Grubhub Vehicle Requirements: The Real Rules Drivers Should Know Before Hitting the Road

When people think about delivering for Grubhub, the first thing that usually pops into their mind is — “Can I use my car? What kind of ride do I even need?”

That’s totally fair, because unlike some other gig apps that are strict as hell about vehicle rules, Grubhub is actually way more flexible. You don’t need a fancy car, you just need something reliable enough to get the food from the restaurant to the hungry customer — fast and without drama.

Grubhub’s whole deal is giving people freedom. Freedom to work when you want, and freedom to roll with whatever kind of wheels you’ve got — as long as it’s safe, legal, and can make it on time.

In some cities, you can deliver on bicycles, in others cars, motorcycles, or even scooters. Each city has its own vibe and rules, so the type of vehicle you can use depends on where you’re delivering.

Here’s the thing though — even if Grubhub isn’t super strict about what you drive, they still expect your vehicle to be in decent shape. That means no busted lights, no crazy loud mufflers, and definitely no “check engine” light that’s been glowing since last year.

Why? Because customers trust you to show up clean, on time, and professional — and that starts with the ride you’re pulling up in.

Whether you’re cruising through downtown traffic in a small sedan, zipping past cars on a scooter, or pedaling through narrow streets on your bike, Grubhub’s vehicle rules are meant to keep things smooth for everyone — you, the restaurants, and the customers.

So, before you hit that “Go Online” button, it’s worth taking a few minutes to check whether your ride is up to Grubhub’s standards. It’s not about having the best car in town — it’s about having the right one for the job.

Car Requirements for Grubhub Delivery Drivers

If you’re planning to deliver with Grubhub using a car, good news — the company’s car requirements are some of the most chill in the delivery game. You don’t need a shiny new ride or some luxury hybrid; Grubhub only cares about one thing: your car should be safe, reliable, and street-legal.

There’s no official rule that says your car has to be newer than a specific model year. You can literally deliver in a 2005 Toyota Corolla if it still runs smoothly and passes basic inspection. That’s one of the best perks of Grubhub compared to other gig apps that demand newer vehicles or full inspections every few months. Grubhub’s flexibility lets you keep your costs low while still making decent money.

That said, there are still a few things you should keep in mind before hitting the road.

Vehicle Condition

Your car doesn’t need to be perfect, but it can’t be falling apart either. Grubhub expects your vehicle to be in good working condition — meaning:

• The brakes and tires should be solid.
• Your headlights, taillights, and blinkers all work.
• The doors open and close properly.
• The A/C or heater works (because delivering food in summer or winter without it? Pure pain).

You don’t have to go through an official Grubhub inspection, but if your car looks or sounds sketchy, you’ll eventually run into issues — either with customers complaining or your own safety.

Type of Car

Any standard car works fine:

• Sedans
• Hatchbacks
• Compact SUVs
• Small crossovers

These rides are ideal because they’re fuel-efficient, easy to park, and have just enough room for a full stack of orders. You don’t need a massive SUV — unless you’re into wasting gas and fighting for parking spots every single trip.

Car Size & Cargo Space

Since you’ll be hauling hot bags, drinks, and sometimes multiple stacked orders, cargo space matters. A hatchback or small SUV gives you more flexibility to load everything neatly. But even if you’re driving a small sedan, as long as your trunk or back seat is clean and organized, you’re good to go.

Here’s a tip from real drivers: keep a dedicated food delivery setup. That means a big insulated bag, a drink carrier, and maybe a towel or non-slip mat in your trunk to stop orders from sliding around. Nothing ruins your day faster than hearing a soda explode in the backseat.

Fuel Efficiency Matters

You’ll be driving a lot — like, easily 60–100 miles a day if you’re doing this full-time. So picking a ride that’s fuel-efficient isn’t just smart, it’s survival.

Think cars like:

• Toyota Prius
• Honda Civic
• Hyundai Elantra
• Chevy Cruze

Those models are Grubhub favorites because they sip gas instead of guzzling it. Less money at the pump means more cash in your pocket at the end of the week.

