Driving with a suspended license / no insurance

[cmlane1]

Does anyone know what the consequences are if i allow someone to drive my car and that person has a long-term suspended license and no insurance coverage?

Someone told me if the un-licensed person gets pulled over or is involved in an accident, it would come down on me and I could lose my license, get my insurance raised, pay fines, and even potentially lose my home (if there's a lawsuit against the non-licensed driver).

I live in Allegheny County in Pennsylvania.

Any help is GREATLY appreciated.

[irishlad2nv]

Question is, why would you even let someone drive your car with this kind of knowledge? If it came down to it and your "friend" or you got into an accident, etc..in court some defense attorney would try and fry your a** in more ways then one. Suggestion. Give your "friend" .50 to ride the bus or go buy a bike. Seriously though. The consuquences can be tremendous to you and your friend.

[Creed]

Does anyone know what the consequences are if i allow someone to drive my car and that person has a long-term suspended license and no insurance coverage?

Someone told me if the un-licensed person gets pulled over or is involved in an accident, it would come down on me and I could lose my license, get my insurance raised, pay fines, and even potentially lose my home (if there's a lawsuit against the non-licensed driver).

I live in Allegheny County in Pennsylvania.

Any help is GREATLY appreciated.

Well if you had to think about it and have grave concerns over it, then it must be WRONG. Why take a chance?

[jakflak]

No one gets a suspended license for being a good driver. I wouldn't let someone drive my car just for that.

However, most states will automatically impound a car when the driver has a suspended license or no insurance. You'll have to pay for that, at least.

[BobbyNJ81]

your car gets impounded, and if he gets into an accident your insurance is going to pay.

[Bearcatz06]

Not sure about PA but in Missouri, knowingly allowing someone to drive your motor vehicle who has no legal right to do so is in violation of state statute.

Here.....I would arrest the driver and make them post bond at the county jail, impound the car, and then find the owner.....and question them....and if the say they knew, arrest them as well.....

[PhilipCal]

Since you live in Pennsylvania, I would suggest you seek a specific answer from your nearest Pennsylvania State Police Post. My question to you is, why would you even consider allowing someone with a suspended D/L to drive your vehicle? That simply defies all logic, not to mention common sense. I also see many potential civil liability issues in allowing a person with a suspended D/L to drive your car. Doing so, could place you liability coverage in jeopardy. Again, why even consider it?

[JHoek]

In Michigan you could be ticketed for "allowing an unlicensed person to drive." I actually just wrote one the other day. It would be very foolish to let someone with a suspended license to drive your car.

[sob153]

First from reading your post, you state driving with no insurance. That means you have no insurance if he is driving your vehicle. I think every state has at least a minimum liability law. If not then you have no problem with the insurance part. If he is caught driving your vehicle on a suspended license then it will get impounded or the officer may give you a courtesy and have you pick up the car rather than have it impounded plus storage fees

[Bodie]

Your car gets impounded. Your Insurance Drops You like a ROCK and you will likely be sued for damages
Why would you be so stupid ?????????????

[SinePari]

Here's another kid who makes one post then screws...

[cmlane1]

LOL...Actually, I'm not a kid, but a 35 year old mom and wife. I haven't had a chance to respond to the posts until now. Geese.

Anyway, as some of you know from the PMs, I KNOW it's stupid to allow someone without a license to drive my car. Here is my situation...

My husband is the one without the license. He is not expected to get it back for more than 7 years. The cars, house, insurance are ALL in my name. We have children that need rides to baseball, school, dance lessons, etc. I lose sleep at night because I do not feel capable of carrying his load of responsibilities and mine. But, I cannot possibly be in all places at all times, but I fear what can (and eventually will) happen when he gets pulled over or wrecks.

In all seriousness, what are my options? To continue to allow him to drive and then when something bad happens, claim ignorance that I didn't know he didn't have a license? Or do I report the car stolen?

If I were reading this as an observer, I would think I'm crazy (and stupid) too, but the situation is what it is, and I'm trying to find out what the legal and financial ramifications are if and when he is stopped.

Once again, let me say, I know allowing this to take place is not smart. I think, perhaps, I have guilt because we're expecting a third child and I'm not working, and he's paying all the bills, and I feel like I'm being a control freak or like I'm trying to be his mother.

