Can You Be Arrested if Your Child Lets an Unlicensed Driver Use Your Car?

 Posted on March 06, 2025 in Traffic violations

As a parent of a licensed teenager, you may find that your car is used more often by your child than yourself. You might be convinced you taught him or her everything necessary to drive safely. However, kids often have close friendships and are happy to share things with people they care about or want to impress. Did you know that if your child lets their unlicensed friend drive your car, you – the car owner – could face serious legal consequences? 

In Illinois, it is illegal to allow someone without a valid driver's license to drive your car. Even if you did not directly give the unlicensed driver permission, you could still face criminal charges if your child allows their friend to drive. A qualified Illinois criminal defense lawyer can explain your options and protect your rights.

What Are the Penalties for Permitting an Unlicensed Driver to Drive?

Under Illinois law, it is a crime to knowingly allow an unlicensed person to drive your vehicle. If your child lets their unlicensed friend drive your car, prosecutors could argue that you were guilty of allowing access to your vehicle. You do not need to have been there when it happened to be charged.

If you are found guilty of allowing an unlicensed driver to use your car, you could face serious penalties, including:

• Class A Misdemeanor: This is the most serious misdemeanor in Illinois and carries potential penalties of up to one year in jail and up to $2,500 in fines.

• Civil liability: If the unlicensed driver got into an accident, you could be held financially responsible for any damages or injuries caused.

• Increased insurance rates: Your car insurance premiums could go up significantly if an unlicensed driver using your vehicle is involved in an accident.

Depending on the situation, you or your child could face more serious charges as well. If the unlicensed driver put others in danger, there could be additional charges of reckless endangerment. If the unlicensed driver is under 18, you or your child could face charges for contributing to the delinquency of a minor and encouraging illegal behavior.

With the stakes this high, it is important that you take steps to protect yourself. You should keep your car keys in a secure place where your child cannot easily access them, set clear rules about who is allowed to drive your car, and explain the law to your child to avoid any confusion. If it is too late and you are already facing charges, an experienced lawyer can be instrumental in getting you the best outcome for your case.

Schedule a Free Consultation with an Elgin, IL Criminal Defense Lawyer

Illinois takes unlicensed driving seriously, and the law holds vehicle owners accountable when their car is involved. If your child lets their unlicensed friend drive your car, you could face criminal charges even if you were not there when it happened. If you find yourself in legal trouble over a situation like this, call The Law Office of Brian J. Mirandola. Our experienced Aurora, IL criminal defense attorney spent several years as an assistant prosecutor and he understands how these types of cases work on both sides of the courtroom. Call us at 847-488-0889 to schedule a free consultation.