Guest Statute Definition and Legal Meaning

On this page, you'll find the legal definition and meaning of Guest Statute, written in plain English, along with examples of how it is used.

What is Guest Statute?

(n) Guest Statute is the law containing the provision regulating the activities and standards required while dealing and providing guest accommodation in cabs and taxi services

History and Meaning of Guest Statute

The Guest Statute, also known as the Guest Statutory Liability Law, is a common law principle that has been adopted by many states in the United States. The law states that a driver of a vehicle is not liable for injuries sustained by a passenger, who is not paying for the transportation services, unless the injuries are caused by intentional, willful, or wanton conduct.

The purpose of the guest statute is to protect drivers from frivolous lawsuits by passengers who are injured while being transported free of charge. However, this law has sparked controversy, with some arguing that it allows drivers to escape responsibility for their reckless or negligent behavior, regardless of whether or not the passenger is paying for the ride.

Examples of Guest Statute

  1. In California, the guest statute was abolished in 1986, making drivers liable for any injury suffered by their passengers, whether or not the passenger is paying for the ride.

  2. In Montana, the guest statute still applies, and a driver is only held liable for injuring a passenger if the driver acted with gross negligence or intent.

  3. In a recent court case in Indiana, a man was injured in a car accident while riding as a passenger with a friend. The court ruled that the guest statute applied, and the driver was not liable for the man's injuries because there was no evidence of willful or wanton conduct.

Legal Terms Similar to Guest Statute

  1. Common law: principles and rules established through court decisions, rather than through statutes or regulations.

  2. Negligence: failure to take reasonable care, resulting in harm to another person.

  3. Willful conduct: intentional or purposeful behavior.

  4. Gross negligence: recklessness or disregard for the safety of others, resulting in harm.

  5. Wanton conduct: behavior that is extremely reckless and shows a complete disregard for the safety of others.