I also feel like I've let this go on for as long as it has, so why make a fuss now. I guess it has just finally gotten to me and I don't feel right in my heart about him driving.

[SinePari]

In all seriousness, what are my options? To continue to allow him to drive and then when something bad happens, claim ignorance that I didn't know he didn't have a license? Or do I report the car stolen?

I also feel like I've let this go on for as long as it has, so why make a fuss now. I guess it has just finally gotten to me and I don't feel right in my heart about him driving.

I don't know about PA, but here in MA you would get slammed for Allowing Improper Operation, $35. And he would either be arrested or summonsed for Operating After Suspension.

Keep dodging the bullet or get him a bus pass. I mean if his license is suspended for 7 years I doubt his driving will get any better.

[SuperSix5]

See if he can get in a program that'll allow him the ability to drive to and from work. If not, there's always public transportation. Allowing him to drive is just setting yourself to take a fall/make his worse.

[Bodie]

Your going to lose everything you own.
.How did this jerk lose his license for so long and did he kille somebody or is he an ahbitual drunk driver?
It goes beyond the driving w/o a license you need a counsler now because you are enabling him to be who he is.
Do you really want your kids homeless and you giving somebody 25% of your future earnings for life ??????????????????????????????

[cmlane1]

Your going to lose everything you own.
.How did this jerk lose his license for so long and did he kille somebody or is he an ahbitual drunk driver?
It goes beyond the driving w/o a license you need a counsler now because you are enabling him to be who he is.
Do you really want your kids homeless and you giving somebody 25% of your future earnings for life ??????????????????????????????
His loss of license is from speeding and careless driving tickets on a sport bike (one of those Honda CBR thingys). He has never had a DUI and actually doesn't drink at all. He just let the tickets pile up and the expense at one point was too great for us. Even now that we can afford to pay the tickets, there's still the time without a license he has to incur.

As far as a counselor, I actually am a counselor at a Psychiatric hospital (go figure), and I know very well that allowing him to drive is wrong. And of course, I don't want to lose everything because of a potential accident that could make me liable for everything.

He has been making calls to attorneys so he can work on getting his license back, and at this point, he doesn't care how much he has to pay to get the ball rolling. It's just that in the meantime, I was originally asking what my liability / consequences would be if something were to happen.

[Bodie]

Okay we get it you have a guy you think you can "fix" and that fits many women we see in your profession. Sounds like he never grew up and maybe never will and is lucky he wasn't killed. Bet he still has the bike and once the license is restored will be back on it if he hasn't already.

[jnojr]

His loss of license is from speeding and careless driving tickets on a sport bike (one of those Honda CBR thingys). He has never had a DUI and actually doesn't drink at all. He just let the tickets pile up and the expense at one point was too great for us. Even now that we can afford to pay the tickets, there's still the time without a license he has to incur.

If I had kids, and my wife lost her license for "speeding and careless driving", there's no way I would ever let the kids in any vehicle with her behind the wheel.

My first reaction to this post was "Wow, your husband is a real brain surgeon, huh?" Before I could post that, I realized you have to be, too, A) for being married to this dope in the first place, and B) for looking for a way around his having lost his license. I really don't mean this personally, but... good God.

[Bodie]

Go ahead and report it stolen so the husband can bring the kids to jail and then prison to visit you after we lock you up.

[cmlane1]

Okay we get it you have a guy you think you can "fix" and that fits many women we see in your profession. Sounds like he never grew up and maybe never will and is lucky he wasn't killed. Bet he still has the bike and once the license is restored will be back on it if he hasn't already.
Whew! Man, you're harsh...lol... Actually, he sold the bike, but that's beside the point. As far as fixing anyone, no thanks! What I am more concerned with is making sure I start doing the right thing. I can only take care of my "side of the street," and as long as I do that, whatever he should choose to do, that's on him.

[cmlane1]

If I had kids, and my wife lost her license for "speeding and careless driving", there's no way I would ever let the kids in any vehicle with her behind the wheel.

