What Happens When Someone Else is Driving Your Car and They Get Pulled Over by the Police?

When someone else is driving your vehicle and they get a traffic stop, there are several factors the police will investigate. First, they will run your vehicle's license plate to check for any issues such as a stolen car. They will also verify the driver's license to ensure that the person is not wanted or if the license matches the vehicle's registration. If discrepancies arise, the police will ask if the car is registered to the driver. If not, the situation can become more complicated.

Police Verification Process

The police will always run the car’s plate through their system during a traffic stop. This check is important as it helps them identify any stolen vehicles or active warrants associated with the owner of the car. If the name on the driver’s license does not match the vehicle’s registration, the officer will investigate further. The officer will ask if the car is yours and if it is lent to the driver by a friend. Without a reported stolen car, the situation is usually resolved by the driver receiving a ticket for the infraction. The ticket is issued to the driver, not to the car itself.

Legal Implications

In certain situations, such as when the person driving is arrested, it is crucial to locate the vehicle from the scene to prevent it from being impounded. If the individual driving your car gets a ticket, they will be responsible for it. However, if the car is involved in an automatic traffic violation such as a red light camera or speed camera, the ticket will be mailed to the registered owner of the vehicle. This places the responsibility on you to ensure that the person who borrowed your car pays the ticket.

Moving and Parking Violations

Moving violations, such as speeding, are typically issued to the driver and cannot be avoided by claiming that you were not driving. Parking violations, charges for tolls, photo-radar, or expired registration all remain the responsibility of the vehicle's owner. This means that you may need to address these issues even if someone else is driving your car.

What if the Driver Blames You?

If the person driving your car tries to blame you, claiming that they were not the driver, you might accuse them of wrongdoing. However, this can complicate your situation. It’s important to identify the driver and prove that they were driving at the time of the violation. In civil court, you can hold the individual responsible and seek compensation for any costs incurred.

Conclusion

The legal implications and police checks in situations where someone else is driving your car can be complex. Always ensure you have a clear indication of who is driving your vehicle and be prepared to address any resulting violations.