Cleanliness Counts

Now, let’s be real — customers don’t see your car’s interior most of the time, but restaurant staff do. And that first impression matters. Showing up in a dirty, trash-filled car doesn’t exactly scream “trustworthy driver.”

Keep it clean, keep it smelling decent, and maybe toss an air freshener in there. A clean car helps you feel more professional — and honestly, it makes long delivery hours way more pleasant.

Car Mods & Stickers

Thinking about slapping a Grubhub decal on your car? Go for it if you want, but it’s not required.

In fact, some drivers prefer to stay low-key and avoid attracting too much attention, especially if they’re multi-apping (working for Uber Eats, DoorDash, or Instacart at the same time). Grubhub doesn’t mind — your car doesn’t need to look branded. Just make sure it’s legal and not rocking any weird tinted windows or neon lights that could get you pulled over.

Optional Accessories

While not mandatory, a few accessories can seriously upgrade your delivery life:

• Phone mount – keeps your navigation hands-free.
• Dual charger or power bank – your phone is your lifeline, never let it die.
• Insulated food bag – some restaurants will even refuse to hand over the food if you don’t have one.
• LED flashlight – clutch for late-night drop-offs in dark neighborhoods.

At the end of the day, Grubhub’s car requirements aren’t about making you jump through hoops — they’re about keeping things safe and smooth.

If your car’s in decent shape, registered, insured, and runs well, you’re basically set to start rolling and earning.

Bike Requirements (Bicycle Delivery)

If you’re living in a big U.S. city like New York, Chicago, or San Francisco, chances are you’ve seen Grubhub riders zipping through traffic on bikes, weaving between cars like absolute pros. That’s because delivering by bicycle is one of the fastest, cheapest, and most flexible ways to work with Grubhub — no gas, no parking drama, no tickets (hopefully).

But of course, it’s not just about hopping on any old bike and hitting “Go Online.” Grubhub still has a few standards you need to follow when it comes to your two-wheeled delivery machine.

Where You Can Use a Bike

Not every U.S. city allows bike deliveries, so the first thing you gotta check is whether your zone supports it.

In general, you’ll find bike delivery available in:

• New York City
• Chicago
• Boston
• San Francisco
• Philadelphia
• Washington D.C.
• Portland
• Seattle

These cities are bike-friendly, meaning they have decent infrastructure, short delivery distances, and tons of restaurants packed close together — perfect for riders.

If you live in a more suburban or spread-out area, Grubhub might not support bicycles at all, simply because the delivery range is too big to handle without a motor.

What Type of Bike Works

Grubhub doesn’t force you to use a specific brand or model. You just need a ride that’s safe and functional. But depending on your area and lifestyle, here’s the breakdown:

• Standard Bicycle: Great for flat areas and shorter routes (2–4 miles). Easy to maintain and super cheap.
• Hybrid or Road Bike: Best for fast-paced urban environments. Lightweight and efficient for long rides.
• Electric Bike (E-Bike): A total game changer. Perfect if your city has hills or long distances between deliveries. You’ll still burn calories, but you won’t feel like dying halfway through your shift.

E-bikes are becoming insanely popular with Grubhub riders because they save time, energy, and let you take more orders per hour. Sure, the upfront cost is higher, but most drivers say it pays for itself after a few months.

Condition and Safety

Before every ride, give your bike a quick check. Trust me — one flat tire in the middle of a lunch rush and you’ll never skip this again.

Make sure:

• Tires are properly inflated and not bald.
• Brakes respond fast.
• Chain is oiled and doesn’t skip.
• Lights (front & back) are working — especially at night.
• Bell or horn is functional (some cities legally require it).

Safety isn’t just about avoiding accidents — it’s also about staying visible. Always wear a reflective vest or jacket if you’re riding at night. Most Grubhub riders go for bright orange or neon green because, well, cars can be reckless and you want to be seen before it’s too late.

Gear & Essentials

A few small items can make a huge difference in your daily grind:

• Backpack-style insulated bag: Keeps your hands free and food hot.
• Phone mount: So you don’t have to stop every block to check directions.
• Rain gear: If you live in a city like Seattle, you know the struggle.
• Extra battery or power bank: Because your phone will drain fast with GPS + Grubhub app running all day.