My first reaction to this post was "Wow, your husband is a real brain surgeon, huh?" Before I could post that, I realized you have to be, too, A) for being married to this dope in the first place, and B) for looking for a way around his having lost his license. I really don't mean this personally, but... good God.
I hear you, loud and clear. He lost his license before we were married. As I said in an earlier post, there are no tickets or violations from driving his car. All the violations are from the CBR. He does not drive recklessly with our children in the car, and since 2 days ago, he is not driving at all. I know there's no way "around" him driving with a suspended license, I was most concerned with the liability / consequences if he did. Believe me, I know this is not a "normal" situation.

[cmlane1]

Go ahead and report it stolen so the husband can bring the kids to jail and then prison to visit you after we lock you up.
Even though I know you are being a smart-***** with the way you worded this, your post is actually the answer I'm looking for. What I've been asking about all along is whether or not I am personally liable for his mistakes. I guess, in a not-so-nice way, that's what you're telling me?

I've been following a lot of the posts / advice, and now that I know the liability / consequences would fall on me, I am not comfortable at all with him driving. He knows this, and if he should decide to drive anyway, well, that's his prerogative and he will have to deal with personal consequences.

[Bodie]

No one comes here expecting us to be nice. We are quite blunt to the point and with facts prtesented tell the truth. You are the one at risk and your kids so I guess you did get the point.

[Cruiser]

CMLane, to put it simple, yes you could get sued if he is in an accident even if it is not his fault, you will lose your license for allowing someone whose license you know is suspended to drive your car. Bottom line, don't even think about it as even in the best of circumstances you are going to get nailed bigtime and everyone will suffer including the kids!

[Bodie]

gogogadget YOU are DEAD wrong. She is liable and responsible because she has prior knopwledge of the acts and knows he is not to drive. It is tough to believe she can still carry insurance on any motor vehicle with him in the house

[cmlane1]

Whose name is the car under? If it is hers, then maybe. If he gets pulled over driving and she is in the front seat with him, absolutely. But if a husband picks up the car keys and drives away on suspended, are you actually going to charge the wife for not having the car keys locked up in a safe when she is not in possession of them? Come on, get real.

Thank you Gadget for the response. Yes, the cars we own are all in my name. I carry the insurance, and our home is in my name as well. That's what my main concern has always been.

At this point, I have told him, VERY CLEARLY, that I am uncomfortable with him driving because of the potential liability. I told him that his wreckage of the past is HIS wreckage of the past, and that although I'm his wife and I'll support him in most circumstances, it is truly his prerogative if he chooses to drive. Along with that comes the potential consequences for him. That means that if he chooses to drive anyway (knowing how strongly I am against it) and he gets into some sort of situation where liability falls on me, he's going to have a hell of a lot more to deal with than just me nagging him to get his license back. I have come to realize that I will have no problem whatsoever telling the poilce that I told him not to drive but he did so anyway. I feel that if he's willing to put me (and our children) in that predicament, I have some serious thinking to do about his lack of respect toward all of us.

[ftlaudcop]

suspended license's are a way of life here in south fla,

just like palm tree's, and hot chicks in daisy dukes....

with all the " imports" we have down here, and the federal govt

refusing to address the problem, our basic way of life is hazardous

if not down right dangerous to ones health.

bad enough the locals and the born here people can't abide by the law.

www.schackdaddy.com

[Bodie]

Once he screws up and the liability does fall on you it's too late and his driving without a license is SCREWING up. All he has to do is forget to signal a lane change, speed, bump another car, roll thru a stop sign and away he goes and away goes your car and likely your insurance coverage.

You place a lot of faith in this guy that is persitantly breaking the law and you have full knowledge he is doing it. You'll fall financially and posiibly criminally hyard if you keep this up.

Obvious that you will only listen to those that feel sorry for you and want to sugar coat it for you.

[cmlane1]

Once he screws up and the liability does fall on you it's too late and his driving without a license is SCREWING up. All he has to do is forget to signal a lane change, speed, bump another car, roll thru a stop sign and away he goes and away goes your car and likely your insurance coverage.

You place a lot of faith in this guy that is persitantly breaking the law and you have full knowledge he is doing it. You'll fall financially and posiibly criminally hyard if you keep this up.

