family-purpose rule

family-purpose rule. Torts. The principle that a vehicle’s owner is liable for injuries or damage caused by a family member’s negligent driving. • Many states have abolished this rule. — Also termed family-purpose doctrine; family-automobile doctrine; family-car doctrine. Cf. GUEST STATUTE. [Cases: Automobiles 195(5). C.J.S. Motor Vehicles § 843.] “A number of jurisdictions have adopted […]

Torts. The principle that a vehicle’s owner is liable for injuries or damage caused by a family member’s negligent driving. • Many states have abolished this rule. — Also termed family-purpose doctrine; family-automobile doctrine; family-car doctrine. Cf. GUEST STATUTE. [Cases: Automobiles 195(5). C.J.S. Motor Vehicles § 843.]