Allowing unlicensed Driver to operate

[effiebyrd]

New Jersey - I allowed someone to borrow my truck. they got stopped and was ticketed for driving while suspended. A week later after they received that ticket I got a ticket in the mail accusing me of allowing an unlicensed driver to operate my vehicle. I went to court and they told me I had to pay a fine of $200. I tried to explain that the person had a license in their possession and I had no idea that it was suspended. They told me that I am suppose to check and make sure a persons license is valid before I allow them to drive. I thought it was unfair because I don't have access to the Motor Vehicle Database and feel I should not have to pay being They showed me a license. I tried to obtain a lawyer, but the fee to retain them is more than the ticket. I have to go back because I pleaded Not Guilty. The judge said if I don't have a lawyer I have to represent myself. How can I fight this? I don't know what to do and cant afford $200 dollars for a ticket.What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)?

 

[Isis1]

New Jersey - I allowed someone to borrow my truck. they got stopped and was ticketed for driving while suspended. A week later after they received that ticket I got a ticket in the mail accusing me of allowing an unlicensed driver to operate my vehicle. I went to court and they told me I had to pay a fine of $200. I tried to explain that the person had a license in their possession and I had no idea that it was suspended. They told me that I am suppose to check and make sure a persons license is valid before I allow them to drive. I thought it was unfair because I don't have access to the Motor Vehicle Database and feel I should not have to pay being They showed me a license. I tried to obtain a lawyer, but the fee to retain them is more than the ticket. I have to go back because I pleaded Not Guilty. The judge said if I don't have a lawyer I have to represent myself. How can I fight this? I don't know what to do and cant afford $200 dollars for a ticket.What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)?

owning and operating a vehicle is a priviledge, not a right. you are responsible for knowing the legal status of anyone and everyone who you loan that vehicle to.

that was one expensive lesson, huh?

 

[effiebyrd]

I'm confused. How am I suppose to know information such as a suspension? When your suspended usually they take your license from you in court. So if someone produces a license with a valid exp. date how can I find that out? There is no way to fight it? This is heart breaking.

 

[Isis1]

I'm confused. How am I suppose to know information such as a suspension? When your suspended usually they take your license from you in court. So if someone produces a license with a valid exp. date how can I find that out? There is no way to fight it? This is heart breaking.

not true. i had a suspended license due to non-payment of a traffic ticket. my license was not confiscated.

look, don't loan your car out. or request a dated DMV printout from the person borrowing your car.

 

[effiebyrd]

wow! so unfair, thank you so very much for your feedback. As you stated, very expensive lesson learned.

 

[HighwayMan]

"I had no way of knowing" is not a defense for this offense. You really have no chance of winning this - I wouldn't waste time trying to craft a defense.

I would never lend my car to anyone. I'd rather drive them to their appointment or errand. Or let them rent a car.

It sucks but that's reality.

 

[rhinocl]

I wonder if he doesn't have a small claims court case against the driver to recoup his $200?