Permitting an Unauthorized Operator to Driver Your Vehicle
Many people are surprised to learn that you can be charged with a criminal offense if you allow a person to driver your car when you have knowledge that the person is not authorized to operate a vehicle. Florida Statute 322.36 provides that the offense occurs if you have knowledge that the driver is unauthorized to drive the vehicle for any of the following reasons:
- the person does not have a driver's license; or
- the person's driver license is suspended for DUI is a habitual traffic offender;
- the person has a suspended, revoked or cancelled driver's license.
Any violation of Florida Statute 322.36 for permitting an unauthorised operator to drive the vehicle is punishable as a second degree misdemeanor pursuant to Florida Statute Section 775.082 or 775.083.
The person who is charged with the offense can also have their driver license suspended for twelve months if the offense of permitting an unauthorized person to drive the vehicle resulted in an accident that caused death or serious bodily injury.