Are you lending your vehicle to a friend, relative, or acquaintance? Be cautious—because if that vehicle is involved in an accident and the driver disappears, you, the owner, could be held liable.
Many recent cases show that individuals borrow vehicles, get involved in road crashes, and then flee the scene, abandoning the vehicle. In such situations, it is the registered owner who is called upon to account for what happened.
Here’s what you need to do to protect yourself:
- Record full details of the person borrowing your vehicle. This includes their National ID details and a valid driver’s license number (a copy is even better).
- Be clear on where and how your vehicle will be used.
- Avoid lending your vehicle to someone whose driving history or behavior you don’t fully trust.
If your vehicle is involved in a crash and the driver cannot be identified, police will hold the owner responsible under Section 142 of the Traffic and Road Safety Act, Cap 347. Failure to cooperate may result in penalties, including a fine of up to 300 currency points, imprisonment of up to six months, or both (Section 164(1)).
However, if you provide the requested information, the police will release the vehicle and pursue the actual driver involved in the incident.
Lending your vehicle isn’t just an act of trust, it’s a legal responsibility. Always know who is behind the wheel.
By: Michael Kananura, Spokesperson – Traffic and Road Safety Directorate, Uganda Police Force!
