Who holds financial responsibility for a driver under 18 years old?

When a driver is under 18 years old, they are typically considered a minor in most jurisdictions. As a result, financial responsibility for any liabilities, such as damages from accidents they cause or tickets they incur, generally falls on a parent or legal guardian. This responsibility is mandated by law to ensure that there is a financially accountable adult responsible for the actions of the minor driver.

In most situations, a parent or legal guardian is also likely to be the one who purchases insurance for the minor driver, further establishing their financial responsibility. This is crucial as it protects third parties and the minor themselves from financial loss resulting from accidents or other incidents involving the vehicle. Additionally, without a responsible adult assuming this liability, underage drivers might find it difficult to obtain insurance under their name alone.

Other options, while they may involve an adult or a responsible party, do not reflect the legal and practical realities of financial responsibility as clearly as the role of a parent or legal guardian.