Can Your Car Be Driven Without Permission? Understanding the Laws and Risks of Unauthorized Garage Use

Can a garage drive my car without permission?

It's a question many car owners have asked themselves, especially when they drop their vehicle off at a garage for repairs or maintenance. The short answer is no, a garage cannot legally drive your car without your permission.

Understanding Your Rights as a Car Owner

When you own a car, it's your property, and you have certain rights regarding how it's used. This includes the right to determine who drives it and when. If a garage is going to test drive your car as part of the repair or maintenance process, they are required to obtain your permission first. This can be in the form of a written agreement or a verbal agreement with a witness present.

Even if a garage has your permission to test drive your car, there are still limitations. They are only allowed to drive your car for the purposes of repair or maintenance. Any other use, such as joyriding or using it for personal errands, is not allowed and can be considered theft.

Liability in the Event of an Accident

One of the major concerns car owners have about allowing a garage to drive their car is liability in the event of an accident. If the garage is at fault for causing an accident during a test drive, they can be held liable for any damages and injuries caused. However, if the accident is caused by a pre-existing condition in the car that the garage was not aware of, the liability may fall on the car owner.

It's important to note that in most cases, a garage will require you to sign a waiver that limits their liability in the event of an accident. This is just another reason why it's important to read any documents carefully and make sure you understand what you're signing.

Conclusion

In summary, a garage cannot legally drive your car without your permission, and even with your permission, they are only allowed to drive it for the purposes of repair or maintenance. It's important to be aware of your rights as a car owner and to make sure you understand any agreements or waivers you may be signing regarding liability. With a little knowledge and communication, you can help protect yourself and your property when entrusting a garage with your car.

• Remember, a garage cannot legally drive your car without your permission.
• If you give permission for a test drive, it must be for the purposes of repair or maintenance.
• Liability in the event of an accident can vary and may depend on whether a waiver was signed.
• Always read any documents carefully before signing and make sure you understand what you're agreeing to.