Obvious that you will only listen to those that feel sorry for you and want to sugar coat it for you.
Hey, I hear loud and clear what you're saying...if he gets arrested, he gets arrested. That's on him. You must not have fully read the other posts because this isn't about "faith." His tickets are from the CBR street / sport bike from a long time ago and he is paying the consequences, not me. In addition, I already wrote that I voiced my opinion to him, and driving is his prerogative. He has chosen NOT to drive the cars in my name.

I am not looking for anyone to feel sorry for me. I did nothing wrong to have someone feel sorry for. And as far as sugar-coating....all I asked for is some clear-cut information - REAL information - regardless of what it may be. I never asked to have MY character assassinated, but if people choose to do that - that's on them and that doesn't bother me in the least.

Again, I've heard loud and clear what all of you are saying, regardless of the manner in which you've gone about telling me.

[VeritasAequitas]

I was most concerned with the liability / consequences if he did. Believe me, I know this is not a "normal" situation.


He will be arrested, your mini-van will be impounded, and you will get a call from a trooper telling you to come pick up your crying kids from mile marker 124 because your idiot husband is going to jail for driving on a suspended, no insurance, and probably child endangerment...

And what does it say of you... You blantenly know its against the law, and that doesnt bother you... Way to set an example for your kids!!! :rolleyes:

Great Role-Model!!!

[cmlane1]

And what does it say of you... You blantenly know its against the law, and that doesnt bother you... Way to set an example for your kids!!! :rolleyes:

Great Role-Model!!!
Yes, I BLATANTLY know it's against the law, and YES, it DOES bother me. One would tend to realize that since I'm on a message board writing about it. ???? I am powerless over his actions, and all I can do is keep my proverbial side of the street clean.

And I'm not quite sure where you got the impression that the kids are in the car with him at the wheel, because for the record, he does not drive my children anywhere.

As far as a great model, thank you. I have a Masters in Education and a Bachelors in Psych. I've taught children for 8 years and work in a psych hospital. I know the psychological implications fo raising chidlren, and all I can do is lead by example. My driving record is flawless.

[cmlane1]

well, in actuality , you are. Obviously this has you worried/stressed or you wouldn't have posted about it in the first place and his disregard for your concerns has you questioning his [lack of] respect for you and the kids. So indirectly, you are paying. Probably moreso than him too, since he doesn't seem to really care for placing you and the kids in the situation.

Can't your kids carpool somehow or get rides from other parents to games and functions?

Man how many previous violations did he let pile up to have to wait a 7yr term of suspension?!

Hope no mirrors break in your house any time soon =o
True, I hear what you're saying. This has stressed me to a degree because I am very much the type of mom / wife who wants to be responsible and do the right thing. And again, you are right, I wouldn't have come to a message board of the situation wasn't weighing on my conscience.

As I said before, he is no longer driving any of the cars in my name (which by the way are not mini-vans, as implied by a previous post). Both the Volvo and Cadillac are in the driveway, in my name, with my insurance, and he's not driving them.

He got 10 (give or take a few) violations from the CBR a few years back....no DUIs or anything related to drugs or alcohol. He accumulated all of this wreckage before we met.

Carpooling is a great idea :) and I know I'm doing as much as I personally can.

I think one of the best motivators for him is to see the new STS in the driveway and know he can't drive it. He's finally in the process of doing the next right thing. Believe it or not, thanks to the support of this board, I felt much more confident in my stance on this issue. So, thanks.

[cmlane1]

you will get a call from a trooper telling you to come pick up your crying kids from mile marker 124 because your idiot husband is going to jail for driving on a suspended, no insurance, and probably child endangerment...


He doesn't drive my kids anywhere, so I doubt they'll be stranded on a road anytime soon.

[VeritasAequitas]

He doesn't drive my kids anywhere, so I doubt they'll be stranded on a road anytime soon.


Then let him drive... quit b*tchin about it... Doesnt sound like a real good marrage, if all you can do is sit there and be "Powerless over his actions, and all I can do is keep my proverbial side of the street clean."

And again, what type of example are you setting for your children, when your breaking the law right in front of them ( wether they are aware of it or not. ) Great role-model their male figure is setting...

