If you are unable to pick up an available shift, it is usually due to your current driver status or scheduling rules built into the system. Below are the most common reasons this may happen.
Driver status restrictions
You will not be able to pick up shifts if your account is currently inactive. This includes being on an approved leave of absence or being suspended. If you believe this applies to you or have questions about your status, please contact HR for support.
Scheduling rules that may prevent picking up a shift
Scheduling rules apply across both Uber and Alto markets and are enforced automatically by the system. Shifts cannot be added or adjusted to override these rules.
Hard limits
You may not pick up a shift if it would result in any of the following:
More than 10 consecutive hours of scheduled shift time within a 24-hour period
More than 12 total scheduled hours within a 24-hour period
More than 2 shifts within a 24-hour period, regardless of shift length
Conditional buffer rules
Buffers are required between shifts depending on the length of your first shift:
If your first shift is 8 hours, a 2-hour buffer is required before the next shift
If your first shift is 6–7.99 hours:
A 1-hour buffer is required if the second shift is 2 hours or less
A 2-hour buffer is required if the second shift is more than 2 hours
If your first shift is under 6 hours, no buffer is required
Even when no buffer is required, total scheduled time may not exceed 12 hours in a 24-hour period.
Weekly limits
You may be unable to pick up a shift if:
Picking up the shift would exceed the maximum hours allowed per week
You have already scheduled or worked 6 shifts in the week, regardless of shift length
Recently dropped a shift
If you recently dropped a shift, it may take a few minutes for the system to update. During this time, you may temporarily be unable to pick up a new shift. Once the system refreshes, eligible shifts should become available.
Worked part of a shift
If you worked a shift but did not complete the full shift, the system still counts it as a full shift worked. Scheduling rules will apply based on the full shift length.
Important reminder
We are unable to add, modify, or override shifts on a driver’s behalf. All scheduling rules shown in the driver portal are enforced automatically and apply to all drivers consistently.