Family Purpose Doctrine Definition

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A rule that makes the registered owner of a vehicle liable for personal injuries or property damage caused by any member of the owner's family while operating the vehicle for a family purpose.

Not all states have adopted the family purpose doctrine. In those that have, the term "family purpose" usually is broadly construed to include any purpose for the benefit, aid, or convenience of the family. The family member must live in the same household as the vehicle's owner.

Most often, the family purpose doctrine is invoked to make a parent legally responsible for damages caused by their child's negligent driving.

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