Legal Definitions - family-purpose rule

The family-purpose rule (also known as the family-purpose doctrine, family-automobile doctrine, or family-car doctrine) is a legal principle that holds the owner of a vehicle responsible for accidents or damages caused by a family member's negligent driving. This rule applies when the vehicle is maintained for the general use and pleasure of the family. The underlying idea is that when a family member uses the car for a family purpose, they are essentially acting as an agent for the owner, making the owner liable for their actions. It's important to note that many states have either abolished or significantly limited this rule.

Here are some examples illustrating the family-purpose rule:

• Example 1: Teenage Driver

  A parent owns a car that is available for their licensed teenage child to use for school, social events, and errands. One afternoon, the teenager borrows the car to drive to a friend's house and, while distracted, causes a minor collision. Under the family-purpose rule, the parent, as the vehicle owner, could be held financially responsible for the damages and injuries resulting from the teenager's negligent driving, because the car was provided for the family's general use and the teenager was using it for a family-related purpose.

• Example 2: Adult Child Living at Home

  An adult child, who lives with their parents, regularly uses one of the family cars (owned by a parent) to commute to their job and run personal errands. One day, while driving to the grocery store, the adult child speeds through an intersection and causes an accident. If the family-purpose rule applies, the parent who owns the car could be held liable for the damages and injuries caused by their adult child's negligence, as the vehicle was maintained for the family's use, including that of the adult child.

• Example 3: Spouse Using Vehicle

  A husband owns a car that his wife frequently uses for her daily commute, appointments, and other personal activities. While driving to a doctor's appointment, the wife fails to yield at a stop sign and causes a collision with another vehicle. In a jurisdiction that recognizes the family-purpose rule, the husband, as the vehicle owner, could be held responsible for the damages and injuries resulting from his wife's negligent driving, because the car was provided for the general use and benefit of the family, including his spouse's transportation needs.