Terms of Service

Effective: May 25, 2026

Please read these Terms carefully before using Shift. By using our app you agree to be bound by these Terms.

1. Acceptance of Terms

Agreement to Terms

By creating a Shift account, accessing the Shift mobile application, or using any Shift service, you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service ("Terms") and our Privacy Policy. If you do not agree to these Terms, do not use our services.

These Terms constitute a legally binding agreement between you and Shift, LLC ("Shift," "we," "us," or "our"), a company organized in North Carolina.

Changes to Terms

We may update these Terms at any time. We will notify you of material changes via in-app notice or email. Continued use of Shift after the effective date of any change constitutes your acceptance of the updated Terms. The current effective date of these Terms is May 25, 2026.

2. Eligibility & Accounts

Age & Eligibility

You must be at least 18 years old to create a Shift account. By creating an account you represent that you are 18 or older and have the legal capacity to enter into a binding agreement. Shift is not available to persons previously barred from using our services.

Account Accuracy

You agree to provide accurate, current, and complete information during registration and to keep your account information updated. You are responsible for all activity that occurs under your account. You must keep your password confidential and notify us immediately if you suspect unauthorized access.

One Account Per Person

You may hold only one active rider account and one active driver account. Creating duplicate accounts to circumvent suspensions or other restrictions is prohibited and may result in permanent termination of all associated accounts.

3. Services

What Shift Provides

Shift is a technology platform that connects riders seeking transportation with independent driver-partners. Shift does not provide transportation services directly. Drivers are independent contractors, not employees, agents, or partners of Shift.

Service Area

Shift currently operates in the Charlotte, North Carolina metropolitan area. We may expand or adjust service areas at any time without prior notice.

Service Availability

We do not guarantee that the services will be available at all times. Shift may be interrupted for maintenance, technical issues, weather, or other circumstances beyond our control. We are not liable for any losses resulting from unavailability of the platform.

Ride Types

Shift offers multiple service tiers: ShiftX, ShiftComfort, ShiftXL, ShiftLux, ShiftBlack, and ShiftBlack SUV. Vehicle specifications, pricing, and availability vary by tier. Shift reserves the right to add, modify, or discontinue any ride type.

4. Rider Terms

Booking a Ride

When you request a ride, you are submitting an offer to purchase transportation services from a driver-partner at the displayed fare. Acceptance occurs when a driver confirms the request. The fare displayed at booking is locked and will not change after confirmation ("Fare Lock").

Cancellation Policy

You may cancel a ride at any time before a driver is matched at no charge. If you cancel after a driver has been matched and is en route, a $3.00 cancellation fee applies once the 5-minute grace period expires. This fee compensates the driver for their time and fuel. See our Refunds & Cancellations page for the full policy.

Conduct in the Vehicle

You agree to: (a) treat drivers and their vehicles with respect; (b) wear a seatbelt; (c) not bring more passengers than the vehicle capacity; (d) not bring illegal substances or open alcohol containers; (e) not request the driver to violate traffic laws; and (f) not damage, soil, or otherwise harm the driver's vehicle. Cleaning and damage fees will be charged to your payment method.

Rating Your Driver

After each trip you may rate your driver on a 1–5 star scale and provide optional feedback. Ratings are anonymous and are used to maintain quality standards. Repeated low ratings on frivolous grounds may result in account review.

Tips

100% of any tip you add goes directly to the driver. Tips are voluntary and do not affect your ability to receive future service. Tips are non-refundable once a ride is completed.

5. Driver Terms

Independent Contractor Status

Driver-partners are independent contractors, not employees of Shift, LLC. Drivers set their own hours, use their own vehicles, and retain the right to accept or decline ride requests. Nothing in these Terms creates an employment, partnership, or agency relationship between Shift and any driver. See the Driver Independent Contractor Agreement for the full framework.

Driver Requirements

To drive on the Shift platform you must: (a) hold a valid driver's license; (b) maintain a clean driving record meeting our standards; (c) pass a background check; (d) carry minimum required commercial auto insurance; (e) operate a vehicle meeting Shift vehicle standards; and (f) complete all required document submissions.

Driver Earnings

Drivers receive 80% of the base fare plus 100% of any tip. The remaining 20% is retained by Shift as a platform fee. Earnings are subject to applicable taxes; drivers are solely responsible for reporting and paying income taxes as independent contractors.

Acceptance Rate

Shift monitors driver acceptance rates on a 30-day rolling basis. Consistently declining requests may affect your access to premium ride types or priority dispatch. Shift will communicate applicable thresholds and consequences in advance.

Driver Conduct

Drivers must: (a) maintain a professional and courteous demeanor; (b) follow all applicable traffic laws; (c) keep the vehicle clean and in safe operating condition; (d) not discriminate against riders based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or any other protected characteristic; and (e) comply with all applicable local, state, and federal laws.

