Frequently we come across vehicles that are either being loaned on a one off occasion or long term either privately or as a company vehicle.
There are a number of laws including the new hooning laws that commenced on November 1 that could affect you as the owner of the vehicle. You may be committing an offence or by the actions of the driver of your vehicle cause your insurance to be void.
Here are some points to remember when loaning or permitting someone else to drive your vehicle or trailer.
Is the vehicle roadworthy and registered? As the owner of a vehicle you have a responsibility to ensure the vehicle or trailer is roadworthy and registered. Even if being used by another person with your permission if found to be unregistered or un-roadworthy with a major defect you may be liable for fines or declined insurance if the vehicle is involved in an offence or traffic crash.
Is the person borrowing the vehicle licensed? You also have a responsibility to ensure that your vehicle is being loaned to a licensed driver. Should you suspect or know the driver of your loaned vehicle is unlicensed, then you also commit an offence by permitting an unlicensed person to drive your vehicle.
Is your vehicle being driven responsibly? With the new hooning laws it is now possible to have your vehicle seized for 90 days for a first offence and forfeited for sale on the second offence – no matter who owns the vehicle. So once again be careful who you loan your vehicle to.
Parents while you may have responsible young drivers in your family its only human nature for them to succumb to peer pressure and do something silly in your car. Your loaned family car could be seized or in the event of a crash be uninsured. No matter how much you trust your kids. Sit them down and talk to them before they go off in your car. I have lost count of the number of embarrassed parents I have spoken to who adamantly supported their child’s version of a driving event until confronted by video evidence. The new hooning laws also include high range speeding 40kph over the limit, high range drink driving and evading police.
Article provided by Sgt Marty Arnold, Officer in Charge, Road Policing Unit Bundaberg