Q&A: A Fine Abroad
A Fine Abroad
Question
Hello Rabbi, I have a small problem that I don’t know how to deal with on the halakhic level—we’re traveling abroad, a few friends in a rental car, and we got a parking ticket. The problem is that most of the guys don’t want to pay the fine, and if it isn’t paid it goes to the rental company. So I assume that’s a kind of theft. The problem is that I don’t know whether I’m obligated to pay the entire fine myself since they won’t join in, or not pay and then be a partner to theft.
Answer
First, there is certainly a basic obligation to pay the fine. I don’t think you are obligated to pay all of it yourself. But as far as I know, if you don’t pay, you can expect to receive a notice by mail with interest, added legal handling fees, and so on. So from a practical standpoint as well, it is worth paying. What can be done with your partners? You should consult a lawyer about how you can obligate them to pay, so that you don’t get hit with a much larger fine later on.