Examkin

Question

Difficulty: MediumMotor Insurance Coverage and Legalities

You allow a friend to drive your car on a public road, knowing that their insurance policy does not cover them to drive your vehicle. Who is legally responsible and committing an offence?

  1. A
    Only your friend, because they were the person actively driving the vehicle
  2. Both you and your friendAnswer
  3. C
    Only you, because you are the registered keeper named on the vehicle log book
  4. D
    Neither of you, provided your car has a valid MOT certificate and up-to-date vehicle tax

Answer

Both you and your friend are legally responsible and committing an offence.
Under UK road traffic law, it is an offence to use a motor vehicle on a public road without valid insurance, and it is equally an offence to cause or permit any other person to drive an uninsured vehicle. Consequently, both the driver and the person who knowingly allowed the vehicle to be driven without valid cover are legally liable.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the legal obligation of the driver
The driver must be covered by a valid insurance policy for the specific vehicle they are driving on a public road.
Driving without at least third-party insurance cover is illegal under the Road Traffic Act.
2
Identify the legal obligation of the vehicle owner or person in control
The owner commits an offence by permitting someone to drive their vehicle when they are not properly insured to do so.
UK law explicitly penalises anyone who causes or permits uninsured driving, carrying penalties such as points, fines, and potential disqualification.
3
Combine both legal liabilities
Both parties are guilty of separate statutory offences relating to uninsured use.
Both the active use and the permission of uninsured driving are independent criminal offences.

Key Concept

Liability for permitting uninsured driving under UK road traffic law
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Rate this question

Topics

Motor Insurance Coverage and Legalities

More questions from this topic