Individuals allowing others to borrow and drive their vehicles have a legal duty to make a reasonable check that the driver has a valid Driver’s License.
Employers are also liable for making sure the employees they send out on the road have the proper Driver’s License and certification to operate a work vehicle.
The California Vehicle Code (CVC) sets out to keep California roads safe with these requirements.
- No owner of a motor vehicle may knowingly allow another person to drive the vehicle upon a highway unless the owner determines that the person possesses a valid driver’s license that authorizes the person to operate the vehicle. For the purposes of this section, an owner is required only to make a reasonable effort or inquiry to determine whether the prospective driver possesses a valid driver’s license before allowing him or her to operate the owner’s vehicle. An owner is not required to inquire of the department whether the prospective driver possesses a valid driver’s license.
- A person shall not employ, hire, knowingly permit, or authorize any person to drive a motor vehicle owned by him or her or under his or her control upon the highways unless that person is licensed for the appropriate class of vehicle to be driven.
California Driver’s Responsibility When Lending Car
CVC 14604 applies to vehicle owners who allow anyone to drive their car without first checking to see if that person has a valid license.
California statutes require owners to take reasonable steps to ensure the person has obtained a driver’s license.
There are a few things vehicle owners should know:
- They should ask to see the person’s driver’s license.
- They should make sure the picture on the license matches the person’s appearance.
- They should make sure the name and address match the person’s name and address if possible.
- Owners are not required to go as far as to contact the DMV to confirm a driver’s license.
- A rental company’s responsibilities are covered in different vehicle codes.
The license check is a critical step to take because if an accident occurs, vehicle owners can be liable under this code and several statutes.
The Responsibility for Employers
Employers sending drivers out on the road have a stricter standard to follow when choosing workers.
CVC 14606 explains that employers must confirm that their drivers have a driver’s license. But in many cases, they must confirm they have the proper license to drive the work vehicle in question.
- Added Responsibility: The employer of CDL/commercial-endorsement drivers must also confirm the driver has a proper medical certification to drive.
Under the concept of vicarious liability, most employers are liable for the accidents their truck drivers, delivery drivers, and other workers when they cause traffic accidents.
Companies and corporations can be held responsible for any victim’s medical bills, lost paychecks while they can’t work, and even their pain and emotional trauma.
SEE: More information on when employers are responsible for car accidents.
Contact a California Car Accident Attorney
Maison Law of California offers a free, no-obligation case consultation for all injured California accident victims. We can help injured victims hold reckless drivers, car owners, and companies liable for accidents.
If you do need the help of our California Car Accident Lawyers, there are no upfront charges. In fact, we aren’t paid unless we win your case for you. Then our fee comes out of the check the insurance company must write for you.
