A recent tragic car accident occurred in Southern California when a sixteen-year-old boy crashed an older BMW into a freeway embankment, killing five other teens. The driver, who survived the crash, did not have a learner’s permit, yet alone a driver’s license. The teen had not even started the process of obtaining a license, according to investigators. Furthermore, the question of just how the boy was in possession of the car brought his family members under a cloud of suspicion. The CHP stated that they were trying to determine just exactly who gave permission to the teen to drive the car, which is registered to someone else.
A provision within the California Vehicle Code absolutely prohibits a parent to cause or knowingly permit an unlicensed minor to drive. In addition, Vehicle Code 14604 stipulates that any owner of a motor vehicle is “required only to make a reasonable effort or inquiry to determine whether the prospective driver possesses a valid driver’s license before allowing him or her to operate the owner’s vehicle.”
It seems obvious in this accident that neither the parents, and whomever is eventually found to own the car, had made much of an effort to comply with the law, a law which seems to a casual observer to be only common sense.
It is a far more fortunate juvenile that is merely cited for driving without a license, however, they still face serious consequences. They may receive a fine and up to 6 months in juvenile hall as well as an extension of one year or more on when they can actually obtain a license. Frequently, in addition to the license extension, probation, a fine, and community service will also be included. The car involved will likely be impounded, resulting in costly fees.
Though officials say it’s too early in the investigation to know if criminal charges will be filed in the case, it is very probable that the parents of the deceased teens will want to know just how and why a sixteen year-old boy with no license and seemingly little judgment was driving their children that fatal night.
Law Offices of Daniel R. Perlman
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