Q: Are parents held responsible in any way for a minor's DUI?
A:
There are a number of factors that need to be considered. Under the theory of negligent entrustment of a motor vehicle, if the parents knew or should have known that their minor child was incompetent, reckless or unfit to operate a motor vehicle when they allowed him to drive it, they would be liable if they allowed the child to drive a car.
Illinois has passed a specific law that dictates the extent of parental liability in those situations. You’ll find all of the relevant legal language in the Illinois Compiled Statutes at 740 ILCS 115, which is commonly referred to as the Illinois “Parental Responsibility Law.” The Illinois Parental Responsibility Law also states that it is not intended to limit the potential liability of parents for their child’s actions
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