Lock: Never leave your bike unlocked, even for “just a second.” Theft happens fast in busy cities.

Weather & Terrain Factors

Delivering on a bike can be brutal in extreme weather — think snow, heavy rain, or 100°F heat waves.

Some pros switch to part-time during winter and come back strong in spring. If you want to deliver year-round, invest in:

• Waterproof gloves & shoes
• Handlebar covers
• A solid windbreaker
• Layers for winter

You’ll also need to plan your routes differently. Hills eat your legs alive, so e-bikes or hybrid bikes are best if you live in a city with steep climbs like San Francisco or Pittsburgh.

Perks of Riding a Bike for Grubhub

Why do people stick with bikes instead of cars? Simple:

• No gas.
• No parking tickets.
• No sitting in traffic for 20 minutes just to move one block.
• Low maintenance cost.
• You get a workout while earning.

Most full-time riders save hundreds every month just by skipping gas and insurance costs. And since you can park almost anywhere, you often deliver faster than car drivers in busy areas.

If you live in a crowded downtown zone, you can easily double your order count during rush hours just because you’re not wasting time looking for parking. A good e-bike setup with insulated bags and a phone mount turns you into a delivery machine.

At the end of the day, Grubhub doesn’t really care what kind of bike you ride — as long as it’s safe, legal, and reliable. Whether you’re pushing pedals old-school or cruising electric, as long as you show up on time with the food still hot, you’re golden.

Scooter and Motorcycle Requirements

Alright, let’s be real — scooters and motorcycles are basically the sweet spot for food delivery in most cities. They’re faster than bikes, cheaper than cars, and let you slide through traffic like it’s nothing. If you’ve ever sat in bumper-to-bumper downtown traffic watching some dude on a scooter cruise past like a legend, you already know the vibe.

For Grubhub, using a scooter or motorcycle can be a total game-changer. But before you rev that engine, there are a few things you gotta know — especially when it comes to what’s actually allowed, what’s not, and how to stay safe (and legal) while delivering.

Are Scooters and Motorcycles Allowed Everywhere?

Here’s the tricky part — Grubhub doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all rule for scooters and motorcycles. Everything depends on local city and state laws.

In cities like New York, Chicago, and Miami, scooters are super common for deliveries. But in smaller or more suburban zones, you might run into restrictions, or Grubhub might not even list scooters as an official delivery option.

So before you try to sign up with a scooter, open your Grubhub driver app or reach out to local support to confirm if your market allows them. It can save you a ton of headaches later.

Scooter vs. Motorcycle — What’s the Difference for Grubhub?

Most riders lump these two together, but legally they’re not the same.

• Scooter (moped, motorized scooter): Usually smaller engines (under 50cc), top speed around 25–35 mph, and lighter build. Some states don’t require a motorcycle license for these.
• Motorcycle: Bigger engines (50cc and up), faster speeds, and require a valid motorcycle license + registration + insurance in all states.

Both can work for Grubhub deliveries, but you’ve gotta know your local requirements because cops don’t play when it comes to registration or plate issues.

Vehicle Requirements

Here’s the general checklist that applies to both scooters and motorcycles:

• Must be street legal and fully registered with your state.
• Needs a valid license plate visible at all times.
• Must have working headlights, taillights, and signals.
• Mirrors on both sides (yeah, that’s a real rule in some states).
• No visible damage that could make it unsafe — wobbly wheels, bad brakes, etc.

Grubhub won’t ask for a “vehicle inspection report” like Uber Eats or DoorDash might, but you still have to be compliant with traffic laws. If your scooter’s not registered or insured and something happens, it’s on you.

Insurance

Every motorized delivery vehicle — scooter, motorcycle, or even e-bike with a motor — should be covered by insurance.

You’ll need:

• State minimum liability coverage (required in almost every U.S. state).
• A policy that allows commercial or delivery use — some insurers will void your claim if you were “working” at the time of an accident but only had personal coverage.

A lot of riders miss that part and end up stuck with crazy repair bills. It’s worth calling your insurer to double-check before your first delivery shift.

