According to common law, what is the liability of automobile owners for torts committed by others driving their vehicle?

Under common law, the liability of automobile owners for torts committed by others driving their vehicle generally falls under the principle of vicarious liability. This legal doctrine holds that an employer or principal can be held liable for the negligent actions of an employee or agent, carried out within the course and scope of their employment or agency.

However, in the context of automobile ownership, the owner typically would not be held liable for the torts committed by another person driving their vehicle unless specific criteria are met, such as having given permission to that person to use the vehicle. The "permissive use" doctrine establishes that if the owner has allowed someone else to operate their vehicle, then the owner may be liable for the negligent acts of that driver.

The correct understanding suggests that automobile owners are not automatically liable for all torts committed by others using their vehicle (as indicated in B). This highlights the limited scope of liability at common law, particularly when the vehicle is driven without the owner's consent, making it clear that liability does not extend to all circumstances. Instead, liability is contingent on the permission granted to the driver, confirming the reason why option B accurately reflects the common law principle.

Thus, owners are not liable for torts committed by individuals who are