivers who had hoped the legislation would establish stronger due process protections before they could be permanently removed from ride-hailing platforms.
Local Law 52 was designed to require Uber and Lyft to provide drivers with greater procedural protection before deactivation, including notice of alleged violations and a meaningful opportunity to challenge decisions. Supporters argued the law would help prevent drivers from losing their livelihoods without adequate explanation or an effective appeals process.
The decision follows last week’s closely watched federal court hearing in Manhattan, where attorneys representing Uber, Lyft, the City of New York, and the New York City Council presented arguments over the legality of the measure.
Responding to the court’s decision, Uber Senior Director of Public Policy & Communications Josh Gold said in a statement to the media: “We’re pleased the court recognized the importance of preserving our ability to exercise discretion to protect the safety and integrity of our platform. The opinion underscores that driver fairness and rider safety can-and must-go hand in hand.”
NYTWA Condemns the Decision:
Reacting to the ruling, New York Taxi Workers Alliance (NYTWA) Executive Director Bhairavi Desai strongly criticized Judge Woods’ decision, describing it as “wholly misguided, wrong, and an extreme pro-corporation decision.”
According to Desai, the ruling threatens not only app-based drivers but also broader worker protections, arguing that it could undermine cities’ ability to enact workforce-specific regulations. She maintained that New York City’s deactivation law was intended to address years of arbitrary driver deactivations that left many workers without income or meaningful recourse.
Desai further accused Uber and Lyft of using the courts after failing to achieve their objectives through the legislative process, while reaffirming that the union’s campaign for driver justice would continue despite the legal setback.
“We won’t back down from our fight for justice and for just cause,” Desai said, adding that “this is far from over.”
She also urged New York City to immediately appeal the preliminary injunction and continue defending the law.
Drivers Vow to Continue the Fight:
The ruling sparked disappointment throughout the driver community, with many expressing concern that thousands of drivers remain vulnerable to deactivation without adequate procedural protections.