Safety Gear: Not Optional

When you’re out there weaving through traffic, you’re invisible to half the drivers on the road. So gear up like your life depends on it — because, well, it kinda does.

Here’s your basic delivery safety setup:

• DOT-approved helmet (required by law in most states).
• Reflective jacket or vest — so cars can see you during night runs.
• Gloves — protects your hands and gives you better grip.
• Non-slip boots — sneakers won’t cut it on rainy days.

Some pros even go for armored jackets or padded pants if they’re riding full-time. Yeah, it’s extra, but road rash is worse.

Practical Tips for Scooter & Motorcycle Deliveries

Delivering food on two wheels is a whole different beast compared to cars or bikes.

Here are a few tips to make it smoother:

• Use a top box or rear rack to hold food bags — way safer than strapping them with bungee cords.
• Keep a rain cover for your seat and bag; weather changes fast in big cities.
• Avoid overloading. If an order looks too big to carry safely, just skip it.
• Park smart. Always pull over legally, even for short drop-offs — parking tickets can eat your profit.

One underrated advantage of scooters? Parking. You can park almost anywhere, right up front, and be in and out before a car driver even finds a spot.

Fuel and Maintenance Costs

Scooters and small motorcycles are super fuel-efficient — some get up to 80–100 miles per gallon. That’s way better than a car, especially if you’re working long hours.

However, they do need regular maintenance:

• Oil change: Every 1,000–1,500 miles.
• Tires: Replace once you notice uneven wear.
• Brake pads: Check every few months.

Keeping your scooter in good shape isn’t just about saving money — it’s about keeping your gig running. A dead battery or busted tire mid-shift means lost orders and wasted time.

Why Riders Love Using Scooters

Ask any full-time delivery pro in a busy U.S. city — scooters are their secret weapon.

• Faster than cars in downtown traffic.
• Easier to park.
• Cheaper to maintain.

You still get that open-air freedom like riding a bike, but with less physical effort.

And honestly, it’s just fun. There’s something about zipping through the city with the smell of fresh pizza in your bag and the wind hitting your face that makes it feel less like a job and more like a vibe.

So yeah, whether you’re rolling with a gas scooter, a sleek Yamaha, or an old Honda motorcycle, Grubhub’s pretty cool with it — as long as you’re safe, legal, and ready to roll.

Your ride doesn’t have to be fancy; it just needs to get the job done and keep you moving.

Vehicle Insurance and Registration Rules

Here’s the deal — you can’t legally deliver for Grubhub (or any food app) if your vehicle isn’t insured and registered. Period.

Even though Grubhub’s not out here doing deep background checks on your car like Uber does, they still expect you to handle your paperwork like an adult. Because the second you hit the road, you’re representing the brand — and if anything goes wrong, that’s all on you.

Let’s break it down so you don’t get caught slippin’.

Vehicle Registration

Every vehicle you use for Grubhub — car, motorcycle, scooter — must be street legal and fully registered in your state.

That means:

• It’s got a valid license plate attached and visible.
• You have a current registration card (not expired).
• The registration matches your vehicle’s VIN and plate number.

Grubhub won’t ask for a copy of your registration during sign-up most of the time, but if you ever get into an accident or your market starts random checks, that’s the first thing they’ll ask to see.

And yeah, expired tags are a big no-no. Even if your car runs fine, getting pulled over for outdated registration during a delivery can turn a good day into a nightmare.

Imagine you’re on your way to drop off sushi, and bam — you’re pulled over, ticketed, and your food gets cold. Not worth it, right?

Insurance Requirements

Now, this is where a lot of new drivers mess up — they think regular insurance covers them while delivering for Grubhub.

Wrong. Most personal auto insurance policies do not cover you when you’re driving for commercial purposes (aka when you’re making money with your car).

If you get into an accident while on a delivery and your insurer finds out you were working, they can legally deny your claim. And if the accident’s bad enough, that’s thousands of dollars down the drain.

So what’s the move? You’ve got a few options:

• Add a rideshare/delivery endorsement to your personal policy. Many major companies like Progressive, GEICO, and State Farm offer this now.
• Get a full commercial policy if you drive full-time and want maximum coverage.
• It’s not super expensive — usually an extra $20–$40 a month — but that small cost can save you huge headaches later.

