A new law regulating when app-based delivery companies may deactivate drivers went into effect in Seattle on Jan. 1 after a federal judge denied a motion from Uber and Instacart to block it.

The law restricts the companies’ ability to boot delivery drivers and couriers from their platforms without more extensive notice and justification, and requires them to provide more opportunities for drivers to understand and appeal the decision. Passed in 2023, but delayed in its implementation, the law’s purpose was one piece of a larger effort by a previous city council and labor-backed advocacy groups to regulate the so-called gig economy.