6. Payments & Refunds

Payment Methods

Shift accepts credit cards, debit cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. Shift does not accept cash — every ride is paid through the app. You authorize Shift to charge your selected payment method for all applicable fares, fees, and charges.

Fare Calculation

Fares are calculated based on base fare, distance, booking fee, wait time, and applicable surge multipliers. The full fare breakdown is displayed before you confirm a booking. Surge pricing may apply during high-demand periods and is clearly disclosed at the time of booking.

Promo Codes

Promo codes may be applied at booking subject to their individual terms (expiry, ride type restrictions, minimum fare). Promotional credits have no cash value, are non-transferable, and expire as specified. Shift reserves the right to cancel promotions or credits obtained fraudulently.

Refunds

Refund requests must be submitted within 7 days of the ride via the in-app dispute form. Approved refunds are returned to the original payment method within 5–10 business days. Shift's decision on refund disputes is final. Full policy: Refunds & Cancellations.

Damage & Cleaning Fees

If a driver reports that you caused damage to or soiling of their vehicle, Shift may charge a cleaning or damage fee to your payment method ranging from $25 to $250 depending on severity. Drivers must submit photo evidence and Shift reviews all claims before charging.

7. Prohibited Conduct

Prohibited Activities

You agree not to: (a) use Shift for any unlawful purpose; (b) harass, threaten, or harm any driver, rider, or Shift employee; (c) create false accounts or misrepresent your identity; (d) manipulate fares, ratings, or promotions through fraudulent means; (e) access or attempt to access our systems without authorization; or (f) resell or sublicense access to the Shift platform.

Consequences of Violations

Violations of these Terms may result in suspension or permanent termination of your account, reversal of fraudulent transactions, reporting to law enforcement, and civil or criminal liability. Shift reserves the right to take any action it deems appropriate in response to violations.

8. Limitation of Liability

Disclaimer of Warranties

THE SHIFT PLATFORM IS PROVIDED "AS IS" AND "AS AVAILABLE" WITHOUT WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED. SHIFT DOES NOT WARRANT THAT THE PLATFORM WILL BE UNINTERRUPTED, ERROR-FREE, OR FREE OF VIRUSES. YOUR USE OF THE PLATFORM IS AT YOUR SOLE RISK.

Limitation of Damages

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, SHIFT'S TOTAL LIABILITY TO YOU FOR ANY CLAIM ARISING FROM OR RELATED TO THESE TERMS OR THE SERVICES SHALL NOT EXCEED THE GREATER OF (A) $100 OR (B) THE TOTAL FARES PAID BY YOU IN THE 3 MONTHS PRECEDING THE CLAIM.

Third-Party Services

Shift uses third-party services for mapping, payment processing, and other features. We are not responsible for the accuracy, availability, or conduct of third-party services. Your use of third-party services is subject to their own terms and policies.

Indemnification

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Shift and its officers, directors, employees, and agents from any claims, damages, losses, and costs (including reasonable attorneys' fees) arising out of your use of the platform, your violation of these Terms, or your violation of any rights of a third party.

9. Disputes & Governing Law

Governing Law

These Terms and any disputes arising out of them are governed by the laws of the State of North Carolina, without regard to its conflict of law principles. Any legal action not subject to arbitration shall be brought exclusively in the state or federal courts located in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina.

Informal Dispute Resolution

Before filing any formal legal claim, you agree to first contact Shift at legal@shift.app and attempt to resolve the dispute informally. We will have 30 days to respond. This requirement does not apply to claims for injunctive relief or intellectual property violations.

Arbitration Agreement

EXCEPT FOR CLAIMS THAT MAY BE BROUGHT IN SMALL CLAIMS COURT, YOU AND SHIFT AGREE TO RESOLVE ANY DISPUTE THROUGH BINDING INDIVIDUAL ARBITRATION ADMINISTERED BY THE AMERICAN ARBITRATION ASSOCIATION (AAA) UNDER ITS CONSUMER ARBITRATION RULES. YOU WAIVE YOUR RIGHT TO A JURY TRIAL AND TO PARTICIPATE IN A CLASS ACTION.

Class Action Waiver

ALL DISPUTES MUST BE BROUGHT IN YOUR INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY, NOT AS A PLAINTIFF OR CLASS MEMBER IN ANY PURPORTED CLASS, COLLECTIVE, OR REPRESENTATIVE PROCEEDING. THE ARBITRATOR MAY NOT CONSOLIDATE CLAIMS OR PRESIDE OVER ANY FORM OF REPRESENTATIVE PROCEEDING.

10. General Provisions

Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with our Privacy Policy, constitute the entire agreement between you and Shift regarding the services and supersede all prior agreements and understandings.

Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions will continue in full force and effect.

No Waiver

Shift's failure to enforce any provision of these Terms does not constitute a waiver of our right to enforce that provision in the future.

Assignment

You may not assign or transfer your rights or obligations under these Terms without our written consent. Shift may assign its rights and obligations without restriction.

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