What Happens If You Let A Unlicensed Driver Drive Your Car In NJ?

If you allow an unlicensed driver to operate your vehicle in New Jersey, the consequences of doing so can be severe. While each situation is unique and depends on the circumstances surrounding it, there are certain penalties that may be imposed on those who lend their vehicles to someone without a valid license.

Allowing someone to drive your car with no license could land them in jail and leave you with costly fines, so you need to understand the law before you make this potentially dangerous decision.

Read on to learn more about what happens if you let an unlicensed driver operate your car in NJ.

Allowing an Unlicensed Driver to Drive Your Car in NJ

In New Jersey, allowing someone without a valid license to drive your vehicle can lead to criminal charges against both the unlicensed driver and the owner of the car.

Unlicensed drivers may be charged with a disorderly person’s offense or reckless driving, and vehicle owners who allow them to drive can be found guilty of aiding and abetting an unlicensed driver.

In addition to facing criminal charges, allowing an unlicensed driver to operate your vehicle in NJ could lead to civil penalties, as well. If someone is injured as a result of the illegal activity, you may be held responsible for compensating them for their injuries.

The owner of the car may also be subject to insurance company penalties if an unlicensed driver is involved in an accident while driving their vehicle.

What Is the Penalty for Allowing an Unlicensed Driver to Drive Your Car in NJ?

In New Jersey, it is a criminal offense to knowingly allow an unlicensed driver to drive a motor vehicle on a public road. Depending on the circumstances, this offense can be charged as either a disorderly person’s offense or an indictable/felony crime.

If a person is convicted of this offense, they may be subject to the following penalties:

• A fine of up to $500, and/or
• Court Costs of $33
• Jail up to 15 days

What If I Allow a Minor to Drive Without a License?

If you allow a minor (i.e., someone under the age of 17) to drive your car without having passed a driver’s license test, you could be charged with child endangerment and/or reckless driving. These are serious criminal offenses that can result in jail time, fines, and/or the suspension or revocation of your driver’s license.

Are There Any Exceptions to This Rule?

There are a few limited exceptions to this rule. For example, you may be able to allow an unlicensed driver to operate your vehicle with written permission from the Motor Vehicle Commission or a licensed examiner. Additionally, you may be able to allow a person who is in the process of applying for a license to drive your vehicle under certain circumstances.

Is It Ever Okay to Allow an Unlicensed Driver to Drive My Car?

The only time it’s okay to allow an unlicensed driver to operate your vehicle is if you have written permission from the Motor Vehicle Commission and/or a licensed examiner. This is usually only granted in limited circumstances, such as for medical emergencies or educational purposes.

What If I Let an Unlicensed Driver Drive My Car and They Get Injured?

If an unlicensed driver gets injured while operating your car, you could be held liable for any resulting damages. This means that the injured party may sue you for medical expenses, lost wages, and other costs associated with their injury.

What Do You Need to Know Before Allowing an Unlicensed Driver to Drive Your Car in NJ?

If you are considering allowing an unlicensed driver to drive your car in New Jersey, there are some important considerations that you need to be aware of first:

• Financial Responsibility: If an individual without a license drives your vehicle, you may be financially responsible for any damages that they cause in an accident.
• Insurance Premiums: Your insurance premiums could increase if you are found to have allowed an unlicensed driver to operate your vehicle.
• Car Registration: The registered owner of the car is responsible for ensuring that only licensed drivers operate it.

What Should You Do to Protect Yourself Legally?

If you need to allow an unlicensed driver to drive your car in New Jersey, there are some steps that you can take to help protect yourself legally:

• Have the unlicensed driver sign a document indicating their understanding of the risks associated with driving without a license.
• Make sure the unlicensed driver is a responsible and experienced driver.
• Do not allow an unlicensed driver to operate your vehicle for extended periods of time or on long trips.

The Bottom Line

It is illegal for anyone to drive a vehicle in New Jersey without being properly licensed. If you allow an unlicensed driver to operate your car, you could be subject to serious legal consequences.

However, there are times when it may be necessary to do so – such as in emergency situations or with written permission from the Motor Vehicle Commission or a licensed examiner. In these cases, it’s important to take the necessary steps to protect yourself legally and financially.

If you have been charged with allowing an unlicensed driver to operate your vehicle, or if you are facing any other criminal charges in New Jersey, contact an experienced criminal defense attorney right away. An attorney can help protect your rights and ensure that you receive a fair and just outcome

Resources

• Motor Vehicle Commission of New Jersey
• Department of Law & Public Safety