Proof of Insurance

Always keep your insurance card in your car (or digital copy on your phone).

If cops pull you over or you get into a fender bender, you’ll need it right away.

Also, Grubhub’s system occasionally runs background updates. If your insurance expires and you don’t upload the new one, you could get temporarily deactivated until it’s fixed.

Yeah, it’s annoying — but it’s better than letting people deliver uninsured.

Scooter and Motorcycle Rules

If you’re rolling on two wheels, the same rules apply — but with a twist.

Scooter insurance depends on engine size:

• Under 50cc? Some states don’t require full motorcycle insurance.
• Over 50cc? You’re in full motorcycle territory, meaning liability insurance is mandatory.

Motorcycles also need registration and a valid inspection sticker in most states. If you’re caught without it, your Grubhub gig could be over before it starts.

Multi-State Drivers

If you deliver across state borders (like between New Jersey and New York), keep in mind that your insurance must comply with both states’ laws.

Each one has slightly different minimum liability requirements — and if you’re not covered properly, your insurance might not apply if something happens out of state.

It’s rare, but it happens — especially in metro areas where city lines blur.

When Things Go Wrong

Let’s say the worst happens — you get into a minor accident mid-shift.

Here’s how to handle it like a pro:

• Make sure everyone’s safe.
• Call the police if there’s damage or injury.
• Snap photos of everything (plates, damage, street signs, etc.).
• Notify your insurance provider — tell the truth that you were on a delivery.
• Report it to Grubhub through the driver support channel.

They won’t pay for your damages, but reporting it keeps your account transparent and protects you from future disputes.

Keep Your Docs Updated

A lot of seasoned drivers keep a “gig folder” in their glovebox or a digital folder on their phone that includes:

• Driver’s license
• Vehicle registration
• Insurance card
• Emergency contact info

That way, if anything happens, you’ve got everything ready to go. Small habit, big peace of mind.

At the end of the day, insurance and registration might sound like boring adult stuff — but it’s what keeps your hustle running smooth.

Delivering with expired paperwork or no coverage is like driving without brakes: it might work for a while, until it doesn’t… and when it doesn’t, you’ll wish you handled it earlier.

Grubhub gives you freedom to roll your way — just make sure your ride’s legal, insured, and ready for the grind.

Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance Tips

If you’re driving for Grubhub every day, your car (or bike, or scooter) isn’t just a ride — it’s your money-maker. It’s literally your business on wheels.

And here’s the truth a lot of new drivers don’t realize until it’s too late: if your ride breaks down, your income stops. No car = no orders = no money.

That’s why keeping your vehicle in good shape isn’t optional — it’s survival.

Let’s talk about how to keep that baby running smooth, even after thousands of deliveries.

Does Grubhub Require a Vehicle Inspection?

Nope, Grubhub doesn’t have an official inspection requirement like Uber or Lyft.

They won’t make you visit a mechanic before you start delivering, which is nice because it saves time and cash.

But — and this is a big but — you’re still responsible for making sure your vehicle is safe and reliable. If you break down mid-delivery, that’s on you. If your car leaks oil all over a customer’s driveway? That’s on you too. 

So even if Grubhub doesn’t check your car, you should. Regularly.

• Weekly Quick-Check Routine (Takes 3 Minutes)
• Before every few shifts, just give your ride a quick look-over. Think of it like stretching before a workout: simple but it saves you from major pain later.

Here’s the checklist:

• Tires: Check the pressure and tread. Worn-out tires kill your mileage and are dangerous in the rain.
• Lights: Headlights, brake lights, and turn signals — make sure they all work.
• Brakes: If they squeak or grind, get them checked ASAP.
• Fluids: Oil, coolant, and windshield washer fluid — keep them topped up.
• Dashboard Lights: If that “check engine” or “tire pressure” light comes on, don’t ignore it. It won’t magically fix itself.

These small checks can prevent huge problems. A 3-minute inspection can literally save you from a $600 repair later.

