Between Blackout Wednesday, festive holiday parties, and NYE right around the corner, there are plenty of opportunities for tipsy nights out with friends this season. One of the best things about being in college is how easy it is to walk right home after a night out – no need to worry about finding a ride.
But now that everyone is back in their hometowns for the holidays, it’s usually not as easy to get around. And while NYE can be a fun night to spend out with friends, the roads also get pretty dangerous: Drunk driving skyrockets during the holidays, especially on New Year’s Eve. Enter, Uber and Lyft.
Depending on where you live, some states may offer discounts and deals for rideshares in an effort to prevent drunk driving. In some cities, trains and buses are even operating for free on NYE. So if you’re planning on hitting the hometown bars, it’s a good idea to have a plan going into it – either by having a designated driver or booking an Uber or Lyft ride in advance. You can plan ahead by using these promo codes and deals because, after all, we’re still college students. And if you can’t find a safe ride, there’s no shame in having an alternative NYE celebration with friends safe at home.
No matter what your plans are this year, hot girls don’t drink and drive!
- Arkansas & Missouri: Free Uber or Lyft ride up to $25.
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The Cottrell Law Office will be running its Free Sober Holiday Rides program this year on NYE. If you live within Rogers, AR, or Joplin, MO, you may be eligible to receive a maximum reimbursement of $25 on your ride home. The ride must have been taken between 5 p.m. on Dec. 31 and 10 a.m. on Jan. 1. Follow the directions on their website to file for the reimbursement while supplies last!
- California: Free Uber or Lyft ride up to $50.
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For all the lucky SoCal girlies, the Walter Clark Legal Group is running its Safe Ride Home program this year. When you register for the program through their Eventbrite page, you’ll receive an email with a reimbursement coupon. In order to ensure you’re eligible, make sure you check Eventbrite for the cities where the program is valid. You must be 21 years old, and the offer is valid for a maximum of $50 for one ride. The ride must have been taken between 10 p.m. on Dec. 31 through 3 a.m. on Jan. 1. Make sure you have a Photo ID and your Uber or Lyft receipt ready!
- California: Free Uber or Lyft ride up to $35.
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Ottinger Employment Lawyers is offering a free Uber or Lyft ride home to San Fransisco residents on NYE! If you live in the San Fransisco metro area, you can get a free ride up to $35 between 5 p.m. on Dec. 31 and 10 a.m. on Jan. 1. The promotion goes to the first 50 submissions so make sure you apply as soon as possible by following the directions on their website.
- California: Free Uber or Lyft ride up to $25.
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If you’re in the Turlock, CA metro area, you’re in luck! The Silva Injury Law firm is having a NYE Sober Rides campaign where they will reimburse you for your ride home, with a maximum value of $25. The ride must have been taken between 5 p.m. on Dec. 31 and 10 a.m. on Jan. 1. Supplies are limited, so make sure you submit a copy of your receipt and photo ID to their office!
- Colorado: Free ride up to $35.
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The Sawaya Law Firm has been offering free rideshares or cab rides since 2006 to prevent accidents from drunk driving. Anyone who is 21 years or older with a valid Photo ID can go online and submit the receipt for their ride, and the law firm will reimburse you (with a $35 maximum). The program covers a one-way ride using Uber, Lyft, or cab service. The firm is running its program during Hanukkah (Dec. 18 – Dec. 26), Christmas (Dec. 24 – Dec. 25), Kwanzaa (Dec. 26 – Jan. 1), and New Year’s (Dec. 31 – Jan. 1). One ride is covered per holiday/event, so they’ve got you set all season long!
- Colorado: $10 Lyft ride credit.
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The CO girlies are truly blessed this holiday season. The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) has launched its “Nothing Uglier Than a DUI” program where they will provide Colorado residents with a $10 ride credit for Lyft. You can redeem the credit using code “DUISRUGLY” on Lyft. The program is running from Dec. 1 through Jan. 3 while supplies last.
- Florida: Free Uber ride home up to $50.
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If you live in the St. Augustine or Jacksonville area, you’re in luck! The Farah & Farah law firm is giving a free ride home via cab or Uber from 8 p.m. on Dec. 31 to 4 a.m. on Jan. 1. Fill out their form online to get your free ride home. If you’re using Uber, note that the ride will only be covered up to the $50 maximum!
- Oregon: Free Uber or Lyft ride up to $30.
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For all the PNW girlies who live in the Portland, OR metro area, the D’Amore Law Group will be running their Holiday Spirit Campaign this NYE. They’ll be reimbursing residents for a ride home with a maximum of $30, and the ride must be taken between 5 p.m. on Dec. 31 and 10 a.m. on Jan. 1. The promo is limited so make sure you apply for the reimbursement with your valid Photo ID and receipt.
- Texas: Free ride up to $25.
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The Zimmerman Law Firm is reimbursing Uber and Lyft rides up to $25 for anyone living in Waco, TX. The offer is valid for a ride taken between 5 p.m. on Dec. 31 and 10 a.m. on Jan. 1. The program stands while supplies last, so make sure you apply for reimbursement as soon as possible! For more information, visit their website.
- Washington D.C.: Free Lyft ride up to $15.
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Good news for all my DC girlies – the Metrorail and Metrobus are going to be free from 8 p.m. on Dec. 31 until 4 a.m. on Jan. 1, according to The Washington Times. In addition, the Washington Regional Alcohol Program (WRAP) is also going to be offering a free Lyft ride home up to $15 through their SoberRide program. The program will be running from Dec. 16 until 4 a.m. on Jan. 1. Check back on their website at 9 p.m. on Dec. 23 and Saturday, Dec. 31 for the code. The offer applies while supplies last and only works in the D.C. area!
New Year’s Eve Uber & Lyft Promo Codes:
New Uber Rider Promo Codes
For me and many other college students, Uber is our lifeline when it comes to nightlife. But for those who are new to Uber, the following codes are all applicable for new riders only.
“NEWRIDER15” will get you up to $5 off your first 3 rides.
“NEWRIDER16” will get you up to $4 off your first 4 rides.
“NEWRIDER18” will get you up to $3 off your first 6 rides.
“NEWRIDER25” will get you up to $2.50 off your first 10 rides.
New Lyft Rider Promo Codes
Like Uber, Lyft has a few codes that new riders only can use to get a discount on their first few rides.
“RIDERCODE15” will get you $5 off your first 3 rides.
“RIDERCODE18” will get you $3 off your first 6 rides.
“RIDERCODE25” will get you $2.50 off your first 10 rides.
Other Uber Promo Codes
If you’re already an Uber user, the following codes may get you a discount on your ride home. We all know how unreliable promo codes can be sometimes, but these should be effective as of now!
“TRYFREE85” should get you up to $15 off your ride.
“20OFFNOW” should get you $20 off your ride.
Other Lyft Promo Codes
If you’re a Lyft girlie, there are a few codes that existing riders can use to get home. As of now, they should be effective.
“VIGNESH05583” should get you $15 in ride credit.
“RIDEX550” should get you 50% off your Lyft order.
Happy NYE, and stay safe besties!