Under what condition are automobile owners typically liable for torts committed by drivers?

Automobile owners are typically liable for torts committed by drivers under the condition that the driver was acting within the scope of their authority, which often means the driver was expressly authorized to use the vehicle. This is grounded in the principle of vicarious liability, which holds an employer (or owner, in this case) responsible for the negligent acts of their employees or agents when those acts occur in the course of their employment or authorized activities.

For example, if an owner gives permission for a friend to use their car and that friend causes an accident while driving, the owner could be held liable for damages resulting from that accident. This reflects the idea that the owner has control over who operates their vehicle and thereby assumes some responsibility for the actions of those individuals while driving.

In contrast, being liable for all accidents involving their vehicle or only when the driver is an independent contractor would not align with the established legal principles, as liability generally hinges on authorization and not just any incident involving the vehicle. Furthermore, mere presence of the owner during the incident does not itself create liability unless the owner had authorized the use of the vehicle or had some control over the circumstances of the operation. Thus, when a driver is expressly authorized, it creates the context in which the owner