Monthly Maintenance Tips

Once a month, do a more thorough check:

• Oil Change: If you’re driving full-time (40+ hours a week), you’ll rack up miles fast. Change oil every 3,000–5,000 miles.
• Air Filter: Keeps your engine breathing clean. Replace every 15,000–20,000 miles.
• Wiper Blades: Replace them when they start streaking — especially before rainy season.
• Tire Rotation: Every 5,000–7,000 miles keeps wear even and extends life.

Think of this like giving your car a mini spa day — a little attention now keeps it fresh for the long grind.

Cleanliness & Presentation

You’re not driving passengers, but people still notice.

Restaurant workers see your ride when you pick up, and customers peek through the window when you pull up. A clean car gives professional vibes.

Keep these habits:

• Vacuum once a week.
• Trash bag in your car (and actually use it).
• Wipe dashboard to keep dust down.
• Keep food zone clean — no spills or crumbs from old deliveries.

Not only does it make your job more pleasant, it also helps prevent weird smells. Nobody wants to deliver fresh sushi in a car that smells like last night’s fries.

Emergency Kit: Don’t Leave Home Without It

Every pro driver has one. It’s not about paranoia — it’s just smart.

Here’s what you should keep in your trunk or storage compartment:

• Jumper cables
• Tire inflator or portable air compressor
• First aid kit
• Flashlight (preferably LED)
• Blanket (for winter shifts)
• Phone charger and power bank
• Extra napkins or paper towels (trust me, spills happen)

It’s basically your survival pack. You don’t need to use it often, but when you do, you’ll thank yourself.

Scooter & Bike Maintenance Tips

If you’re delivering on two wheels, your maintenance checklist is different — but just as important:

• Chain lubrication: Every few days for bikes, every week for scooters.
• Brake pads: Check for wear; replace before they squeal.
• Battery charge: For e-bikes and scooters, never let it fully drain.
• Tire pressure: Low tire pressure = slower rides + more effort.

Wipe your bike down after rainy days — salt and grime can rust parts fast.

Fuel & Efficiency Tricks

Let’s talk gas. When you’re driving all day, fuel efficiency makes or breaks your paycheck.

Here’s how to stretch every drop:

• Avoid hard braking and fast acceleration (smooth is cheaper).
• Don’t idle with the A/C on for too long while waiting for orders.
• Keep tires inflated — it boosts gas mileage instantly.
• Don’t overload your trunk with unnecessary junk; weight kills MPG.
• Even saving 1–2 mpg can mean $10–$20 more in your pocket weekly. It adds up quick.

Know When to Rest Your Ride

If you’re full-timing it with Grubhub, your car’s doing double duty. It needs rest.

Try to give it one day off a week if you can — no deliveries, no long drives. Let the engine cool and the fluids settle. It sounds small, but cars that get consistent downtime tend to last way longer.

Don’t Wait Till It Breaks

This is the golden rule every veteran driver lives by: “Maintenance is cheaper than repair.”

You can pay $40 now for new brake pads, or $400 later for rotors.

You can change oil every 5k miles, or pay $3,000 for a blown engine.

Your ride takes care of you — so take care of it back. Simple as that.

At the end of the day, Grubhub doesn’t require any fancy inspection, but your car deserves your attention.

The better you maintain it, the smoother your deliveries, the fewer breakdowns, and the fatter your wallet at the end of the month.

A solid ride = steady hustle.

What Disqualifies a Vehicle on Grubhub

Let’s keep it real — Grubhub’s pretty chill when it comes to what you drive. They’re not as strict as Uber Eats or DoorDash.

As long as your ride gets you from the restaurant to the customer safely, you’re good.

But that doesn’t mean anything with wheels is fair game.

There are some clear deal-breakers that’ll get your vehicle flagged or straight-up disqualified from deliveries.

So if you’re trying to get that steady Grubhub cash flow, make sure your ride doesn’t fall into one of these categories 

Unsafe or Damaged Vehicles

This is the biggest one.

If your car looks (or sounds) like it’s on its last leg — squealing brakes, bald tires, cracked windshield, no lights — you’re asking for trouble.

Grubhub won’t send you to inspection, but they do track safety reports.