"what are my options? To continue to allow him to drive and then when something bad happens, claim ignorance that I didn't know he didn't have a license? Or do I report the car stolen?"

Well, lets see... Sorry Judge, I didnt know my husbands lic. was suspended.... And do you know the penalty for filing a false report is... Gee kids, In order to save my own ***, and attempt to aviod lawsuits, I lied to the police and said someone stole our mini-van. Now Im going to jail along with daddy... Enjoy living live grandma...

Is that how it will go?

Look, straight up... DONT LET HIM DRIVE! If you cant prevent that, then thats your own problem... Get a damn divorce...

[sob153]

Can someone please tell me how "no insurance" comes to play here. If the car is insured then it's insured. Now if her coverage does not cover him (in the policy), then if he wrecks or someone wrecks him, the insuance compay will not cover them

[VeritasAequitas]

Can someone please tell me how "no insurance" comes to play here. If the car is insured then it's insured. Now if her coverage does not cover him (in the policy), then if he wrecks or someone wrecks him, the insuance compay will not cover them


Thats what she was sayin.... He has no lic. and the insurance wont cover him...

[Pedro56]

In Illinois, we would tow your car for the combination of no DL no insurance, but actually in IL if one has either invalid/expired tags, no d/l (suspended etc.) your insurance is invalid anyways. Then if you are present with the driver who you know to be all jazzed up you can get cited as well for Allowing an unauthorized Driver operate you vehicle.

[cmlane1]

Then let him drive... quit b*tchin about it... Doesnt sound like a real good marrage, if all you can do is sit there and be "Powerless over his actions, and all I can do is keep my proverbial side of the street clean."

And again, what type of example are you setting for your children, when your breaking the law right in front of them ( wether they are aware of it or not. ) Great role-model their male figure is setting...

"what are my options? To continue to allow him to drive and then when something bad happens, claim ignorance that I didn't know he didn't have a license? Or do I report the car stolen?"

Well, lets see... Sorry Judge, I didnt know my husbands lic. was suspended.... And do you know the penalty for filing a false report is... Gee kids, In order to save my own ***, and attempt to aviod lawsuits, I lied to the police and said someone stole our mini-van. Now Im going to jail along with daddy... Enjoy living live grandma...

Is that how it will go?

Look, straight up... DONT LET HIM DRIVE! If you cant prevent that, then thats your own problem... Get a damn divorce...
Apparently you didn't read all of the posts, which would make me think that perhaps you shouldn't make assumptions. Just my opinion.

For starters, I really don't see how you interpret my asking a question of law enforcement officers "bitching." I came here for advice.

As far as the kids - THEY DO NOT DRIVE WITH HIM.

As far as my marriage. I really don't see why a person should be condemned for wreckage of their past. I have a great marriage - but thanks for the insult.

And lastly, as far as him driving...he DOES not drive the cars that are in my name.

For those of you that were able to give some solid advice, thank you. Anything additional (and specific to PA) is greatly appreciated. :)

~Christy

[cmlane1]

Can someone please tell me how "no insurance" comes to play here. If the car is insured then it's insured. Now if her coverage does not cover him (in the policy), then if he wrecks or someone wrecks him, the insuance compay will not cover them
Sorry, I forgot to explain that one...

He has a car that is in his name. Insurance dropped him because they took the registration away.

As far as the cars that are in my name - He cannot be listed on the insurance as an additional driver because he doesn't have a license.

[Bodie]

Okay this has gone on long enough.

Just come back when he gets arrested and tell us to the dollar just how much it cost you to bail him out and pay his fine and costs etc. Regardless don't play the "his" money story because a family with kids no matter the income there is no "his" or "her" money. It all effects the family finances seriously.

And he will get picked up it's only a matter of time ....................

What was this clown thinking when he bought a dangerous bike in the first place ? Certainly not about you or the rest of his family.

In law enforcment we call guys that ride like he did "ORGAN DONORS" because they eventaully all crash and burn and he's lucky he didn't or kill somebody else.

Ya Got a Real Prize LADY !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[cmlane1]

Okay this has gone on long enough.

Just come back when he gets arrested and tell us to the dollar just how much it cost you to bail him out and pay his fine and costs etc. Regardless don't play the "his" money story because a family with kids no matter the income there is no "his" or "her" money. It all effects the family finances seriously.

