07:07 AM EDT, 09/19/2025 (MT Newswires) -- Lyft ( LYFT ) has paid about $19.4 million to the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development following an audit that the ride-hailing company misclassified more than 100,000 drivers as independent contractors, the agency said Thursday.

The misclassification deprived the drivers of "crucial safety-net benefits," according to the agency.

The audit was carried out when Lyft ( LYFT ) drivers filed for unemployment insurance and disability benefits, showing that the company "impeded" them from accessing benefits and protections, the agency said.

"New Jersey will continue to take strong action to stop misclassification and hold violators accountable," Attorney General Matthew Platkin said.

Lyft ( LYFT ) did not immediately respond to MT Newswires' request for comment.

The company's shares were up 1.5% in recent premarket activity Friday.