If a customer or restaurant complains about unsafe driving or a sketchy vehicle (like doors that don’t open or smoke coming out of the hood), Grubhub can temporarily suspend your account for review.

Here’s what counts as “unsafe”:

• Visible body damage (like missing bumpers, smashed panels, or broken lights)
• Leaking fluids or loud mechanical noise
• Faulty brakes or steering
• Tires with worn tread (below 2/32")
• Non-functional seat belts or airbags
• If it looks like a hazard, it probably is — and that’s a red flag.

If your ride looks like it just survived a demolition derby, fix it before you deliver. Customers do notice.

Cars with Branding or Commercial Wraps

A lot of drivers use company cars or vehicles that belong to family businesses — which is fine.

But if your car has big non-Grubhub branding or advertisements, it can cause confusion.

Grubhub wants your vehicle to look neutral and professional.

So if your car says something like “Joe’s Plumbing Service” or “AC Repair Express” across the doors, that’s a no-go.

Same goes for rides with political stickers, offensive decals, or anything that might look unprofessional.

Keep it clean — no drama on your car.

Unregistered or Uninsured Vehicles

This one’s an instant nope.

You absolutely need valid registration and active insurance to deliver on Grubhub.

If your plates are expired or your insurance lapses, you’re technically delivering illegally — and if you get into an accident during a run, you’re 100% on the hook.

Grubhub doesn’t play around with this. If they get notified (like after a traffic incident or claim), they’ll freeze your account until you update your info.

So always check:

• Registration date
• Insurance coverage (personal or rideshare-friendly policy)
• Correct name and vehicle listed

It’s boring admin stuff, yeah — but it keeps your gig alive.

Borrowed or Unlisted Vehicles

This happens all the time: someone’s car breaks down, so they borrow a friend’s.

Problem is, if that car isn’t listed under your Grubhub driver profile, you’re breaking TOS (Terms of Service).

Grubhub tracks your delivery metadata — like GPS and vehicle info — so if you suddenly start using a different ride, it’ll raise a flag.

If you really need to switch temporarily, go to your Grubhub Driver App → Account → Vehicle Info and update it.

It takes minutes, and it saves you from an account hold or permanent deactivation.

Never risk it with a “borrowed” car that’s not registered. It’s not worth the stress.

Vehicles with Missing License Plates

This one’s obvious, but yeah — you’d be shocked how many drivers try it.

If your car doesn’t have front or rear plates (depending on state law), cops can and will pull you over.

And Grubhub doesn’t want drivers getting stopped mid-delivery — it messes with ETA and reliability metrics.

So even if your ride is new or waiting for permanent plates, use a temporary tag that’s clearly visible.

Loud or Modified Vehicles

Sorry, car mod lovers — Grubhub isn’t the place to flex your muffler.

Overly loud exhausts, bright neon underglow, tinted headlights, or lifted suspensions are a bad look.

Why?

Because they make you stand out in the wrong way — especially at night or in residential drop-offs.

It’s not illegal everywhere, but customers have complained about “noisy drivers,” and Grubhub will side with them every time.

If you’re rocking a modded ride, just make sure it’s street-legal and quiet enough for neighborhood deliveries.

Vehicles Without Proper Cargo Space

Grubhub might not inspect your car, but if you’re delivering big orders, you need space to fit them safely.

If your ride can barely fit a pizza box in the backseat, you’ll run into problems — spilled food, squished bags, or delayed drop-offs.

Vehicles that are too cramped or cluttered can lead to low customer ratings, and enough of those can lead to deactivation.

Keep your trunk or backseat clear and clean. Your car is your kitchen on wheels — treat it like that.

Vehicles in Violation of Local Delivery Rules

Some cities have specific delivery vehicle laws. For example:

• New York City: certain e-bikes and mopeds must be registered or banned outright.
• Chicago & DC: no gas scooters for deliveries.
• San Francisco: limited parking zones for large vehicles.

If your ride doesn’t comply with your city’s delivery regulations, Grubhub won’t let you activate deliveries until you fix it.

Always double-check your local DMV site — Grubhub won’t babysit you for this.

Vehicles Reported by Restaurants or Customers

If multiple restaurants or customers report your vehicle as “unprofessional,” “unsafe,” or “damaged,” Grubhub reviews your profile manually.

