I have a 16 yr old step son that chooses not to follow the rules. He is not staying with his mom full time cause he can do anything he wants when he want there. My husband and I are concerned about him driving this vehicle he bought because it is not legal. My husband is trying to get the keys from him and everytime he does its gone or some excuse. What happens if he gets into an accident? Is there some way of stopping him from driving it? What can we do before something does happens and we have to pay for it?
2007-07-04 03:53:16 · 16 answers · asked by venus 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law Enforcement & Police
Venus-be careful about this. This is a state-specific question. In my state your husband would have what is know as "vicarious liability" up to $10,000 if your stepson is in an accident.
2007-07-04 04:02:20 · answer #1 · answered by David M 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
First, most states don't allow 16 year olds to own a car. They can't legally enter into a contract to purchase because they're underage. Secondly, whoever actually owns the car has to worry about plates and such, and if your stepson is a licensed driver, it's his problem or his *** if he gets cited. (Some states do require a parent to be responsible if the minor child does something blatantly illegal because of a lack of supervision). Thirdly, be a parent. Contact an officer and explain the situation. They'll check out the car and probably have it returned to whoever sold it to a 16 year old, which, remember, is illegal.
2007-07-08 01:19:51 · answer #2 · answered by Ice 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You may need to contact the police. Also, how did he register it? Insurance is required and you can't get insurance without a drivers license. 16 years old are pretty dumb when it comes to driving and it's a matter of time before he is in an accident. Talk to the mother as well and tell her it has to stop because the price will be high including possibly a dead 16 year old.
2007-07-04 12:02:41 · answer #3 · answered by kyghostchaser2006 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
He is a juvenile and it could well fall back on you because you know what he is doing is wrong and yet you choose NOT to do anything. So how is this any different than him living with his mother who lets him do anything he wants? You folks aren't doing any better by letting him do this while he is with you !! Why are ALL the adults in his life letting him do anything he wants, especially when it comes to breaking the law? Your silence makes you just as guilty as him.
Your husband needs to "quit trying" to get the keys, act like the PARENT in the family and order him to hand them over and both of you need to be sure keys to any and all vehicles are in a very secure place while he is there. Tell him you will call the police and turn him in because you won't jeopardize your freedom or your property because of his careless attitude.
2007-07-04 13:08:25 · answer #4 · answered by KittyKat 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
does he have a license? some states motor vehicle depts allow the parents to pull their childs license or restrict it. i don't know what your state laws are but if he gets into an accident and doesn't have insurance or not enough if it's his fault then yes you could be held liable. if he wont give up his keys make the car undrivable.remove the coil wire ect.good luck i hope you figure something out before something happens.
2007-07-04 11:02:52 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
You're his parents. It sounds like he didn't have permission to get the car, so take it away from him. The car, not the keys. If he gets into an accident, the custodial parent will be held responsible.
2007-07-04 16:58:18 · answer #6 · answered by gilliegrrrl 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In my state the parents are financially libel for the action of their children if he is not of legal age, He may be breaking the law and you are allowing him to do it. I dose not seem that your husband has much control over his child either.
2007-07-04 14:45:33 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
it depends on what is illegal about it. If he is driving with expired plates, no insurance, no registration...He is at fault and that has nothing to do with you. Your name is not on the title either since he bought it so no chance to come back to you. If its a different situation then add some info.
2007-07-04 10:56:31 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Um.... TAKE his car away from him. Be the adult. He is a child. This isn't as much a legal issue as a discipline issue.
Depending on where you are, if he does damage you could be sued.
2007-07-04 11:29:43 · answer #9 · answered by KillaZ 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
how can you pay for a dead child or a family life ruined if he kills someone save someones life phone the police when he goes out in the car
2007-07-04 11:03:45 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