What are the consequences of letting an unlicensed driver drive your car?
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What are the consequences of letting an unlicensed driver drive your car?
A few years ago I bought a car for my daughter but the car is still in my name. She has a boyfriend who recently had a DUI and lost his license; he can’t get a new one until he pays approximately $1500 to the state (which he doesn’t have0. My daughter lets him drive the car on a regular basis. What are the legal implications of this if he gets pulled over or, worse, gets into an accident? Am I liable? What is he facing?
Asked on February 24, 2013 under Accident Law, California
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 11 years ago | Contributor
The owner of a car who allows (either directly, or through someone else whom he or she allows to use the car) an unlicensed driver to driver could certainly be sued if that person causes any injuries, since it is by definition negligent to allow an unlicensed driver to driver. You could also face loss or cancelation of your insurance coverage, since this is almost certainly in violation of your policy.
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