They’ll usually give a warning first, but if the reports keep stacking, your car (and account) can get permanently banned from active status.

That includes:

• Showing up in a dirty or trash-filled car
• Delivering food that looks tampered with
• Poorly packaged or spilled orders from sloppy transport

You might think “who cares about the car’s look,” but customers actually leave feedback about it in the app. It all counts.

Expired Temporary Vehicle Info

If you signed up your car with temporary registration or proof of insurance, you’ll need to update it once you get the permanent ones.

Failing to do so can get your account marked as “incomplete vehicle info,” which can suspend your driver access temporarily.

So when your new docs come in, upload them fast through the app.

Basically, if your vehicle isn’t safe, clean, insured, or listed correctly, it’s out.

Grubhub might not check your car before you start, but they’ll definitely take action if your vehicle causes issues later on.

So treat your ride right, keep it street-legal, and always stay ahead of maintenance or paperwork deadlines.

Because when it comes to delivery gigs — your car is your business card.

Final Thoughts — Choosing the Right Ride for Grubhub

Alright, so here’s the truth — there’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to the best vehicle for Grubhub.

Some drivers out here are grinding in compact sedans.

Some hustle with big SUVs full of catering trays.

Others are flying through traffic on e-bikes, dodging red lights like pros (well, almost).

At the end of the day, what you drive isn’t about showing off — it’s about what works for you.

Match Your Ride to Your Hustle

If you’re doing Grubhub part-time, just to make some extra weekend money, your regular daily driver is fine.

No need to buy a new car or overthink it.

Keep it maintained, keep it clean, and keep it insured — boom, you’re ready to roll.

But if you’re full-timing it — like 30+ hours a week — you gotta think long-term.

You’ll want a car that’s:

• Fuel-efficient
• Reliable
• Easy to maneuver in traffic
• And cheap to repair

That’s why cars like the Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, or Hyundai Elantra are driver favorites.

They sip gas, handle like a dream, and don’t break your wallet when something goes wrong.

Big Rides, Bigger Opportunities

If you own a larger vehicle like an SUV, van, or crossover — don’t think of it as “wasted gas.”

Think of it as expanded earning potential.

You can take:

• Catering or group orders
• Large-volume restaurant deliveries
• Multiple stacked deliveries in one run

And when weather hits — snow, rain, storms — you’re still active while half the smaller cars call it quits.

So yeah, bigger car = higher expenses, but also higher resilience (and possibly bigger tips).

Bikes and Scooters Still Rule the City Game

If you’re in a packed city like NYC, Chicago, or Boston — car drivers spend more time looking for parking than delivering food.

That’s where bikes and scooters come in clutch.

Yeah, they can’t carry huge orders, but they dominate when it comes to:

• Quick drop-offs
• Zero parking stress
• Lower expenses (no fuel, no tickets, no maintenance headaches)

And the cool part? You don’t even need a car payment — just good legs and a phone mount.

Don’t Overthink It — Just Keep It Real

A lot of new drivers get stuck in “should I upgrade?” panic.

Truth is, you don’t need a fancy setup to crush it on Grubhub.

You just need:

• A ride that’s legal, reliable, and clean
• Basic delivery gear (hot bags, drink holders, charger)
• And the mindset to hustle smart

Because Grubhub isn’t judging your car — customers care more about their food arriving hot and on time.

Your Vehicle = Your Partner

Your car, scooter, or bike isn’t just a tool — it’s your partner in this grind.

Treat it right, and it’ll pay you back every single day.

Neglect it, and it’ll ghost you faster than a bad Tinder date 

So wash it, check it, fuel it, and respect it.

That simple routine can make the difference between steady income and constant breakdowns.

At the end of the day, Grubhub keeps it flexible — they don’t box you in with crazy vehicle requirements.

They just expect you to be professional, safe, and reliable.

Whether you’re pushing a Civic through the suburbs, cruising a Harley downtown, or dropping catering orders from an SUV — the key is consistency.

Stay smart. Stay efficient. Stay hustling.

And remember: the smoother your ride, the smoother your grind.