And he will get picked up it's only a matter of time ....................

What was this clown thinking when he bought a dangerous bike in the first place ? Certainly not about you or the rest of his family.

In law enforcment we call guys that ride like he did "ORGAN DONORS" because they eventaully all crash and burn and he's lucky he didn't or kill somebody else.

Ya Got a Real Prize LADY !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yes, you're right, the "bashing" has gone on long enough. It's just frustrating because a lot of people have made comments incorrectly assuming things that were already properly addressed. I came here for advice and support. It appears some of the members are just incapable of stating facts and not emotion or opinion. In MY line of work, we like to call that "CONTROL ISSUES."

As far as bailing him out and it affecting our finances, it won't happen. We are doing pretty well.

As far as him buying the CBR - he bought it before we were married. I know I already mentioned that, but obviously it was selectively ignored.

I also have already stated that he sold the bike once we found out we're expecting a baby and once he decided to get on the right track and work on getting his license back.

As far as the "his money" / "her money" - that was never implied. I have, however, stated that OUR cars and house and insurance are in MY name. You must have mis-read.

And thank you for the compliment, because, yes, I do have a real prize. I certainly wouldn't condemn someone for past mistakes, as I have stated in the past, because I know people are human, and ALL people make mistakes. I am just glad I got one of the good ones who is more than willing to do something about it.

[sob153]

Laws for vehicles and insurance vary from state to state. What you should do is get in contact with a LE Agency in PA or DMV and check what the laws are. Some Officers here gave good advice, but that advice may not be good in PA. Over all, he should not be driving period. No matter whose vehicle he

[Bodie]

In our state as in many others property such as home shared with spouse is not protected in case of civila damages. Cops tried that yeras ago by putting house in wife's name and courts ruled that wasn't good enough.

If you think a civil court won't strip marital assest for damages ya need some more education and need to talk to the best civil lawyer you can find.

Think we jerks and tough wait till depouties shwo up with court orders to seize vehicles and personal property you thought were YOURS.

Educated and probably a damn good pysch but street smart you aren't so just listen. No one said yoiu would like what you hear from us most people don't but we speak from witnessing many cases both crimonal, traffic and civil out of messes like you have waiting down the road.

[sauder]

cmlane1
earlier in your post you stated that the decision to let him drive your vehicle was weighed against the overall family responsibilities. Can I ask you why is it "your" burden to pick up all the family responsibilities instead of his burden to explain why his child can not go to extracaricular activites. Afterall, he was the stupid one and mom can not be everywhere at one time. Sounds like Bodie was right...you are carrying his burdens or trying to fix/enable him.

[Jellybean400]

Can someone please tell me how "no insurance" comes to play here. If the car is insured then it's insured. Now if her coverage does not cover him (in the policy), then if he wrecks or someone wrecks him, the insuance compay will not cover them

I thought "uninsured" drivers were covered under the insurance policy for someone's car? In NJ, anyway. You can still have a driver's license and not have auto insurance, because you dont own a car. i have let "uninsured" drivers drive my car before. i never knew there was anything wrong with it.

the license part i understand...i wouldnt let an un-licensed driver drive my car.

[Bodie]

Jelltbean400 Unisured means they must have a VALID DRIVERS LICENSE. In Ohio you let an unisured driver use your car and they crash you bear the burden of the lawsuit after your insurance company settles it's part.
As the owner of the motor vehicle you are the responsible party.

Best rule never loan your car to anybody. That's why rental car co's exist and they charge cheap rates.

[VeritasAequitas]

That's why rental car co's exist and they charge cheap rates.

Unless your under 25... then they add another $30-$50 per day... :(

(sorry for the side note... I have to rent a car enxt week, so....)

[cmlane1]

Hello all, and yes, it's me again. Just wanted to post an update on the husband's license...After hiring an attorney and paying the leftover fines, the DMV and PennDot have found his suspension (which was expected to be close to ten years) AS TIME SERVED. That means as of June 1, 2005, he will get his license back. Yay :)

Thank you again to those of you who had the "beside manner" to give it to me straight without bashing and name-calling. Your advice and support helped me so much. :D