On September 28, 2024, Governor Newsom signed Senate Bill (SB) 1100 into law making it an unlawful employment practice to include statements about the need for a driver’s license in job advertisements, postings, applications,  and similar employment material. In California, driver’s licenses have increasingly become a condition of employment. The law addresses discrimination against individuals without driver’s licenses by eliminating this requirement as a condition of employment unless certain requirements are met.

Under the law, an employer may not include a statement that an applicant must have a driver’s license unless the following conditions are satisfied:

  • The employer reasonably expects driving to be one of the job functions of the position.
  • The employer reasonably believes that using an alternative form of transportation would not be comparable in travel time or cost to the employer.

An “alternative form of transportation” can include, but is not limited to:

  • Ride-hailing services.
  • Taxis.
  • Carpooling.
  • Bicycling.
  • Walking.

This law takes effect January 1, 2025.

Photo of Ashley N. Rippolone Ashley N. Rippolone

Ashley N. Rippolone is an associate in the Silicon Valley, California, office of Jackson Lewis P.C. Ashley represents employers in all phases of litigation in federal and state courts, arbitration, and before administrative agencies, including the California Civil Rights Department and the Equal…

Ashley N. Rippolone is an associate in the Silicon Valley, California, office of Jackson Lewis P.C. Ashley represents employers in all phases of litigation in federal and state courts, arbitration, and before administrative agencies, including the California Civil Rights Department and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Ashley’s practice has a strong focus on disability, leave, and health management. She also defends employers against claims of discrimination, sexual harassment, wrongful termination, retaliation, failure to accommodate disabilities, defamation, and wage and hour disputes.