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Prohibited uses Policy

Only Drive mate verified guests can book and drive a car during a Drive mate trip. To be a “Verified guest” means that the guest has provided and updated all required documentation, continues to meet all Drive mate eligibility requirements, and that the guest is currently in good standing. 

Engaging in any Prohibited Uses with a vehicle booked through Drive mate will be grounds for fines, suspension, and/or cancellation of your membership. It will also lower the guest’s liability coverage to Australia’s minimum limits or nullify coverage where allowable by applicable Australian laws; if the host has encouraged the engagement in a Prohibited Use, a fine and/or suspension may be enforced. Engaging in any Prohibited Uses will also eliminate any coverage for the guest for any claims related to physical damage. 

Prohibited vehicle uses and activities include:  

  • Permitting someone who is not an Approved Driver to drive a vehicle booked via Drive mate. 

  • Allowing the vehicle to be pushed or towed by anyone other than an authorised law enforcement or service vehicle. 

  • Using a vehicle booked through Drive mate to tow or push anything. 

  • other than on paved roads (whether "off-roading," driving on unimproved roads or parking areas, or otherwise). 

  • in any race, test, or competition. with the intention to cause damage, or with wanton, willful, or reckless disregard for safety. 

  • to carry persons or property "for hire" or to carry persons or property for compensation or a fee, including, but not limited to, taxi services, parcel, food, or grocery delivery services. You may, however, use the car for business purposes, such as attending meetings and carrying associated materials. 

  • unless a trip has been booked. Using vehicles without a reservation or outside your trip time constitutes unauthorised use. 

  • during or as part of the commission of a crime or any other illegal activity or purpose. 

  • while the driver is under the influence of alcohol above the legal limit. 

  • any drug or medication under the effects of which the operation of a vehicle is prohibited or not recommended. 

  • when it has been loaded beyond its rated capacity or with more passengers than the vehicle has seat belts. 

  • outside the approved geographical areas of use as specified during the booking. 

  • without a valid license, or if you do not meet our Eligibility Requirements. It is your responsibility to inform us when your license is expired or suspended, or if you believe you may no longer meet our Eligibility Requirements. 

  • to transport any flammable, toxic, volatile, poisonous, dangerous, or illegal substances. 

  • to transport a pet without the host’s explicit consent. Guests who bring pets on their trip may still be subject to cleaning fees. 

  • Making any alterations, additions or improvements to any vehicle. 

  • Smoking in the car. 

  • Leaving a vehicle unattended while it is running or with the keys in the vehicle. 

Drive mate would charge a $100 admin fee to the guest for any prohibited use in addition to the fine for violation depending upon the nature of the same. The fine shall assessed by Drive mate at its discretion.