Wisconsin Bill Would Limit Parents’ Liability for Young Drivers

March 13, 2014

Parents of teen drivers who get into accidents would only be liable for up to $300,000 in claims under a bill that has passed the Wisconsin Senate.

The Senate voted 17-16 to pass the bill on March 12, after Democrats used a procedural move the night before to delay final action.

The measure now heads to the Assembly, which plans to take it up next week.

Currently children under 18 need a parent or other adult sponsor to sign and verify their driver’s license application. That makes the parents or sponsors liable for the driver’s negligence or willful misconduct.

Republican Sen. Glenn Grothman’s bill debated on March 11 would limit that liability to a total of $300,000. Current law has no limit on a parent’s potential liability.

But Democratic Sen. Fred Risser objected, saying if liability is going to be capped the parent should be required to have at least that much insurance.

Topics Personal Auto Wisconsin

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