15 Things You Should Never Do In An Uber

Uber has become a daily necessity for millions—over 118 million active users worldwide, to be exact. It’s quick, convenient, and, most of the time, stress-free. But how smooth your ride goes doesn’t just depend on your driver; it’s also about how you behave as a passenger. Your actions can make or break the experience, not just for yourself but for your driver, too.

Unfortunately, not every rider gets it right. Bad passenger behavior—like leaving a mess, making unreasonable demands, or being too personal—can turn what should be a simple ride into an uncomfortable ordeal. With Uber ratings going both ways, knowing what’s expected of you is essential. To help you keep your rating sky-high and avoid any awkward post-ride surprises, here are 15 things you should never do in an Uber.

1. Don’t Ask for Off-App Rides

Uber cars on the street — Pexels / Alina Kurson

We know—you’re trying to save a few bucks. But asking your driver for an off-the-books ride? Not a good look. It’s against Uber’s policies, and drivers depend on the app for safety. Plus, let’s be real—it leaves both of you unprotected if something goes wrong. Stick to the app; it’s there for a reason. 89.68M drivers have said they feel uncomfortable with these requests.

2. Don’t Eat Smelly or Messy Food

Woman with food in a car — Pexels / RDNE Stock project

Hungry? Sure, but your driver doesn’t want to smell your garlic fries for the next three rides. A quick snack is fine, but keep the food choices clean and odor-free. Spills happen, and nobody wants a “cleaning fee” surprise. Bottom line: If it smells or spills, save it for later. 64.9M drivers listed this as one of their top pet peeves.

3. Avoid Slamming the Door

Driver opening the car door — Pexels / Tim Samuel

Sure, you’re excited to get to your destination, but that doesn’t mean the car door needs to be slammed like you’re in an action movie. 48% of drivers said repeated door slamming is annoying and can even cause damage over time. Close it gently—you wouldn’t want someone slamming your car door, would you?

4. Don’t Try to Dictate the Route

Got a preferred route? Let your driver know before you start moving. Drivers are trained to use GPS to find the fastest way to get there. Drivers prefer to rely on their GPS and trust me, they know how to avoid traffic better than your backseat driving does.