Vehicle Code § 17150 – Owner Liability for Negligent Operation of Vehicle by Permitted Driver
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Vehicle Code § 17150 – Owner Liability for Negligent Operation of Vehicle by Permitted Driver
California Law
Vehicle Code – VEH
DIVISION 9. CIVIL LIABILITY [17000 – 17714]
( Division 9 enacted by Stats. 1959, Ch. 3. )
CHAPTER 1. Civil Liability of Owners and Operators of Vehicles [17000 – 17463]
( Chapter 1 enacted by Stats. 1959, Ch. 3. )
ARTICLE 2. Private Owners [17150 – 17159]
( Article 2 enacted by Stats. 1959, Ch. 3. )
17150.
Every owner of a motor vehicle is liable and responsible for death or injury to person or property resulting from a negligent or wrongful act or omission in the operation of the motor vehicle, in the business of the owner or otherwise, by any person using or operating the same with the permission, express or implied, of the owner.
(Amended by Stats. 1967, Ch. 702.)
California Law Summary
This statute establishes that the owner of a motor vehicle is legally liable for any death, injury, or property damage caused by another person operating the vehicle with the owner’s express or implied permission. This liability applies regardless of whether the vehicle is being used for the owner’s business or personal purposes.
Key Points:
The owner’s liability is vicarious, meaning it arises from the driver’s actions, not the owner’s direct negligence.
Liability is contingent upon the driver operating the vehicle with the owner’s express or implied consent.
The statute aims to ensure that victims can seek compensation from vehicle owners when drivers cause harm while using the owner’s vehicle with permission.
Purpose
To protect the public by holding vehicle owners accountable when they allow others to operate their vehicles, thereby encouraging responsible lending and oversight of vehicle use.
Application
In personal injury claims resulting from motor vehicle accidents, plaintiffs may invoke § 17150 to hold the vehicle owner liable if the driver was operating the vehicle with the owner’s permission. This is particularly relevant when the driver lacks sufficient insurance or assets to cover the damages.
Liability Limits:
Under Vehicle Code § 17151, the owner’s liability is generally limited to:
$15,000 for injury or death to one person,
$30,000 for injury or death to multiple persons in a single accident, and
$5,000 for property damage.
These limits do not apply if the owner is found independently negligent, such as in cases of negligent entrustment.
